Form 1 students at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School were asked to address different issues in Anguilla and steps that should be taken to solve each. Here is a bit of what they wrote:

Crime is the major issue in my country. Lots of our innocent young people are being murdered or injured. People are afraid to go out at evening hours. Families are fearful and communities are nervous when the young people go out at night. THIS HAS TO STOP!
-Julian, 12
One big issue in this country called Anguilla is the stealing. We need to find who the culprits behind this are and lock them up in prison until they learn to work and buy their own things.
-Ricardo, 12
A big issue in Anguilla is girls posting pictures and videos of themselves on the internet. Girls should not be posting these kinds of things. Girls should keep their clothes on and not off. When girls do this, they post and send it on Facebook and all kind of websites. This is not a good example for the young girls.
-Joshua Prince, 12
Anguilla’s big issue is that the government needs to get some more money so that they could pay the teachers, so they would not go on strike because if they do the kids won’t learn.
-Ockeem, 12
This is not a major issue, but an issue to me is the age you have to be in order to drive. It affects me because I always wanted to drive and sometimes my parents will be tired from work and wish that I could have driven them around.
-Josiah, 12
One big issue in Anguilla is the roads. They need to build new roads in my neighbourhood and all around Anguilla. We can solve this by asking the government to fix the roads or we could just fix it ourselves because the government cannot help all the time and they don’t make the best roads.
-Gary, 12
One issue we have in Anguilla is children getting too much lashes for stupidness. Some parents tease their kids, curse them with bad words and send them to school without food. The way to solve this conflict is to sit down with your child and discuss with each other and parents must tell their child sorry.
-Lashawn, 13
Anguilla needs to change. We need the young people of our generation to live, to fight for our generation’s rights, to become the people of tomorrow. We need politicians and a new Chief Minister for the future of our little Anguilla.
-Roland, 12
One thing that Anguilla needs is money. There is not enough money in the country. If we have the money, school would be easier with electronic devices and we will get a better education. With no education there will most definitely be violence. People will kill people and others will get killed in crossfire.
-Lequoni, 13
Anguilla’s issue is the roads. The roads are too bumpy. Ways we can solve this is by patching up the roads. Most roads in Anguilla need to tar over. When this is done there will be no more flat tires, bike accidents and cars won’t be easily dirtied.
-Tyquan, 12
Anguilla has a big issue and that issue is not enough water in the country. Not enough water in the country is bad because the people of Anguilla cannot do their home chores like wash dishes, clean the house or bathe. The water department should build more tanks.
-Kymauri, 13
A big issue is the expenses in Anguilla. There are not yet many jobs in Anguilla but yet prices in the shops are very high. Instead of them bringing down the prices, they are raising them higher. We can solve this issue by having a conscience and working out a way to reduce expenses in Anguilla.
-Maria, 12
Did you know that littering is one of the biggest issues in Anguilla, especially littering on the beaches? People are throwing their garbage on the beach like it is a decoration but they really need to know what it is doing to our water and aquatic animals.
-Keila, 14
The same people that throw trash on the shore or in the sea, catch the fish, eat them and may get sick. They can put garbage bins on the beaches so that people can use the bins. We need to keep our little Anguilla clean.
-Kurverna, 13
The biggest issue in Anguilla is the rocky, bumpy, unpleasant roads. 90% of them are unpleasant to drive on, especially with all those reckless drivers out there.
-Delnecia , 12
A big issue in Anguilla is that there is too much violence in the communities. To stop this from happening, the gang members can come together and make peace in the communities again.
-Edgiton, 13
The children are our future and we need to protect them from these different things: smoking, drinking and violence. Have you ever heard a child talk about weed, cocaine, heroin or vodka? I hear this and it does not sound good. Your parents will feel ashamed if you died from drugs so stop. Stop while you can.
-J’uthari, 12
A big issue in Anguilla is this crime. Crime affects us and this killing, fighting, bullying needs to stop! We are getting fewer tourists to come in our country because of these crimes. We can solve this issue by coming as one, loving each other, helping one another and by doing the right thing.
-Cheyenne, 13
This is the day when issues need to stop! Workers say we need more money but where will we get it? Teachers need to stop with their favourites, they need to treat everybody fairly! All of this fighting and cursing and violence need to stop!
-Rankecia, 13
In Anguilla we have a big issue that the foreigners are coming to Anguilla, like the Chinese, and building supermarkets and restaurants. The Chinese has most of the land while Anguillians barely have an acre of land to build a little store to make a little change for them to live on.
-Ronecio, 12

Cap Juluca Maundays Beach

ANGUILLA, BWI – Continuing to garner acclaim from visitors and critics alike, Cap Juluca, the British West Indies retreat known for its pristine beachfront setting and whitewashed Moorish-style villas, has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor – the world’s largest travel site – and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.

To receive the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five. Volume and recency of reviews – as well as a business’ tenure and popularity ranking on the site – are taken into account.

According to resort owners Charles and Linda Hickox, this latest award provides further affirmation that Cap Juluca is one of the world’s top luxury resorts. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s guests,” Linda said. “Because the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is based on customer reviews, it provides a remarkable vote of confidence for our staff and reinforces our continued commitment to excellence.”

Added Marc Charron, president of TripAdvisor for business, “the Certificate of Excellence award gives top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers. From Australia to Zimbabwe, we applaud exceptional hospitality businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

Over the last year, Cap Juluca has been awarded a multitude of awards and accolades, among them: recognition as the world’s number one beach resort by readers of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report in its Readers’ Choice Awards; Condé Nast’s 2014 Johansens Award for Excellence as Best Hotel in the Caribbean and a ranking as the #1 Hotel on Anguilla and one of the Best Hotels in the Caribbean by U.S. News & World Report.

