Krystal Webster

Krystie Webster

Ms Krystie Webster and Ms Krystal Webster, twin daughters of Ms Zulma Webster, graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands on May 17, 2014.

Their achievements were applauded by the audience as they walked across the stage to receive their degrees. Krystie’s degree is in Elementary Education with a concentration in English; and Krystal’s degree is also in Elementary Education but with a concentration in Social Sciences. Both received Cum Laude honors.

Throughout their three-year educational journey at the UVI, both Krystie and Krystal were socially and academically driven. Socially, they were Resident Assistants and Board Members of many organisations/honor societies including Sisters With a Purpose, the Golden Key Honors Society, Sigma Tau Delta, English Honors Society and Who’s Who among students in American Colleges and Universities. The sisters were also recognised as Dean List awardees and became Fellows in the Teacher Quality Retention Programme with the Thurgood Marshall College during their time at UVI.

Krystie and Krystal have given praise to God for allowing them to succeed and to come this far in their life. They wish to extend utmost love and thanks to their mother who has been supportive at every step of the way; and to everyone else for their prayers and love over the years.
The sisters are desirous of continuing their educational journey in the near future with graduate studies in the education field.

Ms Michelle Romney

Michelle Romney graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School, ranked fifth among all of the undergraduate business schools in the United States, according to Bloomberg Business Week. Michelle received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting and a minor in Psychology. In addition to being awarded the Magna Cum Laude distinction, she also was named a Ralph Bunche Scholar for academic achievement and received the Arthur M. Seltzer Accounting Award for outstanding performance in her major.

Consecutively pursuing her Bachelors and Masters degrees, Michelle is anticipated to receive a Masters of Accounting degree from the same university in December. This summer, Michelle is interning at Ernst & Young, LLP, one of the Big Four accounting firms to receive firsthand experience in her desired field of public accounting.

During her tenure at Washington University, Michelle volunteered for a few different causes, her favorite being the St. Martha’s Women’s Abuse Shelter. She also was a Teaching Assistant for classes within and outside of the Accounting department. Overall, Michelle has made the most of her college years. We are very proud of her and know that she will go on to do great things.

- Contributed

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Presentation of Cheque

Schools in Anguilla will benefit from quality first aid training scheduled to commence in the new school year. This was revealed on Tuesday, June 10, at a presentation ceremony at Scotiabank, Anguilla, which is funding the programme at a cost of US4, 500.
The training is to be delivered by the Anguilla Red Cross in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Preparedness.
Just before presenting the cheque, Mrs Pamela Herbert-Daniel, Scotiabank’s Managing Director, said the donation would provide training in basic life support. The beneficiaries will include students at the Primary Schools, the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School campuses, Guidance Counsellors, Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Guidance Counsellors.

“Ensuring children are safe at school is a top priority for Scotiabank and parents alike,” Mrs Hubert-Daniel said. “We are aware that it will take minutes for an ambulance to arrive at a scene following an emergency call. By having someone on hand who has the appropriate skills, and feel confident enough to use them, can implement this emergency first aid immediately, potentially saving a life.”

The Managing Director said Scotiabank was committed to supporting the communities in which it was operating. She went on: “By bringing together the passion of our employees, the insight of our partners, and the spirit of our communities, the Scotiabank Bright Future Programme helps to support children and communities by creating a brighter future for everyone.”
Mrs Herbert-Daniel was grateful to Mr Valdez Johnson (Champion for the Scotiabank Bright Future), the Anguilla Red Cross and Mr Alwyn Richardson, for assisting with the process.
Mrs Dawn Reid, Education Service Planner, said in part: “The Ministry and Department of Education are indeed grateful for this initiative. We are quite appreciative of the efforts of the Department of Disaster Management, and for the generosity of Scotiabank Anguilla and the Bright Future Project to facilitate training in first aid for our schools.”
She stressed that there was a need for teachers, having children under their care for long periods, to be able to act effectively in the event of a health problem. “This initiative is quite timely,” she added. “Hence, it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Ministry and Department of Education, to say thank you to Scotiabank Anguilla for stepping forward and being a good corporate citizen and partner in such a critical area.”
Mr Trevor Queeley, Disaster Risk Reduction Manager at the Anguilla Red Cross, and Mr Alwyn Richardson, Programme Officer, Mitigation, Department of Disaster Management, were grateful to Scotiabank for its financial assistance – and underscored the importance of First Aid training in the school system.

Police in Anguilla reported on Wednesday, June 11, that, after a long and careful period of investigation, a resident of West End, bearing the initials “TG”, was arrested and charged in connection with the arson of two boats owned by Funtime Charters.

The incident occurred in December last year. “TG”, a suspect, left the island during the investigation period. He was arrested and charged when he returned to Anguilla. He appeared in the Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, the Police arrested a suspect in connection with a report of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Other matters under investigation by the Police included five thefts at Sandy Hill, Rendezvous Bay, South Hill and Little Dix; an attempted burglary at Long Path; a report of wounding at Island Harbour; and a report of shots being fired at Island Harbour.

Five persons were arrested for a number of the above offences.

After six years in existance the Welches Festival, a celebration of traditional Anguillian life and culture, has grown into a strong national event attracting island-wide support in one of Anguilla’s smallest villages.
The event has mushroomed into a huge attraction for persons of all ages, among them being children with an interest in toys and games of yesteryear; others with whetted appetites for traditional foods; older folk who were part of the conventional lifestyles, now pleased to witness various reenactments; and tourists looking for glimpses of the past and opportunities to interact with the people of the island.

