Harbour Island Celebrates first Local Hero

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,
and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1 as cited by Glenroy Aranha
upon being named Harbour Island Hero

(November 21, 2003) As part of a new national program to recognize citizens who've given outstanding service throughout their lifetimes, the Harbour Island Council chose architect and builder Glenroy Aranha as the first recipient of the Harbour Island Hero award. Mr Arana is being celebrated in a series of events including this assembly at the All Ages School.

The guest of honor (below center) enjoys the performances with his lovely wife Elaine at his side.

Rev. Sam Higgs and the interfaith choir opened the ceremonies with rollicking praise and worship.

Talented performers from every class delighted the audience.

Those celebrating their birthdays in the month of November were serenaded.

The band played several stirring tunes before leading a parade through the village.

And the guest of honor appeared to enjoy it all.

"When I was growing up," Mr. Aranha said after the program, "I benefitted from efforts of the churches, some of the elders, and the Boys Brigade in learning leadership and community service; and it was the at Kiwanis that I learned to speak. I encourage the young people to seek opportunities for community service for the upliftment of themselves and of Harbour Island."

Earlier remarks

Following are excerpts of Mr. Aranha's acceptance speech when the honor was first bestowed upon him earlier this month.

"...Dear friends, while I truly appreciate this kindness, and the honors you have bestowed on me, it is never my intent to seek rewards for any of the work I do. Knowing well that there's one day be a most high and Heavenly reward.

...I am sure you will agree that there are more men and women who are most desirous of such honor. To all those individuals I say, 'To God give the glory.'

...It has always been my passion to do what I can, in helping to build and develop this our beloved Island community, and country.

...You see my friends, our lives can be enriched in so many ways, when we offer to give something back to our community. We must not always seek to receive and not want to give something in return."

Specific projects

Mr Aranha made particular note of long efforts to bring the new clinic to the island, and called now for simillar efforts to keep it in good repair. He spoke in favor of a proposal to turn the Commissioner's residence into a museum to preserve the island's heritage. And in regard to construction of a new multipurpose park on the old dumpsite, he called on residents to follow up with programs to fully use the park and keep it well maintained.

"Let it be seen that we have an interest in working together, to promote and pass on to our youth what we know, and what we understand of our culture," he said.

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