Last Saturday the Soroptimist International of Anguilla Club held its 28th Anniversary Dinner at Da Vida Restaurant at Crocus Bay. The event was very well attended and all enjoyed the hospitality and dinner.

Head table at Soroptimist Dinner. L-R: Barry Rodgiers, Blondell Rodgiers, Stanley Reid, Dawn Reid, Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, Cerise Banks and Victor Banks

Acting Governor, Stanley Reid, gave a toast to Her Majesty the Queen. He also referred to the Soroptimist pledge that includes “to serve country and mankind,” and congratulated the Club members for achieving this. Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming gave a toast to the island of Anguilla and wished the Soroptimists all the best for the future.

Soroptimist Josephine Gumbs explained that there are 11,000 members in the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland in 29 countries around the world that includes Anguilla. She said that the Club works on service projects locally and internationally and that the Federation is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary. She observed: “This is 75 years of making a difference in the countries where we serve.” She proposed a toast to the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland.

Minister of Finance and Tourism, Victor Banks, proposed the toast to the Anguilla Club and in so doing praised them for 28 years of service to the people of Anguilla. He commended them for helping the community and especially for the Day Care Centre that gives an opportunity for working mothers to leave their children in a safe environment.

Four persons in the community were presented with awards by President Blondell Rodgiers. They were Gabriele Klaren for her tireless work with youth, Ursil Webster for her outstanding work in the community, Isa Lake a long-standing, and oldest, member of the Club who still supports the Club whenever she can, and Marjorie McClean who has assisted the Day Care Centre for many years by providing insurance coverage.

A slide show was presented during the dinner showing photos of Soroptimists present and past, and events over the years. It was organized by Soroptimist Olive Hodge with her grandson Rickiel Hodge presenting the slides.

Awardees Gabriele Klaren, Ursil Webster, Stella Horsford (for Isa Lake) and Babs Carty (for Marjorie McClean).

The President thanked all those attending the dinner and described the founding club members as hard working women who were inspired by Ena Woodstock. She reported that the Club now has 40 members and although there were many challenges and problems the Club helps the community in many ways including the running of the Day Care Centre.
She described some of the projects over the years that include the education reading workshop, assistance with tuition for students at the school, orthodontic care for children, special surgery for children who need it, and the adoption of the paediatric ward at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. She also mentioned the Say No to Plastic campaign and expressed the hope that one day plastic will be banned from the island. She also spoke of the pre-school in Sri Lanka that the Club is committed to financing. The President thanked the members for all the projects and hard work over the years and gave particular mention to Soroptimist Carmencita Davis who with her committee organized the dinner.
A vote of thanks was given by Soroptimist Alison Carty and the music by Springer and the Boys continued for dancing. The event was chaired by Soroptimist Violet Berry.

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