May 29th, 2014- The Valley Anguilla: Christine Hodge, who resides in North Valley Anguilla, one of Digicel ’s Extraordinary customers was provided with an unsuspected well deserving Kitchen makeover!

Some of the Digicel team immediately started working on areas where they thought could use some improvement. Ms. Hodge was extremely excited as she did not expect to have any changes done to her home so soon and especially by the courtesy of Digicel. She was thrilled to see the Digicel team work hard and diligently towards making her Anguilla Day an Extraordinary and memorable one.
Christine is a mother of Seven Children, three Girls and four Boys, Six of her children are alive whilst her eldest son died as a result of gun violence two years ago at the age of twenty-five. She resides at her mother’s home with her brother who has lost one of his legs to the distress of diabetes.

“Its very pleasing and I appreciate what Digicel has done for me” Ms Hodge stated, she also gave the Digicel team who took care of her kitchen project much praise and continuous Thank you’s as they worked. This Anguilla Day Project entailed a kitchen makeover, paint job in the kitchen room, installation of cabinets on the wall and also a sink. The project started on 29th May 2014 and was completed by 30th of May 2014 (Anguilla Day).
When we remember that no single act of kindness, no matter how small is never wasted, and likewise that thousands of candles can be light from one candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Digicel’s Head of Commercial, Kerchelle Jn Charles thanked the Digicel team who took part in repairs and refurbishment for Ms. Hodge and was thrilled to see that Digicel made someone’s Anguilla Day Extraordinary!
If ever then, there was a time to be inspired and capture the very essence of what it is to be Anguillian it is now. In tough economic times, as we reflect and celebrate 47 years of the Anguillian Revolution, Digicel did the ultimate act of kindness in lending a helping hand to this customer.
Rhon Rogers who headed the Digicel makeover team stated that it was very pleasing to have spent Anguilla Day giving back to an Anguilla resident, as Christine’s story is our story…… because she is Anguillian!

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

“Lion” marketing his new creation

It was recently reported in The Anguillian that two replicas of the traditional rock oven were built for use at social events in the South Hill and Welches communities. The conspicuous ovens were constructed by Mr Linford Richardson of South Hill.

Now, Mr Steven Connor, alias “Lion”, another resident of South Hill, has come up with a mobile oven – uniquely made from sheets of metal – which he has already introduced to a number of persons involved in baking activities.

Like the rock oven, the metal oven is heated by firewood. The proud inventor showed off his creative work on the grounds of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on Thursday, May 29, during Heritage Day.

“This oven came from an idea I had,” he told The Anguillian. “I was building a barbecue grill at first where the top section would just keep the baked chicken warm. But as I kept building it, and using my ideas, I told myself I am going to use it as an oven. I am now using it to bake johnny cakes, bread, pudding etc. It is mobile – carried to a destination by a vehicle; you load it with wood and light it up. There is no gas, no coals. It doesn’t cost anything to operate after you pay the building cost.”

Asked about his plans to build a number of other ovens for sale, “Lion” replied: “I have a few people who are interested in having one of them, and I want other persons to know about the oven. That is why I came, here, today to get it advertised.”

As “Lion” spoke, he placed a tray of johnny cakes into a section of the oven, across from another compartment where the flaming wood provided considerable heatthroughout the device. In quick time the baked products were available to bystanders at “Lion’s” invented metal oven.

For the third consecutive year, the students and teachers of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School have been the proud presenters of what they coined as Heritage Fest.

The event, on Thursday, May 29, the day before the official Anguilla Day celebration, could not have come at a more opportune time. It was a riot of national colours throughout the campus grounds; an abundance of food stalls, many featuring the island’s traditional dishes; delicacies and drinks; and inside some of the classrooms were a variety of exhibits. The displays included some of Anguilla’s best known household heritage artifacts and replicas featuring the life, culture and customs of the island’s early inhabitants; as well as modern-day exhibits of arts and crafts.

The section of the exhibition about the early inhabitants focused largely on models of the Amerindian villages and examples of what the sugar plantations looked like. According to the history teacher, Ms Velda Blackett, the students were very enthusiastic about the exhibits which reflected the daily lives of the island’s early indigenous people.
Mrs Rita Celestine Carty, Head of the school’s English Department, described the entire exhibition scenes for The Anguillian. “It is the third time that our school is putting on an event called Heritage Fest,” she stated. “Usually, the day before Anguilla Day, is not a usual day in school. We are accustomed to having an assembly and inviting somebody to speak to the children; and long ago they used to get a treat, but about three years ago we decided that we want them to experience Anguilla’s culture more fully. Accordingly, we started to have different activities which would help them not only to express their national pride, but also to experience different aspects of Anguillian history and heritage.

“Today we decided to have displays as well as activities and an assembly. This time, at the assembly, we had young speakers like Shellya Rogers, Programme Officer at the Department of Youth and Culture, who addressed them; and Tahirah Banks who sang for the students and gave them an exhortation. In seven classrooms we have displays. In room one, we have an Amerindian village where the model houses were made by history students. In room two, we had a workshop by members of the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre Company who engaged our children in teaching them dances. It was a very interactive session. In room three we have the Campus B Physical Education students of forms one and two displaying their handiwork over the years. In room four we have the Visual Arts Department as well as W.I.S.E. and the PRU classes displaying their work. Room five has become known as the Heritage Room in which we showcase artifacts from long ago. There we have various items that are manipulative – items that the children can actually see, touch and interact with. The items include a corn mill and some actual corn which they can grind. There is a sewing machine; an old goose, old radios, an old telephone where you have to spin the numbers around; a typewriter and various utensils. The daily life in Anguilla long ago was very different than what it is now so these artifacts will help the students to appreciate that.

