Local News

NEW YORK (October 17, 2006) – The stage is set for the fourth annual Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival to return to the 35 square mile British territory from November 9-12, 2006 with an exciting collection of jazz greats.

Ministers of Religion from the Anglican, Methodist and Seventh-day Adventist Churches shared a common pulpit on Sunday, October 15, when they joined in a Thanksgiving Service for Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, at the Bethel Methodist Church at South Hill.

Children at the Island Harbour Primary School have been given a lesson which, if taken seriously, can help them develop into well-rounded and positive individuals.

The Tourism Board have made a Marketing Presentation to a mixed audience of public and private citizens. Mrs. Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch the Director of Tourism, gave the welcome and an overview of the different markets and the rationale for the allocation of resources. She also spoke on the goals ands objectives of the Tourist Board.

Now that the idea of a National Community College has been conceived and given birth in Anguilla, some ‘baby steps’ are being taken towards the actual realisation of the tertiary institution. On Monday, this week, was the first of a series of seminars over the next eight weeks designed to launch the college which is expected to have its formal opening in September 2007. The seminars currently have as their main focus the training needs of the hospitality sector, the engine of the island’s economy.

Nazil Akbar is the proud winner of the latest Digicel’s ‘Text to Win’ promotion, taking home the newest mobile handset to come to come to Anguilla, the LG Chocolate.
Mr. Akbar’s number was randomly drawn from thousands of texts that were sent to the shortcode 5885 all with the hope to win the LG Chocolate. The draw was done live on KOOL FM and Lady Passion was on hand to congratulate the lucky winner on air. “I must commend Digicel for all that they are doing. With Digicel you expect more and you really do get more,” stated Lady Passion KOOL FM.

Heart Beat Radio is back on the air following an injunction granted to the applicants and claimants Whaldama Brooks (Ras B) and Howard Gumbs (Iwandai-I) by the High Court.

Director of Financial Services in Anguilla, John Lawrence, was given the rare opportunity on Tuesday, October 10, to sit in the House of Assembly and participate in the proceedings like any member except that he had no voting rights.

The shouts of “Praise the Lord, Glory to God” by Clive Smith, a well-known religious personality, captured the mood of many on Monday this week, October 9, when Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, 66, stepped off the aircraft at Wallblake Airport with a new lease on life, having had a successful kidney transplant.

The Anguilla House of Assembly departed from its usual reading and prayer by the Chaplain Reverend Joseph Lloyd on Tuesday, October 10, and allowed him to conduct what amounted to be a Thanksgiving Service instead with all the members participating.

A new company has been created in Anguilla to enable the people of the island to own, develop and operate leading hotels and other tourism facilities. The company, Anguilla National Tourism Investment Limited (ANTIL), was launched at a press conference held in the Board Room of the National Bank of Anguilla on Wednesday this week, October 4.

The Government of Anguilla wishes to inform all Anguillians and interested persons that the Honourable Chief Minister, Osbourne B. Fleming and his donor are scheduled to arrive at the Wallblake Airport in Anguilla on Monday, October 9th, at 12:15 p.m. An official welcome has been planned for him.

Mrs. Watanalak George, wife of His Excellency The Governor, Andrew George, is settling down at Government House, their official residence at Old Ta, having arrived in Anguilla in the middle of last month to join her husband who came early in July.

The inmates of the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens Home in Anguilla and many other elderly folk from throughout the island have enjoyed a visit to St. Maarten.

Mr. Ronald Scipio has taken his seat at the Inner Bar of the Supreme Court in Anguilla where he will now be wearing the specially-designed silk gown. He has been accorded the honour and privilege after serving in Anguilla for nine years, first as Principal Crown Counsel and later as Attorney General. His installation took place at a ceremonial sitting of the High Court on Friday, September 29, presided over by Justice Janice George-Creque. The occasion followed his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in March this year which was announced by former Governor Alan Huckle.

The Anguilla Government has shown its gratitude for the work of outgoing Attorney General, Ronald Scipio, by funding an appreciation dinner for him at Altamer Resort Restaurant on Saturday, September 30.

The Anguilla Social Security Board (ASSB) this week presented its 2007-2011 Business Plan to the Honourable Victor Banks, Minister for Social Security at the Board’s conference room. Mr. Banks was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Economic Development Dr. Aidan Harrigan, who is also Chairman of the Social Security Board, Mr. Carl Harrigan, Permanent Secretary Finance, and Mr. Fabian Fahie, Advisor to the Minister of Finance. The presentation was made by Director of Social Security Mr. Timothy Hodge. Mr. Robert Wynter, principal of Growth Facilitators, the consulting firm from Jamaica engaged by the Board to facilitate the business plan development process, was also in attendance.

Anguillian psychologist Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks is to be the recipient of a Pinnacle Award from the National Coalition on Caribbean Affairs which comprises organisations and individuals extending from Massachusetts to Florida, New York to California and Michigan to Mississippi.

On 30 September, Mr Ronald Scipio QC will come to the end of 9 years distinguished service as Attorney General of Anguilla. Mr Scipio plans to continue living in Anguilla, and to return to private legal practice.

Sixteen of Anguilla’s Prison Officers are currently attending a two-week basic and refresher course at the Soroptimist Hall. The facilitator is Ruel Hixon, retired Deputy Superintendent of the Montserrat Prison. The training started on Monday September 25 with an opening ceremony chaired by Acting Assistant Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison, Hugh Providence.