The Whit Monday holiday this week, the annual date of the festival, saw a milling crowd and a cluster of vehicles at a magnitude not often seen on the island. The crowd began converging on the Frederick O. Harrigan playfield, site of the event, from early in the morning and, hours later, swelled into what was described as “a sea of people” under tents and spread out elsewhere on the open grounds.
The main afternoon attraction was the reenactment of “an old time wedding” at which excited onlookers jostled for unobstructed positions, while in fact obstructing the wedding party’s entry on the stage. Apart from a few bits of humour, the “wedding”, in which the actors performed in grand style and fashion wear, symbolic of the customs of generations ago, had all the trappings of a real nuptial ceremony.
Among the main actors were William Vanterpool (as the priest); and the marriage couple Winston Duncan (as George Zephaniah Henry Richardson) and Merlene Rogers (as Helena Margaret Eliza Hodge). The “wedding” was a production of the Anguilla Creative Arts Association and the Anguilla Scouts Association.
Mr Joseph Vanterpool, a member of the Welches Fest Organising Committee, chaired the festival. “This year, it is much, much larger than previously, and we are thankful that so many people have turned up to support the Welches Fest,” he told The Anguillian. “I can clearly say that this has been the greatest one so far. The people are overflowing. We put a lot of effort into it and are happy that so many people came out to support us. I know that the ‘old time wedding’ is a major factor here for the first time. In terms of a ballpark figure, we can say we have more than a thousand people here, and look at the hundreds of vehicles. It is really massive.”
Mr Vanterpool said that, in addition to the traditional wedding, another new feature was the newly-built rock oven which provided various baked products. He was pleased with the many vendors, the large variety of delicacies, other items of local foods and drinks, and the overwhelming patronage.
“We have here children at early ages and adults who are way into their eighties and nineties,” he went on. “We are happy that Mr Albert Lake is our very strong supporter, and provides us with useful advice and other assistance. Our main sponsors include Malliouhana-Anico Insurance Company Ltd., the Department of Youth and Culture and LIME Anguilla. We are always grateful to our sponsors for coming on board and supporting the Welches Fest”. He was grateful to Mr kenneth Harrigan for donating the land for the Federick O Harrigan Playingfield and for the Welches Fest.
Mr Othlyn Vanterpool, the Elected Representative for District 1, and a member of the Welches Fest Organising Committee, welcomed all persons to the event. “Our motto is Preserving our Past. We are rapidly losing all we have known in the past and we are trying to preserve it,” he stated. “We are fortunate to have with us some residents of the senior citizens homes. It is because of their contributions, in the past, that we are here today to recognise, celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage.”
He hoped that all persons would have an enjoyable time. He was delighted that the Committee was able to provide lights for the area, for the first time, to facilitate the late evening portions of the festival, as well as future events.
Meanwhile, German journalist, Bern Kubisch, had high praise for the Welches Fest. “Welches is a small village but the people do unbelievable things,” he commented. “For me, it is one of the best parties in Anguilla, especially this idea of an old-fashioned wedding; and the food is good. It is not French fries; it is real Anguillian food.”
Mr Kubisch, who writes for English, German and Spanish magazines in Europe, added: “I love this party. It is incredible, and thanks to the people in Welches. I think it does a lot for Anguillian culture and even the children learn something. I think they have an opportunity to learn something that they don’t learn in school.”

Ms Christine Norton, Minister Jerome Gumbs and Mr David Carty

Delegates at the Consultation

Mrs Sandra Gumbs, Ms Gina Brooks (secretariat members), and
Ms Ijahnya Christian

Ms Christine Norton and Ms Jasmin Garraway

Anguilla is making a significant step forward in gaining recognition of what is considered to be a significant part of the island’s national documentary heritage – ‘the Holy Piby.’