“We also have a reflection corner. We made a little booklet entitled ‘This Land Is My Land: I’m Its Future’, and we want the students to react to that and record their reactions. We have a thought-provoking population and we need citizens of sound character who reflect on things, and who are critical and evaluative thinkers … There are also different food stalls, local drinks, a hat competition featuring the work of students at Campus B under the direction of Teacher Sherise Gumbs; displays by the Business Department, the Science Department and the Environmental Club; and we also have an iconic rock wall and turtle dove cake. Our first cake was in the shape of Anguilla, and last year’s cake was in the shape of an Anguillian flag.”

Mrs Carty added: “Our theme for day is ‘celebrating our past and looking forward to our future.’ We wanted our children to really feel a part of that. So that was what Heritage Fest 2014 was all about. We put a lot in it and we see it as an investment in Anguilla.”

Death Announcement: 
Hubert Wilson Niles

The death has been announced of My Hubert Wilson Niles of South Hill. He was born on April 29, 1938 and died on May 18, 2014. He leaves to mourn Roceta Niles, his wife, and nine (9) children: 3 girls and 6 boys. The funeral service will be held on Saturday June 7 at the Bethel Methodist Church at 3:00pm.

Viewing will be at Mercedes Chapel, Rey’s Funeral Home, on Friday June 6 from 6:45 to 8:45pm; and on Saturday June 7, viewing and tributes will be from 2:00pm to 2:55pm at Bethel Methodist Church.

Reys Funeral Home

We here at Maico Headquarters saw the need and importance of Safety procedures here at the Headquarters Building. A three level building with about 50 occupants, it was important that we prepare ourselves for any emergency.
As such we contacted the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service to conduct this workshop. The presenters were Carlisle Lake and Omari Bourne.

The group was divided in two and the sessions were held on Monday May 26 and Thursday May 29, 2014. Each group was exposed to theory on work day safety and a practical which included using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.
As part of our preparedness exercise, we will be having evacuation drills in the near future.

The sessions were hosted by (Maico) Malliouhana-Anico Insurance Company Limited. Also in attendance were Anguilla Financial Services Commission, BDO International, Lutea, Libran Chambers and Hudson & Partners Inc.
- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The 2014 Anguilla Day round-the-island boat race was a triumph for the A-class boat, Sonic, steered by Captain Eddy. The fast-sailing vessel led the race from start to finish. It covered the distance in five and a half hours – snatching first place well ahead of its competitors.

In second place was Real Deal, followed in third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions by Viking, NWO, Light & Peace and De Tree respectively.

The other participating boats were Superstar, Wizard, Eagle, Miss Anguilla, Satellite, Stinger and De Chan.

Early during the race, there were periods of squally weather which resulted in some disappointment. Miss Anguilla sank and Satellite lost its mast. In another incident, a crew member of Stinger had to be given medical assistance.

As customary, two barges, one bearing the banner of LIME and the other, bearing the banner of DIGICEL, followed the boat race loaded with large numbers of boat-racing fans and other persons enjoying the Anguilla Day holiday.

The Anguilla Government has accorded a National Funeral to Mr Claudius Lake in recognition of his invaluable contribution to Anguilla during the 1967 Revolution.

Mr Lake, who died on Sunday, May 25, was one of two persons wounded during the Statehood Queen Show, at The Valley Secondary School, one of the St Kitts-organised activities. That event, on February 4, 1967, was part of the official arrangements in the run-up to Statehood Day on February 27, against which the people of Anguilla protested. Mr Lake was shot in the ankle. In 1992 he was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for his critical role in the Revolution.
A statement, signed by the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon Jerome Roberts, said the Executive Council had “given its approval for the holding of a National Funeral for this fallen hero.”

The statement announced that, as a mark of respect, arrangements had been made for flags to be flown at half-mast on Wednesday, this week, the day preceding the funeral, until immediately after the funeral on Thursday afternoon. The arrangements also included a Police Guard of Honour drawn up at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church, and at the graveside at the Sandy Hill Cemetery; and the draping of the casket with the National Flag.
In expressing sympathy to his family, the Ministry of Home Affairs described Mr Lake as “a proud freedom fighter” and prayed for “God’s guidance for them during these very difficult moments.”

Mr Lake was a quiet, humble and unassuming gentleman who loved and cherished his island home. For a number of years he served as an Elder at the Mount Fortune SDA Church and a Leader of its Prison Ministry. He was also a diligent community worker, transporting elderly folk from their homes or institutions for medical care, on behalf of the Anguilla Red Cross.

The Ministry’s statement, referred to above, took the opportunity to point out that the Executive Council was cognisant that there had been a number of freedom fighters and foot soldiers who had passed on. “They were once in the forefront of the Revolution and, together with the leaders, can take much credit for the freedom and status Anguillians enjoy today.”

Principal Mrs Ingrid Lake addressing parents and teachers

Parents and teachers

Parents and teachers

The Principal and Staff of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School called an urgent meeting of parents on Tuesday, June 3, to alert them about their concerns regarding a number of students who became strangely sick after allegedly “puffing some kind of product”.

The Principal, Mrs Ingrid Lake, told the parents at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium that about three weeks ago six students at Campus B became violently ill and unable to breathe properly. As a result they had to be rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.
“I can’t tell you the symptoms, but they have been using some kind of product – it is a new product on the [local] market – e-cigarette, I think it is called,” Mrs Lake said. “They (the children) have been puffing and, as a result of the puffing, it has been affecting them. We don’t know if they all puff at school or are puffing at home, but all we know is that we have had to be calling the ambulance every minute to get children to the hospital because of the breathing issues that they were encountering. We deemed it necessary to call you to this meeting to share information with you, and put you on your Ps and Qs so that you can also question your children and monitor what they are doing at home.”

Mrs Lake said the school was facing a number of difficulties regarding the matter. One was that a lot of the affected children were girls; secondly, they were not telling the truth; and, thirdly, it was not known from where they were getting the product which reportedly costs US$15 – and from where they were getting the money. She was disappointed that children were using the product although they were warned about it by teachers. She guessed that some of the children might have become addicted to the product if they had been using it for some time.

