Long time visitors to Anguilla, Mr. Rob Sharp and Mr. Gregg Weinstein, are two examples of what the holiday season should be all about. Both gentleman have agreed to donate a large sum of money to Project Stingray as they admire and believe in the dedication to the development of children shown by Caribbean Music Icon Bankie Banx and the staff and volunteers of Stingray. To provide some background on the project, the following information was extracted from their website.

L-R: Bankie Banx, Rob Sharp and Gregg Weinstein

“In response to an increasing need among young people on Anguilla for guidance and positive outlets for expression, Bankie on August 15, 2005 announced the launch of the Project Stingray Initiative. Project Stingray is a partnership between Bankie and The Triple Crown Culture Yard.Triple Crown Culture Yard is a Community Based Organization that is registered as a Friendly Society under the Anguilla Friendly Societies Act (CAP 121) and along with other Friendly Societies in Anguilla, is shortly expected to be registered under the Companies Act 2002 as a not-for-profit company. Its Coordinator, Ijahnya Christian, is qualified in the fields of Social Work and Adult and Post-Compulsory Education with a focus on Non-Formal Community Education. She is also trained in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Leadership and has extensive experience in Organisational and Community Development from both government and non-government perspectives. Project Stingray has set as its mission to provide a community space in which children and young people can engage in research about Anguillian and Caribbean history and culture and be trained in various forms of cultural expression.”

Bankie mentioned that the money would be used to purchase a van or bus in order to provide transportation for the children around the island. Both Rob and Gregg were asked to comment on their generous donations. Rob said, “Last year we spoke to Bankie about the programme and it sounded like a wonderful programme for the children to grow and be creative. We saw the effort he was putting out selflessly and wanted to support him. We hope other people will look at what Bankie is doing and will support as well.” Gregg added, “We have been coming for to Anguilla for years and coming to the Dune Preserve for years as well. When Rob mentioned the donation to me a few nights ago, I was all on board.”

Both gentlemen were asked to comment on the generosity during the current global financial crisis to which they replied: “This is the right thing to do. A year ago, times were better when we agreed to donate, (Rob) but I told my wife the first thing we are going to do when we get to Anguilla is give Bankie a check.”

Both Gregg and Rob agreed that one has to give during tough times because that is when the people need it the most.

Bankie, Gregg and Rob urge the rest of the public and tourists alike to support Project Stingray. For more information, go to www.bankiebanx.net/stingray.html

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