The main and most memorable activity in Anguilla this week was the Third Biennial National Development Conference hosted by Social Security, from Monday to Wednesday, November 12-14, at the Teachers’ Resource Centre. The overall theme of the conference was Anguilla at 40, A Self-Evaluation: Conversations on a Blueprint for Tomorrow.

L-R: Pastor Harrigan, Hon. Victor Banks, Aidan Harrigan, Timothy Hodge and Curtis Richardson

In delivering the welcome, Director of Social Security, Timothy Hodge, made the point that it was not just “Anguilla at 40 (a reference to the 40th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution) but also Social Security at 25 ( referring to the 25th Anniversary of Social Security – a system aimed at improving the quality of life for all).

The opening ceremony, chaired by Curtis Richardson, one of the Directors of Social Security, and Public Relations Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office, was attended by many persons representing the public and private sectors. Among them was Governor Andrew George and, of special note, students in the upper forms at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School part of the target group to which the results-oriented conference was aimed.

Sixth Form students singing National Anthem and Governor George

Chairman of the Social Security Board, Dr. Aidan Harrigan, stated that the conference was intended to look at ways in which Anguilla could go forward. “We can’t change the past but certainly the future,” he noted. Harrigan whose substantive post is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Development is also Acting Deputy Governor. He observed that the challenge of the conference was to help mobilise the people of Anguilla into action and to look beyond the negatives to the various success stories of the island, some of which he outlined.

The feature address was delivered by Minister of Social Security, Victor Banks, who also has responsibility for Finance, Economic Development, Tourism and Commerce and Industry.

The Minister who set the tone for the conference, noted that he was grateful for the occasion to be part of the process to “reflect critically on every aspect of our national development” and to take time out “for some serious contemplation.”

Adults and conference personnel

As he prepared to make passing comments on the major topics for the conference, Banks said: “I feel privileged to be among such an august group of presenters: our venerable Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC renowned throughout the region and beyond for her commanding intellect, vision and untiring pursuit in the cause of human justice; Dr. Vanus James, a Caribbean intellectual who is a keen observer of the Anguillian experience and who has spoken eloquently in previous presentations that my Permanent Secretary, Dr. Harrigan, has dubbed him the ‘lyrical economist’; Pastor Elliott J. Harrigan who, in his usual hard-hitting style, will bring is perspective on challenges facing our youth… and our young Tara Carter with her vigour and youthful optimism aligned with that compelling logic which won her many a debating title as a student at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.”

Mr. Banks spoke at length in connection with the various topics of the conference and hoped that in his general comments he had highlighted some of the issues and ideas for further evaluation. [I hope that] “Out of this process the presenters may assist us in providing the first draft of a blueprint for the future…so let the conversations begin,” he added.

As mentioned elsewhere in The Anguillian, the main presenters and the topics on which they spoke were the first speaker, Dame Dr. Bernice Lake QC whose topic was: History, Culture and Development “What makes Us Anguillian”. The Moderator was Timothy Hodge, Director of Social Security.

The second presenter was Pastor Ellott J. Harrigan who spoke on Youth Development “Perspectives on the Anguillian Youth: Past,Present & Future.” The Moderator was Rosanna Browne and the commentators were students Tirichmir Gumbs and Quincy Gumbs Jr.

Pastor Harrigan was followed by Dr. Vanus James, whose address covered Governance & Development “Governance & Socio-Economic Development’. The Moderator was Dr. Aidan Harrigan and the commentator was Fabian Fahie.

Sixth Form students

The fourth presenter was Attorney Tara Carter. Her topic was on Human Development “Education, Equity, Empowerment and Excellence.” The Moderator was Pauleta Bryson and the commentator was Charmaine Rogers.

The presentations were also followed by open discussions.
The concluding conference activity was a panel discussion on: A Blueprint for the Future Self-Determination, Social Transformation and Economic Empowerment” of Anguilla. The panellists were House of Assembly Speaker, David Carty, Fabian Fahie, Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC, Dr. Vanus James and Pastor Elliott Harrigan. The Moderator was Timothy Hodge.

The panel discussion was followed by open discussions, a summary of the Conference by Jason Allen and an outline of the next steps to be taken as a follow-up by Timothy Hodge.

The main sponsor of the Conference as stated already was The Anguilla Social Security Board. The supporting sponsors were the National Bank of Anguilla, Malliouhana-Anico Insurance Company, Anguilla Development Board, Anguilla Electricity Company, British American Insurance Company, CuinsinArt Resort & Spa and the Government of Anguilla.

The object of the Annual National Development Conference is to stimulate national debate and decision-making; and to engage Anguillians and policy-makers in strategic planning for the island’s future development.

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