Teacher Sarah Francis, Head of Year One at Campus B, explained that among the symptoms the children were experiencing were: fainting, severe headaches, kicking, screaming and flopping of hands, chest pains, gasping for air, sweating and feelings to vomit.

E-Cigarette

Mr Iain Bibby, a Drug Counsellor, who was able to secure one of the “electric cigarettes,” said that the product was around for some ten years, was available in different brands and was being particularly marketed to young people. He said that doctors would not recommend it as a smoking sensation device and that it was not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. After further comments, he concluded: “It is pretty worrying, to say the least.”

During his delivery, Mr Bibby read an extract from a document from Link for Parents –www.kidshealth.org. The printed page showed what e-cigarettes or E-Hookah’s look like. In part, the document described the product as follows:

“It is a battery-powered device that uses liquids to simulate smoking by producing various flavoured vapours that are inhaled. The liquids often contain nicotine but not always. They are tobacco free. One e-cigarette containing nicotine would be approximately the equivalent of six tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes have been around for about ten years. The product is marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes, even as a medicine without the proper research and thorough testing that all new medicines are subject to.”

The meeting, called by the teachers, is thought to have been an eye-opener for parents to monitor their children – what they are engaged in. This parental action and responsibility by them may help not only to prevent a repeat of the situation, which occurred at Campus B, but other incidents affecting the health and wellbeing of their children at home or at school.

The Anguilla United Front, which is to contest next year’s general election for the leadership of the island, held a press conference on Tuesday, June 3. It was to “put the record straight” as it relates to events leading up to, and after, the resignation of Mr Delsic Rey, who was the party’s candidate for Road North (District 5), and statements he made in an interview on Radio Anguilla on Wednesday, May 28.
Those who spoke at the press conference were Mr Evans McNiel Rogers, the Elected Representative for Valley North and Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, who delivered a prepared statement, and Mr Victor Banks, Leader of the AUF, who made general comments on a number of related matters.

As Leader of the Party, Mr Banks, replying to questions, said efforts were being made to look into the possibility of finding a replacement for Mr Rey. “The cell group is now working on that process,” he explained. “They have to determine whether or not they are going to be able to select a credible candidate for the next election; whether they have enough time to do it; or whether or not we are going to hold out on this one.

“The truth is that members of the constituency cell group, who support the Anguilla United Front, want to have a candidate. They want to have somebody to support. They are not inclined to support either Mr Baird or Mr Hanley, the candidates who are running in that area. They would like to have their own candidate. Whether or not they can achieve that, is another matter. They will [have to] come to us with a candidate and the party will either approve, or suggest, after doing a research, whether or not…this is the appropriate candidate, so we will have to go through that process again.”

Mr Banks said it was unfortunate that Mr Rey, the former Road North candidate, had fallen into misfortune and has had to resign. He stressed that in no way he had forced him into such a decision as was alleged. “We felt we were doing very well in this district and the supporters of the AUF were consolidating behind him,” Banks stated. He added that Rey was having so much support that he appeared to have been emerging as the leading candidate in the district.

Mr Rey’s resignation was in connection with certain legal issues which he had some seven years ago, while in the United States, and which he contends he had put behind him in his quest to seek political office. It is with respect to this, and other related issues, that Mr Rogers delivered the statement at the press conference referred to earlier. Mr Roger’s statement, which has not been edited by The Anguillian, is as follows:

“My colleagues have asked me to make a few short comments on behalf of the Anguilla United Front about statements made by our former colleague Delsic Rey on an interview with Keithstone Greaves last Wednesday. I was selected because I was one of the original persons to whom the fraudulent email (dated May 16th 2014) to which he made considerable reference was allegedly sent.

We do not feel it necessary to comment on the entire interview and end up in a protracted “back and forth” with Mr. Rey but we do feel it is our duty to condemn the criminal behavior of our opponents who continue to distort public opinion by the use of fictitious documents and lies in the social media.

Let me say at the outset that I am amazed that my former colleague could simply accept this document as genuine without having asked his colleagues with whom he has worked for over five years and who have supported him wholeheartedly, whether or not they actually received such a document. It is for that reason we feel that our former colleague is either very naive or extremely dishonest. I can emphatically affirm that none of my colleagues have ever seen or received that bogus email. (dated May 16th 2014)

I am grateful however, that in the earlier part of the interview with Mr. Greaves, Mr. Rey made at least three important points: 1) He said that the Party did not know anything about the matter related to his alleged conviction for insurance fraud in the United States in 2008. 2) He said that his decision to resign was his own and was not influenced by anyone in the Party. 3) He apologized for not informing his colleagues about the existence of this matter before his approval as a candidate for the Anguilla United Front in 2009.

However, I am extremely disappointed that even after having a captive audience on the radio; Mr. Rey did not use that excellent opportunity to explain what actually happened in 2008. On the contrary, he sought to portray himself as a victim of a conspiracy within the AUF. Our party gave Mr. Rey every opportunity to explain the matter which he purports is a case of stolen identity and the result of a Nigerian scam.

Most of us desperately want to believe Mr. Rey but we find too many discrepancies in his presentation. All listeners to the interview may have noticed that Mr. Rey did not resolve any of the issues relating to the main issue of his alleged conviction for insurance fraud and that was the basis of the matter in the first place. It was truly amazing how he was able to avoid answering that question and move on to talk about an email that he should have known was completely fraudulent.
Our party leader Mr. Banks acted in a fair and decisive manner as soon as this matter was brought to his attention. He invited only the candidates of the party — no other members of the Executive or Standing Committees were invited or admitted to the meeting. It was an open and frank discussion with his peers where Mr. Rey was asked to explain the situation. It was not an attempt to jump to any conclusions without giving him the benefit of presenting his side of the story. But to my mind he has not done so successfully even as we speak.

