Mr Yanchie Richardson

Talk show host, Mr Yanchie Richardson, of the Saturday morning Mayor Show, on Kool F 103.3, has endorsed Mr Edison Baird as the independent candidate in Road North for the 2014 general election.
The social commentator, who spends long periods in Palm Bay, Florida, was in Anguilla on Saturday, June 21, when Mr Baird launched his re-election campaign. He in fact appeared as a speaker on the rostrum and actually brought on Baird to address the gathering. Mr Richardson is also an avid supporter of Barrister-at-Law Pam Webster, the independent candidate for District 1 (Island Harbour) and its environs.
Yanchie, who is well known in North Hill, told the gathering: “You must stand for something or you will fall for anything;” and that “the people of Road North have in Edison Baird a definite leader who has the will and know how to get things done. I am so glad that there are so many people here from North Hill and other places who truly see it fit to support Mr Baird.”
He dismissed as propaganda the AUM Government’s claim that Mr Baird had conspired with Governor Harrison in an effect to bring down the Government. “Eddie has stood firm with what he expressed to us about sticking with the Government, and I would say the Government didn’t stick with him,” Mr Richardson observed, referring to Baird’s dismissal from the Government by Chief Minister Hughes in June last year.

He continued: “I would like for people not to pay attention to the petty politics that is going on around here – especially with this candidate in Road North. People know that I back a particular candidate in Island Harbour and that is the lady, Pam Webster. It won’t be an election of a straight party, but I know that this candidate [Edison Baird] will be part of [any elected Government].”
He added: “I would say to the people of Road North: stand up, be proud, show your colours and don’t be afraid. You must stand for something or you will basically fall for anything; and I think the people of North Hill deserve Edison Baird.”

This past weekend, the internationally renowned artist Sir Roland Richardson was colorfully and happily painting Anguillian landscapes to the delight ofthe many folks who passed by, stopped to say “Hi”, and watched him work while they admired his canvases. Roland’s art is prominently featured on Anguilla in The Stone Cellar Gallery in The Old Factory and in The Art Boutique in the adjacent Valley Bistro–in addition, he and his wife Laura also have a lovely gallery in Marigot.

Roland has family and emotional ties to Anguilla…his great-grandfather was George Lake…and he has spent a considerable amount of time living on the island over the past years. Throughout the season ahead, Sir Roland plans to work regularly on Anguilla as he builds a beautiful art collection of “Plein Air” Impressionist images all done from life to debut for a new show this coming winter at the Stone Cellar Gallery. Many of the people who stopped this weekend asked to have their portraits done. Sir Roland said, “Yes!” As such, if you’re lucky, you’ll be seeing him at various locations on island over the next few months.

When you see Roland by the roadside, stop to say hello as he loves to share his efforts and thoughts with all those who love art and beauty–whereby his warm smile and charming style add happiness to everyone lucky enough to meet him or spend time with him…he’s a great artist and a welcoming man, so enjoy!

- Contributed

Mr Rommel Hughes

Mr Rommel Hughes, former CEO of the Anguilla Water Corporation, appeared on the political rostrum on Saturday, June 21, in support of Mr Edison Baird, the independent candidate for the Road North Constituency.
“Mr Baird has demonstrated that he can represent our interests both at home and abroad,” Mr Hughes asserted. “His honesty in public life is beyond reproach. He has shown that he is genuinely concerned about the welfare of his fellow human beings and citizens of Anguilla, and of the constituency of Road North in general. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I would strongly urge all of you in the sound of my voice, particularly those who are eligible to vote, in this constituency, to vote for Edison Alva Baird for the sixth time. He has served us well over the last twenty years and I know he will continue to do so into the future.”

Mr Hughes spoke on three matters which he believed were of much concern to the people of Anguilla and which reflected the thoughts of the Government. “Some of the talk coming out of this administration is about the introduction of Valued Added Tax,” he stated. “This tax, ladies and gentlemen, is bad, bad news – very bad news for both small businesses and Government alike. The people of Anguilla should know about this tax—and if they don’t know – they should research the history of Value Added Tax in the Caribbean.

“None of the islands, where it has been tried, has ever implemented it successfully. In fact, research has shown that for small businesses it dramatically increases the cost of doing business as additional man hours would be required to keep track of what is purchased, what is sold, and what taxes should be paid over to the Government.” He recalled that in a study conducted for one of the Overseas Territories, a British consultant concluded that in small jurisdictions such as Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Montserrat, the cost of administering VAT would be far too high, compared with the benefits accrued from it.

The second issue he raised was the Interim Stabilisation Levy introduced by Government, half way into its term of office, to bolster the budget. “When we tax our economy, like we have done in the last four plus years, we remove the oil from the economic engine that the private sector would need to invest and to grow, and thereby expand and create jobs for our children,” Mr Hughes observed. “The Stabilisation Tax as it is applied presently, removes the incentives from these businesses to hire and thus prevents them from investing. I am therefore calling on this administration, since it has up to nine months more in office, to replace the so-called Stabilisation Levy because it is clearly damaging our economy.”

