Local News

There are fertile plots and pockets of land all over Anguilla with good potential just waiting for small and dedicated farmers to take time to do some cultivating.

Mr. Mark Capes, who served as Deputy Governor in Anguilla for four years, has now been appointed Governor of St. Helena. He and Mrs. Capes spent several days here last week after arriving from the Turks and Caicos Islands. There Mr. Capes served as Chief Executive Officer for two years. He was previously appointed Deputy Governor in Bermuda for three years following his tour of duty in Anguilla.

Popular broadcaster at Upbeat Radio, IwandaiGumbs, is on a crusade to care for the environment and beautify Anguilla in the hope that other persons will emulate his example. He has embarked on planting various ornamental and floral plants at some key locations on the island and is demonstrating great care and effort in doing so much to the appreciation and commendation of passersby.

Teachers throughout Anguilla returned to their various schools and classrooms on Monday, September 5, probably very much encouraged and charged up after a rousing 9th Annual Appreciation Ceremony. The event, which began with inspirational music, singing and clapping, was held at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium under the theme “Teachers Making a Difference”. The chairperson was Anita Martin-Ruan, Careers Coordinator.

Aware of the declining tourist arrivals and an obvious need to sharpen and re-focus Anguilla’s marketing strategies to attract a greater share of the market, stakeholders in the industry have met to put their heads together to arrive at a number of ways to address the situation.

The Ministry of Education is pleased with the performance of students who sat examinations for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). This year 78% of the subject entries achieved grades I to III, and 52% ofthe students passed four or more subjects. There was improved performance in approximately half of the subject areas examined. Additionally, in more than two thirds of the subjects examined, more than 75% of the students achieved passing grades. This is indeed commendable.

A Goods and Services Tax (GST) or VAT (Value Added Tax) has been recommended for Anguilla as a Working Group, set up by the Ministry of Finance, continues to examine the need for tax reform.

After a period of four weeks an evangelistic crusade, called “Let the Bible Speak”, which has had much following at Long Bay, ends there this weekend.

A book signing for "Because of Prayer" by visiting writer Felecita T. Williams, will be hosted by Coral Reef Bookstore at Little Harbour on Saturday, September 3, 2011, according to Dawn P. Reid, the bookstore owner.

The Anguilla Youth Sailing Club (AYSC) is going back to school. After a busy summer which saw almost 50 sailors attend the Club’s camp over a six-week period, the Club’s new instructor, Hazen Grant, will be opening his doors to students after school from Monday 5 September.

A mass staff party and awards presentation ceremony, at which many members of the public were also in attendance, marked the closing of CuisinArt Resort and Spa, from Monday, August 29 to October 15, for the end of season break. The event also marked the 11th anniversary of the resort.

Anguillian travelling preacher, seminar lecturer, author and book publisher, Pastor Kennedy Vanterpool, originally from East End, is on a preaching and lecture tour which brought him to his homeland for several days before continuing his journey elsewhere.

The New Testament Church of God Youths, Anguilla, placed 2nd in a Bible contest held on Virgin Gorda, BVI, this past weekend.

Library summer programmes usually provide a variety of learning experiences to raise awareness about pertinent issues. This year was no exception. The 2011 theme “Read Wise, Eat Wise, Exercise” reflects initiatives to bolster young people’s interest in healthy habits for the mind and the body. From July 11th to July 22nd over 50 children between the ages of 5 and 12 were given opportunities to enjoy reading more, to whet their appetite for healthier foods and also to get more physical.

Properties in Paradise, a local firm offering villa management, consulting and staffing services, and the representative for Starkey International Institute of the Caribbean, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Felix M. Pina as property manager of Ani Villas, Anguilla. At the recommendation of Properties in Paradise, and with full financial support from Ani Villas, Mr. Pina will travel to Denver, Colorado, to complete the eight-week Starkey Household Manager Course and receive full certification.

The Anguilla Soroptimist Club closed its 30th Anniversary celebrations with a dinner at Coba Restaurant of Viceroy Resorts. The event on Friday 26th August was attended by more than a hundred friends and supporters including Governor Alistair Harrison and Mrs Harrison and Chief Minister Hubert Hughes.

The Anguilla Community Foundation (ACF), whose focus is on the development of youth, families and children, was founded in 1999 with the goal of building a permanent collection of endowed funds for the long-term benefit of the Anguilla community.

A large number of children from the Stoney Ground, Cauls Bottom and The Quarter area were treated to a day of fun and friendly sporting competition on Saturday, August 27.

Over fifty young people, ages 10 to 17 benefited from the Department of Youth and Culture’s Youth ESCAPE 2011 programme! Calypso Development, Environment and Culture, Culinary Arts, and Art and Painting were the four components of this year’s programme which were scheduled during the summer vacation.

There has been a new development in the negotiations which have been going on between the owners and potential purchasers of Anguilla’s first luxury tourism property, Malliouhana Hotel and Spa.