The Rotary Club of Anguilla held a very successful Second Annual Rotary Foundation Dinner last Saturday at Roy’s Bayside Grill. In addition to celebrating the 103rd anniversary of Rotary International on February 23, 2008, Rotary honoured three local Anguillians for their outstanding service to the community – Sandra York Gumbs, Stella Horsford, and Eric Reid.
Sandra York Gumbs. Sandra York Gumbs has a passion for the enhancement of the common man and strongly believes that sharing quality time with family members and others in the community has the potential to produce quality and uplifting human relationships. She founded in 2002 the Comprehensive Learning Centre, one of the most notable education institutions on the island, where CXC and modular-base courses are offered to students. The number of students continues to grow, along with their success rate.
The greatest satisfaction is when students, who were certain that they had no chance of achieving anything, actually gain academic success and acquire new or better paying jobs that enhance their lives and the lives of their families.
Rotarian Lester Forman presents the plaque of recognition to Mrs. Sandra York Gumbs.
The emphasis at the Centre is on values, integrity and responsibility. Academic success must be coupled with these core attributes to serve humanity well.
Mrs. York Gumbs is also the Administrative and Financial Manager in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Utilities. Prior to joining the Anguilla Public Service, Sandra served as a teacher, first at the Convent High School in St. Kitts and then at the West End Primary School in Anguilla. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Quality Management and a Masters in Business Administration.
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Stella Horsford. Stella Horsford is a stalwart educator who holds quiet, but deep, convictions of the importance of family and family life. In 2007, in recognition of her social contribution to the development of Anguilla in the field of Education, Mrs. Horsford was awarded the Anguilla Day Badge of Honour and the Queen’s Certificate at the 40th Anniversary of the Anguilla Day Revolution.
Rotary President, Seymour Hodge, presents Mrs. Stella Horsford with her plaque of recognition.
Mrs. Horsford taught at Valley Second School (now Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School) from 1960 to 1989, and was the first Deputy Principal at the ALHC School. In 1996, Mrs. Horsford received the Deputy Principal’s Award and recognition for her 29 years of invaluable service to secondary education in Anguilla.
In 1989, Mrs. Horsford was appointed Principal Assistant Secretary in the then Ministry of Social Services. She has acted as Permanent Secretary on several occasions.
Mrs. Horsford is active in the Soroptimist International of Anguilla as the President-elect, Member and Past President!
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Eric Reid. Leith Errington Reid, known to all as Eric, was born in Anguilla, but moved to the US Virgin Island in 1964 in the hope of finding work. He lived and worked between St. Thomas and St. Croix for about 10 years where he learned the transport business and developed a keen interest in politics. In 1982, he established his own transport business in Anguilla (Island Transport Services) and also his own bakery, which he ran successfully for many years.
Mr. Reid immersed himself in Anguilla’s political life. He first sought political office in 1976 as an independent candidate. In1977, he joined the Anguilla National Alliance (ANA). He was first voted into office in 1984, and has never lost an election since. Eric has now served as a Minister of Government for approximately fifteen years, and as a Member of the Opposition in the House of Assembly for six years.
As a Minister of Government, in the Ministry of Social Development, Eric met and responded appropriately to all challenges. He considers his crowning moment to be the commissioning of the Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA) in December 2003.
However, only two days after realizing his dream, Mr. Reid suddenly and tragically lost his sight in 2003 December. He refused to be diminished or restricted in any aspect of his life, and this attitude may be his greatest contribution to the social and spiritual development of our island community.
In a country where, hitherto, person with disabilities were, it seems, expected to remove themselves from everyday activities such as work and social functions, Eric Reid has been instrumental in forging a new place in society for handicapped individuals. In his manner of living, Mr. Reid has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to Anguillians, young and old.
Rotarian Preston Bryan presents Mr. Eric Reid with his plaque of recognition. Mr. Reid’s wife assists.
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