Mrs. Meridith Gumbs

Authentic Malliouhana Genre was born on 31st May 2015 in Chicago, USA, where I had gone to spend some time with my daughter. 31st May was my birthday but because of the inclement weather I was forced to celebrate it indoors instead of outdoors. Thus my children Ensor (Jr) and Hazel Gumbs, along with my cousin (Lyn Richardson) and I, visited a “Wine and Paint” Studio to enjoy an hour of painting and drinking wine.

For that hour all persons present, about forty of us, were to follow instructions on how to paint a water tank on stilts. While that was one of my birthday gifts, the image that I was assigned to paint did not excite me. Reluctant to paint it, I surveyed the room and observed a poster – on one of the walls – that appeared to be a burnt tree. I pointed this out to the facilitator and asked if it would be possible for me to paint what was on the poster. She advised that this was not the focus of the evening and it would not be possible.

I informed her that I was prepared to try it on my own. She went on to ask if I had ever drawn anything before. I replied: “No”. She asked: “Have you painted before”? Again the answer was: “No”. Her third question was: “have you mixed paint before”? To this my answer was again, “No”. Based on my responses she said, “well then you would not be able to do it”. I told her I was prepared to try the poster (of the burnt tree) on my own and that I would not disturb her by seeking assistance. I was prepared to enjoy my birthday gift experimenting on what I felt I wanted to do and be happy with the outcome, be it bad or good. So I started working on the burnt tree depicted on the poster.
My new venture started out with great uncertainty but at the end of the hour, to my great satisfaction, I was quite pleased and filled with euphoria. I had completed the painting with a high resemblance of the poster. My children and my cousin shared my joy. But I must admit that their paintings also looked quite well.

However, curious about my achievement I decided the following night – at home – to try painting another image. Again, I was quite happy with the outcome and shared it with my children, my cousin and a few persons in Anguilla via e-mail. The feedback was positive and everyone appeared to be amazed about the quality and the details of my work. The seed for the creation of Authentic MAlliouhana Genre (MAG) was immediately sown. I told my children and my cousin: “I am going back to Anguilla to paint”. On my return to Anguilla, I anxiously began work on some bird houses, some 4×4 canvasses, and the rest is history.

In less than one year, at the Annual Welches Fest on 16th May 2016, I had my first public showing with some 95 paintings depicting the history of Anguilla. This was an awesome experience, one which I would never forget. At that point I realized that my long nights at my painting desk and easel were not in vain because I received very good reviews from local, regional and international well wishers, who viewed the paintings.

I give thanks to God Almighty, my children and Ensor Gumbs (Sr), and Tatlin Fider (my friend in Jamaica) who put up with me sending e-mails at least three nights a week – between the hours of 1.00 am to 3.00 am- to get some feedback. Even though I had decided that I will paint, I wanted constructive criticism on every single painting. I thought it not only important, but also critical to get the views of others.

I must point out that my first public showing would not have been possible without the support of family and friends, but more so Mr. Garfield Simon who built the frames, Claude Gumbs and Dennis Romney(Bush Tea) who, without any fuss, provided great support with the display of the art at the Welches Fest. I also wish to extend sincere thanks to Eula Bartlette, Florence Harrigan, Denise Romney, Monique Rey, Ensor Gumbs (Sr), Victor and Angelene Carty, Cheryl Hughes and Linda O Banks for their unwavering support and encouragement. A big thank you is also in order to Mr. Othlyn Vanterpool and the Welches Fest Committee for allowing me to display my art work at the festival.

To my two loving and caring children, Ensor (Jr) and Hazel Gumbs, my sincere thanks for the most wonderful 2015 birthday gift. I will utilize it and make you proud. My sincere gratitude.

Under the relaxing sounds of string band music, MASA hosted a Wellness Fiesta on the grounds of the Agricultural Department on Friday May 13.

The Fiesta comprised for a display of several booths providing free services to members of the general public.

These services included pedicures, foot & hand massages/rubs, blood pressure and blood glucose checks, physical therapist advice along with healthy nutritional snacks & drinks. During the event, MASA’s booth allowed persons the opportunity to participate in their grand prize raffle which offered one year free membership, a gas voucher and a shopping spree.

Ms. Yoshida Gumbs

This year the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre – Zenaida Haven – marked its 7th Anniversary of providing a secure and rehabilitative setting for juvenile offenders. This year’s Anniversary Celebrations were held under the theme: “Taking the Steps to Make the Change – Zenaida Haven Turns 7”.

In observance of this occasion staff, residents and invited guests attended a Church Service at Central Baptist Church and participated in – Family Fun Day in an effort to continue strengthening the relationship of stakeholders, families and staff. These events also assisted with bringing a greater awareness about the significance of the Caring facility to the Anguillian Community. Further, it highlighted the valuable work that is being done by staff at Zenaida Haven. The success of the Zenaida Haven Programme is due to its non – institutional care and the use of Government and Community resources which enable residents to reduce their risk of reoffending and aid their successful reintegration into society.

In the last seven years, Zenaida Haven demonstrated commitment, perseverance and resilience in pursuit of high quality residential care and excellence in our work. This has been recognized both regionally and internationally by the OECS Commission and UNICEF. The staff of Zenaida Haven have continued to grow professionally through multiple trainings which were financed and facilitated by UNICEF and the OECS Commission.

Our successes and achievements during the seven – year period are no accident, as we recognize the commitment and contributions made by the Minister of Social Development – Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers. PS Social Development – Dr. Bonnie Richardson Lake, Chief Probation Officer – Ms. Jocelyn Johnson, and staff both past and present.

Earlier this month a new Supervisor was appointed to Zenaida Haven. Ms Yoshida Gumbs is a young Anguillian who has a passion and dedication for the rehabilitation of our juvenile population. She is innovative and brings a wealth of experience to the position as she has worked with juveniles and juvenile offenders since 2009 both in Anguilla and the USA while she attended Midwestern State University. Throughout the years she has evolved and progressed in the field of juvenile rehabilitation. Ms Gumbs looks forward to further developing and strengthening her practice in this area of work.

