Some sixty data collectors will be visiting over two thousand selected persons in random households throughout Anguilla, within the coming days, to carry out a survey on non-communicable chronic diseases. The aim is for Government and health officials to determine the severity of the problem on the island.
The work, involving adult members of the population, is co-funded by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) through the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) along with the involvement of the Government of Anguilla and the Chronic Disease Unit.

The training of the data collectors was undertaken by CARPHA’s technicians Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton, Senior Technical Officer, Non-communicable Diseases; and Ms. Angela Hinds, Senior Technical Officer, Health Information & Data Analysis, Surveillance, Disease Prevention & Control.
Speaking at the Blue Ridge Conference Centre at South Hill, where the training was conducted, Dr. Andall-Brereton told The Anguillian: “This survey is important because there is a very high burden of chronic disease on the island and the Ministry of Health and Social Development in Anguilla is trying to get information on what are the drivers for chronic diseases on the island. Selected persons in the population will be asked questions relating to risk factors for chronic diseases.”
She continued: “The survey is referred to as the STEPS methodology. It is not an acronym. Rather, it is a graduating methodology in that step one comprises a questionnaire; step two, some physical measurements; and step three is where the nurses come in. We are looking for raised glucose and raised blood cholesterol. For the physical measurements, we will be trying to assess overweight and obesity in the population. There will be measurements of height, weight, waist circumference as well as blood pressure measurements. All measurements will be done at the household level with only those persons who have been randomly selected.”

She explained that while the survey would only involve members of the adult population, when the results become available some of the interventions will be done at the school level and other levels. The aim is to prevent the population from developing chronic diseases, while efforts will be made to protect those persons with such diseases from complications of heart attacks, strokes, amputations, etc.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency official added: “When the results from this survey are available, Anguilla will not only be able to compare itself to the other UK Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, but with countries the world over. So far, in the Caribbean, there are twelve countries that have already done such a survey.”

The data collectors in Anguilla will be using Samsung Tablets to technologically record the information obtained from persons they interviewed. They will therefore have an advantage over the other data collectors abroad who did the previous surveys using pen and paper. It has been pointed out that persons being surveyed in Anguilla have no reason for concern as the data collected is highly confidential with no names mentioned in the survey.
Working on the data collection survey with the two CARPHA officials, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, are Mrs. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, Director of the Anguilla Chronic Disease Unit; and Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, Health Planner. The Health Authority of Anguilla is represented by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Aisha Andrewin.

The following message, dated May 22, 2016, was sent by outgoing Deputy Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid, to the Anguilla Public Service, copied to the Governor, the Chief Minister and his Cabinet:

“Dear Colleagues

“I have had the privilege of serving as a public officer for almost thirty years (29 years and 11 months on June 30th 2016). My service in the Attorney Generals Chambers, the Department of Public Administration and as Deputy Governor allowed me an opportunity to engage with many of you. Some of you have assisted me greatly in getting a fairly comprehensive appreciation of the many facets of the operations of the Anguilla Public Service/the Government of Anguilla. My interactions with you have also given me an invaluable insight into the psyche of the human mind. I suspect the full value of what I have learnt and experienced, during my time in the APS, is still to be realised.

“I proceed on leave on Tuesday, 24th May 2016 until I demit office on 30th June 2016. I leave with an appreciation of the valuable role public officers can and are expected to play in the sustainable development of Anguilla. What I sought to promote during my ten (10) years of service as Deputy Governor is captured in the following quote from my Vision Statement which was posted on the gov.ai/dg website throughout my tenure as Deputy Governor. The relevant paragraph reads:
“I envision a public service where officers are acutely aware of their role in the accomplishment of the goals of the nation, the government, a ministry, a department or a unit. This awareness will generate recognition of each officer’s potential to influence and to effect change. The result will be an Anguilla Public Service, which will be proactive, responsive and dynamic. Attitudes, which reflect these qualities, are absolutely essential in Anguilla today.”
“This vision was espoused in 2006 and I continue to promote this vision today. I believe each of you has a valuable contribution to make, in the achievement of Anguilla’s sustainable development. Please don’t let the words or actions of any person or group of persons make you feel otherwise.
“My final word of advice to you is to promote your personal and collective development. A key way to do this is to continually improve your communication skills. The most vital information, if not effectively communicated will have very little useful impact. Poor communication can create adverse relations and result in missed opportunities. The APS/GoA can ill afford to be distracted by the results of poor communication at this stage of Anguilla’s development.

