News

This week has been a very busy period in Anguilla. Taking the lead was a “Review of Anguilla’s Medium Term Economic Strategy 2010-2014”. It was held for two days at the old St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church building, of late being used for high level public and private sector functions.

Talk Show host and former Cabinet Minister in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Robert Hall, said the current situation in his homeland and issues in Anguilla were not identical, but that there were some similarities.

Usually a freezing winter is enough to convince Canadians that they need an Anguillian vacation. However, this past year the island has received an added ally in upping visitors from there: extensive and impressive press coverage.

One month following its soft launching in Anguilla, on December 22, 2010, Cape Air held an inaugural reception at Veya Restaurant at Sandy Ground late Wednesday evening. The event was to introduce its frontline executives and to thank officials of Government, the Tourist Board, the Hotel and Tourism Association and other persons, who partnered with the airline in commencing its twice daily scheduled flights between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla.

Placard-bearing children, from various schools in Anguilla, marched against drugs and violence in the Central Valley on Tuesday, at the start of their school day. It terminated at the Gazebo on the grounds of the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium.
The event, which coincided with the celebration of the 39th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, was part of the drug awareness initiative being conducted in the schools by the Police.

A divine service at the Blowing Point Christian Fellowship Church, and a parade, marked the commencement of the observance of the 39th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force on Sunday, January 23.

There is currently much talk in Anguilla for and against independence, and many of the proponents of this status have been giving the impression that it is something which the Government and people have to struggle to obtain.

Another in the series of workshops for Senior Officers of the Anguilla Public Service commenced at Masara Resort, Katouche Bay, on Wednesday this week, facilitated by Public Administration and sponsored by the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat. This time it is a Management and Leadership Skills Workshop.

The world’s largest yacht, Eclipse, was in Anguillian waters this week, along with two other mega-yachts. All three vessels were anchored off Meads Bay, providing its crew and passengers with stunning views of the bay and tourism properties. The accommodation facilities included Viceroy, Frangipani Beach Resort, Carimar Beach Club and Malliouhana Hotel and Spa.

Citizens for National Unity and Development met with three Ministers of Government and some persons from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, January 11. A press release on Wednesday stated that the group affirmed its support for the Government of Anguilla, especially in the current context where there is a fundamental difference in the perspectives of the Government and the British over the 2011 budget. Members volunteered their expertise and experience to ensure that in any future debate, what is best for Anguilla may be decided and achieved.

After a long period of silence, but obviously with some intensive work, Conch Bay Development Ltd, a company owned by the Lake and Kentish families in Anguilla, is back in the news with its planned luxury resort and hotel and residences.

The 2011 Budget, passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly on Thursday, December 23, 2010, will not be signed as it stands by Governor Alistair Harrison.

Exploratory talks have taken place at the Board Room of the Anguilla Community College on the possibility of establishing a Cancer Education and Information Centre, as well as a Cancer Registry, on the island. The talks also included the provision of an oncology assessment and referral system and the identification of external funding agencies that may be supportive of these efforts.

Over the Christmas holiday season, Anguilla experienced one of the largest influx of executive jets seen on the island in recent times. The big jets, owned by various private companies and individuals, flew directly to the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport mainly from all across the United States. Their passengers included celebrities and other high-paying clientele who came to stay at some of the island’s top tourism resorts.

There is a new youth organisation in Anguilla dedicated to help with the promotion of tourism. It is called the Hello Tourist Club which has recently been formed at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.

The St Augustine’s Anglican Church, East End, was the venue of another tremendous and well-talked about performance by the highly regarded – widely renowned – St Augustine’s Chorale on Sunday 26th December, the day after Christmas. The large and most appreciative audience was truly delighted with the beautiful singing – with the wonderful music – and had nothing but praise for a memorable performance which the Chorale is always expected to deliver. This it did – last Sunday. It did not disappoint. And it will not disappoint with a repeat presentation, at the same venue, on Sunday 2nd January 2011.

Despite the financial challenges facing Anguilla and the consequent reduction in the power of spending, there is still much of a Christmas mood throughout the island. After all, apart from the usual commercialization of the season, the spiritual meaning and importance of Christmas has not been forgotten. The true message of the yuletide that Christ, the Redeemer, was born into the world is still rampant and acknowledged in this Christian island. And this is a plus for Anguilla and its people.

The Parking Lot at the main National Bank of Anguilla premises in The Valley was a beehive of activity as children from throughout the island, accompanied by parents, converged there for the 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Gift-Away.
The delightful event, on Friday, December 17, was chaired by NBA’s Marketing and Business Development Officer, Mrs. Deslyn Smith. The large gathering was entertained with a song by Omari Banks on the guitar, and was followed by a Christmas Message by Manager of NBA’s West End Branch, Marisa Gumbs.

Unlike the two late budgets in Anguilla in 2010, Chief Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Hon. Hubert Hughes, presented an early 2011 budget in the House of Assembly on Monday this week, December 13. He wasted no time in unduly delaying its passage by requesting the Speaker, Mrs. Barbara Webster-Bourne, to recall the House within two days, on Thursday, for the commencement of the debate.

Caribbean Commercial Bank has maintained its annual Children’s Gala for the 10th year, despite the financial difficulties, providing entertainment and gifts for hundreds of youngsters from throughout Anguilla.