The third matter, on which Mr Hughes spoke, was renewable energy. He said at the last general meeting of ANGLEC, the chairman indicated that the renewable energy plans for Anguilla had been shelved. He reported that the chairman also stated that efforts were now being concentrated on a waste to energy project designed for the Corito area. He pointed to the fact that some of the larger electricity consumers were now turning to solar energy, among them being CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa.

“Unfortunately, this administration has turned its back on solar energy… and is now preoccupied with a waste to energy plant,” he continued. “This preoccupation appears very misguided based on the available literature. After reading the EIA for the proposed project, nowhere is a reduced cost of energy listed as a potential benefit to the people of Anguilla. All of the potential benefits listed are of an environmental nature, but the same EIA has conveniently not addressed the potential damaging effects the project can have on the people living downwind from the plant. When one of the proponents of the project was questioned about the mitigating measures that these specific impacts might have, his response was that he will get back to us later. Two months later we are still waiting to hear from that proponent what the mitigating measures would be.”

Mr Hughes, a Civil Engineer, gave his assessment of some of the impacts of the project. He said the emissions of the plant would travel downwind, settle on rooftops and eventually be washed down into cisterns when rain falls. “The acid that goes into the cisterns will destroy them in no time and if you were to drink it, it will also kill you. Acid and cement or concrete just don’t mix,” he stated.

According to him, the EIA clearly indicated that fumes containing harmful nitrous and sulphurous oxides would be emitted from the plant. He also said that another harmful by-product was “char”, a residue from the incineration of waste. “This ‘char’ is highly toxic and poisonous and to date the proponents of the project cannot say what they will do with this ‘char’,” he went on. “The EIA indicates that it [the project] will produce a few tons of ‘char’ every year if this project were to go through. However, up to now, they cannot indicate where they would put it – whether in the sea or in some pond [other than our Road Pond] or bury it.”

Mr Hughes wondered why the project was being pursued by Government given the possible harmful impacts surrounding it. “What has happened to the other alternative sources of energy?” he asked. “We here in Anguilla have an abundance of sunshine. Why is solar energy not being pursued? At the very least, why hasn’t it been investigated?”

Chief Minister Hubert Hughes

Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Mr Hubert Hughes, under whose Ministry a number of Chinese businesses are continuing to be established and expanded on the island, expressed his views about the matter on Monday, this week.

He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of a two-day School Leavers’ Workshop held by the Careers and Guidance Unit of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in conjunction with the Labour Department.

“I am very concerned about what is happening in the field of labour in Anguilla because too many work permits come to me for signature, and especially the Chinese establishments in this island,” he said. “As I say, I am very concerned about the Chinese. I believe that they are very aggressive; I believe they are very ‘indiscretionate’; they are far too conservative and, I would say, discriminating. I don’t think that Anguillians should accept a foreign element discriminating in Anguilla. They discriminate in favour of their own people.”

Mr Hughes stated that while Chinese businessmen were permitted to do business in a place like Barbados, “their employees must be Barbadian.” He went on: “I am free to say…I play a political role and I live and die by what I do and what I say. As far as I am concerned, I am totally opposed to the idea that the Chinese must bring their labour from China. I am totally opposed to it…

“Apart from being Minister of Labour, I am also Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Finance. I have a clear vision of what is true economics. Economics has to do with the country benefitting – Anguilla benefitting, the people of Anguilla benefitting. When you earn money in Anguilla, it stays in Anguilla – it circulates in Anguilla; it develops entrepreneurship in Anguilla; and that’s why we need to ensure that too much of the money that people earn, as workers, are not syphoned away by the Chinese and sent back to China. That is what exactly is happening, so I am not very happy about it.”

Chinese business persons began investing in Anguilla in partnerships with Anguillians several years ago, but are now allegedly securing their own properties and businesses on the island. Their investments are in the area of supermarkets, restaurants and hardware establishments across the island.

Mr Edison Baird

Former Minister of Social Development, Mr Edison Baird, now an independent candidate in the Road North Constituency, for the 2014 general election, launched his re-election campaign on Saturday, June 21.
Baird, who holds university degrees in Political Science and Economics, was fired from his ministerial post by Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, a year ago. He said he would be teaming up with opposition groups to form the next Government of Anguilla. He is vying for the sixth time to be the elected representative in Road North, where he has served for some twenty years.
He was supported at his public meeting on the basketball court in North Hill by Ms Patricia Hodge who introduced him; Mr Rommel Hughes, a long-time friend and former CEO of the Water Corporation; and Mr Yanchie Richardson of the Mayor Show on Kool FM 103.3.

