On Friday, 19th November, Anguilla joined in the global observation of International Men’s Day, as The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Anguilla, Gender Affairs Anguilla, and the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship, collaborated to host a special service at the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in The Valley.
Under the local theme, “Making a Difference – Better Men, Better Communities”, the highlight of the event was the honouring of three men who were adjudged to have made a difference in the Anguillian community and the region. The awardees were The Rt. Rev. L. Errol Brooks – Bishop, Parish Priest, Church Builder and Community/Social Activist; Mr. Felix E. Fleming – Playwright, Producer Director, Extempore Actor Philanthropist and Educator in the Arts; and Mr. Alexis S. Ryan – Track and Field Coach, Fashion Designer, Poet/Spoken Word Artiste and Youth Mentor/Leader. The awardees all received plaques crafted from Anguilla stone.
The service, which was chaired by Mr. Val Banks, Secretary of the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship, was opened in prayer by Rev Wilmoth Hodge, Circuit Minister of the Methodist Church. (Mr. Devaunie Richardson was organist.) Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks, Manager, UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, welcomed those present and gave a brief background of International Men’s Day, highlighting the importance of the struggle for gender equality and gender justice.
In the absence of the Honourable Minister Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, greetings were presented on her behalf by the Honourable Ministerial Assistant, Mr. Merrick Richardson. The remarks highlighted the vulnerabilities of many men in society and need for support for these areas.
In her remarks, Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor, Director of Gender Affairs, emphasised the important role men must play in family life, community building and restoration and the eradication of all forms of violence. She said men provide “essential services as frontline workers” in this challenge/fight.
The featured Speaker for the occasion was UWI Alumnus, Pastor Rondy Isles-Carty, who gave an inspirational and challenging address. “It is a dark world around us” he said, and God is looking for men who will stand up for Christ to help our young men become productive citizen of society. He challenged men to make a difference for our nation – especially our young men. Providing “tiny ripples of hope” which, when combined, can build a “mighty current to sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”.
Mr Elkin Lloyd, President of the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship, gave brief remarks just prior to two selections by the group. He said, “The International Men’s Day agenda is similar to the mission of the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship. We are therefore pleased to join with The UWI Open Campus, and Gender Affairs, to observe this day.”
Other items on the programme included a spoken word selection presented by Mr. Alexis S. Ryan, International Men’s Day awardee 2021. His presentation, one of his own compositions, was entitled ‘Heroes Do Exist’ for which he received a standing ovation. This was followed by a solo by recording artiste, Joseph Severin Pradel, who sang one of his newest tracks, ‘He’s Still The One’, written by local song writers Evan Webster and Elson Richardson.
The service closed with the benedictions led by Rev. E Dunstan Richardson a Supernumerary Minister of the Methodist Church.
– Press Release