The move towards that recognition came up at a Regional Consultative Workshop on Memory of the World held in Anguilla at La Vue Boutique Inn on June 5 and 6. The consultation, attended by delegates from twelve Caribbean countries, was co-hosted by the Government of Anguilla and the UNESCO Caribbean office in Kingston, Jamaica. During the event, there was a presentation on the Holy Piby by Ms Ijahnya Christian who travelled to Anguilla from Ethiopia for that purpose. There was also a review of a number of nominations for UNESCO recognition submitted by several Caribbean territories.
The Holy Piby, commonly known as the ‘Black Man’s Bible,’ was written in the early 1900s by Robert Athyli Rogers, an Anguillian. It lit a fire among diamond workers in Kimberley, South Africa, and is acknowledged as the earliest of the foundational texts influencing the thinking and doctrines of the Rastafarian Movement. The local Memory of the World Committee has identified the Holy Piby as the first piece of documentary heritage which Anguilla is proposing for the UNESCO International Memory of the World designation.
Mr Jerome Roberts, Minister of Home Affairs, said the Anguilla Government was cognisant of the challenges endangering the documentary heritage of Anguilla and the need for preservation. “Anguilla has a vast reserve of documentary heritage of great cultural value,” he stated. “There are documents, manuscripts, oral traditions in print, audio and visual material, related to the Anguilla Revolution, Sombrero Island, the salt industry and jollification, just to name a few. It is vitally important that we take all measures to preserve our documentary heritage – not only for the sake of preservation – but also for the youth of today and generations to follow.”
Mr David Carty, Chairman of the local Memory of the World Committee, said that the grouping was well-supported in its efforts to have the Holy Piby inscribed on the UNESCO International Memory of the World register. Apart from the Government, that support included Mr Bobby Athyli Rogers, the author’s grandson; and his family members Ms Ijahnya Christian of the Robert Athyli Rogers Study Centre, and Mrs Audrey Rogers.
Ms Christian, who delivered a presentation on the Holy Piby at the recent Anguilla Lit Fest, commented: “Anguilla is showing a refreshing new readiness to come to terms with who we, are and to understand the great contributions we can continue to make, as a people, in this ongoing journey of self-knowledge for self-determination. This is what inspired the leaders and heroes of the Anguilla Revolution. The Holy Piby will be a rich addition to the UNESCO register and I am thrilled to be part of the process.”
Speaking following the opening ceremony of the consultation, chaired by Mr Foster Rogers, Permanent Secretary, Tourism, Ms Christine Norton, Director and Representative of UNESCO Caribbean Cluster, spoke to The Anguillian about Anguilla’s participation in the Memory of the World process.
“First of all, I think certainly that Anguilla’s leadership in the process here, in the Caribbean, is very, very important – not only for the Caribbean as a whole, but also for Anguilla,” Ms Norton said. “The question of ensuring the preservation of documentary heritage is highly important for the Caribbean and for the world. I certainly think that the involvement of Anguilla in this process is something that is extremely commendable, and I hope that it will lead to ensuring the documentary heritage here in Anguilla is preserved and protected and shared. I think the need for access for the public is the most important thing. People need to understand the value of the entire Memory of the World and what it means for us and future generations.”

Asked whether there was a possibility for some financial assistance to be provided to Anguilla for the above purpose, Ms Norton replied:
“Yes. I think most countries in the Caribbean – and I imagine that Anguilla would be faced with the same challenges as how to take steps to protect documentary heritage once we identify it and how can we afford to do it. I think there will be an effort on the part of the Kingston Jamaica, office to try to put together whatever proposals we require to seek the funding necessary to support countries. I have no guarantees because this is always a challenge for middle income countries, but I certainly think that we can basically say that Kingston is supportive of this whole effort by Governments of the Caribbean. We will do all in our power to ensure that steps can be taken that this documentary heritage is protected.”
Meanwhile, Ms Jasmin Garraway, a consultant with the Memory of the World Committee in Anguilla, was asked to comment on other areas in which UNESCO might be able to provide assistance. “As you know, we at the Ministry have been looking at the whole tourism product development,” she responded. “We are at that stage of implementing the Master Plan and a lot of it is focussed on heritage tourism. We have looked at the plantation history of the island; the salt-mining history; the maritime history; and the Amerindian heritage. We feel that these are the areas that, in the short-term, are quick wins or low-hanging fruit, and these are the ones we are working on right now.”

There is some apprehension in Anguilla as if, almost in hurricane terms, financial institutions on the island are bracing for FATCA – a US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, with less than a month to go before its implementation.

The Act will require information on monetary assets of over US$50,000 held by US taxpayers, or foreign companies in which US taxpayers hold substantial ownership interest. The information will be requested by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The requirement also appears to target Anguillian-owned companies in which Anguillian shareholders ,or investors, hold American citizenship and are US taxpayers. This perhaps needs to be clarified.

The law is said to have been designed to curb the use of offshore accounts in Anguilla, and other countries and territories, by US persons for tax evasion. Foreign financial institutions failing to comply with FATCA will face a 30% withholding tax on their US-sourced income.

The Anguilla Government, and financial services industry companies, are said to be unable to do anything about the impending matter for fear of causing difficulties for the operations of banking and other financial systems on the island, or becoming involved in a conflicting situation. In fact, the Anguilla House of Assembly is to meet shortly to pass legislation to give effect to the provisions of the US tax compliance law. It is also being arranged for the Anguilla Inland Revenue Department to be a sort of clearing house for the relaying of the necessary financial information to the IRS.

The Government of Anguilla has confirmed that it is actively engaged in dialogue with the US Government. The local legislation to be passed in the House of Assembly will be the Foreign Account Tax Compliance (USA) (Implementation and Enforcement of Inter-Governmental Agreement) Bill 2014. Under the legislation, Anguillian institutions will be required to share financial information with the IRS. Mr Perin Bradley, Compliance Manager, in the Ministry of Finance, will be the Anguilla Government’s point of contact person for FATCA in Anguilla; and, in the meantime, talks are being coordinated with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union Working Group on FATCA.

The US Treasury announced a few days ago that over 70,000 foreign institutions world-wide had registered with FATCA. Included in that list, up to June 2, were 71 Anguillian entities. The agreement will take effect on July 1, 2014, but, according to the IRS, 2014, and 2015 will be regarded as a transitory period for IRS enforcement and administration. As a consequence, “the US Government will employ a light touch approach as long as countries can demonstrate a ‘good faith’ effort to meet their obligations.”
With the impending requirement facing Anguilla, a spokesmen for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, interviewed by The Anguillian, urged caution in how the process of the compliance arrangement is carried out, saying the devil can be in the details. “FATCA is upon us and there is little we can do about it but, at the same time, there is a lot that can be done,” the business professional reasoned. “What I mean about that is that the Government of Anguilla will have to sign on to FATCA because it is an OECD initiative that the Americans are taking the lead on. Today it is the Americans; tomorrow it is going to be the British; the next day it is going to be the French – and the process will go on and on.