“This election is not a contest between Edison Baird and [the Anguilla United] Front,” Mr Baird told his listeners. “The Front and I had our problems and the voters resolved it in 2010. I have no problems with the Front and I believe the Front has no problems with me. This election is a contest between the forces of good on the one hand, and the forces of evil on the other hand. And the forces of evil are the forces of… ‘that gang’ that constitutes the Anguilla United Movement.
“We in the opposition – Edison Baird, the Front and all the patriotic forces of the opposition – must come together as one and remove the [present] Government of Anguilla,” he stressed.

Mr Baird, who charged that he was undermined while in Government, said he was being accused of not having done anything in the Road North Constituency by his rival, Mr Patrick Hanley, the AUM candidate. He took the opportunity to list a number of projects and programmes in which he was personally involved. “I have done more in the Road North Constituency than any other representative in the political history of Anguilla since the introduction of ministerial government in 1976,” he claimed. “I don’t say it to denigrate the past representatives…I say it because it is an objective truth.”

Baird further said: “Fellow Anguillians, I want to come to the position that I believe to be true: that Anguilla is in a political and economic mess; that Anguilla is worse off today than when it was under the Front in 2010. And that is coming from a man who played the leading role in putting the Front in the opposition. Look at the economic mess that Anguilla is in. The banks are taking your houses; the banks are taking your land; the banks are taking your cars; and the reason why they are taking all of these things from you, is not that you don’t want to pay. Anguillians are hard-working people.
“It is because under the Hubert Hughes Government, a number of jobs are being lost. Therefore the people cannot pay their loans. The Government is taxing the people to death. You have the [Stabilisation] Levy, the four dollars tax on gasoline – and this is the same Hubert Hughes who said you cannot tax a dead economy. He not only taxed the dead economy, he prepared it for burial.

“But, just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, we, Edison Baird, the Front and the patriotic members of all the opposition, I feel we can put a Government together that can breathe life into the economy of Anguilla and raise it again. Just how Christ raised Lazarus, we will raise the economy of Anguilla.”

Among other matters of concern to the people of Anguilla, Mr Baird referred to the Cap Juluca issue which he discussed at some length. He pledged that when he, and the other opposition groups, formed the new Government of Anguilla, they would solve the Cap Juluca issue.

Over one hundred well-dressed students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School turned up at a two-day workshop on Monday, June 23, as if they had begun to work in various sectors of the job market for the first time.

The workshop was in fact a teaching tool, this year, to prepare them for the annual Anguilla Summer Placement Programme – an arrangement between the school’s Career Unit and the Labour Department. The job-training students, including 5th and 6th formers, were welcomed at the Blue Ridge Convention Centre by Ms Carmencita Davis, Deputy Labour Commissioner, who outlined the arrangements for the workshop including the list of presenters and the subjects of the lectures.

Chief Minister and Minister of Labour, Mr Hubert Hughes, spoke to the students about the labour policies of the Anguilla Government, and the role of the Labour Department as distinct from that of a bargaining trade labour union. “The role of the Labour Office is to ensure that Anguillians get first place in the labour market,” he said, but noted that if they were not in a position to take up certain job opportunities, the Labour Department was obliged to issue work permits to expatriate persons to bolster the workforce.

Deputy Governor Stanley Reid OBE

He said the role of the Government was to develop the economy and to create jobs for the people of Anguilla. He noted, however, that due to the difficult economic situation over the past four years, the Government was unable to provide jobs “for endless schoolchildren.” He told the students that they were required to prepare themselves professionally to take up jobs on the island when they were created, and that the workshop they were attending was an important way of preparing them for the job market.

Mr Reid, the Deputy Governor, who has delegated responsibility for the management of the Anguilla Public Service, outlined a number of issues which he considered relevant to ensure the successful inclusion of the students in the workforce, on leaving school. These issues, because of their importance, are published separately elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian.

The topics and presenters at the workshop were as follows: Professionalism: Dr Phyllis Fleming-Banks (Sociologist/Human Resource Development Consultant); Customer Service: Mr Christopher Richardson (Executive Assistant Manager, CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa); Gender in Workplace: Dr Ronya Foy-Connor (Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs); Anguilla Community College: Mrs Shellecia Brooks-Johnson (Assistant Registrar Marketing, Communications Students Services and Alumni); How Social Media Defines You: Mr Colwayne Pickering, ICT Sales Manager/Operations Manager, Digicel Anguilla); Work Ethics: Ms Carla C Rogers (Deputy Director/Human Resource Manager, Department of Public Administration); Principles of Delegation: Mr Kennedy Hodge; Anger Manager: Dr Linda Banks, (Clinical Psychologist); Using Skills To Make A Living: Mr David Carty (Professional Boat-builder); Communications in the Workplace: Mrs Sandra York-Gumbs (Financial/Administrative Manager, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Housing); and Dress for the Occasion: Ms Merlyn Rogers (Human Resource Manager, Anguilla Air and Seaports Authority).

