“Men matter — not because we are flawless, but because we carry responsibility…and pour out our lives where compassion is needed.”
Those words, spoken by Apostle Kasseem Forde, echoed through Ebenezer Methodist Church on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, encapsulating Anguilla’s annual observance of International Men’s Day. Hosted by the Gender Affairs Unit in collaboration with the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship and the University of the West Indies Alumni Association (UWIAA) Anguilla Chapter, this year’s commemorative service embraced the global theme: Celebrating Men and Boys: Embracing the Journey.
The evening was chaired by Mr. Keronni Vanterpool, Honourable Premier of the Anguilla Youth Parliament, and attended by a broad cross-section of the community including the Hon. Acting Governor, Perin Bradley, clergy, civic leaders, families, and men and boys from across the island.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Vanterpool highlighted the essence of the gathering. “This evening is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration,” he said, emphasising that “when men and boys thrive, our families, our nation flourish.”
Dr Lindel Brooks, President of MCCA Men–Anguilla Circuit, reflected on the global growth of the observance and introduced his unpublished poem, Mr. Brown, describing a steadfast father whose daily sacrifices epitomise the spirit of International Men’s Day.
Acting Governor Perin Bradley offered an introspective address, reinforcing that the observance is far more than symbolic. “It invites us to reflect sincerely on who we are as men, how we lead, and the example we set,” he said. Citing Proverbs 27:17—“as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”— he reminded attendees that leadership must be anchored in humility and integrity.
The programme was also uplifted by a sequence of stirring performances. The All For Won Boy’s Group, a youth empowerment organisation shaping tomorrow’s men, opened with an original poem, To the Men and Boys, before delivering a spirited musical rendition declaring freedom and faith. Their young but bold voices drew enthusiastic response from the congregation.
Musical selections followed from organist Mr Devaunie Richardson, members of the Anguilla National Choir, an ensemble from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a soulful saxophone performance by Mr Trevor Queeley, who moved through the aisles, engaging especially with the young boys present – speaking and encouraging them directly through music. The Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship also delivered the historic anti-war spiritual Down By The Riverside, accompanied by two young students symbolically laying down weapons at the altar.
Scripture readings, delivered by men of the congregation, further grounded the evening in faith. Micah 6:8 pointed to living justly, mercifully, and humbly. Psalm 133:1 affirmed the beauty of unity among brethren. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 urged men to stand firm in courage and love. Joshua 1:9 reminded men to be strong and unafraid, knowing God is present. And Proverbs 27:17, referenced repeatedly throughout the service, underscored the indispensable value of brotherhood.
Keynote speaker Apostle Kasseem Forde delivered a stirring and deeply personal address, rooted in lived experience and spiritual grounding. The message that resonated throughout his speech was clear: men matter — not for perfection, but for responsibility. He emphasised that “manhood is measured by an assignment,” not applause. It is shown in men who rise early, carry burdens quietly, love faithfully, and remain steadfast despite struggle. He invited everyone to honour the men who shaped their lives: “The men who show up, who give, who lead, who protect, who love, who serve.”
Forde shared his own journey, recalling his upbringing without a father present and the men who stepped in — teachers, pastors, and brothers in faith. “Every season counts,” he reflected, recalling becoming a household breadwinner as a teenager and later discovering brotherhood at university, choosing a wife aligned with purpose, and growing through fatherhood. He grounded manhood in Scripture, citing Genesis 2:15, where God commands men to cultivate and protect. He then linked this calling to Micah 6:8, asserting that true manhood rests on justice, mercy, and humility.
His message was also a call for emotional integrity. For too long, he argued, men were told to be strong but taught to be silent. “Real men feel,” he insisted, pointing to Jesus himself, who wept at Lazarus’s tomb. “Strength is not the absence of emotion; it is the courage to face emotion with honesty and humility.”
Brotherhood, he asserted, is essential. “Men need men,” he said plainly, returning again to Proverbs: iron sharpens iron. Forde closed by affirming that every man is valuable, growing, and never alone. “You may stumble, but you will never walk abandoned.”
Pastor Phillip Gumbs delivered a powerful prayer of intercession, thanking God for the work of the Gender Affairs Unit and lifting up the young boys and men of Anguilla. He prayed boldly against destructive influences — including gangs — and asked that God redirect young men toward true manhood rooted in responsibility and courage.
Gender Affairs Coordinator Kemoloy Murphy reaffirmed the Unit’s ongoing commitment to uplifting Anguilla’s men and boys. She highlighted programmes such as the Man of Action Awards, Reality vs. Mentality, the Cock Tales Podcast, the Family First initiative, and the recent Social Upskilling Programme, which trained young men in electrical and plumbing skills.
“Building stronger men means building stronger families, safer communities, and a more balanced and compassionate society,” she emphasised, inviting the public to the upcoming Cock Tales Podcast discussion on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, titled Rhymes, Rage, and Reality: Music and Youth Violence.
Ms. Marva Smith, President of the UWIAA–Anguilla Chapter, delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the contributions of Apostle Forde, Mr. Vanterpool, Ms. Murphy, and the many performers, partners, and community members who supported the event.
This year’s service ultimately offered more than commemoration. It was a collective declaration that Anguilla’s men and boys matter — not for flawlessness, but for the responsibility they carry, the journeys they walk, and the lives they impact.
By Janissa Fleming