“Please accept my best wishes for your continued success as you strive, under the leadership of my successor (Mr Perin Bradley), to respond to the needs of Anguillians and residents of Anguilla in an effective and efficient manner. I look forward to engaging with you as a private citizen as I embark on a new phase of my life.”

“Regards
Stanley”

For the past three years, Mr. Sherlon (Lingy) Richardson has been working closely with the Atlanta Carnival Production(ACP) in conjunction with Atlanta Carnival Bandleaders Council(ACDC), in having an Anguillian Artist showcase and highlight Anguilla’s talent. Anguilla would be among numerous talents from around the Caribbean to be promoted on the streets of Atlanta.
Mr Richardson’s endeavour is fully supported by the Government of Anguilla, and the Anguilla Tourist Board, as it presents an opportunity to promote Anguilla and its carnival. To date, he has taken numerous artistes to perform. These included Corwin Carty and Lioness of the Movements Band, and Tyrone (Latest) Brooks of Exodus HD band.

This year he was able to get our former Miss Anguilla, Miss Shereena (SheaShea) Richardson of the PVI International Band, to be part of the activities and execute a performance. In addition, the ACP will be providing for a booth that will be used to promote and sell Anguilla’s paraphernalia.

In keeping with this opportunity, Mr. Jason (Doggy) Brooks would be travelling with the team as one of Anguilla’s ambassadors to assist with promoting Anguilla.

The team will be travelling to Atlanta to attend the activities which commence on May 28th, 2016. To add to their promoting of Anguillian designers, they will be travelling in a T-shirt, designed by Graphic Maddness, which displays their newly released logo which illustrates “DEGREES” which is a patriotic statement that lets everyone know where you can find Anguilla.

Mr Richardson would like to thank the Government of Anguilla, the Anguilla Tourist Board and Omega Car Wash for their continued support as they see it as a great outlet to promote Anguilla to various people around the world.

– Contributed

The road-side Beach Happy, in the tourism belt in West End, is the location for the newest collector’s item in Anguilla called the AXA Bracelet. Beach Happy is owned by Ms. Rolanda Webster, supported by her family and friends.
Ms. Webster spoke about the launch of the AXA Bracelet on Saturday, May 21. “I am very excited and happy to be presenting a piece of Anguilla which visitors and locals can buy. Everybody is taken up with the AxA brand and I am happy to be the authorised dealer in Anguilla. The bracelet has the AXA logo on it which stands for Anguilla and we also have the Island Girl chain. So it is all about Anguilla.”

The supplier is fashion lover of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Ms. Michelle Moreland, who has her own jewellery business there including the VI Bracelet. She has been visiting Anguilla at a younger age and acquired a love for the island and its people – and has therefore undertaken to hold the second launch of her bracelet in Anguilla.
“I am the designer for the AXA Bracelet and I am partnering with Rolanda of Beach Happy, Anguilla,” the designer stated. Rolanda is the retailer of the bracelet. It is made of stainless steel in sizes for children, women and men – and comes in gold, silver and black. I designed them and got my manufacturer in Miami to produce them. I had a random idea which started with the VI Bracelet and then I looked at all the other initials or abbreviations of the names of the other islands and I decided to do Anguilla next. So it was just a matter of having a sample done and I am happy with this launch of the AXA Bracelet.

“I would like to pass on this tip to aspiring young ladies and other persons in Anguilla,” Ms. Moreland added. “If you think of any idea, don’t wait for someone else to do it – just get up and do it.”

A Health Fair, aimed at providing various screening tests for employees at Malliouhana-Auberge Resort & Spa, was held there on Wednesday this week, with several health and insurance-related organisations participating.

