It was a morning of applause and appreciation at the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA) on Friday, June 4th 2025, as the bank officially launched its sponsorship of two of this year’s premier Summer Festival events: the Miss Anguilla and Miss Talented Teen Pageants.
With a cheque of EC$94,000 handed over in support, NCBA reaffirmed its commitment not just to banking, but to building up culture, community, and the next generation of dreamers and doers.
Dr. Aiden Harrigan, NCBA’s interim CEO, underscored the bank’s belief in investing beyond the economy. “At NCBA, we also believe in investing in people, in culture, and in the bright future of Anguilla,” he said. “That’s why we are deeply proud to be the main sponsor of the prestigious Miss Anguilla pageant, a platform that empowers young women to lead, inspire, and represent the very best of our island.”
He also spotlighted the importance of the Miss Talented Teen Pageant, adding, “We are equally proud to support the Miss Talented Teen Pageant by awarding a scholarship because talent without opportunity is potential left unrealised.”
NCBA’s sponsorship includes a US$10,000 scholarship to the winner of the Miss Talented Teen competition, which must be used to study at the University of the West Indies’ Open Campus here in Anguilla.
Mr. Fitzroy “Briggy” Tomlinson, Anguilla Summer Festival Committee’s Chairman, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that events like these often face financial shortfalls.
Chairperson of the Miss Anguilla Pageant Committee, Ms. Amber Woodley, took the opportunity to thank NCBA as well, while hinting at the kind of legacy this partnership could build. Alongside her stood the five 2025 Miss Anguilla contestants – Xaria Rouse, Ariel Bushay, Thalia Hinds, Jordia Hodge, and Jasmin Ruan – each confidently introducing themselves once again to the public.
Chairperson of the Miss Talented Teen Pageant, Mr. Romare Kelsick, also spoke on the significance of the bank’s contribution, particularly the US$10,000 scholarship. “The winner of the Talented Teen Pageant will be able to achieve one of their goals,” he said. Kelsick described the bank’s involvement as not only timely but crucial in ensuring that the pageant’s goals of developing young talent remain achievable.
He also encouraged the public to show up in full support of the contestants – not just for the Miss Talented Teen competition, but for all Anguilla Summer Festival events.
Following the remarks, the EC$94,000 cheque was presented by Dr. Harrigan to Mr. Tomlinson, Ms. Woodley and Mr. Kelsick, serving as an official gesture affirming the bank’s strong backing of culture, talent and youth development.
The 2025 Anguilla Summer Festival is set to begin on Friday July 25th 2025, with the Miss Talented Teen Pageant scheduled for Thursday July 31st, and the Miss Anguilla Pageant to follow on Tuesday, August 5th.