On behalf of the Department of Probation, Ms. Johnson has extended congratulations and success to Ms. Gumbs on her new appointment as well as on the successful execution of the events observing the 7th Anniversary of Zenaida Haven. She continued by expressing gratitude to all staff, stakeholders, mentors, and partners of the Department.

– Press Release

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has just announced that it has approved a country partnership strategy for Anguilla, over the next four years, amounting to over US$35 million.

Following is the main body of the statement about the CDB’s financial assistance to Anguilla:
“The partnership strategy approved by its board of directors on Monday, supports the government of the British Overseas Territory in confronting the pressing development challenges the island faces.

“CDB has proposed a resource envelope of approximately US$35.3 million for the implementation of the strategy, which aims to achieve four key outcomes: improved banking system stability; a better environment for business and investment; upgrades to transport infrastructure; and increased renewable energy capacity.
“This strategy will address the development constraints which stand between Anguilla and its long-term economic growth. Through this programme, CDB will support the Government of Anguilla in restoring the soundness and stability of the country’s financial services sector, and making its private sector more competitive,” said Dr. Justin Ram, CDB’s Director of Economics.

“The CBD said that the Anguillan economy, vulnerable to the global economic and financial crisis, experienced a slump in economic performance between 2008 and 2012.

“Since 2013, the economy has averaged 3.1 percent real economic growth in the midst of continuing improvement of fiscal performance. Although the growth outlook has improved, the Government of Anguilla faces severe challenges and risks to sustaining growth recovery and economic stability.”

“The Barbados-based financial institution said that these include obstacles to business development; lack of access to the island by air and sea; and climate change.
“CDB said through the country partnership strategy, it proposes to provide financial resources to support financial sector reforms; promote a more enabling environment for private sector development, particularly of small and medium enterprises that currently face problems in accessing finance.
“The strategy will also assist the government assess the viability of upgrading the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal through public-private partnership support; and promote the development of renewable energy options, including assisting in funding a one megawatt solar photovoltaic plant to increase renewable energy output in the country’s electricity mix.

“CDB said it has supported Anguilla’s development over the years in several areas, including transportation and communication; education; power and energy.

“Over the period 1970 to 2014, the Bank approved USD112.1 million in loans, contingency loans, equity and grants to Anguilla,” the bank added.

Mr Don Mitchell, CBE, QC

Prior to the invention of our EC dollar in 1965, and since 1935, the name of our currency was the “BWI dollar”. Then, our islands entered into the Eastern Caribbean Currency Agreement. This established the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA), with headquarters in Barbados. ECCA was authorised to issue the new EC dollar. Barbados withdrew from the Currency Union in 1972. Our governments decided to move ECCA’s headquarters to St Kitts. Gradually, most of our countries became independent. The name BWI dollar seemed obsolete. The name was changed to the “EC dollar”.

In 1981, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (the OECS) came into existence with the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre in St Kitts. The following year, 1982, in Trinidad, most of our OECS governments signed the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement (the ECCB Agreement) bringing an end to the old ECCA. The ECCB Agreement established the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (the ECCB) with its headquarters in St Kitts. Anguilla signed up and became a full member in 1987.

As every High School CAPE Law student knows, a treaty is not a law. A treaty may be a source of a law. A treaty or convention is an agreement which may be binding on governments among themselves, but it does not affect you or me. To make it a part of the law of the country, an Act of parliament to that effect must be passed by the local legislature.

In 1983, though Anguilla was not yet a full member of the Currency Union, our House of Assembly passed the ECCB Agreement Act, 1983. This enactment made the ECCB Agreement a part of our law. The Act is a very short one. It consists of just 6 brief sections. The bulk of the Act is taken up by the ECCB Agreement. This is set out as a Schedule to the Act. Section 2 of the Act provides that the Agreement is to have the force of law in Anguilla.

There is provision in the Agreement and in the Act for the members of the Currency Union to amend the Agreement. Section 4 of the Act lays down the procedure to be followed. The section says that, once the Agreement is amended by the governments, the Governor must bring the amendment into law in Anguilla by signing an Order published in the Official Gazette. As the Constitution provides, once the Executive Council (Anguilla’s Cabinet) agrees to take a step, and the Governor is named in the relevant law as the official who must sign, then the Governor must sign it for and on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. It is the act of the government, not a personal act of the Governor.

The senior policy making body of the ECCB consists of the Monetary Council. This is made up of the eight Ministers of Finance of the participating governments. Given this management structure, there is always a risk of paralysis. An action that the ECCB might propose for the benefit of one member might be vetoed by another member. In late 2007, our sub-region was seriously affected by the world-wide banking crisis. The ECCB found itself powerless to intervene in the banking crisis in the way a Central Bank is expected. It soon became apparent that the ECCB was ineffective in acting as a lender of last resort for any member country that might get into difficulty. Change in our system of banking supervision was desperately needed. The Central Bank sought advice from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on the reforms that had to be made.

In 2012 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued new Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision. These Core Principles are the minimum standards by which the prudential regulation and supervision of banks and banking systems around the world are judged. There are in all 29 Core Principles for effective banking supervision.

The first of them is that there must be a suitable legal framework for banking supervision. A properly established Central Bank must be empowered to license banks, conduct ongoing supervision, address compliance with laws, and take timely corrective action to address safety and soundness concerns. At the time of the financial crisis, the local Ministers of Finance were the licensing authority for banks of the sub-region, not the Central Bank. Our Central Bank, the ECCB, failed the first of the Core Principles.

The second Core Principle covers the independence and legal protection required for all Central Banks. For a Central Bank to be recognised as effective, it must possess independence and autonomy. Local law must provide protection for the Central Bank and its staff against lawsuits for actions taken while discharging their duties. No person should be permitted to bring a lawsuit which can block a Central Bank in carrying out its banking supervision.