The event was initiated by Mr. Russell Reid, the resort’s Director of Human Resources. “I contacted MASA (Medical Air Services Association), one of the leading sponsors of health fairs in Anguilla, because Auberge has a programme called “Planet Auberge,” he explained. “The programme looks at wellness of employees and assists communities in which Auberge’s hotels operate. It is through this arrangement that we want to help our staff in leading healthier lifestyles. Prevention is better than cure so anybody who can detect his or her diseases early has a chance of an early cure. Today is therefore an important day for Malliouhana-Auberge. It is the first health fair at the resort since I have been here, and we are hoping it will be a success.”

Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs, Senior Health Educator with the Health Authority of Anguilla, said that, in addition to her organisation, the other participating organisations were MASA (the main partner), NAGIO Insurance and Dungeon Gym.
The testing was for blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass, dental and foot conditions and HIV AIDS. There were also health counselling and free vouchers for cholesterol, PSA and vision tests.

Mrs. Gumbs stressed that the testing was of much importance given the high level of non-communicable chronic diseases affecting the population in Anguilla.

On the eve of the celebration of the forty ninth anniversary of Anguilla Day, our country is divided. So divided, that there has been a call to boycott the Anguilla Day celebrations. The Honourable Chief Minister has referred to this request as blasphemous. In my opinion it is downright shameful. Is it beyond us to put differences aside to honour and remember the heroes and heroines who made sacrifices for the betterment of our country? Is it too much to ask that we lay aside our bitterness and anger to celebrate one of the most important milestones in our development? Are we so divided that we cannot find it within ourselves not to denigrate the legacy of “unity, strength and endurance” that has been bequeathed to us? How ironic that at the time when we should be honouring those who have put country above self, we have decided to put self above country and allow our own personal opinions, hatred and resentment to dishonor our national celebration.

It is a basic truism that a country divided cannot stand. I believe our forebears recognised this when they coined Anguilla’s motto “unity, strength, endurance” because, if you think about it carefully, all these qualities are interdependent. In the context of a country, one cannot exist without the other. Unfortunately, it seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy when, somewhere along the line, the word “unity” was removed – leaving only “strength and endurance” as our country’s official motto. Anguilla is now a country where we seem to thrive on discord. No situation has made this clearer than the current banking resolution.

Let me make it abundantly clear that if the people of Anguilla are concerned about the banking resolution, they have every right to make their concerns known to our Government. They have a right to present those concerns in a constructive manner and to demand a response to their issues. If there are considerations our people believe have been overlooked by Government, those should also be shared and efforts made to assist Government to devise alternative solutions. That is what democracy is all about: putting country above self. I support the people’s exercise of their democratic right to march to the Chief Minister’s Office to register their dissatisfaction with the Government’s chosen resolution to the banking crisis.

What concerns me is when democracy becomes destructive. This can happen more easily than one may think. Democracy becomes destructive when the exercise of democratic rights is based on being reliably ‘misinformed’; when those exercising the right have been struck by the “Pied Piper” syndrome rather than coming to their own independent conclusion; when those in positions of standing in the community abuse the trust placed in them by using their influence and intellect to misguide others with innuendo and propaganda, and stir up their emotions by feeding their fears; when persons are so overcome by negative emotions that they become irrational and incapable of understanding or accepting another perspective; and simply when the motive for the exercise of the right is itself destructive. From my observations of the events that have been unfolding in Anguilla, I believe Anguilla is at the stage where democracy has become destructive so much so that there have been suggestions of violence.

However, Anguilla Day presents an opportunity for us to reverse this. This day is a tangible reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together as a nation. It is a reminder of how far we have come and a call for us to continue to press on and build on our legacy. To do this, we must become a country of builders. We must seek to build ourselves as a society of educated people, not just in the formal sense but in that we search for the truth for ourselves rather than accepting what the rumour mill says. We must also seek to build our country by supporting our duly elected Government and, if we cannot do that, by offering constructive criticism and alternatives. We must recognize that our political posturing and bruised egos are not the building blocks for a better Anguilla and must be cast aside so that Anguilla can progress. Each of us must be a builder if this country is to stand. Otherwise all of us will perish. My appeal to all of us is that we press onward to fulfil the dream that our revolutionary heroes and heroines had for Anguilla: a nation proud, strong and free. Onward and upward.

