By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis—They came out attired in what is colloquially referred to as their ‘dan-dan’ or their finest clothes.
After all, it was the third annual seniors’ gala which was held on the evening of Tuesday 27th October at the OCCASIONS.
It was a memorable evening which involved several facets.
The program was ably chaired by the energetic Eric Evelyn and commenced with a pastoral type prayer by Mr. Myron Liburd. The national anthem was then sung lustily by all present and then Mr. Frank Clarke gave a rousing welcome and introduction to give Mr. Evelyn the green light to take over the microphone.
Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister of Social Development, then made brief remarks, during which she applauded the seniors for their tremendous contributions over the years and noted that they deserved all of the accolades that were being bestowed upon them in their golden years.
She also had an encouraging word for all of the caregivers and stated that she applauded their efforts, as she was aware that the task is not easy one.
Miss Ionie Swanston then literally brought the house down, with an outstanding poem written by well known local poet, Earl PANCHO Hanley.
The poem paid tribute to the sterling efforts of Hon Brandy-Williams, especially as regards her work with the seniors. This was very well received.
Special awards were then presented to various persons who had excelled in various professions as follows:
Worker of the year within the seniors’ division—Ms Glorita Vaughan
Special Awards-one for each parish:
Winston Hanley-St.Thomas’
Myrna Webbe-St.Paul’s
Pauline Brister-St.John’s
Florence ELLA Merchant-St.George’s
Lorna Doras-France-St.James’
What caught a lot of persons by surprise, was the announcement of the Sports man and Sports woman of the year. Ms Meredith Amory-Fields who made the presentation indicated that the persons were awarded based on their outstanding performances at the inaugural seniors sports day which was held recently.
Sports woman of the year: Sarah Browne
Sports man of the year-Carlos Othello
All present were then treated to a sumptuous dinner and then the seniors went into party mode as some of them displayed their dancing skills while entertaining the supportive audience in a hat parade which created much excitement.
Minister Brandy-Williams and MC Eric Evelyn also joined the dance mix, much to the enjoyment of the appreciative audience.
Another feature of the evening, was the wide variety of music provided by the Sugar Hill String band, featuring Frank and the boys.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Evet Inglis and then the seniors wound down the evening with the soothing sounds provided by Mr. Lorenzo Sutton, before they were transported to their various homes.