Local News

By: John T. Harrigan &
James R. Harrigan

In recent years Anguillians have been privileged to honour the lives of a number of centenarians who have by God’s grace and infinite mercies attained this most significant milestone. It is, indeed, that by “reason of strength” this growing rare breed is attaining the age of 100 and beyond. This time, it is with a profound sense of gratitude and joy that we hail the life of Sister Elma “Mealy” Gumbs, who on June 29th, 2005 joined the ranks of Anguilla’s honoured centenarians.

Anguilla has come in for high praise from top executives with Bracco Diagnostics Incorporated, a leading producer of advanced diagnostic imaging technologies in a 115 countries and some 3,300 employees.

The National Bank of Anguilla, as part of its Twentieth Anniversary celebrations, held a “Kiddies Day Out” on Sunday June 26th 2005 at the Agricultural Department Grounds with more than 200 (500) children in attendance. As promised the afternoon was one that was enjoyed by children and parents alike.

One day, the Fountain Cavern, a ceremonial place of worship for the early inhabitants of Anguilla and their visiting Amerindian friends from neighbouring islands, may become one of the most preserved and developed tourist attractions in the region. It will also be remembered as a place when the more modern inhabitants braved the steep decline to fetch buckets of water from the fresh springs on the floor of the coral cave at Shoal Bay North.

More than 100 young people, fresh from completing their final exams at the Comprehensive School, attended the Second Annual School Leavers Seminar at the House of Chandeliers on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Acting Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Victor Banks, recently delivered the feature address on the national significance of the Fountain Cavern. In that regard, he has given a considerable amount of information about the site which readers may wish to know about.

The Anguilla Cycling Association is the recipient of US$4000.00 from Cable and Wireless, the platinum sponsor of the John T Memorial Race on Sunday, July 3.There will be a large number of local and regional cyclists participating in the event.

June is being observed as “Safety Month” by American Airlines/American Eagle.

Chief Minister, the Honourable Osbourne Fleming resumed his duties following a four-week absence from office that included both official and personal business. During his absence Mr. Fleming participated in the recently concluded CTO Week that took place in New York from May 29 – June 3, 2005.

Cap Juluca’s Managers and Supervisors were honoured at a special Awards Luncheon at Pimms last week. Grithel Hughes and Urcil Davis received the Supervisor of the Quarter Awards while Lloyd Gumbs was the recipient of the Resort’s first Leadership Award. In addition, over 70 certificates were awarded for the special managerial training that the 98-room property has been conducting since January.

The Anguilla Summer Festival Committee has come up with a big two-day performance on the beach at Road Bay, Sandy Ground, as part of the coming festivities and Tropical Flower is at the heart of the overall and exclusive sponsorship.

In celebrating its eleventh year of sponsoring the Anguilla Summer Festival’s Talented Teen Pageant, CCB again hosted a make-up and skin care session under the guidance of Rachel Haskins, an esthetician/hairdresser who works at Cap Juluca.

This press release is issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers to clarify the decision by Her Ladyship, Madam Justice George-Creque, delivered on Friday 17th, June 2005 in the case brought by the Hon Attorney General, Mr. Ronald Scipio, against Rev John A Gumbs relating to the Limestone Bay Road.

Anguilla has had the privilege of assisting a two-man team from the Turks and Caicos Islands wishing to gather useful information mainly to help that British Overseas Territory with its health reform plans.

From 13 to 17 June, Mr. Hal Jackson, his wife, Debbie, and 2004 winner of the Hal Jackson Talented Teen International (HJTTI) competition, Miss Nicola Dalrymple., visited Anguilla. The trip marked Miss Dalrymple’s last activity as the reigning HJTTI Queen.

The Anguilla Girls’ Brigade have been challenged to demonstrate self-control and a sense of responsibility in living out their aim as followers of Christ.

As the Anguilla Swarming Fire Ants prepare to participate in the United States Soccer Region 1 Football Camp and Tournament in Rhode Island, USA, the Anguilla Craft Group has made a donation of US$1000.00 towards their ongoing fundraising efforts.

The Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) has embarked on a number of projects aimed at ensuring that the utility keeps ahead of the high demand for electricity, which is being caused by several projects now under construction.

On Monday, June 13, Governor and Mrs. Alan Huckle took on the double task of hosting a mass reception and a flag ceremony on the grounds of Government House, the Queen Birthday Parade at the Ronald Webster Park having been put aside this year. The parade usually follows close on the heels of Anguilla Day when Anguillians celebrate the island’s May 30, 1967 Revolution.

The first draft of a five-year Education Development Plan, covering the period 2005 - 2010, is now under discussion in Anguilla.