That does not mean that the Central Bank is immune from liability. If a citizen is harmed as a result of any wrongful action taken by the Central Bank, he may still file a lawsuit. If he has suffered loss, he will be entitled to be paid damages or compensation. But he cannot get an injunction that will stop the Central Bank from carrying out its supervisory functions. It was evident to the international banking community that our Central Bank had no such powers or protection under the existing Agreement and local legislation. Our Central Bank failed the second of the Core Principles. The ECCB simply did not meet the basic standards expected of a Central Bank.

The Monetary Council received and considered a number of reports and recommendations from consultants. These were hired to advise on steps needed to upgrade the ECCB. It was imperative the ECCB should pass the Basel Committee’s tests for effective banking supervision. Finally, the Monetary Council agreed to a number of reforms.

In sum, our governments agreed to take eleven steps to bring our Currency Union up to international standards. Among the first of the reforms agreed was the need to amend the ECCB Agreement to give the Central Bank the power to intervene and take necessary action to prevent the collapse of a failing bank and to restructure its business and capital base. Other steps included replacement of the outdated Banking Act with a modern Banking Act to reflect the new banking regime. The new Banking Act was passed by our House of Assembly and became law with the Governor’s assent on 18 April 2016.

At its 81st meeting on 24 February 2015, the Monetary Council agreed that legislative and regulatory reforms were needed to protect the ECCU banking sector. Then-Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, signed up to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement (Amendment), 2015 on behalf of Anguilla. This amendment to the Agreement would not become part of our law until an Order was signed by the Governor incorporating it into our law as provided in the ECCB Agreement Act.

On 22 April 2016, Anguilla’s Governor duly signed the ECCB Agreement (Amendment of Schedule) Order, 2016. By this legislative act, the Governor, as authorised both by our House of Assembly in the provision of section 4 of the ECCB Agreement Act, and by the Executive Council led by Chief Minister Victor Banks, duly brought into law the Amended Agreement signed the year before by Chief Minister Hughes.

Anguillians should be proud that we have finally, if belatedly, shown ourselves to be supportive of the new regulatory standards which the international banking community expects of our banking sector. We were previously viewed as wild-west bankers, not subject to proper regulation by an enabled Central Bank. We cannot be viewed in this light any longer. We now conform to international standards. Our banking sector can stand equal with the rest of the world.

As the Bible says, in another context, and to paraphrase that statement, in perhaps a most selfish, but real manner – if we, the people of Anguilla, have no hope, then we, of all persons, would be most miserable in these times of financial and economic difficulty.

That’s a fact. We have had a most successful period of economic development prior to 2008. Projects were in full swing; jobs and money were plentiful; rental apartments were few and there was a demand for more housing for sojourners from outside the island cashing in on our employment opportunities and progress. Suddenly, our economic bubble burst and everything went haywire as the world economy collapsed and filtered down to us. Today, we are still in the doldrums. There is a lack of full employment; the economy is virtually still in shambles and, worst of all, our banking sector is in a severe state of stress of one form or another.

But it appears that there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. It seems that at last our Mother Country, England, may be turning a sympathetic eye towards us. To back up, late last year, Anguilla looked with envy and dismay at a number of Commonwealth Caribbean countries for which the UK Prime Minister announced funding of 300 million pounds in new vital immediate infrastructure. This included roads, bridges and ports to drive economic growth and development across that region. Among the projects was the upgrading of 15 ports by providing specialist equipment to speed up freight movements. Further, the UK Government extended 100 million pounds in export finance to Jamaica; 30 million pounds to strengthen hospital infrastructure in the Commonwealth Caribbean; and a further 30 million pounds to support regional Governments in improving the management of their public finances in order to improve their public services.

How do you think that a needy Overseas Territory, like Anguilla, felt about this when, in our case, our woes included the Road Bay Jetty ready to collapse in the sea; the Princess Alexandra Hospital terribly in need of vital equipment and upgrading; our schools in gross disrepair; and our banking sector in trouble and up to today needs a bail-out and re-investment?

Our long experience as a resilient and patient people may in the end payoff, however. It is in this context that we refer to the recent UK Government’s approval for the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority to borrow up to EC$4 million, with the Anguilla Government guaranteeing 80%, for the urgent repair of the Road Bay Jetty; and the promised assurance of the UK Government to fund the construction of a paralleled roll-on-roll-off pier. This is certainly welcome news and a great relief to an island and people who depend so much on the sea and the economic benefits of a cargo port facility. A polite big thank you is in order less we be accused of being ungrateful and unmannerly.

It was only on Monday, this week, May 16, that the Caribbean Development Bank approved US$35.3 million for Anguilla to have the necessary financial wherewithal to improve “banking system stability (whatever that means); a better environment for business and investment; upgrades to transport infrastructure (including the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal); and increased renewal energy capacity”. We also say a big thank you.
What do these financial provisions say to us? It appears that Anguilla, despite its financial woes, and bad publicity in that regard, is rebuilding its confidence abroad – and responsible sources are prepared to assist us whether in loans or hopefully grants. It is also a significant encouragement to foreign and local investors to have faith in the stability of Anguilla and its economy. Anguilla is again ripe and ready for investment to provide jobs for our people and money in the economy. It makes us feel that somebody cares about us and that we must also believe in ourselves and our ability to succeed. Above all, it gives us hope that, to use an oft-repeated positive – if not political – phrase: “Anguilla will rise again”.

The above-named freedom fighter is regarded not just as one of the foot soldiers of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, but one of the patriotic and brave Anguillians who protected Revolutionary Leader, Mr. James Ronald Webster, from capture by St. Kitts and British forces, in order for him to carry on the Revolution.

That was both the reason for the presentation of the Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate to the late Mr. Thomas Benjamin Smith (Ben-Ben) on Anguilla Day 2010; and also the reason for having accorded him a National Funeral by the Government of Anguilla on Friday, May 13, 2016, at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church.