But as I said earlier I am not here to bring out inside party discussions but merely to set the record straight on the appropriate manner in which we dealt with our colleague. First of all despite the differences of opinion that every member of the AUF is entitled to, Mr. Rey went through the proper process based on our Party Constitution and was therefore selected and approved as the candidate for District 5, Road North. I recall that on that occasion there was tremendous applause for his selection. So any past differences that Mr. Rey may have been confronted with from party members are now totally irrelevant — his candidacy prevailed.

There is no denying that there were strategic concerns about Mr. Rey’s candidacy. But after our convention these were all put to rest. And in fact support for him within the AUF was consolidated. If Mr. Rey had dealt with this matter in a forthright manner within the party he would have had considerable sympathy and support even if he was eventually rejected as a candidate.

The process for selection as a candidate for election is governed by Section 6 a(ii) of the Anguilla United Front Party Constitution. That section clearly states that Constituency Representatives “Shall be determined by the Constituency Group and sent to the Convention for confirmation by the party. The selection by the constituency group shall be by a process to be determined by the Party Executive. The Convention shall have the right not to confirm a candidate, in which case the Constituency Group must select an alternative candidate for approval by a Special Convention”.

All the candidates for the AUF slate for the 2015 election were chosen in keeping with our constitution and following the prescribed procedures.

On January 19, 2014, the party held Day 1 of its Special Convention. At this convention all 7 districts presented their chosen candidates for the 2015 election. At that convention, a strategic Committee comprising representatives from each district was set up to determine whether the AUF should contest all seven seats in the next election. On February 12th 2014, the Strategic Committee met with the Executive of the AUF at the Soroptimist’s Conference Center to present the findings and recommendations for their review. The Executive accepted all the recommendations of the Strategic Committee. One key recommendation was that the AUF should contest all seven seats and that the candidates presented by the Constituency groups (Cells) on January19, 2014 should be forwarded to the Convention for confirmation.

The Special Convention was reconvened on February 16th 2014. At that convention the seven named candidates were confirmed. The candidates presented and confirmed by the Convention were Cora Richardson Hodge, District 2, Victor F. Banks District 4, Delsic Rey District 5, Curtis Richardson District 6 and Cardigan Connor District 7. The Honourale Othlyn Vanterpool, District 1, and Honourable Evans Mcniel Rogers, District 3 who were automatic choices based on our incumbency , thus completed the slate of AUF Candidates for the 2015.
It is therefore patently unfair for anyone to suggest that any single individual could determine whether or not Delsic Rey would be the Candidate for District 5. That matter was settled three months ago to a tremendous round of applause. Furthermore on the launch of our campaign on April 26th, 2014, Mr. Rey was presented along with the other candidates. It is therefore even more puzzling why Mr. Rey should be rehashing settled issues apparently as a means of diverting attention away from matters that we are all seeking to have resolved or explained to our satisfaction — and ultimately to the satisfaction of the wider Anguillian community.

We sincerely hope that Mr. Rey will prevent the need to pursue this matter any further and be assured that this statement is for the sole purpose of putting the record straight. The Anguilla United Front reserves the right to take appropriate action in preserving our image as a party of integrity and truth.”

Governor Scott and Chief Minister Hughes during Royal Salute

Anguilla celebrated the 47th Anniversary of its 1967 Revolution on Friday, May 30, with an impressive official Parade and Award Ceremony; a sumptuous luncheon for senior citizens, many of whom had borne the brunt of a battle for survival in the difficult times preceding the Revolution; and a round-the-island boat race followed by hundreds of fans and fun-loving young people.

The parade of uniformed bodies included contingents from the Royal Anguilla Police Force; Her Majesty’s Prison; the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service; the Scouts, Cub Scouts, Guides and Brownies; Pathfinders and, for the first time, Security Officers representing JTR Security Company; and some one hundred and fifty schoolchildren. The overall Parade Commander was Police Inspector, Marva Brooks. The parade was inspected by Chief Minister, the Hon Hubert Hughes, who, along with Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Christina Scott, took the Royal Salute on the dais.

It was a well-attended event with many persons attired in the national colours of Anguilla. Among the Anguillian Government officials, and invited guests from the public and private sectors, was an official delegation from St Martin/St Maarten led by Prime Minister Mrs Sarah Wescott-Williams.

The three official speakers, in order of their addresses, were Governor Scott; Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Evans McNiel Rogers; and Chief Minister the Hon Hubert Hughes. The theme of their addresses was mainly about the need for a spirit of unity which was an important feature in the success of the 1967 Revolution; and a call for all persons to continue their long-committed vow to work towards a better Anguilla.

“It is abundantly clear to me, even though I have only been here a year, that the spirit of unity which was so crucial 47 years ago continues to pulse in Anguilla,” Governor Scott said. “I have seen it in the way communities have come together to build sports facilities, or businesses join to provide job opportunities for young people. It is at present in the healthy competitive spirit evidenced in majestic boat races, as in the outpouring of grief across the island when someone is the victim of mindless violence. And it is there in the sharing of the history, traditions and stories of a proud nation.”

The Governor stressed, however, that there was “more to be done to ensure that all in society have equal opportunity and a fair share in the economy.”

She continued: “Let us therefore build on strong foundations, drawing inspiration from those forefathers who stood up for their beliefs and a better Anguilla, as we face the challenges facing Anguilla today. Let us rededicate ourselves to working together for the improvement of all in society, recognising that it is more important to join across divides, organisational boundaries and party politics, putting self-interest aside to give oxygen to the spirit of unity, demonstrating in our language, our behaviours and our actions the core values of fairness, integrity and honesty in all we do, and challenging – both courteously and assertively – where we see these values fall short. Only in this way will we build a safe, secure, and economically resilient Anguilla which protects its environment and the freedoms of its people, and builds on our shared values.”
The Governor went on: “I believe we will have failed if in a year’s time we cannot say that we have come closer to our shared goal. We owe this to those who forged this path 47 years ago. But, more than anything, we owe it to the young people here today, and across Anguilla where inheritance is in our hands.”
She was proud that the Anguillian flag was flying over the Foreign and Commonwealth office on Anguilla Day.

Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Evans McNiel Rogers, paid tribute to Revolutionary Leader and “Father of the Nation”, James Ronald Webster, and all the heroes and heroines who worked “to build a nation proud, strong and free”.

He praised Mr Webster for ensuring, even throughout the Revolution, that “the principles of civility and proper decorum were maintained at the highest levels of leadership and authority”. He stressed that although he was the most powerful man in Anguilla then, Mr Webster conducted himself with humility and grace. “His deliberations were always in an atmosphere of mutual respect,” Mr Rogers stated. “He never engaged in personal attacks against his adversaries on matters irrelevant to the business at hand. It was always the nobler cause that drove him – not the petty skirmishes along the way.” He made the point that other leaders, who worked with Mr Webster, had likewise displayed well-mannered behavioural patterns while remaining firm in their convictions.

The Opposition Leader’s statements were made against the background that “a new rudeness and incivility are steadily creeping into our social and political culture”. He regretted that this appeared to be relished and admired by too many Anguillians.

In underlining the importance of unity, the need to work towards a better Anguilla, and civility in governance, Mr Rogers added: “I am here with a simple message, from the early days of our struggle, which I am sure our forebears would be proud to know that I am passing on: “Good manners and respect for others will take us far even as we struggle with the challenges of our island home.’”

Chief Minister Hughes also made a call for unity and the need for a better Anguilla: “We need to work together to revive that spirit of unity,” he stated. “I call on all of us to cease to operate as individual entities; to stand unified as our forebears did. Let us bring back the real spirit of Anguilla. Let us not be prisoners in our own country. Let us remove the fear, the hurt and greed that threaten to control this land.

“We must now make a commitment to Anguilla. We must all make a new vow that we will all work to build a better Anguilla – an Anguilla that reflects the spirit and the unity of 1967. We must learn from the past as it will offer guidance to the future.”

Mr Hughes lamented that somewhere along its way forward, Anguilla lost its courage, unity and vision. “Today, 47 years after [the Revolution], we are still a colony ruled directly from England,” he observed. “All the other Overseas Territories have had a constitutional upgrade; but Anguilla, which was the most assertive about self-determination 47 years ago, is the most colonially slavish and politically backward of all of them. We are no longer resolute and certainly not united.”

The Chief Minister was however of the view that “there is hope if we come together and work as a collective we”.
Following his address, Mr Hughes, presented Anguilla Day Awards to eight persons (or their representatives) for outstanding contributions to the Revolution or to the social development of the island. He was assisted by Miss Anguilla 2013/2014 (Ms Amethyst Davis); Ms Priscilla Gumbs and Ms Gertrude Saunders.

Those honoured for the roles in the Anguilla Revolution were: Mr Edgar Harrigan (posthumously); Mr Caleix Lake (posthumously); Mr Carlos Gumbs; and Mr Homer Fitzclarence Brooks. The honorees for Social Development were: Mrs Ann Benjamina Edgecombe-Newton (posthumously); Mr John C. Connor; Mr John C Lake; and Mrs Eudora Eugenie Hughes.

The ceremony was chaired by Ms Aurjul Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Commisionor Proctor receives Trauma Packs from Governor Scott

On Friday 6 June, HM Governor Scott made a formal presentation of 150 Patrol Pocket Packs or ‘Trauma Packs’ to Police Commissioner Proctor. The packs contain specialist medical equipment to reduce immediate blood loss after injury, and will be issued to every front line officer in the Royal Anguilla Police Force after training in the use of the Trauma Packs.

Today’s presentation fulfils a regional commitment made by the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) to “enhance the safety equipment available for [police] use and safeguarding members of the community who become victims of gun violence”. The packs have been funded by the British Government, which works in partnership with the ACCP through the Foreign and Commonwealth Regional Police Advisor based in Miami.

It is estimated that two out of every three deaths from gunshot wound results from blood loss rather than organ damage. As well as the potential to save the lives of police officers who have been shot, the use of these packs may save the lives of victims of shootings or stabbings, as often police officers arrive on the scene first before paramedics.

- Press Release

Community Health and Safety Programme Manager, Mrs. Sharon Lake; accompanied by Mr. Ricky Rouphine, Branch Coordinator of the Anguilla Red Cross, visited the DOVE (Developing out Vision for Education) Centre at the Allwyn Alison Primary school on Thursday, May 29th, 2014 to make a donation of a wheel chair.
The wheel chair was donated to student, Thierryunrie Connor who is one of the Special Needs students at the centre. Thierryunrie, who is a paraplegic student, was very pleased with his new wheel chair and could be seen wheeling it around his class room.
The teachers at the DOVE centre were present when the presentation was made by the two Anguilla Red Cross Representatives.
Head Teacher, of the DOVE centre; Mrs Violet Martin and her fellow staff members- Ms. Chrishauna Hughes and Mrs. Susan Gumbs thanked Mrs. Lake and Mr. Rouphine for the donation of the wheel chair. They spoke excitedly of upcoming field trips for the students and that Thierryunrie would be able to participate in these events and of his participation in these events.
The wheelchair was given to Thierryunrie so he could take it home and the Anguilla Red Cross representatives gave the assurance to the teachers that if they needed an additional wheelchair at the DOVE centre one would be provided for use at the facility as well.
Principal of the Alwyn Alison Primary School, Mrs. Ornette Edwards-Gumbs also expressed her gratitude to the Anguilla Red Cross for the donation of the wheel chair.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Lonnie Hobson (2nd from left) with certified trained Persons