“This is going to be a world-wide compliance, but the devil is in the details and I will give you an example. Many of our citizens in Anguilla – and I suspect throughout the Caribbean – have various US connections. They either have a Green Card; a US Passport because of an incident of birth, but they don’t live or work in the US and, of course, they do have US tax obligations to report. But let us take an example where a person is living and working here, but has no US-sourced income. How are you going to deal with that? Let me quote from a relevant document: ‘The US Government has stated on many occasions that FATCA is geared towards combating tax evasion by US persons with US-sourced incomes in foreign financial institutions outside the United States.”
The Spokesman continued: “If a guy is an Anguillian by birth, citizenship, or whatever, and runs a business here, he may be a US citizen by virtue of birth or by getting a Green Card, but [I don’t think it is the intent of FATCA to reach out to see what those people are doing]. The intent of FATCA is to look for Americans who have salted their money overseas in bank accounts. Those are the people they want to reach.

“I think when we do our negotiations, the appropriate carve outs need to be made to make sure that the intent of FATCA is honoured to prevent the usual ‘fishing expeditions’ that can occur with this kind of legislation.

“About the cost of compliance, there is no secret that our financial institutions here are already under stress. Who is going to pay for this new level of compliance? Our Government, from everything I read and heard, is already cash-strapped. Who is going to pay for this extra layer of compliance? Our businesses are virtually functioning in a state of collapse and have to provide more reporting. Who pays for all of this and this – is my problem with these so-called international obligations. They impose these things, but the real cost is not determined, and that is why I say that the deal that we negotiate with the Americans, ultimately, needs to be mindful of its costs, and try to have the requirements as narrowly defined as possible.
The Chamber of Commerce spokesman suggested that: “The Government should seek to incorporate a number of private sector organisations, which have experience in these areas, in order to be properly informed about various issues. We need to go the table with a broad group of negotiators – a team whereby we can walk away with the best possible agreements.
“All of our Governments, over the years, have really not utilised the private sector sufficiently in helping them to increase the capacities of their resources to negotiate these agreements. We have some very knowledgeable people on this island who can sit at a table as advisers so that we can end up with something that is beneficial to Anguilla – and doesn’t impose any additional burdens on us because our economy is already under severe stress.”

As mentioned above, many other countries have undertaken to enact similar legislation – detailing certain obligations, due diligence requirements and reporting protocols – with the United States. A similar agreement was signed between Anguilla and the UK in December 2013.

FATCA is the latest in a growing trend towards the automatic sharing of information between tax authorities world-wide. In February 2014, G20 leaders endorsed a common reporting standard of automatic exchange of information, which is being driven by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Anguilla is one of the last Overseas Territories to conform to the requirements, the other OTs and Crown Dependencies having already done so. The FATCA requirement is described as one “in a series of moves designed to show Anguilla’s commitment to openness and transparency and bolster our reputation as a well-regulated financial service jurisdiction,” according to a Government statement.

June 17th, 2014: The Valley, Anguilla: Digicel, is giving 1 of 2 customers the chance to win EC$200 daily in the “Pay and Win” promotion.

Customers will receive EC$200 when they make advanced payments on their bills. This Promotion will run from 12:00 a.m.13th June, 2014 to 11:59 p.m. 20th June, 2014.

Ron Myres and Guildford Gumbs, were the first two winners of the “Pay and Win” promotion. When Mr. Myres was contacted, he expressed excitement and stated “Wow, I won something from Digicel! When Mr. Gumbs was contacted he was also excited to receive earnings from Digicel.

Digicel’s Katy-Ann Roberts, of the Credit and Collections Department; encourages all customers to participate in this month’s thrilling new promotion “Pay to Win”, as Digicel gives back to its Extraordinary customers.

Visit the Retail store and pay your bill in full by 5pm to qualify for your chance to be 1 of 2 customers to win EC $200 in the “Pay and Win” Promotion. You could be our next lucky winner and take home EC$200!

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Literary personnel with prison inmates

Following another successful Anguilla Literary Festival held May 22 – 25th 2014, all but the Jamaican presenters returned to their homes. Ad-Ziko Simba remained and conducted a two-day workshop, from 26 – 27th May, for seven inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison, with the purpose of sharing with a class of students that understanding of the power of words, with the hope of catalyzing among them the development of ‘word engineers.’

The workshop focused on three areas. First, their written words narrated positive memories from their past, then, they moved on to metaphorical words that represent their present, and finally, they put words of hope to the vision boards they created for their anticipated futures.

When asked how they felt about the workshop, the participants all agreed that it was much more interesting than they had anticipated. Comments like, “She got me thinking”, “This was some good stuff,” and “I can write nuff poems with that brainstorming thing!” were among the many positive remarks overheard as they enthusiastically talked among themselves.

At the closing ceremony, besides the skillful and captivating performances by Ms. Simba and the Jamaican poet Ras Takura, each student selected and presented his own best work. For each, poetry was chosen as his favourite. All guests present were pleasantly surprised by the quality of work that resulted from their attendance at a three-session workshop.
Sharing her view of what was achieved in the short time available, Ad-Ziko Simba said, “This was my first time working in a prison, so I had no experience by which to be guided. What I can tell you is, what was achieved was much more than I expected. I am pleased to have been given the privilege of working with these young men.”
Ms Ingrid Fullington, Prison Tutor, who was responsible for inviting the visiting poets to HM Prison, was delighted with the success of the activity and the response of the students. She said, “Based on the enthusiasm that has been bubbling for days since the workshop, I have a feeling that what was achieved goes way beyond what can be seen.”