CM Hubert Hughes

The students were presented with certificates at the end of the two-day workshop.

Meanwhile, according to a release from the Careers Unit, out of a total of 137 registered students for the Anguilla Summer Placement Programme, 112 were placed in areas across the public and private sectors. The release continued:

“This year, only nine students expressed an interest in the field of Education and each was given a three-week stint in classrooms at five of the six Government Primary Schools. One preschool came on board for the second time during the existence of the programme. The largest group of student placements were attached to the Health Authority with a total of 25 students placed in various areas within the various departments.

“The Summer Placement Programme exposes students to the workforce and provides them with valuable experience as they enter another phase of their life. At this time, the Careers Unit is still working on finding more student placements and is appealing to companies and business owners in Anguilla to contact the unit if they wish to participate.

“The Anguilla Careers and Guidance Unit and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School wish to express sincerest thanks to the Government Departments, as well as the Private Sector, for once again coming on board and helping to give youths a positive working experience.”

Sixth Form students, who graduated from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on Wednesday, June 25, have been applauded by the Principal, Mrs Ingrid Lake, for their perseverance and commitment. They have also been particularly praised for honouring the basic rules and regulations of the institution.
In delivering the Principal’s Report at the graduation ceremony, Mrs Lake observed that in 2012 sixty-one students registered for the two-year sixth form programme; and by September 2013, that number had been reduced to forty-five. She pointed out that 67 percent of that group had qualified to participate in Wednesday’s graduation ceremony. The figures therefore showed that thirty students qualified for graduation, while fifteen did not meet the required criteria.

“I am aware that the programme was not an easy one for many of you,” the Principal told the graduates. “You were faced with the challenge of managing your many non-contact sessions, engaging in relevant research to boost knowledge, improving analytical skills that ensure achievement at the highest level; and transforming attitudes and approaches that would assist you in becoming more responsible and independent students.”
Mrs Lake continued: “You would have cheated yourselves by not being prudent with your time and effort. You would have decided to cut corners rather than giving of your best. Irrespective of the decisions you would have made with respect to your work ethics, I am confident that the sixth form experience has enhanced your development; and that you are more prepared to meet the challenges that you will encounter at any institution of learning or in the workplace.”

The Principal noted that some of the graduates were already concerned about their inability to finance their college or university education. “This will become a sore point, especially at a time when government scholarships have declined as well as grants and other financial aid,” she went on. “Elections are in the air so that may change. Others are going to become extremely despondent because of the inability to gain employment…My simple advice to you is to exercise patience. Be strong and courageous. Continue to educate yourselves. Tough times do not last forever.”
Mrs Lake said she would always remember the challenges, the bond and the lessons experienced at the school; and was grateful to the students for their contributions and active involvement in the life of the school. “Many of you have made your teachers, and, by extension, the entire Anguillian community proud,” she added. “Continue to be beacons of hope for our young people. As you continue on your journey, keep in mind that life is not fair, but God is faithful.”

Mrs Michelle Carty, the Sixth Form Coordinator, was one of the leading teachers involved in the preparation of the graduation ceremony, at which the welcome and opening remarks were delivered by the chairman, Mr Rondy Isles-Carty. The keynote speaker was Ms Shellya Rogers, Programme Officer at the Department of Youth and Culture. The certificates and awards were presented by Mrs Ingrid Lake and Mrs Michelle Carty.

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Anguilla has fulfilled the first half of its mission statement with the celebration of the second annual St Peter’s/Fishermen’s Day on Saturday, June 28.

This is according to Ms Kafi Gumbs, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources, while delivering an address on the above occasion. She credited that achievement to the well-trained, motivated and committed staff members who effectively manage and promote the sustainable used of Anguilla’s fisheries and marine resources. “That is exactly what we need to put the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources further on, and to improve the fishing industry in collaboration with the fishers.”
She explained that Fishermen’s Day was about honouring and recognising all local fishermen who have contributed, and were continuing to contribute, to the economic and social development of Anguilla. “Local fishing is important because of its contribution to the GDP with the last statistics update being roughly 1.2 percent,” she went on. “Local fishing is vital to food security, reducing imports and increasing exports, raising the standard of living and improving the livelihoods of local fishers and providing unique cuisine.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ms Aurjul Wilson, said in part: “The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, with the support of the fishers and the business community, intend to continue to make Fishermen’s Day a grand annual event to showcase the contribution of fishing to Anguilla.”
Reverend Lindsay Richardson, speaking on behalf of the Anguilla Fishermen’s Cooperative, also emphasised the importance of the fishing industry. He was pleased to announce that the industry was contributing up to twenty million dollars a year to the economy.
Fishermen’s Day began early on Friday morning, June 27, with fishermen leaving Cove Bay, Road Bay and Island Harbour Bay to participate in a fishing competition in various categories.
Special Awards were presented to the following fishermen: Fisherman of the Year: Oliver Hodge of The Farrington; and Catch of the Year: Morris Hughes of Cove Bay. They were each sponsored by ANGLEC and were recipients of dinner for two certificates at Madeariman and Flavours Restaurants respectively.