The accolades come following the resort’s refurbishment of each of its 70 guestrooms, as well as the addition of the 3,290-square-foot Jonquil Suite and completion of upgrades to three eateries. The renovations were all made by owners Charles and Linda Hickox – the resort’s original owners – who after reacquiring the property in May 2012, have invested over $15 million in enhancements throughout the resort.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The Anguilla Police reported on Wednesday that nine crimes were committed on the island during the period June 11-18.

Among the offences were four thefts in Chalvilles, Sandy Ground and The Valley. The stolen items included ducks, goats, an IPhone and a sum of money.

There were also five burglaries in Stoney Ground, The Forest and The Valley. Among the stolen items were a video recorder, cellular phones and money.

Nine persons were arrested during the period as follows: four males to prevent a breach of the peace; three males for immigration purposes; one male for unlawful sexual intercourse; and one male on a default warrant.

Three traffic accidents, one involving injuries to a young child, were reported.

Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs

A suggestion has been thrown out to former college and university students in Anguilla to form an Alumni Association. The idea has come from the Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs who was a lecturer at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Back home, after serving in the Methodist Ministry in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and various other parts of the Caribbean, the Superintendent Minister of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit made the suggestion while speaking in an interview with The Anguillian on Tuesday this week.
While in St Thomas, Rev Dr Gumbs lectured at the University of the Virgin Islands in Philosophy and History. “A lot of the students in Anguilla have come to my classes. I have met many of them and I am proud of them,” he recollected. “Anguillian students have done very well at the university. Oftentimes I met them in the halls and, when they heard who I was, they were amazed that an Anguillian was among them. I was happy to meet them and to know them.

“I hope we can start an alumni here and this is what I want to say to them whether they went to the St Croix or the St Thomas campus. We need to start an alumni and hopefully we can begin canvassing those persons. By that method they can help Anguilla, as a joint body, and not just by having degrees, but using those degrees to lift the culture as well.”
The Anguillian Methodist Minister has all the necessary time on his hands to engage in various worthwhile undertakings, notwithstanding his commitments to the local circuit. “I actually did superannuate just to get home to Anguilla, but I am back in the full work,” he said, having returned recently to the island from his previous posting in St Kitts. “My wife, Stella, and I, have four children – three sons, a daughter and three granddaughters. Stella comes from Sandy Ground and everybody knows the Carty family there.
“We are home to stay so I might give the rest of my days to my country. If I go anywhere, it will be for short stays – three months may be the most – but that is not in the making except something comes up. UVI wants me to come back, but I told them I am not going back to UVI. I am grounded. I serve the church and community in poetry, other writing and community work – all for Anguilla’s good. I am here not to compete with anybody. I don’t need that. I prefer to work with anybody for the good of Anguilla.”
Rev Dr Gumbs entered Seminary in 1968 in Jamaica shortly after graduating from The Valley Secondary School and serving as a Primary School Teacher. He graduated as a Methodist Minister in 1972, but finished a Bachelor’s Degree in 1973 at the University of the West Indies and Seminary.

He was later awarded a scholarship by Pittsburgh University where he did a double Master’s Degree in Education and Divinity. Following that, he worked in St Eustatius and Dominica. He was also the Principal of St Andrew’s Methodist High School in Dominica.

He returned to the University of Pittsburgh where he did his doctoral studies for his PhD. It was after those studies that he served in the Ministry in St Thomas for a number of years and also lectured at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Health Authority Executive Managers and Friends of the Hospital

Nurse Alicia Haywood and
Ms. Audrey Brooks

With the increasing number of patients requiring dialysis treatment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Anguilla, the Health Authority is receiving valuable assistance from the Friends of the Hospital.
The long-established charity organisation has been making financial contributions over a period of time towards the care and treatment of patients, and for many years has been focusing its attention on the fight against diabetes. The donations have been particularly targeted at assisting patients needing dialysis treatment.

The latest contribution to that effect was received by the Health Authority of Anguilla on Tuesday, June 16. That was when the President of the Friends of the Hospital, Ms Audrey Brooks, presented a cheque for US$1,500 to Department manager, Ms Alicia Haywood.

“The Friends of the Hospital adopted the Dialysis Unit many years ago as our yearly project,” Ms Brooks told the gathering of medical and health executive managers and members of her organisation. “The effort is well supported by friends, well-wishers and members of the business community to whom we are very grateful. This financial donation would not have been possible without the hard work of the members. We are pleased that the Governor’s Office continues to support the Friends of the Hospital; and we want to express our thanks to all well-wishers and friends who have, over the many years, supported us.”

Nurse Haywood accepted the contribution on behalf of the Health Authority, the Nursing Division and the Dialysis Unit. “The Unit currently provides service for eighteen clients and we are expecting to have an additional client shortly,” she stated. “We were able to purchase a new dialysis chair with your previous donation, and we have saved last year’s donation to add with this year’s donation, to purchase an automated external defibrillator, two pulse oximeters and a few portable privacy screens for the Unit.”

The presentation ceremony was chaired by Mr Raphael Evans, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority of Anguilla. The Montserrat national joined in thanking the Friends of the Hospital for their adoption of, and continued support for, the Dialysis Unit.

Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs

The new Chairman of the Anguilla Christian Council, the Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs, wants to see the island called to order as he sets out to work with fellow clergymen, congregations and even politicians towards that end. He recently succeeded the Rt Rev Errol Brooks of the Anglican Church.

“To be part of the Anguilla Christian Council is an honour and my intent is to work together with all other associations – Evangelical and others if they are on the island – to ensure that we do the best in terms of calling the country to order,” the Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit said in an interview with The Anguillian. “We need to do this as much as possible and to impact the life of our community in a very positive manner. To that end, therefore, I hope we can collaborate in programmes and matters that relate to clergy and members of our congregations. This will enable the church not to be seen as a divided body – but though we have many parts we can hopefully speak at times with one voice on social, moral and political issues.”

