The Anguilla Social Security Board is to be complimented for hosting yet another National Development Conference. It is the third so far and has had as its theme: “Anguilla at 40, A Self-Evaluation: Conversations on a Blueprint for Tomorrow.” The theme has basically been hinged on the 40th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution and while it presented opportunities for an analysis of what has been achieved, it held out some very useful suggestions of what should be the island’s achievable goals in the future, leading to the further empowerment of the Anguillian people.

The three-day teach-ins, as one may call the conference sessions, have had the effect of helping to steer Anguilla in a right direction in which it can continue to nurture and explore its niche in world society. Foolish is that nation which does not take stock of itself and seek to navigate a course which would land its people on a shore of social and economic success and the ultimate development of the human capital.

It is noteworthy that students in the higher forms of the Comprehensive School were involved in the conference – however limited due to the demands of classroom time. Such a conference and the end result must of necessity include our young people because it is on them rests the burden and the glory to build the future of Anguilla for themselves and generations yet unborn. Small wonder, then, that one of the conference sessions focussed on Youth and Development.
Anguilla is lucky to have such an excellent vehicle like Social Security to help steer the course of Anguilla. It is quite different from similar social system and bodies elsewhere because not only does it seek to serve as a pension or benefit organisation, but an enabling multi-faceted and well-rounded development agency in the community.
The main four topics covered by the conference were of overwhelming importance and interest and the presenters who did a most admirable job deserve much commendation. They were Dame Dr. Bernice Lake QC, who spoke on “History, Culture and Development: “What makes Us Anguillian”; Dr. Vanus James, whose topic was Governance and Development: “Governance and Socio-Economic Development”; Pastor Elliott J. Harrigan, whose address was on Youth Development: “Perspectives on the Anguillian youth – Past, Present and Future”; and Attorney Tara Carter, who spoke on Human Development: “Education, Equity, Empowerment and Excellence.”
Not everything spoken at the National Development Conference will find root in the heart and mind of the populace, but whatever sticks Anguilla will be the richer and better rewarded because of Social Security and “Anguilla at 40, A Self-Evaluation: Conversations on a Blueprint for Tomorrow.”

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