The Superintendent and the Sentence Planning Department of HM Prison would like to publicly thank the Tourism Board, Lynne Picard of Irie Life and the Anguilla Library Service, without whose contributions the prison literary workshop would not have been possible.

- Contributed

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The Sentence Planning Team at Her Majesty’s Prison was pleased to host its second annual basketball tournament from June 2 – 5, 2014 at the prison’s basketball court. This event is part of ongoing efforts by HMP towards the rehabilitation of inmates by providing a range of opportunities for constructive recreation in the form of sports and social activities, fostering team spirit and promoting cooperation with others – all skills which they can transfer and use in the community upon release. The tournament was preceded by an official opening ceremony with brief remarks made by Superintendent of Prison Mr. Conrad Gumbs, Acting Sports Director Mr. Rollins Richardson, Correctional Services Counsellor Rev. Lindsay Richardson and Mr. Merrick Richardson from the North Hill Raiders basketball team.
In recognizing the importance of securing external support and developing partnerships with other community stakeholders, history was created when for the first time an outside team – The North Hill Raiders – competed against the prison team ‘The Wheelers.’ The tournament consisted of three games which were keenly contested; and a three point shootout competition. The Raiders emerged the winners of the three match tournament, though it was Christopher Baptista of the Wheelers who took home the MVP trophy. In the three point shootout competition, Delano Mussington and Alonzo Isaac from the Raiders; and Alexis Connor and Javelle Carty from the Wheelers competed for the prized trophy. Javelle Carty emerged as the winner, retaining the coveted title for a second year in a row.
Other stakeholders deserving of much commendation include the Department of Sports who played a pivotal role in supplying the inmates with uniforms and providing a professional referee (Carl Thomas) for the games, as well as the Anguilla Red Cross who provided first aid and other assistance at every game. Additionally, this tournament would never have come to fruition had it not been for the sponsors who made generous contributions in cash and kind, namely LIME Anguilla Ltd, Caribbean Commercial Bank, Unique Trading, Best Buy Supermarket, Tackle Box, Ashley and Sons, Larry’s Food, Natural Mystic Restaurant and Ms. Elvesa Liburd.
Rev. Richardson, in his expressions of thanks during the closing ceremony, paid special tribute to the sponsors, the guest visitors, Management personnel of HM Prison; prison officers and members of the Sentence Planning Team – in particular Officer Jennifer Cordice for ably coordinating the tournament and overseeing the event for the second year running. Special commendation was extended to both teams for a highly competitive tournament, their team spirit, sportsmanship, mutual respect and discipline; and for an excellent display of talent and skills.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Pastors Trent Berg and Johnson Frederick (visiting) with
Senior and Junior Elders

Pastor Berg with Senior & Junior Deacons and spouses

A number of newly-elected Elders and Deacons were ordained at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday, June 7, as part of the overall administration and functioning of the ministry.
Both ordinations were performed by the Resident Minister, Pastor Trent Berg, with the participation of visiting Minister, Pastor Johnson Frederick, of the St Lucia Mission.

The newly trained and ordained Elders and Deacons will be working in partnership with a number of senior persons who have been serving the church in both capacities for several years.
The following were ordained as Deacons:
Evan Webster
Eugene White
Samuel Webster
Rolls ton Otto
The Elders ordained were:
Leroy Hill
Catherine Brooks
Malcolm Webster

Many Seventh-day Adventist Churches worldwide receive their primary pastoral leadership from local church elders. However, where there is a ministerial appointment, such as in Anguilla currently, elders generally work in cooperation and consultation with the pastor, providing assistance to him in various functions of the church. The First Elder usually takes responsibility for the church when the pastor is off-island or otherwise absent, and among other duties he assists in conducting funerals.

Deacons or Deaconesses are considered as the backbone of the church’s physical and emotional support. They assist in such matters as property maintenance; collection of tithes and offerings; the communion service and visiting and caring for the poor and homeless.

Tender Loving Care

Blossom Centre

Rosewood Centre

W.I.S.E

Last week, in place of the usual Official Queen’s Birthday reception at Government House to celebrate the Official Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen the Governor and Deputy Governor’s Office took the celebrations to Anguilla’s seniors and youth.  In turn the Governor and Deputy Governor visited Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens Home, Rosewood Centre, Just Tender Care, Tender Loving Care, WISE campus and the Blossom Centre. Birthday cake was taken on each visit with other goodies as a way of bringing the celebration to those who many of whom would not otherwise have been able to attend a reception.

L-R: Chris Richardson, Keresha Webster and Davida Carter

The Leading Hotel of the World, an examining body that qualifies the highest standard of service delivery throughout the world at selected five-star properties, has recently conferred on one of CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa’s staff members the “Outstanding Employee” award. The Resort is named among the 476 members of this august organization.
During the last inspection of the resort, concomitant to its achievement on offering highest delivery of service standards, Ms. Keresha Webster, Front Desk Agent, was the recipient of the prestigious award of “Outstanding Employee” by this sterling organization. She received perfect scores on the three specific areas of the discipline examined, which included product knowledge, service delivery and emotional intelligence.
CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa join with Leading Quality Assurance in applauding Ms. Webster for this stellar performance in maintaining the tradition of excellence.