EDF Consultants with Government Ministers and Officials in Anguilla

It has not yet been decided how much funding will be made available to Anguilla, but the island is to share in a grant of 40 million Euros provided under the 11th EDF programme during the period 2017-2020.

In Anguilla on Wednesday this week, to discuss the matter, were three consultants: Mr. Paul Sijssens, Team Leader; Mr. Fabio Guoli and Mr. Joe Ryan. They met at the Ministry of Finance with a number of Government officials including Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure; Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs with responsibility for Environment; and Permanent Secretaries and other persons drawn from the Ministries of Infrastructure, Finance and the Environment. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Bancroft Battick, Chief Engineer at the Department of Infrastructure.

The EDF allocation will concentrate on Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity in twelve Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). In addition to Anguilla, the other beneficiaries of the funding are four British territories: the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands; six Dutch territories: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten; and one French Territory: St. Barthelemy.
The EDF regional funding is aimed at building resilience to the effects of climate change, striving towards a low carbon economy and ensuring sustainable economic development in the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories.

During the meeting there were discussions on various ways in which the funding could be used in the designated areas of sustainable energy and marine biodiversity. Mr. Richardson, the Minister of Infrastructure, confirmed that Anguilla needs assistance in both areas and offered some specifics like solar energy and fishing. He mentioned, for example, that of all the territories, Anguilla has the largest fishing zone – some 200 miles to the north.

The consultants said that the level of funding for each of the recipient territories would be determined at a meeting in Curacao in September. It is assumed that by then the territories would have decided how they intend to use the funds allocated to them. The consultants were of the view that by January 2017 the territories should aim at beginning their projects. They were also of the view that Anguilla was ahead of most of the territories because of its initiatives and policies on sustainable energy and marine biodiversity.

PS Mrs. Kathleen Rogers presenting Plaque to Mr. Stanley Reid OBE

Though there has been a number of acting appointments of various persons as Deputy Governor of Anguilla over the past years, Mr. Stanley Reid OBE, is the only public servant to have actually been permanently appointed to that post and served for two five-year terms.

Mr. Reid’s mainly had responsibility for the Anguilla Public Service and on occasions served as Acting Governor. His last day in office as Deputy Governor was on Monday, May 23. It was on that day, according to information provided to The Anguillian, that “the Management and Staff of Public Administration, and related departments/units, expressed sincere appreciation to the outgoing Honourable Deputy Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid.”
The information from the Department of Public Administration states as follows: “Flanked by the staff from Public Administration, House of Assembly and Pensions Board, Mr. Reid…reminisced on his diverse, but memorable, years as a public officer. Staff members recalled the many years of working together; his tireless dedication, unwavering commitment and overall contribution to the public service.
“Some officers praised him for his positive work ethics and his confident approach to decision-making. Others commented on his meticulous attention to details and his willingness to participate in and/or assist with any information-sharing and staff enrichment or development activity.

“In his response, Mr. Reid expressed heartfelt thanks and noted the significant effort and thought that were put into the farewell activity. He advised staff to work hard and to continue to promote personal and collective development.

“Mr. Reid, whose career as a public officer spanned almost thirty (30) years, served in various departments of the Anguilla Public Service before assuming the post of Deputy Governor in July 2006. He also served as Permanent Secretary, Public Administration, alongside most of these officers, from October 2003 to July 2006.

“Mr. Reid will officially separate from the Anguilla Public Service on July 1, 2016.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Reid emailed a farewell message to all Public Servants which he copied to the Governor, the Chief Minister and Members of his Cabinet. That message is printed in this edition of The Anguillian.

The outgoing Deputy Governor, who is a trained Lawyer, will be succeeded by Mr. Perin Bradley, who has been serving as Comptroller of Inland Revenue. Mr. Bradley is now Acting Deputy Governor until July 1 when he will formally assume his permanent appointment and sworn into office.

Mrs. Janice Hodge Reading Protest Letter to Chief Minister Victor Banks

In a national radio broadcast on Tuesday, May 24, Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Victor Banks, gave a comprehensive rundown of the Government’s resolution plan for the island’s local banking sector with the establishment of the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA), just over a month ago.