In addition, six retired fishermen were honoured with fruit baskets and a plaque. They were Thomas “Ben Ben” Smith of Island Harbour; Austin “Bennie” Connor of Blowing Point; George Oventon Adams, who fished at The Forest; Clarence Alfred Richardson, who fished at Cove Bay; the late Alwyn Jeremy “Palenty” Hodge, who fished at Crocus Bay; and the late Ivor “Dove” Carty of Road Bay.

There were also essay and poster competitions – for schoolchildren – based on the 2014 Fishermen’s Day theme “Fishing: a way of life in Anguilla: Conserve today, fish tomorrow.” The essay competition was for students of all of the public primary schools grades 4-6; and the poster competition was held in two categories: grades K-3 of the above schools and the students at Zenaida Haven and WISE. The winners of the competitions received EC$100 and lunches from the sponsors.

Photos Courtesy Mr. Andy Brown

On Tuesday 24th June 2014, seven children walked down the red carpet at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School.The Vivien Vanterpool Boys’ Drum Band heralded their entrance and exit. Each graduate’s entrance was preceded by a video presentation in which career choices were stated and included politician, businessman, professional cricketer, teacher and pediatrician.
The graduation ceremony was chaired by Mr. Winston Duncan, the school’s Link Officer. There was a moment of silence in honour of the late Mr. Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool, the school’s first principal. A slideshow was also presented featuring the work of Mr. Vanterpool.
Brief remarks were presented by Ms. Marcia Brooks, Deputy Principal. She stressed the need for a strong alliance among parents, teachers and graduates and stated that it is only through a collaborative effort that the greatness that each child possesses will emerge. She further stated that it takes dedication and hard work on the part of all stakeholders for students to achieve their desired goals.
Mr. Vince Webster, a former pupil of the school, gave the feature address on the theme: ‘Destined for Greatness’. He highlighted Mr. Ben Carson who went from humble beginnings to become a great neurosurgeon. Mr. Webster further impressed upon the graduates that they must rise above their challenges and see the greatness that is in them waiting to be unleashed.

Mr. Christopher Baijnauth, the 2014 valedictorian, congratulated his classmates and encouraged them to take the next step in their academic journey seriously. He took the opportunity to reflect on his days as a student at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, outlined various learning experiences he and other students had (at the school), and assured teachers that they are better persons because of them. Ms. Olivia Fayet is the 2014 Salutatorian.

The Young Dancers, under the direction of Mrs. Cheris Webster, added flavor to the ceremony as they danced to the music of ‘Joyful, Joyful’. The choir reminded the graduates that, ‘There Is A Star In each Of Us’, a song written especially for the school by Mrs. Patricia Adams.
There were many awards presented during the ceremony. Parents and community partners were presented with plaques for their continuous generous contributions to the school. Some very special awards, namely the The Teacher Kendra Brookes Memorial Awards, were presented for outstanding performances in Creative Writing and Performing Arts. This has been the third year for these awards.
The graduates experienced a week of activities which included a church service, a bonfire, sleepover at Anancaona Boutique Hotel, and movie night in St. Martin.
The Principal, Staff and Parents of the Class of 2014 would like to express sincere gratitude to the many persons who assisted in any way to the success of the 2014 graduation ceremony.

- Contributed

Principal
Mr Andrew Blake

Ms Tara Carter

Thirteen Grade Six students at the Central Christian School, at Rey Hill, graduated on Monday, June 30, and will now be attending Campus B of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in September coming.
The school, which functions under the umbrella of the Central Baptist Church, has been making steady progress both in preschool and primary school education over the years.
The graduates were “sponsored” by a number of businesses and individuals for their excellent performance in various subjects and sporting activities. The areas of performance included maths, music, science, social studies, Spanish, Bible, spelling, creative writing, language and grammar and the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA); and sporting activities included football, cricket, netball and athletes.
The thirteen graduates who performed exceptionally well are: Ciara Banks, Jeiarah Connor, Tyeisha Emmanuel, Daneice Hodge, Emily Horsford, Kerrianna Lake-Vanterpool, Makiyah Reid, Raymer Alcantara, Ashad Brooks, Seandre Connor, Thaddeus Gumbs, Benajah Harrigan and Ozekiel Harrigan.
The Principal of the school, Mr Andrew Blake, set the tone of the graduation ceremony saying that the graduates, having achieved their objective, were now pressing on towards the future. He invited the audience to celebrate with the graduates and to wish them well as they transfer to the Comprehensive School.
The feature address was delivered by Attorney-at-Law, Tara Carter, who spoke on the theme of the graduation – Pressing On. She advised the graduates that in order to go forward they should first set a new goal from now and carefully choose the subjects they needed to study to reach that goal.
Ms Carter urged parents to be proud of their children and to continue to protect and guide them. “Let your children know that their education does not end at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School,” she advised them. “A university education is fundamental in the new age in which we live. Push your children to the highest level that you can.”

