In years past, senior citizens across Anguilla looked forward to sharing a special meal on Anguilla Day at the Blue Ridge Hotel. To them, the occasion was more than just eating a meal – it was the excitement of getting dressed up and taking the bus ride to “catch up” with persons they had known in their youth, to strengthen friendships that were formed with other seniors from across the island in this setting, and the possibility of developing new relationships at what they call “a special outing every year”.
Due to the impact of COVID and, no doubt, budgetary constraints, this year’s Anguilla Day Senior Citizens’ Activity was very different from the norm. Instead of taking a ride to the Blue Ridge Hotel for a sit-down meal, seniors in residential care facilities enjoyed a special lunch at their residences, catered for them by the Government of Anguilla.
Although the majority of them sat down to eat lunch, as they normally do on a daily basis, some of the senior residents were fully aware that this was a “special meal in celebration of Anguilla Day.” Some residents wore the national colours with pride for the occasion, and reminisced about Anguilla Day as they recalled how they had celebrated it “in times past”.
One resident, in particular, brought cheer to her “house mates” when she shared with them her talent for dancing. Her spirited gesture was much appreciated by her “residential audience”.
The Anguilla National Celebrations Committee is commended for catering for the much- appreciated special Anguilla Day lunches at the following residential care centres: Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens’ Home (next to the Hospital), Just Tender Care (North Side), Tender Loving Care (North Valley), and Rosewood Centre (Sandy Hill, East End).
