News

Minister of Finance and Economic Development in Anguilla, Victor Banks, says 2003 promises to be an excellent year in terms of the number of public sector projects to be implemented. One of those projects is the extension of Wallblake Airport which the Government has decided to move forward as quickly as possible. In order to help speed up the project, the airport design and supervision consultants, Scott Wilson-Kirkpatrick, now on the island, have undertaken to accelerate the submission of their initial comments following various discussions with Government representatives and other stakeholders.

With the running out of an amnesty last December for owners to get rid of derelict vehicles which are creating an eyesore across Anguilla, the Government is taking decisive action to ensure that the situation is addressed once and for all.

The protection of the environment is an important consideration in any country, great or small. If we were to narrow this down to ourselves, we would all certainly agree that our people cannot be complacent when it comes to this matter for bound up in the caring of the environment are two vital aspects of our lives. They are our up-market tourism industry and our health, the latter of which may be considered of even greater importance.

Wallblake Airport resident and businessman, Calvin Lake, welcomes the expansion and development of the runway and facilities there, but regrets that he [and others] will be displaced in the process.

The Anguilla Government and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are studying a proposal for the establishment of a fish processing project incorporating the participation of all the fishermen of the island.

An Anguillian, who has been living outside the island for 26 years, is the owner of Ocean Terrace Condos, called the Long Pond Condominium Development. The property is located off the Farrington area on the island’s south coast with a panoramic view of the sea and the mountain peaks of the neighbouring French and Dutch Islands.

Let me preface this article with a quote from the GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA BUDGET ADDRESS, FOR 2003 – “ Education with its allocation of $13.28 million will account for the largest share of the Social Development budget at 42.22%. This figure is 14.2% of the proposed total of Recurrent Expenditures. This is as it should be, Mr. Speaker. We have invested heavily in capital and human resource improvement in Education over the years.

On Friday 10th January 2003 Cable & Wireless conducted its final grand prize draw, which was hosted live on Kool FM by DJ Prince.

Clocks chimed; watches beeped; and church bells pealed to give special significance to the adage, “out with the old, in with the new”. Before we knew it, we were traversing the threshold of time and entering the doorway of a new era, 2003. Like the passing of a familiar friend, 2002 is forever gone.

The Leeward Islands selectors have named a “protected” squad of 13 players for the upcoming West Indies four day tournament. None of these players will be available to the West Indies selectors when they select the West Indies “B” team.

The possibility that the American Eagle might withdraw its ATR-42 aircraft from Anguilla at the end of the year, at the start of the new tourism season is not a comforting thought. It is a serious matter which must be addressed from now. We cannot allow the life blood of our economy, hotels, workers and their dependants to suffer from any loss in our tourist numbers and income levels without taking some decisive action to address the situation.

Praises Dental Unit In Anguilla

Anguillian Dental Surgeon, Dr. Lindell Brooks, a 1984 graduate of Maharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, and a staff member there from that year, is to further his studies in July this year. In addition to his work at the school, he has been operating a private practice over the years in general dentistry from implants to preventive care.

Settling Down, Public Service & Role of Women

Over four months ago, newly-appointed Deputy Governor, Mark Capes, arrived in Anguilla to take up his post and was followed later by Mrs. Capes. He was delighted to have been selected for the job as he very much wanted to serve in Anguilla.

Much emphasis is being placed on the teaching of foreign languages in the schools in Anguilla. One teacher, Colin Johnson, sees it as a very important matter to facilitate communication and travel, and in Anguilla’s case, as a plus for persons on the island intending to work in the tourism industry.

CuisinArt Resort and Spa has mounted its first art exhibition for the year and is hoping to have many more by various artists during 2003. The resort opened this season with a new boutique set up in the area where the art gallery was originally located. The gallery has now been moved to a partly open area in the vicinity of the hydroponic farm and in a section of the lush gardens.

A week and a half camp for children diagnosed with asthma commenced at the Stoney Ground Primary School on Tuesday January 7. It is being conducted by Kathy Frame, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, in New Jersey in the United States, where she teaches pediatric nursing. She also coordinates the school’s nursing programme.

The hallmark of our celebration of the Christmas season was a heightened spirit of community. This was evident by the many community Christmas trees which lit up the different villages. And there was merriment everywhere as people partied in their homes and night clubs. Some danced as if nobody was looking. Others danced liked they never danced before. And there was one pastor who really threw himself away as he wined to the popular song Wine Up On Mi Curry. It was his way of expressing the joy of Christmas.

Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This disease occurs most often among sexually active adolescents and young adults. Although it can be successfully treated if diagnosed in its early stages, complications from this disease can be very serious and longlasting.

A World Class Tennis Academy Coming


Blowing Point, an important tourism gateway to Anguilla, is getting more than a facelift and the planned port development. Now on the drawing board, and probably ahead of the Government’s plans for the area, is a World Class Tennis Academy. It is the brain-child of 27-year-old tennis professional and advocate for young children, Mitchelle Lake, whose enthusiasm, persuasion and dedication have won him the support of some very influential persons in the United States and Anguilla.

A press release from Government House states that Governor Peter Johnstone has been pleased to announce the appointment of Keithly Benjamin to be Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.