The Attorney-at-Law congratulated the Principal and teachers for their hard work despite the various confronting challenges.

Graduating Students, their Teachers and others

Principal
Mrs Hazel Brooks Photo Courtesy Mr. Ivor Hodge

St Mary’s Preschool, the largest early education centre in Anguilla, will be sending ninety-four students to the Government-run Primary Schools when they reopen in September.
The students graduated from the Anglican Church Preschool on Thursday, June 26, at an attractively-decorated Rodney Mac Arthur Rey at the Auditorium.
“It is with heavy hearts that we, the teachers, say goodbye to ninety-four students and their parents,” the Principal, Mrs Hazel Brooks, said at the graduation ceremony. “The new school year started with 184 students (90 girls and 94 boys). Eighty-five new children have been registered for September 2014 at St Mary’s Preschool.”

Mrs Brooks was at the time delivering the preschool’s report for September 2013 to June 2014. “It is important to celebrate our achievements. In doing so, we are recognising that we have progressed and are moving forward towards our goals,” the Principal continued.
“Our children have developed and grown physically, mentally and spiritually. We, parents and staff, should have developed and grown too. It is incumbent on us to be steps ahead of the progress made by our children. We must seek ways to improve ourselves so that we can help and nurture them better. Teachers have participated in various seminars and workshops dealing with Child Development and Positive Behaviour Management. The Anglican Vestry has direct responsibility for the school. The vestry is therefore very supportive and committed to providing materials and furniture for classrooms and other areas.”
Mrs Brooks gave an account of the support which St Mary’s Preschool was continuing to receive from the Government of Anguilla through the Ministry and Department of Education, and various businesses and individuals in the private sector. She also spoke about other supportive efforts of individual parents, the collective roles and contributions of the members of the Parent Teachers’ Association and the involvement of teachers in several educational and social aspects of the work of the preschool.

The Principal had some special comments for the graduating students, their parents and teachers. “Congratulations to all of you, children, for doing so well in preschool,” she stated. “I believe that you can accomplish anything you choose. I can see you being exactly who and that you want to be. As you continue your journey, I encourage you to be yourself; be dedicated and determined, conquering all limitations, while achieving your goals.”

To the parents, she said in part: “In order for these children to have a successful journey, they will need your help. Please continue to support them in primary school and beyond. Spend at least fifteen minutes of quality time with them daily. Accompany them to church and church school.”
The Principal concluded the delivery of her report by offering special thanks to the teachers for their hard work and dedication. “The love you have for these children shines through in their performance,” she added. “With your continued support, we will go forward with confidence to face another year.”

1 July 2014 – Seven young Optimists – members of the Best End Junior Optimist Club at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School – celebrated Fishermen’s Day, not by enjoying the fish caught by bona fide fishermen, but by going fishing themselves. The youngsters, bubbling with excitement, boarded ‘Niyah’ from the Island Harbour jetty on Saturday 28 June 2014 at around 9:00 am, and headed off to the fishing grounds between Scrub Island and Little Scrub to the east of Anguilla. The trip had been planned weeks in advance under the leadership of Club President, Shaelen Hodge, and finally it was time to go fishing!
Within half an hour of throwing out the lines there were nibbles, then bites, then success – the first fish was landed! After less than three hours and a respectable catch, it was time to head back home. Anxious but accommodating parents had been assured that their little fishers would be back by noon.

In spite of a couple queasy tummies, a good time was had by all, and the Junior Optimists were proud of their morning’s endeavours. Advisor Optimist Avon Carty says, “It was a great morning and such a rewarding and educational experience for the children – I am glad we had the opportunity to do this – especially on Fishermen’s Day.”
The trip would not have been possible without the support of the parents, and the Optimist Club of Anguilla is grateful for their encouragement to their children in Optimism. The Club would also like to thank Glen ‘Box’ Hodge, who willingly offered his boat and expertise free of charge to the Best End Junior Optimist members. Thanks are also being extended to Bert and Lorenzo ‘Gadget’ Harrigan who took the time to show the children how to bait their hooks, throw out and reel in their lines and generally made the fishing trip such a wonderful experience for all.

