Bronx, New York - On Sunday September 29, 2013 the officers of the five month old organization “Sons and Daughters of Willikies, Inc. were inducted before a pack church at St. Mary’s Anglican Church (R.E.) pastured by The Very Rev. Dr. Belgrave Pelle.The Rev Willie Hill from St. John and Greater View churches in South Carolina was the guest preacher. He challenged officers with an inspiring sermon entitled: “Blessing the man of God first” and then blessing others and yourself. Flanked by congregants, the Sons and Daughters of Willikies solemnly solidified their sense of civic responsibility with the prayer: “O God, who has charged the Sons and Daughters of Willikies, Inc. to teach the Nation of the entire world and to make disciples of every Nation. Inspire us by the spirit and empower us by your presence, that we may not fail in the fulfillment of thy purpose: where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, establish it; where there is  need, provide it; where it is divided, reunite it. Be with our group as we establish ourselves together to work for the fulfillment of all those who are less fortunate, especially in the village of Willikies, be with our leaders and all those who holds office in this group through the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost who liveth and reigneth, forever one God, world without end. Amen.”

 

Inductees were:President: Dr. Oswald Thomas, 1st Vice President: Mr. Vanroy Kirby, 2nd Vice President: Mrs. Sharon Philo, Secretary: Ms. Antoinette Hosier, Treasurer: Mrs. Clyna Val Richardson, asst.Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Ethon Lynch, PRO: Ms. Shamarie Nicholas, Members of Large: Mr. Vere Richardson, and Mr. Winston Nathaniel.This was the official launching of the “Grand Willikies Reunion 2014”.

 

The aim is to encourage hundreds of villagers from all over the world to return to Antigua to celebrate and to contribute to the wider development of their beloved village. The group plans to petition the government to rename Willikies School to “Mrs. Nelvie Henry-Gore School.” This is in honor of Mrs. Henry-Gore who served as a pupil, teacher to headmistress. Another petition will seek to name Sir Rupert Philo Highway from Vernon’s to Long Bay and the naming of streets in Willikies in line with the legacy and heritage of exemplary villagers. It will also assist with house numbering and week-long activities, which will be announced shortly.