The outspoken Methodist Minister was asked what useful advice he had for politicians. “Firstly, our politicians must put Anguilla first,” he stressed. “It is very easy in political campaigns to put party first – party first means politicians survival. That’s a human instinct and so the instinct for survival often puts us in a situation of challenge…and we forget that this is one island – a small one to boot. And that we have to live here and our children must find a place here, so it means we cannot go into the mud pool then expect that our children don’t see us in the mud pool. If they see us in the mud pool then they will think the mud is the place to be.

“So we must challenge our politicians, and they must challenge themselves to lift the level of debate. There must be no acrimony. They must talk to the issues that come up in the media or elsewhere, and do that passionately, but they should not have to negate and destroy the character of others or their families, by so doing, hoping they can score points. Our children see and hear more than we think and presently they are learning the worst of us. So it is a challenge to politicians to raise the level of debate – not just for their good, but for the good of the country and generations to come.”

Rev Dr Gumbs was asked whether the church had lost its influence in the community. “Oftentimes it appears that the church has, but the church is as strong as its members are,” he replied. “There is a need for the members to have a sense of vocation – a sense of calling in the several communions as it were – and to work together for the good of the country. They should not work just for the good of their own congregation because oftentimes members can become so mirrored looking at their own congregation, church or denomination, that we forget that the church has a global vision and a global mission. If we can speak to own island, our home and other places in terms of morality, integrity and visioning the future together, building our blocks together on issues and collaborating, then the public will begin to see the church no longer as a distant organisation.

“That means, of course, that the clergy will have to sit down together at some point and hammer out what Anguillians expect of us, and what we should say in terms of the Gospel to a situation that people speak to. If we address some of those things together, then there will be a sense of speaking with one voice on issues. It often means that politicians, other social activists and community persons, would get upset at some time. That is expected, but the clergy must be ready to respond not negatively, but positively, to the questions raised to us so that we can speak directly and prophetically to those questions from politicians and others.”
Rev Dr Gumbs added: “It must not be seen by politicians and the community that we are partisan – backing one group or another. When that happens, we have lost our integrity, so my challenge to the clergy of Anguilla – to the Christian Council and of course hopefully to the Evangelical Association – is that they must find ways to collaborate and speak together in one voice on issues that pertain to our community. Anguilla needs healing and healing has to come not just from one church be it Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist, Church of God and so forth. We have to begin to realise that the Church is one body in Christ, and though we have differences of opinion, thinking, theology and relatedness, if we lose sight of our oneness, then we can become shaft to the wind as it were.”

L-R: Mr. Dean Samuel, Mr. Mtima Daniels, Ms. Taffy Hodge, Mr. Jimme Matthews,
Mr. Darren Connor and Mr. Lester Gumbs

Invited Sponsors & Guests

Invited Sponsors & Guests

The members of Anguilla’s National Culinary Team in this year’s Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition, in Miami, are emphatic that they will endeavour to bring back gold plates as they did last year.
“I can’t wear silver and I can’t appreciate bronze,” Dean Samuel, Manager of the team, remarked while stressing that he intended to lead his team to a gold victory in the culinary competition.

He was at the time speaking at a thank you luncheon held by the team in appreciation of the support received from sponsors including a number of hotels and restaurants. The event was at Santorini Restaurant at CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa on Monday, June 16.

The team, which will travel to Miami on June 26, comprises Dean Samuel, Sous Chef at Cap Juluca (Manager); Lester Gumbs, Senior Chef of CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, who will be vying for the Chef of the Year Competition; Darren Connor of Viceroy Anguilla, who will be cooking in the individual Beef Competition; Jimmie Matthews, Viceroy Anguilla, who will be competing in the Pastry Chef of the Year Competition; Mtima Daniel, Junior Chef competing in the Pastry Chef of the Year Competition; and Taffi Hodge, Viceroy Anguilla, who will be competing in the Bartender of the Year Competition.

Mrs Gilda Gumbs Samuel, who will accompany the team, noted that this year there was a reduced number of Anguillian chefs at the competition as two of them were unable to attend.

“I will tell you something about the Anguilla National Culinary Team,” she stated. “We have won every medal except Team of the Year and that is something we will not stop competing for until we bring back a medal. When we bring it home, we are going to start all over again to win all the medals again. The only other medal that eluded us was the gold plates and last year we did win them [at last]. So instead of chasing two awards, we are chasing one.”

Dishes and Dessert served by Culinary Team

June 24th, 2014: The Valley, Anguilla: Digicel, gave 1 of 2 customers the chance to win EC$200 daily in the “Pay and Win” promotion.

Customers received EC$200 when they made advanced payments on their bills. This Promotion ran 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. Other winners in the “Pay and Win “promotion were; Nerys Fleming and Kerry Harrigan-Tuesday 17th June, Gordon Kennedy and Stanford Richardson-Wednesday 18th June, Marcia Connor and Iona Proctor –Thursday 19th June and Tamara Gumbs and Melvin Richardson- Friday 20th June 2014.

Digicel’s Katy-Ann Roberts, of the Credit and Collections Department; would like to thank all customers who paid their bills in advance and was a part of the “Pay and Win” promotion. She was very pleased to see the happy customers, and congratulates all the winners.
Continue to play Digicel’s exciting games and take part in promotions, as you could be the next lucky Extraordinary winner.

- Press Release

The Valley, Anguilla June 13, 2014 – Customers doing business with CIBC FirstCaribbean on Friday 13th June were treated to banking with a difference by management and staff at the branch in The Valley.
The event was dubbed Customer Appreciation Day in Anguilla and throughout the region served by CIBC FirstCaribbean International.
Country Head Ms Marie Rey and Customer Service Manager Mr Courtney Morton were among staff making customers feel welcome and appreciated for choosing to bank with CIBC FirstCaribbean.