Mr. Smith, who was born on October 10, 1931, lived for many years in the Island Harbour community where the main thrust of the Revolution was concentrated. He died on April 24, 2016. As a tribute to him, flags were flown at half-mast on the day before, and on the day of, his funeral. His body was borne in and out of the church by a contingent from the Royal Anguilla Police Force. His casket was draped with the National Flag and a gun salute of three rounds was fired at the grave site. This is the typical honour accorded to all recognised and honoured freedom fighters of the Anguilla Revolution.

Former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes, who presented the Anguilla Day Award to Mr. Smith in 2010, hailed him as a man who was well-loved across the island and who had contributed much to his beloved land. Mr. Hughes spoke during the tribute section of the funeral service. “We must be grateful for the contribution he made to the Revolution and the society of Anguilla,” he said. “Ben-Ben was known throughout the island and was a very special man, a kind, friendly, hard-working individual.”

Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Elected Representative for District 2, and Minister of Home Affairs, spoke on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. “Ben-Ben was one of the top foot soldiers of the Anguilla Revolution who worked closely with Revolutionary Leader, Mr. Ronald Webster, and other freedom fighters in 1967,” she stated in part. “He continued his work over the years to ensure the success of the Revolution. In recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Revolution, and the Anguilla community as a whole, he was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 2010. And so, we are gathered here today, as a Government and people, to pay tribute to the legacy of dedication, bravery and service of a fallen freedom fighter who, like so many of that memorable era, was willing to risk life and limb in defence of this rock we call Anguilla.”

The officiating Clergy were the Rt. Reverend L. Errol Brooks and Rev. Menes Hodge. “Ben-Ben was a faithful servant of God and a faithful servant of this community,” Bishop Brooks said. “That faithfulness was most evident in his devotion to the work of God and our church…He was a Chalice Administrator, Sacrosanct, Sextant, Custodian, a Member of the Brethren of St. Andrew and, on many occasions, a Member of the Parish Vestry. He gave of his best to God’s service and his fellowmen.”
The funeral service also included tributes in word, song, and music, by various groups and individuals. The national service was attended by a large number of persons with the participation of the Police, the Police/Community Band, Scouts and Guides – adding much pomp and ceremony to the occasion.

Women, men and children, modelling a high level of fashion wear, strutted across the floor of the crowded Italia Restaurant, at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, where the sixth Runway Anguilla Fashion Show was held on Sunday, May 15.

The event, dubbed “Fusion: Explosive Fashion”, was aimed at providing charitable funds in aid of medical support for the elderly and education support for youth. A number of persons were of the view that this year’s event surpassed previous Runway Anguilla Fashion Shows in terms of designer participation, variety of styles, and crowd attendance.
Mrs. Janine Edwards, who chaired the event, told the gathering that the fashion show impacted the most basic needs and quality of life of persons needing assistance. She said CuisinArt Resort and Spa, the platinum sponsor, had provided “phenomenal support and donated the fabulous buffet and service without cost”. She acknowledged FLOW, the headline sponsor, and other supporting sponsors – all listed in the programme brochure.

Mr. Stephane Zaharia, CuisinArt’s Vice President and General Manager, expressed delight, on behalf of himself and the property’s three hundred Anguillian employees, that the resort was the platinum sponsor of the popular event. He was pleased to welcome all to the function.
Ms. Jade Reymond, FLOW’s Commercial Manager in Anguilla, said transforming lives in the Anguillian community and in the wider Caribbean region was at the heart of the company’s business. She stated that in addition to its telecommunications services, partnering with Runaway Anguilla gave the company an opportunity to truly transform lives through charitable contributions to the vulnerable elderly and youth in the community. She thanked the organisers for recognising FLOW’s hard work and dedication.

The Masters of Ceremony were Ms. Patricia Bygrave, a well-known Public Relations personality and Villa Manager, and Mr. Colwayne Pickering, Manager of DIGICEL Anguilla.

The group of models appeared in basically all of the fashion wear. The designers were Honey Butter Cream (Gilda Gumbs-Samuel); Irie Life (a Boutique in Anguilla); 4NV Couture ( Sherlene Hodge); Blu Boutique (CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa); House of Panache (Charla Hobson); and TheoChris (Alexis Ryan and his mother, Marilyn Ryan).
The fashion show was organised by an all-female committee whose president is Claire Hage. “I was blown away by the designers this year, all the energy they put into the show, the work of the models and their support teams,” she commented. “The designers are getting better and better every year. I was fascinated by the camaraderie of everyone and pleased that we had a sold out house and a very exciting show. It was fantastic and the music was also fantastic. We had great Emcees. It was a great crowd and a happy day.”

By all accounts, the Welches Village Fest this year may have attracted the largest crowd not only for 2016, but over the past years as well. The event, which originally started as a community-based pastime, has now mushroomed into a tourist attraction in Anguilla with teeming crowds flocking to the area each year. The eighth annual event, on the May 16 Whit Monday holiday, saw the vast throng peak during the afternoon and late evening periods as the feature activity – a traditional queen pageant – took centre stage.

The competitive activity was moderated by cultural enthusiast Dr. O. M. Linda Banks, a past beauty queen contestant. The show, the first of its kind at the Welches Fest, involved seven vocal and fairly stage-accustomed participants over the age of 60, selected from each of the seven electoral districts. They first appeared together – in a fanfare – attired in the national colours of Anguilla. Their other appearances included a talent segment in which they spoke about someone in their particular district whose life and work had impressed them. Their speeches were judged on content, delivery, fluency, clarity and creativity. Their final appearance was in traditional wedding dress.

The contestants, who performed in stage names, were Miss Suzana (Claudette Bryan, District 1); Miss Tilda (Agnes Duncan, District 2); Miss Florrie (Violet Gumbs, District 3); Miss Matile (Lelia Richardson, District 4); Miss B (Brontie Hazell, District 5); Miss Winky (Jane Romney, District 6); and Miss Dixie (Daphne Connor, District 7).
First place was taken by Miss Suzana, District 1; second place by Miss Winky, District 6; and third place by Miss Matile, District 4. The experienced judges were Michelle Queeley, Marisa Gumbs and Romaire Kelsick.

