It is Brooks & Sons Building Complex which was officially opened on December 1 with a service of dedication and which provides well-needed commercial space for businesses and offices.

“It has always been my dream to have a business place of my own,” said the owner, Evan Brooks. “I always was renting and I really wanted to be able to build a facility where I can house my business, and also to accommodate other businesses, and I am happy that I was able to accomplish it.”

A section of the invited guests at the Opening Ceremony

Bishop Evan Brooks, as he is popularly known by, was speaking to The Anguillian following the dedication service and an address by himself in which he expressed gratitude to various persons who were involved in the construction of the building and others who supported him. He was particularly grateful to the Caribbean Commercial Bank which provided the funding.

For many years Mr. Brooks ran his painting service in rented accommodation at the old Factory premises at Wallblake and at South Hill. The new Building Complex now houses his Island Paintings business as well as his second business “Mr Low Price” which is a beverage and water enterprise with imports from Trinidad, St. Kitts and Canada.

Apart from his two enterprises, Brooks said that so far space had been allocated to three offices and nine stores. The second floor provides for thirteen guesthouse rooms which will hopefully be completed by the summer of 2008. The building is 170 feet long by 44 feet wide.

Mr. Evan Brooks

Asked about his confidence in Anguilla’s growing economy, Brooks replied: “I believe that the climate is ripe and that is one of the reasons I thought it was the best time to make the move. I think it is a well calculated risk and I am confident that everything will work out.”

Dr. Aidan Harrigan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Commerce and Tourism, congratulated Mr. Brooks on his new venture. He noted that many family-owned businesses were springing up on the island and he saw this as an indication of the strength of the economy and the desire of the indigenous people to take advantage of the various investment opportunities.

Dr. Harrigan pointed to the need to put into effect a development plan for The Valley in which businesses can thrive and the environment enhanced and protected.

Other persons who participated in the order of service were Pastor Philip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness), who spoke in appreciation of Brooks’ business and religious pursuits;District Overseer with the Church of God of Prophecy, Dr. Samuel Daniel, who chaired the proceedings; the Reverend Dr. Ambrose Richardson, of the Christian Fellowship Church, who gave the Invocation; Reverend Cecil Weekes who read the Declaration of the purpose of the building; the Regional Overseer with the Church of God of Prophecy, Bishop Ewing Dorset and Bishop Glenville Ferris (both of Antigua) and Pastor Marlene Lewis who gave the Benediction.

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