Local News

Government agencies including the Department of Environment descended on the site being operated by Dolphin Discovery Caribbean Properties, Ltd. in West End, Anguilla last week to investigate the living conditions of the 8 dolphins currently being held in captivity there.

All around Anguilla there are tell-tale scenes of the Christmas Season. Cheerful decorations and dazzling lights, various social events for adults and children, gift-giving, bulk-shopping, partying, and family reunions are all part of this end-of-the-year-festive season.

Hundreds of island residents and tourists crowded Coronation Ave and the Christmas tree by the trough on Friday December 14 to witness the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event was headlined by other various performances from The All ah Wee Theatre Group, The Anguilla Pepper Steppers and the Energetic Superflies String Band.

Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Illidge Richardson, made an impassionate plea on Tuesday, December 18, for an end to gang violence on the island. It is an untenable situation in which fighting frequently erupts at social functions between youngsters from different villages.

The sports team, Points United in Blowing Point, ought to be commended for taking the initiative to celebrate Separation Day, one of the national holidays in Anguilla, with a series of fun activities which began at the village’s playing field at mid-morning, Wednesday, December 19.

With Christmas almost here, and New Year 2008 soon after, this is a good time to reflect on how far Anguilla has come, and on where we are heading.
Anguilla is enjoying unprecedented prosperity, but also faces serious questions. These come down essentially to: how to reconcile economic growth and development with social cohesion, the protection of a fragile natural environment, and the fostering of national culture.

Fellow Anguillians and residents, the year 2007 has been one of mixed emotions in Anguilla.

My fellow Anguillians:

It is an honour and a distinct privilege for me to be given the rare opportunity to address the people at this most significant Christian season of the year.

Advent which reminds us vividly of the coming of Christ to make His abode among us is swiftly passing, and Christmas Day – the celebration of the birth of Christ is upon us.

Kingston, Jamaica, 6 December 2007: Caribbean scholar Dame Bernice Lake, QC, was again called on to contribute to an important regional conference on a topic close to the hearts of all Anguillians: Press freedom and the prevention of corruption.

Spear-fishing is one of the oldest techniques used to catch fish. The original method, which is still practiced today in tribal regions of the world, is to plunge a sharpened stick into knee deep water with the hope of spearing something worth eating. With the advancement of technology this has developed into many modern day forms, from the harpooning of great whales to the competitive sport of spear-fishing.

Many readers will remember the “fisherman buys NASDAQ shares through the National Bank of Anguilla” story published in May 2007. In essence, the story was about Patrick’s need to save and invest for his son’s education, and there is a happy “ending” – and a happy beginning, too.

A new visitor publication, described as “absolutely the most beautiful and interesting magazine on Anguilla yet,” was launched at Savannah Gallery at Crocus Hill on Monday, December 17.

On December 12 1982 the people of North Hill held a service at the newly built Zion Methodist Church. Twenty five years later the congregation celebrated with a Christmas Bazaar on December 8, a Candle light Service on December 9 and a Gala Celebration Dinner on December 12.

The Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA) held its 4th Annual Recognition and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 15, at the Anguilla Great House to honour a number of employees for their dedicated service and for going beyond the call of duty.

A group of young Anguillian children are leading the way this Christmas season as a shining example of the true Spirit of Giving.

The Financial Services Commission in Anguilla held its inaugural annual meeting with its private partners in the industry on December 11 at the Library Resource Centre at which there was much discussion on achievements so far, and the way forward in regulating and developing this area of business on the island.

Construction on the Teacher Gloria Omololu Institute’s (TGOI) new facility in The Quarter has been ongoing over the past several months. To achieve the goal of owning its school buildings, the Institute is relying heavily on the support of Companies and Individuals.

Those who work in the immigration department are the first point of contact for all visitors to Anguilla and residents alike. Their position can affect the experience for all those who enter the shores of Anguilla and for that reason the job is paramount. On Wednesday, December 12, eight immigration officers were recognized and rewarded for 20 years of service or more at the Upper Level English Rose Restaurant.

Sunset Homes, a luxury property development company in Anguilla, known for its youth and community involvement, climaxed its social and charitable activities for 2007 with a well-attended Christmas party for many invited guests at the Red Dragon Disco on Thursday, December 13.