The Registry of Companies recently conducted a two – day workshop (June 5th – 6th, 2014) for a cross section of members of the local Financial Services Industry. The twenty five participants at the end of June 5th and 6th were certified in Anguilla Commercial Online Registration Network (ACORN) Business Process Training Module 1.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Aidan Harrigan, P.S. Finance, in his remarks reminded the participants that they are the ones interfacing with the clients and so in the best position to promote ACORN and Anguilla as a place of business while doing their utmost to ensure that the clients are satisfied in terms of product and service. Dr. Harrigan went on to say that, “the training is quite timely and the hard work of the registry staff should not go unrecognized and they should be commended. The Commercial Registry management team has been quite creative in trying to source funding and working with the small budget allotted to them to make these upgrades to the fifteen year old system and keeping up with the latest that technology has to offer. From the Ministry standpoint working alongside the Commercial Registry department we have been trying to see how funds can be obtained to invest in the ACORN system in other words we have been advocating with the British Government that everything cannot be just about compliance, compliance, compliance but what are we getting out of it? Anguilla has proven itself to be a “well regulated” international financial services jurisdiction, give us some assistance for example through investment in the ACORN system and other processes where we can really put Anguilla on the map”.

Mr. T. Lanston Connor, the Registrar of Commercial Activities, in his remarks shed light upon the past struggles of the Registry. He spoke of an industry meeting held by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) during which the then Governor said to all present, “ ‘I was sent here to shut Financial services down’. This I [Mr. Connor] believe because Anguilla was seen as sort of a contingent liability to the UK since it did not represent a large portion of our GDP in terms of Financial Services revenue, Anguilla could be seen as one of those jurisdictions that can do away with financial services along with other small island countries like Montserrat and Turks & Caicos islands”. However, the Registry has proven itself to be a vital component of the Financial Services industry.
The Registrar also took the time to educate the participants about some of the penalty fees associated with the Registry Acts and to extend gratitude to the sponsors for what he deemed a successful workshop. Some of the sponsors who assisted with the two day event were: the Anguilla Financial Services Association (AFSA), Webster, Mossack Fonseca & Company, DITES Management and Staff, AXSO Global Staff specifically Sharol Hinds. A special thank you is extended to Carlyle Rogers for his guidance and support of this training and to Ms. Jemmi Graneau Clerical Officer and Mishline Leader ACORN Administrative officer both staff members of the Commercial Registry for facilitating major parts of the system processes.
Mr. Darin Silvera, Managing partner of AXSO Global outlined the challenges and improvements to ACORN over the past few years. The participants were given a demonstration of ACORN Lite which is an initiative of the Registry to bring a new and updated user experience to the most heavily used transactions in ACORN. An analysis of over seventy options available on the ACORN website reveals that the top ten transactions by volume which include; annual returns, name reservations, company searches, and company incorporations, accounts for over ninety percent of the transactions executed. We are of the view that streamlining the experience for these transactions would result in a noticeably improved day-to-day interaction of Agents using ACORN.
Notable improvements in ACORN Lite include: Significantly enhanced features around bulk transactions and the ability to reliably input Chinese character company names which is of particular importance for Agents doing business in the South East Asian market.
Mr. Lonnie L. Hobson, Deputy Registrar of Commercial Activities, and the training coordinator presented on the topic “Company Success Lies in Empowering ACORN Users”. He shared with the participants the goal of most financial services firms which should be to continually enhance the working relationships that they have with their customers.” He focused primarily on the need for financial services personnel to ensure that their agents are both empowered and motivated to meet the challenges associated with the rapidly changing technological environment. In essence Mr. Hobson’s presentation encapsulated the importance of excellent customer service along with proficiency in the use of ACORN.

The ACORN Business Process training Module 1 was designed to show users ways to better understand the needs of the customer and provide solutions that are appropriate. The participants of the training learned how to process filings quicker and get approvals faster. It is hoped that now they will all be able to use this training in their day to day duties, know how to get a higher satisfaction response through cross-channel experiences of the customers. The Registry believes that the results of the training will be improved customer satisfaction, retention and recruitment.

- Contributed

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

For the past few weeks since its announcement on World Intellectual Property Day, student/members of the .ai Anguilla Incubator Inc. program at ALHCS (pictured here) as well as artists, musicians and entrepreneurs have been attending DAYMARK workshops to learn how to file their ideas, creations and “Intellectual property” (IP) on line and from their Smart Phones.

Anguilla is the only jurisdiction which provides certainty of “residence” through its unique “Certificate of Intellectual Property Residence” © ™ (CIPR) at a one-time cost of US$499. Of that cost, $99 is a registered agent fee or commission; $100 is a contribution to a “Napkin Capital” pool from which budding entrepreneurs may seek equity to develop their ideas and companies; and the remainder is processing and government filing fees. The fee may be followed by a company formation or additional consulting services, if required.

.ai Anguilla Incubator Inc.’s next phase to stimulate entrepreneurial “ai-deas” for business and technology was well portrayed during the January “Speech Challenge” by thought leaders from the school program. Before their fall return to school, the first of 50 sponsored Eyehub gateways to exploit the “Internet of Things” will be installed in Anguilla. This hub and cloud service will allow developers, locally and abroad, to experiment and build applications and initiate new businesses in partnership or collaborations which may lead to IP being properly resident in Anguilla.

As announced by www.eyehubiot.com at the House of Lords event in March, – Eyehub, Anguilla-Counts, Flexeye Technology, Daymark, FullStack and others intend to bring public and private sector innovators, universities, science and technology parks and researchers into collaborations with each other and in mentorships with the students in the ALHCS – .ai Anguilla Incubator Inc. program.