Throughout the day the interest of the crowd was maintained by various traditional foods, string band music, displays of cultural artifacts, toys of yesteryear and many more attractions. During the 8.00 am to 10.00 pm event there were short addresses by Mr. Joseph Vanterpool, on behalf of the Welches Village Fest Committee, who spoke about the growth of the cultural activity over the years and welcomed the massive crowd of patrons. Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, referred to the publicity and marketing aspects of the event; and Ms. Jade Reymond, Commercial Manager for FLOW Anguilla, said the telecommunications company was delighted to be the main sponsor of the event as part of its corporate responsibilities and service .

Both the Welches Village Fest and Anguilla on a whole will derive a great deal of outside publicity as the event was filmed by a visiting BBC 2 television crew for airing later on.

Students from the Primary Schools showcased their talent in song, dance, recorder selections, poetry, steel pan, calypso and indigenous drumming. The skills performed reflected the seasons in the year such as: New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Black History month, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Anguilla Day,

An initiative of the Department of Education, the musical show was staged by the Primary School Music Teachers Ms. Shermel Archibald, Mr. Gordon Hazell, Ms. Ashena DeSouza and Mr. Elson Richardson.

ANGUILLA, BWI – Cap Juluca, the idyllic resort in the British West Indies, delivers luxurious all beachfront Moorish-inspired accommodations, white silky sand, sparkling waters, colorful Caribbean flora, incredible sunsets and world-class service. Since it’s always been a destination for food and wine enthusiasts, with the arrival of globally experienced Chef Juan Bochenski and his newly created menus for Cap Juluca’s dining venues, travelers have even more delightful culinary experiences to look forward to. And, the resort has added new, exciting food-centered activities to its weekly line-up.
Here’s what’s new and cooking:
Spice It Up at Cap Juluca
Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A small group of guests can participate in an interactive spice experience at Spice restaurant led by Chef Bochenski. The chef believes strongly in the magic of spices in the kitchen, so he’ll talk about Caribbean spices – their history, flavors and how they grow. Participants will smell and taste an array of aromatic spices and sample some spicy dishes. Then, they’ll concoct their own recipe and custom spice blend, which will be stored in a tin to take home, along with chef recommendations for use. Another souvenir from the session is three housemade spice blends in four ounce tins complete with recipes – compliments of the chef.
$50 per person for the Spice It Up at Cap Juluca Session
Catch-of-the-Day
Offered daily through August
Fishing enthusiasts can arrange to bring their prize local catch-of-the-day Anguillian fish from their early morning island fishing trip back to Chef Bochenski’s kitchen. He’ll prepare their foraged catch for them to enjoy for dinner at Pimms, along with a locally inspired accompaniment.
$45 per person for Catch-of-the-Day fresh fish feast; fishing expedition at an additional cost
Special Wine Tasting at Manager’s Cocktail Party
Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m.
Cap Juluca’s weekly Manager’s Cocktail Party is a longstanding tradition that just got better. In addition to mingling, snacking and cocktailing overlooking Maundays Bay, guests will now be treated to a special wine tasting paired with canapés from Chef Bochenski and a performance by local must-see/must-hear band Omalie 360.

Lobster Night at Blue
Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
At this weekly beachfront barbeque festival at Blue, guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with lobster being the main entrée, along with other just-caught fish and local favorites including conch soup, curried goat and island johnny cakes. Live entertainment is also part of Lobster Night, and dancing on the beach is highly encouraged.
$75 per person to attend Lobster Night at Blue
Free Rum Cocktail Night at Spice
Fridays from 6:30 p.m. through the evening
The mixology folks at the resort have concocted a new exotic Rum Menu to be enjoyed from early evening, along with dinner, and after-dinner. And, the first special rum cocktail of the evening is on-the-house at Spice. Live calypso music – from 7:30 to 10 p.m. – to be performed by Boss and the Horsepower Band, Anguilla’s award-winning, number one party music crowd-pleaser.
New Menus at Cap Juluca
Chef Juan Bochenski has introduced new menus to the dining venues at the resort that reflect his globe-trotting hospitality expertise, his enthusiasm for local spices, herbs and seafood and an appreciation of Caribbean favorite dishes, as well as fare from other parts of the world. At fine dining Wine Spectator award-winning Pimms, the seafood-centric menu tempts with Mains such as Achiote Almond Organic Salmon, Nine-Spice-Rubbed Line-Caught Tuna and Anguillian Paella Valencia. There is also Roasted Rack of Lamb, Free-Range Chicken Aloe Vera and Angus Beef Tenderloin. At casual lunch spot Blue, guests can enjoy refreshing salads, quesadillas, wraps-on tortillas and other sandwiches, as well as entrees including Anguillian Crayfish, Grouper Fish & Chips and 12-Hour Smoked BBQ Ribs. The new menu at Spice, the resort’s Moroccan-style lounge and restaurant, offers dishes like Grilled Spicy Lamb Cutlet and Snapper Chermoula and share dishes such as Snapper Tiradito Ceviche, Local Tuna Tacos and Cubanitos Pork Belly.

Where: Cap Juluca
Maundays Bay, AI-2640
264.497.6666
www.capjuluca.com

– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The Valley, Anguilla, May 24, 2016…..The Anguilla Tourist Board hosted three groups of representatives from leading wholesalers and travel agencies from the United States, Puerto Rico and Columbia on site inspection tours of Anguilla this month.

Columbia Fam Hosted by ATB – May 2016

Twelve representatives from the following tour companies participated in the US based Anguilla fam: Expedia, Booking.com, Travel Impressions, MLT/Delta Vacations, GTA and Tourico. The group was comprised of partners who are already selling Anguilla, as well as new operators who were being introduced to the island for the first time.