He was responding to a protest march, staged the day before (Monday May 23), by a number of persons who claimed that their march “cuts across political lines”. Their letter, dated May 20, 2016, was addressed to Mr. Banks and copied to the other members of his Cabinet. It was signed by Mrs. Agnes Payne Fleming of South Hill and was read to Chief Minister Banks by retired Teacher, Mrs. Janice Hodge of Sachasses.

The correspondence, which appears on page 6 of this edition of The Anguillian, among other matters demanded a report by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank about the reasons for the failure of the National Bank of Anguilla Ltd and the Caribbean Commercial Bank (Anguilla) Ltd; objected to a series of legislation passed in the House of Assembly relating to the banks; and objected to the implementation of the Banking Resolution – charging it was done without public consultation. The letter also made objection “as to the handling of the Banking Crisis by the Government of Anguilla and the Governor of Anguilla” and called for the fulfilment of the demands of the protesters “no later than Wednesday 25th May 2016”.

In addressing the protesters at their march, the Chief Minister said: “Thank you all very much for coming out and exercising our democratic right to protest to issues that affect you, the people of Anguilla. We are privilege to live in a community – society – where we can exercise democracy in this way. I note the comments that were presented to me…You will agree with me that they are extensive and will call for some reflection. I also note that you requested that I have a response by Wednesday, 25th of May. I will make every effort to ensure that I meet that deadline. It is important for you to recognise that whatever is produced in that document does not necessarily reflect all the issues that are involved in this process that we are undergoing. I appreciate and understand the time and effort producing this document for presentation here today. I thank you very much for it. I hope that now that you have given me the opportunity to read and hear the issues presented, you will now be so kind as to give me the opportunity to make my response to them at the appropriate time.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Banks went on radio on Tuesday, May 24, when, among other matters, he addressed the main concerns raised by the protesters. The text of his broadcast is published on page 7 of this current edition of The Anguillian.

(Since his broadcast Mr. Banks also replied in writing to the protest letter, which is printed on page 6.)

Briefly, in his radio broadcast, Mr. Banks spoke about the importance of protecting the savings of local depositors in the two former banks and Government’s intention to assist offshore depositors whose claims are now a court matter.

On the protesters’ demand for the ECCB’s report on the banks, he repeated an earlier explanation that if they were asking for the ECCB’s internal report, it could not be circulated for public scrutiny “because of the confidential and proprietary nature of the information”. On the other hand, “if it is the ‘so-called’ forensic audit by Grant Thornton, an official redacted version has already been circulated”.

Commenting further on the letter, the Chief Minister said that while it “makes a number of sweeping inaccurate statements and false allegations, there is no smoking gun;” that “nothing in the letter explains why they [the protesters] believe that neither the process nor the implementation of the process serves the best interest of the people of Anguilla and the greater good. Neither does it offer any good reason why they believe that a march to my office will do anything more than to suggest to the world community that there is an unstable situation in Anguilla.

“To put it bluntly one would get the impression that it is all about politics. There are absolutely no solutions being offered. Neither is there any recognition of the fact that at this late stage – when the implementation has been executed and in place – any reversal of the resolution, without a viable alternative, could spell disaster for this island that they claim to cherish so dearly”.

He further stated: “In short, the demands being put forward by the group…cannot be given any serious consideration…It makes a mockery of a serious process undertaken by the Government for the stabilization of an indigenous banking sector…May I therefore reasonably conclude that this whole march was designed by its leaders to destabilize Anguilla with the hope of bringing down the duly-elected Government.”

The Chief Minister added: “The Banking Resolution has already been implemented – the horse is already out of the stable. It is ridiculous to now demand its suspension without advancing any credible substantive reason.”

The Ministry of Social Development and the Department of Youth and Culture, in collaboration with the PAVE (Partners Advocating for Violence Eradication), launched a Public Recruitment Campaign for the Anguilla Service Corps (ASC), on Wednesday June 1, on the grounds of the Edison L. Hughes Education & Library Complex.