“Every day we make our customers feel appreciated but today we went the extra mile to show them how much we care for their patronage and choosing to bank with the leading regional financial institution,” said Miss Rey.
“I feel safe banking with CIBC FirstCaribbean, the staff make me feel like I am part of a large family,” said Miss Karla Hughes as she was served with refreshments by Country Head Miss Marie Rey.

During the day customers were treated to refreshments.
CIBC FirstCaribbean is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean serving over 500,000 accounts in 17 markets, across 68 branches.

The bank offers a full range of market-leading financial services including Corporate and Investment Banking, Treasury Sales and Trading, Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Small Business and Credit Cards.
CIBC FirstCaribbean Customer Appreciation Day coincided with that of its parent, CIBC.

- Press Release

Students at the Omololu International School (OIS) were this term exposed to the teachings of the D.A.R.E (Drugs, Abuse, Resistance Education) programme offered by the Anguilla Royal Police Force. The programme which was executed by DARE Officers namely, Lake and Carbon gave students in grades 4 – 6 the necessary tools to STOP, THINK and ACT.

The D.A.R.E programme which is vibrantly known on the island for its creditability for molding lives and shaping futures, culminated on Thursday, 19th June 2014 with its exit graduation. The graduates received congratulatory remarks by Officer Crispin Gumbs and Officer Shawn Lake particularly for their successful participation in the program. A skit dramatization of the DARE decision making model was a highlight of the ceremony, as they used an entertaining format to bring across the serious awareness issues at hand. Ms. Raquel Graham, Class Teacher took the opportunity to share words of wisdom to fortify graduating students as they moved on to another stage of their educational journey. Awards were presented for the best report, won by Nandi Edwards, followed by second place winner Maria Villagomez and the winning essays were presented at the ceremony. The poster competition first place winner went to Nandi Edwards while Jude Purcell was awarded second place. All students are commended for their hard work and creativity expressed during the program.
Omololu International School continues to provide opportunities for students to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives through working collaboratively with agencies such as the Anguilla Royal Police Force.
Omololu International School firmly believes that every child is unique and full of potential and through its holistic program of academics, the arts, music, languages and sports; OIS aims to guide each child to achieve his or her personal best and grow into an open-minded, supportive, well-grounded global citizen. For more information see us at www.omololuschool.org , call 1-264-497-5430 or follow us on Facebook.

- Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

June 17th, 2014: The Valley, Anguilla: As Anguilla’s 1st 4G Network continues efforts to ensure that we always provide the best plans for all of our customers, we are pleased to announce that “Double Data” is here!

With plans as low as EC $2.99 ,Digicel ensure’ s all customers get the best value, so we’ve doubled all our prepaid data plans to assist in social networking functions , business and other features.

We’ve asked our customers what they really want this summer, and Data is on the top of their list! Thanks to smartphone technology, more people will have computer features right at their fingertips! Instagram, Facebook, email, games, apps, even streaming; and all these features are accessible, powered by Digicel’s 4G network.

Digicel’s Country Manager, Rochus Schreiber explained ; “ Digicel’ s offers are affordably priced and bundled with great plans for all customers, if you do not have a Digicel phone which allows you to take advantage of our competitive rates, fantastic promotions and excellent customer service, now is definitely the time to join our Extraordinary network!”

With Digicel’s ‘ Double Data’ plan customers can see more, share more, play more and do more! ‘Double the Data, Double The Fun’.

For more details and other information on Digicel and promotions, please visit www.digicelanguilla.com, and also our Facebook and twitter page, simply by ‘Following’ and ‘Liking’ Digicel Anguilla.

- Press Release

Now that the Mary Elizabeth Recreational Park at Rey Hill has been officially opened, the first basketball camp there is planned for July 21-25. That information was released by Mr Evan Gumbs, the Elected Representative for Valley South and Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities.

Mr Gumbs made the disclosure while delivering the feature address at the opening of the sporting facility on Friday, June 20. He said that the inaugural camp would be hosted by Coaches Shane Wagner and Joe Crawford of the Oklahoma Basketball Academy. “I am certain that we will be able to produce at least one player from this community who will go to the next level with this partnership,” the Minister stated.
He went on: “The Mary Elizabeth Recreational Park will serve as a model for all future parks being built in the surrounding communities. It is important to note, however, that the success of such parks is not just in the facilities within the park, but in the organised programmes which will be conducted on a year round basis for the children.”
Mr Gumbs who said he had promised the people of Rey a basketball court in 2010, denied that it was built for political mileage as a number of persons had charged. He explained his vision for the broadening of the facility as follows:

“When I met with the committee on February 1, 2014, my mission was to create a field of dreams with a multi-purpose court, shaded benches for tutoring sessions in various subject areas, and a community shed for meetings and bathroom facilities. It was equally important for the children to receive assistance with homework in an environment conducive for learning as it was for them to play. The benches and tables are being constructed and will be strategically placed around the park. Upon completion of the project, it is my desire to have the entire park fenced and lit. I am certain that with the continued support from the people of Rey Hill, and the wider community, we will also achieve this goal.”
Mr Gumbs, who was grateful ”to all the dedicated persons who embraced his vision”, added: “In addition to developing a facility with the necessary amenities that would serve as a model for other communities, I envisioned positive programmes for the children and community gatherings where everyone (young and old) can come together and celebrate special holidays. It is my hope that such gatherings can help to strengthen the bonds in the community and revive the jollification spirit of the community.”
The ceremony commenced with introductory remarks by Ras Elijah. He is the grandson of the late Mary Elizabeth Hodge who was the original owner the land. He was pleased to see the progress made so far on the development of the sporting facility and was grateful to Mr Mitchelle Lake, CEO of the Anguilla Tennis Academy, who was of much assistance in the design and building of the basketball court.
Mr Alkins Rogers, Chairman of the Social Security Board, lauded the project and was pleased that financing from the Board’s development fund was made available to assist with the construction of the facility. He joined in expressing thanks to Mr Lake in particular for the important role he played.