The new Caribbean buyer for Travel Impressions and their marketing director were visiting Anguilla for the first time, while MLT/Delta Vacations’ buyer was able to see the new hotels and inspect properties she hadn’t seen for some time. She also brought the marketing director to discuss ways in which to better position Anguilla utilizing their Delta service into St. Maarten.

The full Caribbean buying teams from both Expedia and booking.com had the chance to experience the island and visit hotels, sample a variety of restaurants and gain first hand knowledge of what makes Anguilla special and unique. The ATB created opportunities for the hoteliers to meet with the industry’s two leading OTA’s and the new wholesale buyers to learn about their business model and how they might benefit and sell more rooms, and some hotels did take advantage of this unique opportunity.

US Wholesalers Update on Anguilla’s New Product

“A critical component of our trade relations strategy involves expanding the portfolio of our existing operators, and bringing new partners to the destination,” said ATB Chairperson Donna Banks. “These fam trips were originally planned as a pre-tour to SMART, and we are heartened by the fact that despite the cancelation of that show, they all kept their schedule to Anguilla,” she continued.

The following representatives participated on the Anguilla fam tour: Carlo Chancelien,
Hotels Account Manager, Booking.com; Howard Mayorga Area Manager – Caribbean, Booking.com; Sarah Aziz Alaoui, Hotels Account Manager, Booking.com; Minu Thawani, Associate Market Manager, Expedia; Kristi Miller, Area Manager, Expedia; Steven Landau, Market Associate, Expedia; Milena Tuani Fexina Galvao, Extranet Support Coordinator, GTA; Susan Crea-Tighe, Product Manager, MLT/Delta Vacations; Ashley Parden, MLT Partnership Marketing, MLT/Delta Vacations; Krystle Hartmann, Product Development, Travel impressions; Krystal Hendricks, Associate Director of Corporate Marketing, Travel impressions; Rose Gonzalez, Director of Caribbean, Tourico. The group was accompanied by Jill Ackerman, Trade Relations Consultant, Anguilla Tourist Board, North America.

The ATB also hosted a travel agent trip from Puerto Rico, coordinated and sponsored by Seaborne Airlines and A & A Tours Tour Operator, to promote the direct flights from San Juan to Anguilla. Seaborne offers three weekly direct flights into Anguilla, and A & A Tours Tour Operator is the local partner who services more than 250 agencies. The ATB is advertising Anguilla in El Nuevo Dia Sunday travel section with special hotel rates for residents of Puerto Rico, combined with a special Seaborne rate that will run throughout the summer.

The ad presents the broad variety of accommodations that Anguilla offers Puerto Ricans, from the luxurious to the Charming Escapes Collection. The trip was designed to showcase the properties and familiarize the travel agents with the hotels featured in this weekly promotion, to help them sell the product. The hotels are Viceroy, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, Zemi Beach House, Cap Juluca Resort, Paradise Cove Hotel, Anguilla Great House, Shoal Bay Villas, Carimar Beach Club and Frangipani Beach Resort.

Puerto Rican Travel Agents on ATB Fam

The following agency representative participated: Rosa Fiel, Pangeas Travel; Cristina Soto, Magic Tours; Irma Zayas, Zayas Travel; Nanette Rivera, Travel Plus; Linny Serrano, Modern Travel; Mary Cruz,Tour Operator A&A Tours. The group was accompanied by Melanie Fernandez, Sales Manager, Seaborne Airlines and Raquel Echandi, Anguilla Tourist Board Latin America.

The third group of attendees participated in a Colombia fam, organized in conjunction with A Volar por el Mundo Tour Operator and COPA Airlines. When the ATB participated in the ANATO trade show in Bogotá, Colombia in February, they met with several tour operators that showed great interest in selling Anguilla. This was the case with A Volar por el Mundo, a Tour Operator with offices throughout the coffee growing cities in Colombia. This region holds great market potential because of direct access with COPA Airlines through Panama; and since it is located in the mountains, Anguilla’s beaches and fine dining are very appealing attractions for vacation getaways.

Participants included Lina Amaya, A Volor por el Mucho; Martha Echeverri, Aerorumbos; Dora Rojas, Freelance; Katherine Giraldo, Viajes Orbe; Alba Lopez, Tour Colombia, Manizales; Jackeline Rendón, Rosa de los Vientos; Gloria Munoz, Travel y Travel, Armenia; Luz Carrillo, Copa Airlines; Mario Blandon, Herenceia Verde, Armenia; Leidy Montes, SGO Travel; and Nicolas Diaz, Enamorate de Colombia, Rio Sucio.

For more information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla .

– Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)

The highly anticipated Friendly Rivalry Cycle Race between Pat & the Blue Angles, The Big 6 Bike Club, Greig & The Orange Tigers and DJ Sugar took place on Sunday 22nd May 2016 at the South Hill Field. Denroy Gumbs (Chickey) won the race in 31.00 minutes; his team captain Greig Hughes came in second with a time of 31.42 and third place went to the captain of the Big 6 Bike Club Serge Stevens. Marlon Martin, Eldon Hull and Julius Hughes (Bootie) finished in the fourth, fifth and six positions respectively.
It is reported that Pat Mardenbourugh and DJ Sugar are already on the road practicing.
They are vowing to come back with vengeance. But the Orange Tigers & Big 6 Bike Club say no way, not when they are on the road. We will see what happens when the teams meet again. It should be another interesting showdown.

A Primary School Cycle race also took place when Jaquin Brown, Justin Riley, Amirah Brown and Carden Fleming held the top positions.
The South Hill Community wishes to thank all those persons who assisted with the event in particular the participants from the Big 6 Bike Club, The Blue Angles, DJ Sugar, The Orange Tigers and the other guest Cyclists. Without their participation the event would not have been a success.