The Anguilla Service Corps, was launched last year under the patronage of Her Excellency Governor Ms. Christina Scott. It aims at encouraging resident of Anguilla to become mentors and volunteers to young people in Anguilla. The programme was envisaged as a means for recruitment, training and deployment of volunteers and mentors to work with young people. While it has seen a number of successes over the previous year, the Corps has set out an ambitious plan to strengthen its operations by registering over sixty new mentors and volunteers.

The Billboard launch was chaired by Mrs. Charmaine Rogers of the ASC Management Advisory Board and featured a number of speeches. Director of the Department of Youth and Culture, Mr. Bren Romney said; “Anguilla has always been known as a service nation and we are at the point in our development where we need to look at how we serve each other”. This sentiment was carried throughout the event by other speakers including HE Governor Christina Scott who shared her own experiences in volunteering and reminded the audience of the impact it can have on one’s personal development. She encouraged everyone to be a volunteer, “I promise you’ll get as much out of it as the person you are mentoring”, she said.

Honourable Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, commended the department for its work towards the development of Anguilla. Other speakers were Mr. Clemvio Hodge and Mrs. Angelina Carty. Mr. Alexis Ryan presented a poem entitled “Heroes Do Exist.”
Two of the six billboards were unveiled by the Governor and the Minister. The billboards will be placed throughout the island in order to create awareness of the programme and its importance. It is hoped that this drive will motivate residents of Anguilla to donate their time by becoming mentors and volunteers.

A signed lease of the historic Wallblake Plantation House has provided the Government of Anguilla (the user), and the Catholic Diocese of St. Johns Basseterre (the owner), a formal arrangement for the use and maintenance of the building.
The lease was signed on Saturday, May 28, by Chief Minister and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Mr. Victor Banks; and Catholic Bishop, Kenneth Richards, and countersigned by witnesses on behalf of the Government and the Church. The agreement is to allow the building to be used as a major tourism attraction.

Wallblake House was built in 1787 and is the best-preserved plantation-style house in Anguilla. After it was willed to St. Gerard’s Church, it became the living quarters for priests. It was restored by the Wallblake Trust Management Committee.

Chief Minister Banks said: “This is not the first time in the history of Wallblake House that it is part of Anguilla’s tourism plant. In 1977 it was the office of the Anguilla Tourist Board and the centre of the promotion and marketing of the island as a destination. We are extremely pleased to have the support of Bishop Kenneth Richards, Fr. Pawel Czoch SVD, and the executive of the original management committee, Marjorie Mc Clean and Fiona Curtis, to use the house and its out buildings for tourism purposes again.”
Bishop Richards was pleased with the arrangement and spoke about the cooperation between the Anguilla Government and the Catholic Church in that endeavour. The Jamaican Bishop, who is completing his tour of service to the St Johns Basseterre Diocese, was presented with a plaque of a map of Anguilla, by the Chief Minister, in appreciation of his service to the island.

Wallblake House has of late housed the office of Anguilla Finance. According to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism, it “will become the Interpretation Centre for plantation heritage. It will feature exhibits of artifacts, paraphernalia and photography that will transport visitors to Anguilla’s way of life in previous times.”

The release added: “The Ministry will work with local expertise, including [that of] Mr. Sydney Gumbs and international partners and museums, which will provide technical advice and other support in developing the project. Persons interested in partnering with the Ministry are requested to contact Sandra Gumbs at the Ministry of Tourism at 497-2547 ext. 2206.”

On Friday 27th May, the staff and students of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School (VVPS) celebrated their pre- Anguilla Day activities in grand style. The Social Studies coordinator, Tr. Deverelle Edwards, with assistance from Tr. Kenda Lake and the rest of the staff, staged a full day of activities to commemorate Anguilla Day under the theme: ‘Boat Building’.
The day began with a parade to the Island Harbour Jetty, followed by presentations from community members about boat building and sailing. Pupils had the opportunity to enjoy local dishes prepared by parents and students of the Grade Six class. The highlight of the day was the exhibition and judging of boats built by students and their parents. A total of nineteen students took part in the competition. Five top winners were selected from which one major winner was drawn: Deron Harrigan ‘Rolling Out’.
The students had the opportunity to view a locally produced film depicting events which unfolded during the revolution. The day came to a close with an actual boat race. Boys from the community put on a brief display/race using their ‘sunfish’.
– Contributed