The basketball court was declared open by Mr Jerome Roberts, Minister responsible for Sports and Youth Affairs. He commended Minister Evan Gumbs for his vision; all others who were involved in the work; and spoke about the benefits of the project to the children and adults in its current and later stage of development.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs Janice Hodge, a resident of Valley South. The event also involved the blessing of the court by Pastor Cecil Richardson of the nearby Central Baptist Church, and the participation of a number of other persons in such areas as musical and singing renditions, as well as gift presentations to Minister Evan Gumbs.

For the sixth consecutive year the people of Anguilla have been advised on the importance of safety. This was undertaken by a number of public and private sector departments and other organisations involved in an All Hazard Risk Reduction & Safety Fair.

The event, in which there were fourteen booths, was held on the Agricultural Department’s grounds on Friday, June 20. The theme of the fair was “Preventing the Worst by Putting Safety First.” The booths included displays by the Department of Health Protection, the Health and Nutrition Unit of the Health Department, Department of Disaster Management, ANGLEC, LIME, Caribbean Cable Communications, Sol, the HIV/AIDS Programme, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Bancroft Battick, Chief Engineer at the Department of Infrastructure, Utilities and Communication, and the welcome remarks were delivered by Janice Isomura of the Anguilla Red Cross.

Governor Christina Scott welcomed the holding of the fair, saying it was an important occasion which demonstrated a continuous need for everyone to practice safety in their daily lives. She was favourably impressed with the many displays and urged the spectators to take advantage of the useful information available to them. The Governor commended the organisers of the event, mainly the Department of Disaster Management, as well as the participating departments and other organisations.

Minister of Home Affairs, Jerome Roberts, was particularly pleased with the large number of schoolchildren at the fair. He advised them to convey the importance of safety to their parents, not just in relation to hurricanes but other disasters as well.
Mr David Gumbs, General Manager of the Anguilla Electricity Company, also emphasised the significance of safety and pointed especially to the high-risk work of his company. He was happy that ANGLEC was the platinum sponsor of the fair. Other sponsors were DIGICEL, Anguilla Electric Protective, Sol, Safety Alliance, LIME and Delta Petroleum.

The various displays were of much interest and attraction to the spectators, particularly the children. A number of them participated in demonstrations by the Fire and Rescue Service under the direction of Fire Officer, Shondell Hodge.

The safety fair continued well into the afternoon, with a large crowd in attendance.

Mr Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool

“Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul.” – Longfellow

Prior to the passing of “Teacher Arthwin”, to which he was affectionately known, he had several visits in and out of the hospital. While at home he was cared for by his “NURSE”, as he called her, his daughter, Yvonne Vanterpool and his family.

Mr. Vanterpool’s philosophy towards life was to “Try to make the world a better place then he met it” and that he did. His main ambition in life was the importance of education and with such, he began his teaching career on January 8th, 1951 and retired from teaching on 27th March, 1987. During his tenure in education he was Principal of the Island Harbour, East End, Valley and West End Primary Schools. He also was a substitute teacher at Stoney Ground Primary School. For his contribution towards education on October 15th, 2009, the then named Island Harbour Primary School was renamed in his honour as the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School.

Not only as a teacher and principal, but in several subsequent distinguished capacities, Vivien Vanterpool has watched Anguillian history unfold – from an era when the island was ruled from afar and frequently forgotten or ignored, through its struggle for independence and recognition, to its first steps toward becoming the modern tourist destination it is today.
In addition to his work within the public sector, he also worked in the private sector embarking on areas including working as the Public Relations Officer for the National Bank of Anguilla (NBA) Ltd. and was the First Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and served on the Board of Directors for Anglec Ltd. and NBA Ltd. He was the executor for many wills as well as assisted many persons with completing passport application forms.
He was also a family man who always took pride in love and support for them and a devoted husband to his loving wife Marjorie Vanterpool. Furthermore, he was a man of God and faithfully attended the St. Andrews Anglican Church in Island Harbour. There he did various scripture readings and served as the Secretary of Vestry.
His passion, in addition to his love for family, education and Church, was cricket. Every game, regional and international he was tuned in for, whether via television or his radio. He was a humble man and dedicated in whatever task brought before him.
On December 19, 2013, Mr. Vanterpool left another legacy behind in the form of the launching of his autobiography entitled Overcoming the Odds. Though he was ill at the time, he attended the ceremony and was exceptionally proud of his accomplishment. His autobiography is not only a fascinating look into the life of one dedicated educator during a period of vast change, it is also the chronicle of the island of Anguilla.
To the bereaved relatives and friends of the late Mr. Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool we extend our deepest sympathies. Details of his family members, the thanksgiving service and internment will be given later.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made toward the Vivien and Marjorie Vanterpool Scholarship Fund. To do so kindly contact Eusvon Brooks at 581-8894.

- Contibuted

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

When those one hundred and fourteen eager students entered the doors of The Valley Secondary School, on 21st September 1953, it probably never occurred to them that they would be a part of history. We could only imagine how excited they and their teachers must have been to be the first to walk the halls of Anguilla’s first secondary school! Given the failed plan in the nineteenth century to relocate Anguilla’s entire population to Guyana, it is perhaps fortuitous, if not comedic, that the school’s first principal, Mr J. T. Thom, was a native of Guyana, and he is remembered fondly by both staff and students.
The provision of secondary education to the people of Anguilla did not happen overnight. It came after years of struggle and persuasion. In the post-emancipation era, the freed slaves yearned for a better life for their descendants and recognized the value of sound education in improving their quality of life. While several church-run schools provided primary education, it took over a century after emancipation for secondary education to materialize. Through the lobbying of several individuals and organizations, including the influential Anguilla Teachers’ Union, The Valley Secondary School was established.