Additionally, a big Thank You goes to the following persons and businesses that assisted with the event: Motty, Milky, Tamara, Treva, Tookie, Dollar, Cannon, Godfrey, Light House Supermarket, Tropical Distributors, Halls Bakery, Caines Bakery, Lashawn, The Royal Anguilla Police Force, DLG and FLOW. We appreciate all your assistance. This Friendly Rivalry Cycle Race will certainly be a repeated event on our Calendar.
– Contributed

In celebration of Concacaf Women’s Football Day, a number of female football enthusiast gathered at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre on Saturday 21 May, for an afternoon of fun.

The women engaged in friendly competitive activities during which they were able to showcase their unique skills. All the female players who took part, were rallied behind and cheered on by each other as they participated in the organized events which included long and short target shooting, juggling and dribbling.

It was a very relaxing and rewarding afternoon where family, friends and supporters of female football players came out and had a fantastic time.

Football fans in Anguilla have had an opportunity to see and enjoy the Manchester United FA Cup Finals brought life and direct across the Caribbean region by FLOW, the new telecommunications company.

The event, last Saturday, May 21, was viewed on large television screens mounted on the walls of Sweet Blossoms, a new restaurant in the George Hill area, owned by Ms. Yvette Wallace and functioning over the past two months.

FLOW Anguilla’s Country Manager, Mr. Desron Bynoe , commented: “Today, we have Manchester United’s viewing party. We are partners with Manchester United with which we do coaching clinics and other initiatives for young sports enthusiasts. So today being the FA Cup Finals, which we also sponsor, and just acquired the rights of the BPL (Barclays Premier League), we found it necessary to really celebrate Manchester United’s success.

“The FA Cup is one of the most viewed finals anywhere in the world, and with Manchester United in the finals, we decided to engage a local business – Sweet Blossoms – to showcase the togetherness and what we do as a company.” Observing the number of fans in attendance, Bynoe stated: “I will sum it up quite nicely. It is a united crowd. It is united in the sense that it is not just Manchester United, but everyone is enjoying the atmosphere…”

He continued: “We have recently launched our FLOW sports which, I am proud to say, has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the last couple of months and it is the most viewed sporting network throughout the Caribbean. We also have the rights for the FA Cup in addition to Manchester United TV, the IPL (Indian Premier League) and others. This is just part and parcel of our whole community effort – and to ensure that we are not just about telecoms but that we touch every facet of community life.

“This is not something that is just happening in Anguilla. It is happening simultaneously throughout all the FLOW territories. We have viewing parties from Turks and Caicos all the way to Trinidad with sports bars filled right now with various persons. We also have tons of Manchester United’s memorabilia at this event.”

Among those present at the Anguilla function was Mr. Raymond Guishard, President of the Anguilla Football Association. He welcomed the event, by FLOW, saying it was of much interest to football fans on the island and that he looked forward to other such sporting arrangements by the telecommunications company.

Ms. Yvette Wallace, of Sweet Blossoms, commented: “This is a tremendous opportunity for us. We are new on the market and it is wonderful that FLOW has partnered with us in this event. We look forward to more partnerships as we provide a unique cuisine and space for entertainment…”

She named her business after her mother who has always been involved in food and beverage services. “I am still functioning as a full-time lawyer,” Ms. Wallace chuckled. “It is something I always wanted to do and this is how I came about with Sweet Blossoms. It was started on the 16th of March and we are still building it as we go along.”

On Friday May 20, Diamond FC exhibited a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the Anguilla National Trust, for sponsoring the team through the last season. In doing so, members of the team presented their second place League Trophy to the Anguilla National Trust.

Ms. Farah Mukhida, who accepted the trophy on behalf of the Anguilla National Trust said that the Trust was very proud of the team for placing second in the season’s regular tournament and for winning the President’s Cup. She expressed delight that the Trust was able to partner with the Club. She was grateful that the team assisted the Trust in conducting household surveys. These surveys included looking at Ramsar site designations in Anguilla, which focused on wetlands, people’s perception of wetlands and their level of awareness of wetlands.
Coach Nigel Linton commented on partnering with the Trust to help conduct the surveys, “It was a bit challenging for the team at first, but the outcome ended up being really successful and it also taught the player’s individual responsibility for reaching objectives,” he said. “By dividing up the surveys to be completed by the players, they also helped each other in getting the surveys done on time and this task was used as a team-building exercise. It was very much a team effort and the players worked very well together.”

Coach Linton added that he was very much satisfied with the performance of the club member this season, as they had initially set out objectives and targets over a four year period.

In the first year their target was to finish in the top five of the league but unfortunately they were unsuccessful in completing that task. However, this season they aimed to finish in the top three of the league. They were very successful in accomplishing that goal, by placing second this season.
He continued: “By finishing second in the league it automatically qualified them to compete at the Caribbean Club Champions, seeing that no team from Anguilla has ever competed in that competition. The club has set its sights on planning to attend the championship. Over the next few months the club will be conducting fundraisers to raise the necessary funds and sponsorship to attend the championship.” Mr. Linton saw the championship as an avenue to provide the necessary exposure for the young players who would have an opportunity to potentially be recruited by scouts.

The biggest challenge the team faces at this time, is regrouping for next season and raising the necessary funds to fulfill their future objectives. As part of the restructuring for next season, Coach Nigel Linton has been appointed to the role as Technical Director of the Team, in which Tashim Fleming will be filling in as Head Coach.

In September 2015, the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) under the direction of the Founder and CEO, Mr. Mitchelle Lake, launched a High Performance Academy (HPA), where players could attend school full time at the ATA facility, in Blowing Point, Anguilla. Players enrolled in this program engage in high performance tennis training, while enrolled at Laurel Springs School, an accredited online private school. Lake stated, “My vision for introducing a high performance academy was solely to give students an opportunity to train at a higher level whereby they can maximize their full potential in the game of tennis and achieve tennis athletic scholarships.”

The ATA’s High Performance Academy players are eager to develop their tennis game and pursue higher education beyond the boundaries of Anguilla. These are tennis players on the island who would not otherwise be given an opportunity to go off to college or university overseas via tennis athletic scholarships. We anticipate these players using tennis as a vehicle to pursue education. The pursuit of higher education for most players would be impossible without an athletic and/or academic scholarship. To this end, the ATA’s High Performance Academy provide an opportunity to local players who are interested and who are capable of taking on the challenge of high performance training.