Public and private schools, throughout the island, have showcased varied events in the final week leading up to the celebration of Anguilla Day. In all cases, the varied events were presented with a display of the national colours of the island’s Official Flag and Coat of Arms.
The Valley Primary School went on the public roads – in the area – with its event with scores of students and teachers participating in a most impressive parade in national colours. The event, on Friday, May 27, attracted many onlookers along the route.

On that day also, the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School held its annual Heritage Fest. There was a cultural programme chaired by Mr. Colin Johnson, a teacher at the school, known for his cultural performances. It included music, singing and other activities such as a motivational address by Mrs. Hyacinth Hughes, a former educator, now a poet on the island.

Elsewhere on the grounds of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Joyce Webster-Stuart, and teachers, interacted with students at cultural exhibitions, food stalls, and other heritage presentations. Steel pan music by a visiting group of students from Nevis added much to the entertainment of the day.

The Orealia Kelly Primary School, like most of the other schools, held various internal events. Among that school’s activities was an impressive hat competition featuring the national colours along with other dress wear.

It was not possible for The Anguillian newspaper to cover all of the activities in the various schools. It was expected that some of the schools would submit reports about their particular Anguilla Day events.

National Disaster Management Committee meeting on June 1st to review plans to keep Anguilla safe and secure in the event of a major emergency.

THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – The Atlantic Hurricane Season commences as always on June 1st and marks a state of heightened hurricane awareness for the next six (6) calendar months. The term “heightened” serves to remind us that hurricanes and Tropical weather systems do not limit themselves to formation during the officially recognized period and should encourage us to think of our Hurricane preparedness activities all year long. A near average season is predicted for 2016 with sixteen (16) named storms, eight (8) could become hurricanes, with four (4) of these being major hurricanes. This prediction is in no way a cause for any complacency on our part. The relatively low number of hurricanes and major hurricanes predicted should play no part in determining the intensity of our preparedness efforts as the trend in recent years is for significant damages to be caused by the lesser Tropical systems, particularly through the extensive flooding that these systems bring. The experiences of Tropical Storms Danny and Erika should be fresh in our memories. Some of our Caribbean neighbours suffered tremendous loses at the hands of Tropical Storm Erika and we remember those who lost their lives and their families in our prayers at this time.

We must however supplement our prayers through intelligent and responsible action; there must be no place for complacency in our preparations for any tropical weather system whether it is a minor storm or a major hurricane. As always, ensure that your hurricane shutters are in working order, your Emergency Kit is replenished and everyone in your household is well versed and drilled in your Family Emergency Plan. Businesses are not exempt from preparedness activities. Ensure that your Business Continuity Plans are in place and your staff is intimately familiar with them. Be reminded that we at the Department are always willing to lend a hand with your plans and we encourage you to visit us so we can better assist you. This year I encourage you to pay special attention to your preparations for flooding. While we may not have experienced the levels of flooding that caused devastation and death in Dominica in 2015 we must be cognizant that the threat of flooding is significant and potentially deadly. Let me also take this opportunity to remind you of the dangers of “sightseeing” and unnecessary vehicular traffic during the impact of storms. This dangerous practice must not continue, it is worth remembering that it only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep a vehicle off the road.

As we enter the Tropical Cyclone Season for 2016 we take measure of what we learned from last year’s experiences. While Anguilla was spared from any devastating impact in 2015 the significance of Tropical Storm Erika in particular cannot be ignored. The lesson is clear, our attitudes toward preparedness must improve, a critical part of which is treating each tropical system on the merit of its potential impacts versus focusing solely on the sometimes meaningless attribute of maximum wind speed. In conclusion, I wish to re-iterate to you that one storm is all that is required to make a difference. Let us endeavor to prepare for any eventuality this Hurricane Season by treating our preparedness efforts with the seriousness and urgency required. I wish you and your family a safe hurricane season and may God bless and keep Anguilla safe.