- Contributed

“Chucky”, Irad Gumbs and DJ Legend

Carlos Ross, whose stage name is DJ Legend, won the title DJ of the Year at the Music Awards ceremony on Friday, June 27, at the Anguilla Great House. The popular young musician, who performs his entertainment role at various functions throughout Anguilla, was at the Fishermens’ Day celebration, the next day, where music was part of that event.
Standing at some of the display stalls, DJ Legend told The Anguillian why he thought he won the award: “I am a very hardworking DJ,” he said. “I do dj work all over Anguilla. They call me DJ Legend the 264 ‘Representer’ because I represent every artiste and everything about Anguilla. I feel really great because it means that all my hard work, over all the years I have been in music, has finally paid off. I love to do a lot of music entertainment – and all that stuff – and I have accomplished a lot of things.
“I have to say thanks to everybody in Rainbow City, Anguilla, for showing me love and support, and I will continue to work hard. I have much commendation for Starem Promotions [for] allowing everybody to see what the entertainment business is all about.”

DJ Legend stated that his next big project was firmly establishing the band he has now formed – Ecstasy TM. The band will soon perform in St Maarten and St Lucia. Other engagements he has are in St Croix and St Kitts, but before going there he is planning a performance in October, details of which will be announced later.
DJ Legend was with his friend and supporter, Irad Gumbs, one of Anguilla’s respected chefs and owner of Hungry’s Restaurant. “That is where I go and chill out and have my food and drinks,” DJ Legend said about his friend. “He has supported me throughout the years. A lot of Anguillians need to live like how we live. Once a man supports you, you need to support him as well.”

Mr Gumbs commented: “You have to give young people an opportunity to do things in life. The world is changing and today must be the future for tomorrow, so you have to work with the youngsters.”

DJ Legend was also accompanied by “Chucky”, the singer in his band, who joined in commending him for winning the award of DJ of the Year.

Good literacy is one of the key elements of learning and, in recognition of that, the Principal and Staff of The Valley Primary School awarded 118 students for showing exceptional progress and achievement in reading.

The awards were presented at the Ronald Webster Park on Wednesday this week, July 2.

The Principal, Ms Paula Etienne, told The Anguillian about the school’s initiative. “We decided to award all the students who did well on their reading scores,” she said. “Every year the Education Department has a MacMillian reading test for students, and these are the children we have awarded for having done well in their reading; and what better way we can reward our children than by encouraging them to read. We therefore thought we should give awards to them, and those who are behind in their reading will be encouraged to improve their performance.

“We have rewarded children from kindergarten all the way to grade six. We have given them certificates and medals because it is an incentive and motivation to develop a passion for reading. We have brought the entire school at the Ronald Webster Park to support the awardees as well as to be motivated.”

Ms Etienne said the children were very excited about the awards. “Some children do not perform so well in the Test of Standards, but still are very good readers. We wanted to show them that in all areas of their learning and development they will be rewarded for their success,” she added.

Mr. Owen Mussington presenting cheque to Mrs Katherine Webster-Brown

Ms. Stacie Ruan presenting Cheque to Mrs. Renuka Harrigan

The philanthropic East End Community Sports Club has made two noteworthy financial contributions in cases where there has been a need for assistance.

On June 27, the Club donated EC$700.00 each to the Special Needs Unit of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and the Arijah Children’s Foundation. The presentation to Mrs Katherine Webster-Brown, Head of Special Education at the ALHCS, was made by Mr Owen Mussington, President of the Club; and the presentation to the Foundation was done by Ms Stacie Ruan, Organiser of the Club, to Mrs Renuka Harrigan, Founder of the Foundation.
Mrs Webster-Brown said she was honoured to extend a heartfelt thank you to the East End Community Sports Club for the timely monetary gift which was well appreciated by Mrs Ingrid Lake, Principal of the School, the students and the Special Education Unit.

“The funds will be utilised primarily to purchase a printer to assist our students with materials to aid our teaching and learning process,” she explained. “As educators of students, with multiple learning difficulties, we strive daily to ensure that success is achieved and maximised to meet their individual needs.”
Mrs Renuka Harrigan expressed appreciation for the kindness of the Club to support the efforts of the Arijah Children’s Foundation, and Blossom Centre, to serve Anguilla’s children with special needs.

The money, in both cases, was obtained by the East End Community Sports Club from the proceeds of its sixth annual fundraising Gospel Concert held at St Augustine’s Anglican Church on May 24. Since 2009 the Club has been raising funds for primary schools, and other recipients, which have benefitted much from the donations. One of the most recent recipients was the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The Club has expressed gratitude to the church for allowing its use for the concert; the ticket sellers; and all other persons who supported the fundraising efforts.

Map showing the Race Route

Mr. Ira Bloom and Mr. Keith (Madukii) Brooks

August 9, will be the Second Annual Road Relay, sponsored by Ani Villas and Ani Art Academies in Anguilla. It is expected that there will be a large number of runners passing on the baton to each other at every interval of two miles of the 16-mile journey.

The rules of the relay include that each team must complete the race in order to qualify for the attractive cash prizes; and each of the eight athletes per team must run a two-mile leg of the race.