Jermaine Payne (2nd from left), Haydn Hughes (4th from left) and Tahirah Banks with MAICO & LIME sponsor representatives

Live Creative Group headed by two ambitious young Anguillians-Tahirah Banks and Jermaine Payne have officially launched their mobile app for this Anguilla Summer Festival.
The Key Features of the Platform are the mobile application and the website. Users have the opportunity to interact with the bands, contestants, boatracers and builders, artistes, vendors and other to create the unique carnival experience.
Persons will also be able to search for information on carnival events, dates and times, purchase tickets for the various events, book a hotel or rent a car, vote on the public opinion polls, watch favorite videos, listen to favorite songs or stream carnival activities.

“The launch of our mobile app and web platform #axasumfestlive will be the future of how the world interacts with the Anguilla summer festival activities. The mobile app will give all of its users insight on everything as it relates to carnival,” said Jermaine Payne, at the official launch of the App on June 13.
“With the launch of the mobile app we can continue to showcase Anguilla’s festival and intrigue travelers to come to Anguilla to stimulate our economy. One of the missions is to give back- to the community and businesses.”

Tahirah Banks said, “axasumfestLive is not just promoting carnival but also giving the participants of carnival an opportunity to be pushed and promoted and have a centralized channel to hear their message.

She explained that it more than promoting carnival and Anguilla with the project but searching for every opportunity to promote the growth of Anguillians.

Both Banks and Payne expressed thanks to all persons and businesses that have supported them especially LIME and Malliouhana Anico Insurance Company Ltd-MAICO.
“As a communications company it is important to keep up with the advancement in technology. With the launch of the app this was a perfect match for LIME to push the mobile application and most importantly to promote our culture, Jade Reymond, LIME’s Marketing Officer said.

Jason Liburd of MAICO said, The company saw it as a great opportunity to promote safety during carnival – no texting and speeding on the road. He stated that was carnival a crucial part of the island’s history and a great partnership for the company.

Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Haydn Hughes, also congratulated the young business people on their venture and for their ambition to promote Anguilla.
Persons can click the link-download the #axasumfestlive Mobile Application and check out its website www.axasumfestlive.com

Mrs Cora Richardson Hodge

Several hundred fun-loving people from across Anguilla took the opportunity of Monday’s holiday, marking the Official Birthday of Queen Elizabeth the Second, to enjoy two annual events planned for that day.

One was the East End Village “thing”, an assortment of culinary delights, games, cycling, music and exhibitions, now in its second year. The other event was the Momsin Uncle Willie Boat Race, a long-established competitive sailing sport at Crocus Bay.

The East End event, in the old schoolyard area, which came sharp on the heels of the Welches Fest, was described by Mrs Cora Richardson Hodge of the Hope Centre. “It is a combination of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, the Hope Group, which is part of the Hope Centre, as well as the Deion Richardson Classic Bicycle Race,” she explained. “The turnout is pretty good and what we actually have is a family fun day where the children can come and enjoy themselves. We have bouncing castles; children’s games; and domino competitions for adults. We also have different bands and singers and a variety of delicious food and other delicacies. It is a pretty exciting time and I think everybody is looking forward to a grand time as the day progresses.”
She continued: “The reason we call it “a village thing” is that the East End Community is actually a village and we want to foster togetherness because we have noticed that over time families have become distant. We are all caught up in our work and everyday activities. No one is taking the time to sit down, get to know each other, and spend time not only with people just within their own district, but from other districts as well. We want to foster a community spirit and to bring our people back together again to enjoy, relax and simply to hang out.”

Mrs Richardson Hodge took the opportunity to praise the Welches Fest which was held on Whit Monday, June 9. “It was a great turnout. We support the Welches Fest and the Welches Fest supports us as well, so I think it is a great combination,” she added.

Meanwhile, about six miles away, at Crocus Bay, nine boats competed in the Momsin Uncle Willie Boat Race. The participating boats were Eagle, Miss Anguilla, Satellite, Real Deal, Sonic, Light and Peace, Viking, Stinger and De Tree. The race went around Prickly Pear and back – a distance of about ten miles.

“This race was started in 1998, while Momsin and Uncle Willie were alive,” Harris Richardson, one of Anguilla’s boat-racing enthusiasts said. “We thought we should honour and glorify them while they were alive. A group of us at Crocus Bay got together and decided that we should put together a boat race in memory of Uncle Willie who was a pioneer of boat-racing at Crocus Bay.
“Every morning he would leave his house (now the office of NAGICO Insurance) – just across from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School – and walk to Crocus Bay. I must say that the Momsin Uncle Willie Boat Race Committee was instrumental in putting on the first round-the-island boat race. We, in The Valley, are proud of that because a number of people said it could not be done, but it is now a landmark in boat-racing in Anguilla.”

Mr. Richardson was grateful to Caribbean Commercial Bank for contributing a prize to the Momsin Uncle Willie Boat Race from its inception. Other contributors are Mr John Benjamin, Ashley & Sons, the Original Barbers of South Valley, Koal Keel Restaurant, Ani Villas, CeBlue Villas and Beach Resort, NAGICO Insurance, DaVida’s Restaurant and Hall’s Bakery.

“I can see this race going from strength to strength and we are expanding the committee to ensure that it continues,” he stated.

When the race ended, the five boats in the winning positions were: De Tree in first place, followed by Sonic, Viking, Eagle and Miss Anguilla respectively.