To many it may seem that this was a long time ago but, when one considers that several of its first students and teachers are still with us, we must recognize that, in terms of development, sixty years is relatively young.
At its inception, The Valley Secondary School comprised an “academic” section where students were prepared for Ordinary Level examinations offered by Cambridge University, and the senior section where students were prepared to write examinations towards the school leaving certificate. (There was also a woodwork shop which signifies that the value of technical and vocational education was recognized from the onset.) Pupils from across the island could gain entrance to the “academic” section based on their performance on the common entrance examination. However, only students from The Valley Boys and Girls Schools could access the senior section where they were transferred automatically after reaching a certain age. This continued for several years.
As the needs of the society changed, so too did The Valley Secondary School. If we reflect on the changes made throughout the lifetime of the school, we will realize that they all seemed geared towards moving it away from the more traditional elitist grammar school to providing secondary education to a wider cross section of the population. Along its journey, a vocational centre was established which provided yet another opportunity for students to access secondary education in more practical areas which gave them the necessary skills for the workplace.

In 1986, The Valley Secondary School became the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School and opened its doors to children all across Anguilla to enable them to gain a secondary education. This courageous move placed Anguilla way ahead of many of its Caribbean neighbours, indeed ahead of many countries around the world, in offering universal secondary education. Twenty eight years later, many still debate the wisdom of this move. However, the alternative is frightening and would have had a debilitating effect on the ability of Anguillians to be key players in our island’s development.

Today, the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School has a roll of 1219 students, a staff of 125 and operates from four sites: Campus B which caters to students in the first and second forms; Campus A which caters to students in forms three to six; Workshop Initiative for Support in Education (WISE) which caters to students who could benefit from a more practical approach to learning; and the Pupil’s Referral Unit (PRU) which caters to students who present severe behavioural challenges that cannot be addressed in the regular school setting.

Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Campus B
Students write examinations from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) leading to the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Diploma and Associate Degrees. Thirty three subjects are available at CSEC and 48 Units in 28 subjects at CAPE. Additional certification is also available from other examination boards for students pursuing studies in some technical and vocational areas such as Animation, Woodworking, Culinary Essentials, Electrical Practices, Cabinetry and Joinery, Digital Media, Auto Mechanics, Hotel Management, Construction Trades, and Hospitality Skills Tasks and Results Training (START).
Much has been accomplished over the years, but this journey is far from complete. A review of comprehensive education conducted in 2009, while making several recommendations for improvement, confirmed that the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School provides students with a solid foundation for lifelong learning and career advancement. This should be no surprise. It is evident in the number of past students of The Valley Secondary School/Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School who have excelled in all fields both in and out of Anguilla. While we reflect on how far we have come, we must simultaneously prepare to make the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School an even more dynamic and flexible institution where all students can find their place and excel in their chosen path.

The Ministry and Department of Education invite the general public to join in our celebration of the 60th anniversary of secondary education by visiting the anniversary exhibition at the Anguilla Public Library. The exhibition is open from Monday 23rd June to Friday July 25th 2014 and features “Sixty Years of Secondary Education, Then and Now”. Special thanks are extended to the staff of the Anguilla Public Library for all their efforts in compiling and collating the information and mounting the exhibition.

Ministry and Department of Education

25th June 2014

Mrs Hyacinth Bradley (left) and Youth Leaders

The event, on Wednesday and Thursday, was convened by the Department of Youth and Culture in collaboration with the Anguilla National Youth Council and was held in the Conference Room at La Vue Boutique. The summit attracted thirty-five youth leaders from throughout Anguilla.

The Department’s Senior Programme Officer, Mrs Hyacinth Bradley, who chaired the opening ceremony, said the agenda included a number of interactive sessions. “Every organisation will be given the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas and, of course, we will be learning from each other,” she explained. “The summit is yet another tangible demonstration of our commitment to creating the enabling environment to promote, build and strengthen partnerships and networks.”
Mrs Bradley called on youth repesentatives to siege the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to serve as leaders and as strategic partners in development.
President of the Anguilla National Youth Council, Michali Rey, speaking about the theme of the summit, “Promoting Partnerships, Strengthening Networks”, said it embraced the functioning and development of all youth organisations on the island, making up the National Youth Council. He urged the representatives of the various organisations to work with the Council’s executive to broaden their networks and strengthen their linkages.

Mrs Shermina Powell-Richardson

Mr Bren Romney, Director of Youth and Culture, was pleased with the large turnout of youth representatives. “It is evident, with the ongoing work of the Department of Youth and Culture, and the work that your organisations do on a daily basis, that the youth agenda in Anguilla is taking centre place,” he told the gathering.
Mr Romney disclosed that, following the summit, the Executive Council would be meeting on Monday, June 30, in special session dedicated to: youth development; the anti-violence strategy; the Anguilla Youth Entrepreneur Programme; the Get Set Programme; and the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee. The objective is to better coordinate the development and implementation of youth policies across government agencies and improve the allocation of resources in the area of youth development.

The feature address was delivered by Mrs Shermina Powell-Richardson, Director of Youth Affairs with the Government of St Martin. In considering the theme of the summit, she said: “I can conclude that youth organisation networks already exist here in Anguilla and that you have taken inventory of them, and that there is a need for strengthening them. I have also noted that you deemed it necessary to place emphasis on the promoting of these partnerships in every sense of the word.” She offered her best wishes for the success of the partnerships.