This message is an appeal to those overseas people and organizations to consider a member or a team from the ALHCS school program as part of your collaborating partnerships. For more information please contact admin@anguilla-counts.ai or call +1 (264) 497-3800

- Contributed

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Hardly had been the thoughts about the pomp and ceremony of Anguilla Day, Friday, May 30, fully absorbed in the minds of many persons on the island, than they were rekindled on Thursday, June 5. That was when revolutionary hero and devout churchman, Claudius Wendel Lake, was given a National Funeral at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He was accorded the honour by the Government in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the 1967 Anguilla Revolution when he was shot and injured in his ankle at the Statehood Queen Show. The activity was one of the events which heralded Associate Status for St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla against which Anguilla rebelled – preferring a separate constitutional relationship with Britain which it now has.

The National Funeral and Thanksgiving Service commenced and ended with contingents of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Police Community Band and Pathfinders participating in a joint procession to the church and afterwards to the Sandy Hill Cemetery.

The moving service was called to order by the Resident SDA Minister, Pastor Trent Berg. He was pleased to see the official recognition given to the late Mr Lake who was not only remembered for his sacrificial service to his country, but for his longstanding and exemplary Christian service in church and community life.

Mr Lake was praised for his contribution to the Anguilla Revolution by the Acting Chief Minister, Mr Evan Gumbs, who said he had been one of four Anguillians accorded a National Funeral – one being Mr Lake’s wife, Mrs Nardine Lake, a heroine of the Revolution. The Minister, who spoke about the official arrangements for the funeral, took the opportunity to offer condolences to family members on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla.

Phil Lake, one of the deceased’s children, who resides in the United States, eulogised his father as having been a caring and loving head of his family. He said he was a man whose upbringing, in a grossly-undeveloped Anguilla, was tough, but out of that situation he arose as an ambitious and positive individual who worked hard, provided for his family and loved his country.
Lake thanked the Anguilla Government for recognising his father’s contribution to the island, and was also appreciative of the role of the Royal Anguilla Police Force in the National Service.

Mrs Pauline Frederick, the revolutionary hero’s daughter, an Educator in St Lucia, joined her brother in paying glowing tribute to their father. “My father was my hero,” she asserted, sending much admiration among the large congregation, a sizeable portion being young people.

She gave many examples of the fatherly care, love and guidance she received from her “extraordinary father and noble gentleman” and how his keen attention and nurturing had impacted her life and decisions. “I can confidently say that my dad, who is being laid to rest today, was my hero,” she proudly reiterated. “What I saw in him inspired my choice of a husband. I wanted a husband who was spiritual, loving, considerate of others and faithful. In other words, I wanted to find a husband who was just like my dad. My hero was a role model of a loving dad and he went beyond the call of duty.”

The young mother stressed that, like her father, she would continue to be a positive role model for her children; be patient with them in their imperfections; and provide a haven of rest for them so that she, too, could impact future generations with positive values and principles.

“Here lies my hero, temporarily imprisoned in the cold hands of death, but his certain legacy of faithfulness and Christian values freely lives on,” Pauline added.
Her husband is Pastor Johnson Frederick who is serving with the SDA Mission in St Lucia. In reviewing his father-in-law’s life, he commented: “I have to conclude that he has touched my life with his life of faith and faithfulness.”

Pastor Frederick went on: “This is not a time for people to apologise for their faith. The times are critical, and if Claudius Lake were here today he would have wanted me to say don’t pity him, but rather uphold his legacy. We need to be proud of who we are. We need not only to be civic-minded, but heavenly-minded…Claudius Lake was a man fit for the times. In spite of the trials – internal and external – that tried his soul, he was unflinching in his commitment by his nature, unassuming and quiet manner, yet consistent and loud with his Christian influence. His legacy of faithfulness is what we must [relentlessly] pursue and diligently embrace.”

Earlier in the service, Mr Edmeade Smith, a leading member of the SDA Church who served in the Prison Ministry, spoke highly of the late Mr Lake’s service with him in Anguilla and elsewhere in the Caribbean. He was particularly impressed by his fellow church leader’s humility and dedication which he exhibited in the positions he held in the Prison Ministry, as an Elder, and a Deacon.

The final part of the moving National Funeral was the procession to, and interment at, the Sandy Hill Cemetery. There, as the casket was being lowered, the contingent from the Royal Anguilla Police Force fired a gun salute of three rounds. The National Flag, which draped the casket, was folded and presented to Paul Petty on behalf of his siblings – Pauline and Phil – as well as other family members.

In making the presentation, Sergeant Delvin (Ronnie) Fleming, told the grieving family member: “I present you this flag on behalf of the Leader of the Anguilla Revolution and the Government and people of Anguilla.”

Ms Jasmin Simmons

A suggestion has been made that Heritage Collection Museum at East End should be made a National Museum of Anguilla. The view was expressed by Ms Jasmin Simmons, Librarian at the National Library and Information Systems Authority in Trinidad & Tobago.

Ms Simmons, who specialises in preservation, was primarily in Anguilla to attend the UNESCO Pan-Caribbean Consultative Workshop on Memory of the World on June 5 and 6. She was also here to discuss nominations for the Regional Memory of the World Register, look at several different heritage collections, and advise on what are the best preservation methods they can use.

She was particularly struck by the scope, organisation and presentation of Heritage Collection Museum, whose Curator is historian Mr Colville Petty, OBE. “It was a wonderful place to visit,” she told The Anguillian. “I think it should be a part of every school tour in Anguilla. It is something I think the Government of Anguilla should pour real resources into and make it a national museum because there is already the basis for what you consider is the history of the island.
“Before I went to Heritage Collection Museum, I knew nothing about Anguilla and when I left, I came away knowing about the history of the island from start to the present day. I was very impressed. All the objects and information Mr Petty has speak exactly about the feel and the touch of Anguilla. Every single section was in itself explained and excellent in nature. I was particularly drawn to the household items and the examples he was able to gather from different sectors of society.
“It reminds me about how much we are alike within the Caribbean because it is the same utensils that we would use in Trinidad and Tobago. I was taken aback by the section on slavery – the shackles he was able to get and that speaks about that history. There was an emotion within me that helped me to remember our own history. It was very emotive and I think that no one can walk into that museum and come back out the same – having seen the collection.”