(ANGUILLA) June 12, 2014 – It’s summertime and while children are enjoying time off from school, guests at the Viceroy Anguilla are already thinking ahead to the 2014/2015 school year by participating in the “Backpacks & Giveback” program offered at Viceroy Anguilla.
Beginning June 15, and every day until August 23, guests at the resort will gather at Generation V Club from 3 – 4 p.m. to help fill backpacks with school supplies for students in Anguilla. Children grades K through 6 will receive these back-to-school backpacks in September to prepare them for the academic year ahead.
Resort guests will be able to learn about the island, the children and their school while enjoying treats as they insert pencils, spiral notebooks, glue sticks, rulers and other needed supplies into the backpacks for each child. The guests will also write notes of encouragement to the children and thank them for sharing the island with them. The program is complimentary to guests.

“Giving back to the community is an important standard for Viceroy Anguilla,” stated General Manager Richard Alexander. “We continue to seek ways to support our island, our employees and residents and this program gives our guests an opportunity to learn more about Anguilla while supporting our valuable tourism industry.”

This new Backpacks & Giveback program is just one of the many ways Viceroy Anguilla has established to give back to the local community. The resort is also sponsoring and supporting the Carlos Boozer Basketball Camp July 7 – 11 where children of Anguilla attend a complimentary camp lead by one of America’s top basketball professionals to benefit the Anguilla Youth Sports Foundation (AYSF) . Carlos Boozer currently plays power forward for the Chicago Bulls (NBA). He is also known for performing as a member of Team USA in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. For more information about the AYSF please visit: www.anguilla sportsfoundation.com
For more information or to donate to the “Backpacks & Giveback” programs offered by Viceroy Anguilla please contact Diane Yost at 786-252-9483 or email diane.yost@viceroyanguilla.com

- Press Release

Miss Rebecca Webster with Educators and Celebrity host
Tahiry Jose (3rd from right)

Kerchelle JnCharles of Digicel and Tahiry Jose with winning students at motivational session

The Hair Affair Beauty & Fashion Expo marked its 2nd Annual event on June 5 – 8th 2014 presented by Unbeweavable Divas. The event was well received and hosted by reality TV Star Tahiry Jose of Love & Hip Hop New York and featured celebrity stylists, Lorial Wilson, Law Roach, Glamo, Alisha Crutchfield, Nikk Nelson and Judith Price. All celebrity stylists conducted classes at La Vue conference room offering their expertise in beauty, hair, fashion and modelling. All participants received gift bags, samples, and lots of product information.
The event also allowed four (4) class participants to be personally selected by the instructors to receive a full makeover; the four (4) lucky winners were announced at the Hair Affair Beauty & Fashion exhibition show on Saturday June 7th, the winners were Latonya Mussington, Taitu Goodwin, Nakia Webster and Shahida Abdur-Raheem. These lucky winners will be featured in several International Magazines by Bleu Media Group. The team of Hair Affair would like to wish all the winners a hearty congratulation!
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the persons who made any contribution towards making the overall weekend a success, sponsors: DIGICEL, Gotcha Charters, Calypso Tours, Ce Blue Villas, Sunset Homes, La Vue Boutique Hotel, Tackle Box Sports Center, HiTek Signs & Designs, Blanchard’s Restaurant, Sandy Island, Coba Restaurant, Dolce Vita, Davida’s Restaurant, Naturally Nappy, Bleu Media Group, Style Wise Inc. and On Da Rocks Restaurant.

Thanks also goes out to the general public, radio personnel, friends and family of the organizing team who all made this possible and also to all the models who did a splendid job! Look out for next year, we have much more planned.
Contributions by: Lucky’s Beauty Supply, KK Designs by Keria Hughes, Feeloje by Janay Reymond, Donelia Reid Rainbow Revelers Swimwear Line, Hairdressers from Unbeweavable Divas – Janet Jones, Carolina Rivera-Cornelio, Ayana Moses, Breanna Webster: Unique Touch Salon – Gweneth Richardson. She-Marlie’s Hair Salon – Karen Brooks: Makeup: Natalie Richardson, Roxanne Webster and Melise PefferSharella Richardson from SXM. Canita’s Face Painting, Starem Productions. Photography: Keiroy Browne &Josveek Huilgar.

Last however never least the entire Hair Affair Beauty &Fashion Expo staff and team,without them this would have been impossible.

- Contributed

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The late Mr Leon Roydon, who is credited as having been the initiator of Anguilla’s current upmarket tourism industry, wanted to depart this life as quietly, modestly and unsung as he lived.

But such was the magnitude of his highly visible and most appreciated contribution to Anguilla, and its people, that a large number of friends and acquaintances came together on Monday evening, June 16, to celebrate his life and legacy.
The poolside celebration was held at the scenic ridge of South Hill, overlooking Road Bay, just down from the residence of his widow, Mrs Rhona Richardson Roydon. There, the grieving, but strong Anguillian woman, who organised the event, admitted: “This is exactly what Mr Roydon did not want.” She noted, however, that there were many people who knew him long before her, and she was aware that they, and others, would desire to have some parting words about him and to give closure to his passing, on May 23, at the age of ninety.

Before opening the microphone to the various speakers, Mrs Richardson Roydon invited Methodist Supernumerary Minister, Rev Dr H Clifton Niles, to deliver the invocation. “First, we will thank God for life; then we will pray thanking God specially for Mr Roydon and the contribution he has made to Anguilla; then we will pray for this gathering; and then for Rhona,” he explained in his supplication.