The High Performance Academy is an excellent opportunity for senior players, especially those who aspire to pursue tertiary level education at division 1 and or division 2 schools in the United States. Players who participate in this program would be afforded over 5 hours of tennis training daily, while completing their school studies. This opportunity for intense training allows players to develop into the level of player needed for division 1 and division 2 schools, which would not be otherwise afforded to players unless they enrolled in the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s High Performance Academy. We recognize that most of our players are academically inclined to succeed at division 1 or division 2 schools, but need additional hours of training to compete for a position on the teams of these institutions.

Laurel Springs combines the benefits of traditional school with the flexibility of personalized online learning. This is very important and significant for the ATA’s local players, who need the additional training to bring themselves to the competitive level, as similar students who are also applying to universities
Currently enrolled at the High Performance Academy are three players Xander Owen-Vasilis, (son of Michelle Owen-Vasilis and Peter Vasilis) Lucien Baronier (Son of Susan Baronier and Pascal Baronnier) and Cuthwin Webster Jr. (son of Cuthwin Webster Sr. and Axa Webster). These three players grew up in the ATA’s After School Program and are currently being trained by local coaches Denny Derrick, HPA Director, George Richards, and Damien Brookes. In June 2016 the three players are travelling to T Bar M Racquet Club, Dallas, Texas to train at their High Performance Academy. The Players are training hard each week in anticipation of this intense training and anticipate that this experience will improve their individual tennis game. There will be several Fundraisers in the weeks ahead to help cover costs associated with the trip. We encourage the community to support these players and their fundraisers. For more information on ATA High Performance Academy or how you can support the players, e-mail us at info@anguillatennis.com or call us at 264-498-0697.

Photos Courtesy Keiroy Browne

CuisinArt Employees during session

Officials from the Ministry and Department of Labour held a three-hour consultation on the draft Labour Code on Wednesday, May 25, with employees at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.

The consultation was led by Minister of Home Affairs with responsibility for Labour, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, along with the Ministerial Assistant, Mrs. Evalie Bradley, and the Labour Commissioner, Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake. They were introduced to the employees by the resort’s Director of Human Resources, Ms. Carleen Gumbs.

L-R: Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge and Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake

Minister Cora Richardson-Hodge explained the purpose of the consultation. “As you are aware, the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Labour have been engaged in a series of labour consultation meetings,” she stated. “We have hosted a couple of town hall meetings, but we thought it was appropriate that we should actually go to where many of the employees are. This includes the hotels and some of the other businesses like ANGLEC etc.

“This is therefore a continuation of those meetings. We have been going through the draft Labour Code which has been around for some time; and we want to finalise it as many people in Anguilla have been complaining about a lack of an updated Labour Code. This is now our opportunity to bring it to employees so that they can understand what their obligations are. Some of the provisions remain the same; some have been enhanced; and some have been changed somewhat. These series of sessions are therefore to point out those sections to you.”
During the consultation there were a number of questions and answers on the draft Labour Code which, it is hoped, will be taken to the Anguilla House of Assembly before or by year end.

Anguilla has just hosted its Fifth Annual Lit Fest, called a Literary Jollification. It was held from May 19-22 with some twenty-three authors and presenters participating in the packed programme.

Of that number, fourteen were regional and international writers and the remaining nine were Anguillians. They all came into close contact with a large number of people including schoolchildren with whom they shared their exemplary work, experience and mentorship.

Writing in the commemorative booklet, which outlined the programme and other information for Lit Fest 2016, Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, stated as follows:

“The Government of Anguilla is pleased to endorse this important event. We recognise the value of promoting the development of the literary arts for our people, and especially our young people.

“We are committed to being a part of an event that appeals not only to our residents, but also to visitors in search of authentic island experiences while, at the same time, enabling the preservation, celebration and enhancement of our literary heritage as a people.”

The host hotel for the visiting authors and presenters was Paradise Cove Resort, while CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa was the sponsoring hotel. In addition, there were various other supporting sponsors in the public and private sectors.
The varied programme included welcome receptions at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and Government House, a Caribbean Cocktail Party at Paradise Cove Resort, writers’ workshops and literacy presentations for students and senior citizens, panel discussions and story-telling.

There have been many favourable comments by the visiting authors and presenters about Lit Fest. Some of the recorded comments are as follows:

“I have been writing fiction for more than thirty years now. The Anguilla Lit Fest left me feeling fresh and new and eager to get back to my fiction” (Mary W. Walters, Author.)

“I love the fun, the joy, and the information shared, along with the interaction attendees have with writers and publishing professionals” (Reginald Oliver, local resident).

“The Anguilla literary festival was beautiful on all levels. Not just in context of scenery, but it was also atmospheric buoyed by the graceful and welcoming people of Anguilla” (Bernice L. McFadden, Author).

“Meeting [the high school students] has been a highlight of my presentation in the Anguilla Lit Fest. The light in these young people’s eyes, the articulate presentation of their ideas, the fact that they have a perspective, are a reminder to me why it matters to back your support for the literary arts” (Joanne C. Hillhouse, Author).

Canita Ruan, a local face and body artist / face painter, has for the past several years, set about to improve her face painting skills. Every year I set goals, and this year my dream goal was to do my first whole body painting, a replica of the Anguilla flag using 3 models. This idea came to me ealier this month when I came across a body painting of a Canadian flag. This painting was very challenging yet a lot of fun. A painting that should have taken 4 hours took 8 hours. This project could not have been possible without the help and encouragement of my close family, friends, my 3 models, Photographer: Jerome Dupont, Videographer: Romaro Richardson, Assistants: Janita Ruan and Romaro Richardson, and special thanks to Lelia Richardson.

My tribute to Anguilla Day 2016 a Full Body Painting of the Anguilla Flag

Canita’s Face And Body Art.