Ms Simmons indicated that Heritage Collection Museum was the best she had seen in the Caribbean.

HIP-HOP Superstar Rick Ross

St. Kitts and Nevis – Tuesday June 10th 2014: The Biggest Party in Sport just got Bigger! The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has today confirmed that hip-hop superstar, Rick Ross, will headline one of the biggest concerts ever seen in St. Kitts and Nevis, during CPL Finals Week.

The multi-million selling rapper will top the bill at the concert, to be held at Warner Park Football Stadium on Friday August 15th, the night before the CPL final. The Miami rapper will bring yet more international star quality to the high octane cricket tournament, which boasts some of the most exciting players on the planet, as well as Hollywood shareholders, Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler.

“Rozay” has scored five Number 1 albums in the US and collaborated with the likes of Jay Z, Kanye West and Drake, and fans will be hoping to see him perform some of his biggest hits, including The Boss, Aston Martin Music, and Nobody, from his latest album, Mastermind.

The concert will undoubtedly add spice to what already promises to be a thrilling Finals Week in St. Kitts, ensuring that the CPL lives up to its reputation as the Biggest Party in Sport. Fans will also be treated to Beefy’s Bash, an all-star charity match featuring Sir Ian Botham, Brian Lara and Piers Morgan, as well as two semi-final showdowns during the week, as well as the main event, the final of the Limacol CPL 2014, on Saturday 16th August.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Limacol CPL, said:
“The fact that CPL can attract one of the biggest names in music proves how special and unique the competition really is – there’s no other cricket tournament in the world that could have pulled this off. This is brilliant news for St. Kitts and Nevis and the entire region, and the whole CPL team is thrilled with this fantastic addition to Finals Week.”

The CPL, which thrilled sell-out crowds across the Caribbean in 2013, is once again looking to excite fans with high intensity T20 cricket in an even bigger and better tournament in 2014. The tournament will feature the biggest names in Caribbean cricket, including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, as well as global stars Kevin Pietersen, Saeed Ajmal and Corey Anderson. Grenada, known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, will serve as the opening venue to showcase the region’s most exciting domestic Twenty20 tournament.

- Press Release

Pam Webster (second from right), Festival Commitee members and students

As part of its community service involvement, Webster’s Law firm, headed by Ms Palmovan Webster, is sponsoring two couples who are contestants in the upcoming Prince and Princess Show of the Anguilla Summer Festival.
The lucky contestants are Chevel Findlay and Olivia Fayet of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, and Keyan Bryan and Dinisha Hyman of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School. The sponsorship amounts to US$2,400.

Mrs Lisa Webster, who is the chairperson of the Summer Festival Sub-Committee, responsible for the show, commented: “We are very delighted and overwhelmed to be sponsored by Webster’s, one of the major law firms on the island. It shows a true commitment by persons and businesses in the community to our culture.”

She extended a very hearty thank you to Webster’s law firm for accepting the Committee’s request for sponsorship, and said her sub-committee was pleased that all six government primary schools were interested in entering this year’s Prince and Princess Show. “We have couples from each of the schools, and we look forward to a great show and the support of all concerned,” Mrs Webster stated. Additional sponsorships for couples from the other schools will be forthcoming later on.

Mr Karl Woodley, Chairman of the Anguilla Summer Festival Committee, was grateful that Webster’s law firm had undertaken to provide sponsorship for two schools instead of one, thus lessening the burden to find another sponsor.

“Pam Webster is no stranger to carnival, or the summer festival, having been a former Miss Anguilla,” he added. “Thank you very much for your sponsorship and we look forward to our continued partnership with Webster’s law firm.”

Replying, Pam Webster said in part: “I am very pleased to be associated with any activity in the community that supports young people and their aspirations. Yes, I was very involved in the festival [many years ago], and I looked very much forward to it because it was associated with people being happy – and a celebration of who we are and our culture.”
She was pleased that the young people were participating in the Prince and Princess Show, and believed that the Summer Festival sub-committee was going to work hard to provide the very best opportunities for the children. “I know that the competition is going to be fair because that is one of its values,” she added, noting that it could result in a bonding relationship between the youngsters in the future.

Constable Gumbs with Detective Dog

The Royal Anguilla Police Force is now in a better position of finding guns and ammunition and prosecuting persons for illegal possession – thanks to a specially-trained dog named “Rod”.

The canine member of the force was purchased in the United States from a donation of US$8,000 provided by Scotiabank Anguilla Ltd. The 78-pound Belgium Malinos male dog is 15 months old. The money also paid for the training of a dog handler, Constable Darrell Gumbs. His three-week training was at the US Canine Training Academy in Miami.

Commissioner Rudolph Proctor said the Force was long in need of a canine unit to help solve gun-related criminal activity in Anguilla.

Governor Scott presents Queen’s Birthday cake to Mirian Gumbs Home

This year the official Celebration of the Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen will be held on Saturday 14 June. Monday 16 June has been declared a public holiday.

The Governor and Deputy Governor in turn along with members of the Governor’s Office staff will visit four senior’s residences, the Blossom Centre and WISE during the course of this week. These road trips will bring cheer as part of this year’s celebration of her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.

It is our hope that this year’s activities will suitably mark Her Majesty’s Official Birthday by celebrating the achievements of those who have contributed much to our society, thanking those dedicated to their care, and reaching out to some of our young people who will help shape the Anguilla of tomorrow. These events will take the place of the traditional reception at Government House.

We thank you for your support of these events, and look forward to celebrating with other contributors to Anguilla on future occasions.

- Press Release