Local News

There have been two separate shooting incidents in Anguilla over the past days. In the first, one young man, Dwayne Connor, 23, of Rey Hill, was shot in the North Valley area on Saturday, January 7 at about 9.00 a.m. He died some 35 minutes later at the Princess Alexandra Hospital from a bullet wound in the chest. The cause of death was attributed to that wound, by Dr. Gaskins, a pathologist from Barbados.

Moonsplash, a growing festival of music, culture and community involvement, now in its 16th year in Anguilla, has won the financial support of Cable and Wireless as a major annual sponsor. The telecommunications company met with the overall producer and internationally-acclaimed reggae entertainer, Bankie Banx, his son, Olaide, the festival’s Chief Executive and others, including the media, on Tuesday, January 10, to announce the sponsorship.

La Tasha Roberts of The Farrington, a qualified young architect who has been working in Anguilla for the past three years, opened her own office, Atelier Coloniale Architects and Associates, on Friday January 6. The opening was attended by Ministers of Government, Government officials, business associates, family and friends.

A young Anguillian mother, with a bright career future, has relinquished her post at her workplace to stay at home and strive from there to earn a living while taking loving care of her physically-challenged infant daughter. It is a moving story that evokes compassion for the two-year child, Nekia Hodge, and admiration for the mother, Necola Carty of Rey Hill.

Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, says he is outraged and incensed by the wave of criminal activities taking place on the island and warns that Government is formulating a strategy to deal with the situation.

A possible collaboration between the Phoenix Group and the ASHE Culture Centre based in Cleveland, Ohio, and educational institutions in Anguilla was the subject of several meetings held in Anguilla this week.

As more and more people continue to fly direct to Anguilla on private executive jets from the United States, Europe and even far away places like Russia, the parking space at Wallblake Airport has become a matter to think about.

I wish to extend a prosperous and happy new year to everyone living within as well as without the boundaries of Anguilla. Firstly, I must express my gratitude to the Almighty for bringing us into a good land. I am delighted that even our critics are now applauding the dawning of this new day in Anguilla.

The Government’s Revenue Budget to finance the public services in Anguilla for 2006 is EC$139.46 million, the biggest ever. Expenditure, however, is projected to be in the region of $124.99 million, an increase of $26.99 million or 27% over the 2005 figure. There is an estimated surplus of $14.47 million.

An Anguillian-owned executive jet has joined various other private jet aircraft flying into Wallblake Airport, from all over the world, much to the delight and pride of the Government and people of the island. The jet made its second flight into Anguilla on Monday this week.

A large and appreciative audience from across Anguilla was treated to two outstanding performances by the St. Augustine’s Chorale which is renowned for its excellent singing. The Chorale is under the direction of accomplished musician Lennox Vanterpool.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second has given the award of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to two leading women for their community services in Anguilla. They are Lady Josephine Gumbs of Sandy Ground and Mrs. Audrey Elizabeth Rogers of Seafeathers. Their awards were announced in the New Year’s Honours List.

The National Bank of Anguilla, which has been celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a series of activities during 2005, held its last raffles for that year on December 30.
The first was a loan raffle which was opened to all of the bank’s loan customers with the exception of those relating to commercial loans.

Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) Anguilla Limited believes in the development of its staff and thus has a very robust and comprehensive training policy. CCB over the years has ensured that its staff is properly trained and qualified to manage the ever-changing banking environment with its focus on serving an increasing international clientele.

Over the next few months, the Ministry of Social Development of the Government of Anguilla, will seek to develop a National Plan of Action for the improved care and protection of children, focusing in particular on child abuse.

Thirteen year-old Roxanne “Lil Roxxy” Webster, born of Anguillian and St. Maarten parents, Roland and Louise Webster, won the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Junior Calypso Crown in St. Kitts on Friday, December 23, 2005.

The curtain came down on a series of cultural and entertainment activities held by the Valley Community Christmas Tree Lighting Committee to celebrate the Christmas Season and the New Year’s holiday.

The Christmas Season is here again and there is much activity throughout Anguilla. Of particular note is the special festive lighting and effigies of the Nativity.

The Anguilla Government will set up a new Constitutional and Electoral Reform Commission to start work early in 2006. Governor Alan Huckle is now consulting members of the Opposition and representatives of non-governmental organisations about the membership of the commission.

Patients in Anguilla needing emergency treatment abroad now have no need to worry. An agreement has been formalised whereby they can get assistance at four specialised hospitals in Puerto Rico. The Health Authority of Anguilla has already made a financial deposit there for the service and the first patient has since been sent for treatment.