All teams are being urged to use the available time they have to get themselves organised for the event. The participants are to include senior teams and junior teams, sports clubs, village teams, and businesses representatives.

Mr Ira Bloom, speaking on behalf of Ani Villas and Ani Art Academies, told The Anguillian: “This is the Second Annual Road Relay that we will be running. It is a relay race of sixteen miles, from one end of the island to the other, and each team will have eight runners who will each run two miles; and it will go from Covecastles to Island Harbour where we will have a barbecue party afterwards.”

Mr Bloom noted that there were a number of persons who could run two miles, but it would still be a challenging experience. “It is not a little sprint and so it will take some training for some persons to do it -but it is not like running a marathon,” he observed.

Well-known runner, Keith (Madukii) Brooks, who is assisting in coordinating the road relay, explained: “We already have the two-mile intervals marked out. One runner will be handing over the stick to the other person at each interval and the race will continue like a regular relay. We have eight stations where the runners will change over the stick, and there will also be water stations at each interval. We are inviting the schools to bring their cross-country teams and it is open to everybody. We are announcing the event early in order to give everyone enough time to prepare the teams.”

Mr Bloom said: “We would like to have twenty teams (eight persons a team, totalling 160 runners). The more teams, the more fun and competitive the road relay will be. We will have different prizes for different categories…My guess is that we are going to end up with ten or fifteen teams. As soon as they start running, there will be some separation between them and they will only be running on one side or at the edge of the road. So there will be no need to close off the whole of the road to traffic.”

Mr Brooks, who described himself as a liaison between Ani Villas, Ani Academies and the coaches, stated: “I give credit to Mr Tim Reynolds, owner of the properties. He was the one who suggested the road relay and I took up the idea and ran with it. He was a long-distance runner and so he has an interest in this type of sporting activity.”

Asked about the objective of the event, Brooks replied that it was intended “to help promote young athletes and to give them an avenue” of exposure. He added: “You can never tell. This might help them to get a scholarship and then continue their athletic future.”

He said it was of interest to note that “during the time when this road relay is taking place, there will be the carnival activities with a lot of people in Anguilla.” He thought “it will be a good time for the youngsters to showcase their talent.”

Mr Bloom added that Mr Reynolds will be in Anguilla for the event, and “we will be spending a decent amount of money in support of this.”

The first workshop in the Communication for Professional Series was held from June 24th to 26th 2014 at the Anguilla Community College (ACC). There was a wide cross-section of participants ranging from those in the hospitality sector to those who work in education. They were an enthusiastic group who indicated and demonstrated that during the three- day workshop they acquired new skills and techniques to improve their written communication skills.
The participants were very appreciative of ACC fulltime lecturer, Mrs. Michal Romney, and they presented her with a large bouquet of flowers during the brief certificate presentation ceremony. During the ceremony, Professor Delroy Louden congratulated the students and encouraged them to engage in continuous learning.
The Communication for Professional Series continues on July 23rd to 25th with Public Speaking 101, and on August 19th with a workshop on Conflict Resolution. Classes are held from 9 am-4 pm.
There is still time to register for the remaining two workshops of the course. Each workshop costs $325EC. Do not miss this opportunity to build these important professional skills.
Please visit our website at www.acc.edu.ai or contact us at info@acc.edu.ai or via telephone at 498-8395/497-2538 for further information. . The Anguilla Community College is ready to help you expand your possibilities. Are you ready to apply?

- Contributed

L-R: Mr. John Plude, Mr. Bancroft Battick, Ms Melissa Meade and Mr. David Gumbs

Prize Winners, Disaster Management Staff and Sponsors

Six winning exhibitors at the recently-held All Hazard Risk Reduction & Safety Fair were presented with awards, at Viceroy Anguilla on Tuesday, July 1, by the Department of Disaster Management. The recipients received bags containing various safety materials.

In order of the first to sixth winning positions, the specially-recognised exhibitors were as follows:

ANGLEC for having the booth with the best creativity, imagination and originality and key messages regarding the Safety Fair theme of the fair; Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for best use of products, images and visuals in booth design; the Water Lab for best booth staff’s enthusiasm, friendliness and interaction with attendees and addressing the needs of the spectators; the Anguilla Fire & Rescue Services for best overall promotional giveaways, overall appearance and experience; the Nutrition and Health Promotion Unit for having the most hand-outs in multiple languages; and the overall booth winners were the Anguilla Red Cross and the Department of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities.

ANGLEC’s General Manager, Mr David Gumbs, and Viceroy’s Director of Loss Prevention, Mr John Plude, spoke about the importance of practising safety at home and at the workplace. Other speakers were Mr Bancroft Battick, Chief Engineer at MICU, and Ms Melissa Meade, Director of Disaster Management.

The theme of the safety fair was “Prevent the worst by putting safety First.”