The tributes commenced with the reading of two statements of condolences by Mr Alan Gumbs who, for many years, had been a fellow hotelier and friend of Mr Roydon. The first statement was from Mr Bill Fischer, a long-time friend of Mr Roydon who described him as “a visionary, someone ahead of his time.” Fischer continued: “He brought luxury to a whole new level by upgrading rooms, food and wine and especially with his love…We will miss him greatly. Love to the whole family.”

The other statement was from Mr Roydon’s son, Terry, who regretted that he and his family could not be at the celebration. He was delighted that so many friends of, and colleagues at, Malliouhana, had come together to pay respects to a remarkable man who would be missed enormously.

Moving tributes came from various persons who were employed by Mr Roydon at Malliouhana Hotel and Spa for many years. They were Hulda Richardson, Ann Gumbs, Blondell (Bankie) Hughes; Patricia Connor and Albert Lake; as well as his caretaker, Gloria Wilkinson.

Other speakers at the two-hour celebration were Mrs Olive Hodge who, at the invitation of Mr Roydon, established a branch of the Anguilla Drugstore at Malliouhana Hotel; Mr Timothy Hodge, who recalled that during and after construction, the hotel was one of the largest contributors to Social Security; Mrs Mona Fleming; Mr David Carty, who recalled his years as Director of Tourism and the role he played in attracting Mr Roydon to invest in Anguilla; Mrs Amelia Kubisch, who was also part of that role, served later as Director of Tourism working closely with Mr Roydon and eventually became one of his managerial employees; Dr Rona Hodge, Mr Keithley Lake; Mrs Evalie Bradley, a former Labour Commissioner; Mr Calvert Carty, another former Labour Commissioner and a leader of the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre; Mr Bennie Connor, who served as a member of the Anguilla Tourist Board with Mr Roydon; Dr Linda O M Banks, who recalled the assistance she had received from him for the Teacher Gloria Omolulu Institute; Professor Delroy Louden, President of the Anguilla Community College; and Dr Lowell Hughes.

Mr Roydon started his hotel business in Anguilla at Cul de Sac. He later moved to Meads Bay where he built the 55-room luxury Malliouhana Hotel and Spa which, for many years, was one of the small Leading Hotels of the World.

The property, as indicated above, placed Anguilla on the map as an upmarket destination. It was the recipient of many accolades for its outstanding service and had the distinction of having the largest wine cellar in the Caribbean.

L-R: Kerchelle Jn. Charles, Tahiry Jose and Roxanne Webster

June 6, 2014- The Valley Anguilla: As part of Digicel’s continued commitment to supporting its community, young entrepreneurs and visionary developments, DIGICEL made a $1000USD contribution to UNBEWEAVEABLE DIVAS owner for the 2nd Annual “HAIR AFFAIR”, Hair and Beauty Expo Weekend.
Organizer, Rebecca Webster was delighted that Digicel got on board and played an important part of the “HAIR AFFAIR” event as well as towards promotions Ms. Webster held for young entrepreneurs in Campus A.
As a part of the “HAIR AFFAIR” sponsorship commitment, Digicel also sponsored a DL 700 handset for the “HAIR AFFAIR’S” visit to the school. The students got a chance to win a FREE mobile and were extremely excited to win the ‘Talk of the town’ DL700 smart phone. It then became an Extraordinary moment when student Ea-Rhon Rogers won the phone and formerly offered the handset to his friend, who did not own a phone. Mr. Rogers truly displayed extraordinary kindness and had the room, students and host for the “HAIR AFFAIR” Tahiry Jose in tears.
At the cheque presentation ceremony, at Digicel’s corporate office, Head of Commercial, Kerchelle Jn. Charles expressed, “Digicel’s support for the “HAIR AFFAIR” weekend saw the development and empowerment of the youth and the fostering of young entrepreneurs in the Anguillan communities. The Digicel team therefore applauds the “HAIR AFFAIR” team for putting on such an event and look forward to lending our support towards such initiatives in the future.”
The 2nd Annual “HAIR AFFAIR”, Hair and Beauty Expo Weekend, commenced on Thursday 5th June at LaVue Hotel in South Hill and ended on Sunday 8th June 2014 at the Dune Preserve, Rendezvous Bay.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Presentation of Cheque

June 17th, 2014: The Valley, Anguilla: Digicel made a $1000 USD sponsorship to the 1st annual Anguilla Music Awards; to be held at the Anguilla Great House, June 27th 2014.
The Anguilla Music Awards launched in November 2013 with Digicel 4G enabling all customers to commence with the ‘Text To Vote’ stage. Customers who voted, simply had to text the name of nominee and category in which they were voting in; to short code 2622.
The Anguilla Music Awards show will honour Anguilla’s musicians for their commitment and hard work in the music business. It will also highlight and showcase the persons who contributed significantly to the development of music in Anguilla.
Digicel‘s Kerchelle Jn Charles stated, “We are delighted that the Anguilla Music Awards team chose Digicel as the texting platform and significantly for the event to be powered by Digicel 4G.”
Digicel encourages everyone to attend the 1st annual Anguilla Music Awards which will be hosted by Jamaican Songstress Ce’cile and co-hosted by Miss Anguilla 2007 Kafi Gumbs. The show will be held at Anguilla Great House Beach Resort. The show promises to make history for the music industry of Anguilla, artist will receive life rewarding awards, and the audience will obtain stunning performances by local artistes.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)