Mr Bren Romney

The presenters at the summit were Ms Farah Mukhida, Executive Director of the Anguilla National Trust; Ms Melinda Goddard, Clien Tell Consulting LLC; and Dr Leroy Hill of the Anguilla Community College.

Governor
Christina Scott

I wanted to add to add my support to the message from the Deputy Governor marking UN International Public Service Day, which took place earlier this week. As his article makes clear, the day “aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community”.

The concept of ‘service’ here is a crucial one. All of us who hold public office – whether as officials, politicians, on the boards of public corporations, as police, educators, carers or as providers of other front-line public services – do so on behalf of people we serve: the public.

At the core of our service should be the values that underpin public service: equality, fairness, impartiality and upholding the rule of law. The most effective public servants are those that are proactive, responsive and dynamic, who accept personal responsibility to influence positively the delivery of public services in Anguilla, and are willing to be held accountable for their work. They accept that not everything will always go to plan, but learn from when things do go wrong, listen to what their customers are saying, and use that to deliver a better service in the future.
Those are high standards, but essential if we are to provide effective public services to the most vulnerable in society, to our children, our elderly, in support of our businesses and economy, and to make our overseas visitors feel warmly welcome.
As the Deputy Governor rightly suggests, anyone who is paid a salary funded by the taxpayer is in a fortunate position. So if we are more focussed on protecting our turf and position, or hiding officiously behind a uniform, or bending rules to assist our friends, then we have lost sight of the bigger picture: we have put ourselves first, and not the people who fund us, and who we are here to serve, and that means we have let down Anguilla.
So I would like to thank those individuals in public service in Anguilla who work, sometimes in testing circumstances, to deliver services to the public. I know, from my visits to schools, care homes and elsewhere, and in my daily interactions with public servants on matters of policy, that there are many unsung heroes who provide service with love and conscientiousness. Let all of us in public service learn from their dedication and commitment, as we support Anguilla in reaching its potential.

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

Deputy Governor Stanley Reid OBE

Today we celebrate the United Nations’ International Public Service Day. International Public Service Day, which recognises that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service, is celebrated on 23rd June each year. The day is a global observance of public life, which aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community.
Member states are encouraged to organise special events on Public Service Day as a means of highlighting the contribution of the public service in the developmental process. It is expected to also serve to encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. On this day throughout the world, public service organisations and departments celebrate, by holding various events intended to recognise the valuable role that public servants play in making improvements in society.

We celebrated the United Nations’ International Public Service Day in Anguilla for the first time last year. This year public officers throughout the Anguilla Public Service have made contributions towards the provision of gift baskets to families across Anguilla who are facing hardship at this time. While many public officers are also experiencing very trying circumstances, we are generally conscious of our good fortune in being able to earn a regular income, at a time when many persons are struggling financially. The idea of public officers sharing in this way was presented by an officer in the Department of Public Administration and was immediately embraced by other officers and decision makers. I offer commendations to the originator of the idea, to officials in the Department of Public Administration for co-ordinating this initiative and to public officers generally for embracing the idea. Service of this nature is always to be commended.
I wish to mark International Public Service Day 2014 by imploring managers in and out of the public service, to ensure that employees are afforded opportunities to equip themselves with the knowledge and expertise, required to offer the more conventional service expected by our customers. The Government of Anguilla in recent years has not been able to offer Anguillians generally and public officers in particular many opportunities for training, due to financial circumstances. I commend those persons who continue to find ways to engage in on-going learning and encourage public officers to avail themselves of any training opportunities offered.

It is incumbent on all of us to do what we can to ensure that we quickly return to a financial state, which will allow for the regular training of public officers and others, thereby equipping persons to offer quality service to all stakeholders. To assist in this regard Government officials must be diligent in the collection of taxes due to the Government of Anguilla; and citizens, residents and business entities must recognise and accept their responsibility to pay their taxes in a timely manner so as to assist in ensuring our sustainable development, well into the future.

I would like to believe that we will all do our best to ensure that we are not part of the reason for our failure to develop our human capital. It is my hope that our future actions will help to put Anguilla in a financial position, to offer appropriate training to appropriately selected individuals, who will then be able to offer service in and out of the Anguilla Public Service. I, therefore, look forward to us being able to offer training, in the very near future, at a level necessary to ensure Anguilla’s sustainable development and which by extension will ensure improvements in the welfare of citizens, residents and businesses on Anguilla.

Some 20 Julucans were recently honoured at the Resort’s Appreciation Awards Luncheon. There were twelve (12) Departmental Employees of the Quarter and two (2) Extra Mile Awardees. Purchasing Department received a Team Award.

Alma Gumbs received Supervisor of the Quarter Award & Diane Richardson received Employee of the Quarter.
Paula Sasso & Kishma Connor were also presented with Exemplary Performance Awards for the February – April Quarter.

Deputy Governor Stanley Reid OBE

Anguilla’s Deputy Governor, the Hon Stanley Reid, who has responsibility for the Public Service, delivered the feature address on Monday, June 23, at a two-day School Leavers’ Workshop. He was invited to address the more than one hundred young people participating in the Summer Placement Programme of the Careers and Guidance Unit of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. During his address, he outlined various matters, including work ethics and professionalism, to which they should pay keen attention, when entering the job market as follows:

It is of primary importance that you attend work regularly and that you are punctual. This will allow you to create a positive relationship with your employers, managers and customers. It will also ensure that you start each day on a positive note. It sends the clear message that you can be relied on and will in due course lead to you being accorded more responsibility and being looked on favourably when opportunities for promotion or self-improvement present themselves. In addition, since many work days do not go as planned, a punctual start will allow you to make adjustments with minimum stress to yourself and others.

Social media is very popular with young people. Is there a place for social media in the workplace? Trolling through social media sites on company time is not acceptable. While many business, entities now use social media to promote their businesses your engagement in such during the work day must only be in relation to the promotion of the company’s business. Remember that your use of social media leaves a trail. Your employer, manager and customers can track your use of social media, whether deliberately or coincidentally. It is also important to note that you need to be careful when using social media such as Facebook and twitter even on your own personal time. Much of the information posted on social media sites is public information and can be easily viewed by your employer, manager or customers. Your postings on social media can even affect whether you get a job or even the opportunity to be interviewed for a job. Employers or interviewers might very well have formed an opinion of you before an interview by virtue of what they have seen of your postings on social media. It is in your interest to remember that social media is a tool to be used with caution. It can have far reaching and long lasting effects on your lives.

Let’s talk about your appearance. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you will only be judged by your work output. Your appearance in the workplace is very important. Your mode of dress can determine how you are treated. If you want to be treated seriously dress professionally. This is also vital at the interview stage. Persons who show up to an interview dressed professionally immediately create a good impression. Someone who hasn’t taken the time to present themselves professionally will have the opposite effect. If you can’t take the time to create a good first impression what will your appearance and conduct be like if you were successful in securing the job? This is just one of the thoughts likely to be going through the minds of those persons on an interview panel. A word for the ladies among you in particular, although this has relevance for the gentlemen as well – Dress conservatively so that you may be assured that your success at a job interview is solely the result of the aptitude and attitude you demonstrated during the recruitment process. If you find employment or receive a promotion for reasons other than your aptitude or attitude your success is likely to be short-lived, if ever realised, and your relationships with colleagues strained, to say the least. Getting ahead on the basis of merit and respect will reap real rewards including self-appreciation.

Mobile phones are now a regular, if not essential part of our means of communication. Mobile phones must however be used with discretion. Mobile phones should generally not be used at your desk, at meetings with staff or with customers. Leaving your phone behind when at work or attending a meeting may not be an option but your mobile should be placed on silent or vibrate and if there is an absolute need to answer a call or respond to a message, one should ask to be excused before responding. Mobile phones have the capacity to record notes and to be used as calculators or time pieces, just to name a few functions. When using your mobile phones for any of these purposes you should find some way of communicating that to those you are working or meeting with.
Caribbean people are animated people and we generally have an opinion on every subject. In the workplace however conversation should be polite and professional. Topics which can often lead to discord in the workplace include religion, politics and sex. These topics should be avoided. In time when persons get to know their colleagues well they will be better able to navigate these topics but generally they are best avoided. In the Caribbean we tend to speak with our hands and to be rather familiar in our comments when expressing appreciation for a person’s physical appearance. Such levels of familiarity should be avoided. Telling somebody they look good enough to eat or that they’re looking hot are no nos.

While being included in office gossip can make you feel that you are one of the guys, such practices can be harmful to your career. Assuming positions of authority over persons, who you once gossiped with, will put you in a very difficult position, when it comes to gaining their respect or asserting authority over them. Remember familiarity breeds contempt. Do not limit your opportunities for advancement by engaging in gossip in the workplace.

I will make two further points which I consider vital to success in the workplace. You sometimes hear people saying ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’. I will tell you – you need to sweat the small stuff. In the workplace details are important and really do matter. Details matter now even while you are still at school. I like to tell persons that they are engaged in the recruitment process every day of their lives. Be conscious that potential employers are regularly observing you. They see you when they attend Speech Night; they see you at Sports Day; they see you during our Summer Festival. They see you and they form opinions about you. Over the next two days you will be privileged to have facilitators assist you in preparing for the workplace. They are potential employers. They will be observing you. They will be forming opinions. Details do matter and they matter every day and everywhere. Present yourselves and conduct yourselves everyday as if you are participating in a recruitment process.

Many of you have probably expressed the view that you can’t wait to get out of school to leave all those rules behind and not to constantly have persons telling you what you can and cannot do. Sorry, but that doesn’t change just because you left school. You will not only encounter rules during your school life. Rules also exist in the workplace. They might be described as policies or work plans but they are nonetheless designed to ensure order in the workplace and in relationships between stakeholders. A healthy respect for rules will serve persons well in the workplace. Of course there is often the need to revisit rules. This too should be done within the framework established by your workplace. The adherence to rules/policies/work plans ensures certainty and equity in the making of decisions and the treatment of stakeholders.

I take this opportunity to share with you the words of Saint Josemaria Escriva who promoted the view that we can all effectively serve God without leaving our place in life. He stated – ‘Will-power. A very important quality. Don’t disregard the little things, which are really never futile or trivial. For by the constant practice of repeated self-denial in little things, with God’s grace you will increase in strength and manliness of character. In that way you’ll first become master of yourself, and then a guide and a leader; to compel, to urge, to draw others with your example and with your word and with your knowledge and with your power.’

What is the value in demonstrating the practices I have outlined this morning? There is value for you on a personal level and for the organisation that employs you. You will experience greater efficiency and effectiveness and therefore greater productivity resulting in greater profitability for the organisation employing you. This should ultimately lead to opportunities for self-development, promotion and opportunities for increased earning power. Not only is professionalism assured by your conduct but you can benefit by virtue of your contribution to that professional atmosphere.

My exhortation to you is that you practice these habits so that you are well placed to be successful when seeking employment; so that you can contribute positively to professionalism in the Anguilla workplace and last but by no means least so that you can best position yourself to succeed in your chosen career area. This will allow you to be a productive member of society with the ability to take care of your needs and those of your immediate and extended family. This success is obtained by taking care of the little details. They really do matter.

I leave you with this final admonition. Do not be deterred from practicing good habits because it appears to you that long time employees seem to be doing just fine without practicing such habits. Remember that the day of reckoning comes for each of us; some sooner than others. Concern yourselves with how you will be judged on that day of reckoning in the workplace.

Best wishes to all of you as you experience life in the workplace.