For further information or queries as it pertains to the various hazards and safety, please contact the Department of Disaster Management 497 -2926.

Department of Disaster Management
1 June 2016

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

The church played an active role in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution and today, 49 years later, it continues to be actively concerned about the present and future of the island. That is why an Ecumenical Church Service forms part of the annual Anguilla Day activities.

The preacher at the Sunday, May 29, 2016 Ecumenical Service – at St. Mary’s Anglican Church – was the Reverend Dr. Samuel Daniel, Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy and Head of the Counselling Department at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. The attendance at the service was one of the largest seen in recent years. Noting the history of the island, and the challenges it now faces, Bishop Daniel urged Anguillians to “take God seriously”.

“Anguilla can’t afford to forget where it came from. Anguilla must remember God. Anguilla must again take God seriously,” he stressed. “Do not only remember what God has done for you, but in gratitude you should serve Him in sincerity and truth. Don’t do so with wavering faith and attitude, but consistently.”

He went on: “Everywhere I go, I see God’s people so distracted, so caught up in the non-essentials of life…that they neglect those things which would strengthen spiritual development and save our souls. Anguilla must not just be satisfied to be referred to as a Christian community only when it is convenient, but our commitment to Christian standards and ideals must be sincere, truthful and consistent.”

The Reverend Dr. Daniel pointed out that: “There is an urgent need for Anguillians to be kind to each other again; to love and support each other again”. A good question to ask ourselves is: ‘what can I do now to help Anguilla go forward, or what is my role in relation to Anguilla’s progress and development?”’

He addressed three groups of persons in relation to nation-building. The first was his fellow members of the Clergy. “Our role in nation-building is invaluable,” he stated in part. “This is a time to pray that the Kingdom, rule, and grace of God be manifested in our country. Instead of being caught up in supporting personalities, we should spend more of our creative energies constructing in our minds, our hearts, in our families, and our churches great, beautiful and glorious alternatives…The time has come, and is ripe, for the church to be the church – for true spiritual leaders to take their place in this society. It is high time to stand upon the word of God and be conduits of righteousness…”

Speaking to political leaders, he reminded them that they were the servants of the people. “It is God who allowed you to fill positions of responsibility and influence for this time and season,” he told them. “This makes you accountable to God. Your task is difficult but God wants to help you if you would allow Him. Be mindful of the fact that you are writing history – and that you are leaving a legacy.”

Addressing fellow citizens of Anguilla, the Minister recalled that over the years the people of the island had always proven their resilience. “Contrary to the beliefs of the critics, naysayers and pessimists, God has not fallen asleep…and He will again build and prosper this country,” he assured his listeners. “Each of us must take some responsibility for Anguilla’s prosperity as well as its posterity. If you claim to be a Christian community, you must refuse to be distracted or disrupted by what is happening around you – and your faith in God must be genuine and consistent.”

The participating members of the Clergy included the Rt. Reverend Errol Brooks, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, who was pleased with the large turnout at the national service. He hoped that next year, when the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution is celebrated, that there would be an even greater attendance. The other Ministers were Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Chairman of the Anguilla Christian Council and Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit, and Reverend Menes Hodge of the Anglican Church. Among them was Reverend Reginald Hodge, a Deacon in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

The Education Welfare Officers from the Department of Education, Ms. Conisha Gumbs and Ms. Natasha, hosted a parental session on “Empowering Our Children”. The session was held on Tuesday May 24, 2016 at the Soroptimist Centre.

Parents and guardians of all students were invited to hear and gather useful information from dynamic speakers like Ms. Georgia Matthew (Guidance Counsellor), Mrs. Melody Hodge (School Nurse), Mrs. Dana Ruan (Senior School Nurse) and Pastor Rodwell Grant (Senior Juvenile Care Worker).

Ms. Georgia Mathew, a Guidance Counsellor at Campus B, eagerly spoke on the topic, “The Social Aspect of Your Child”. Ms. Mathew focused on the social context of child and adolescent development and learning. She explained the impact of the family, school, society, culture, and the media on the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children and teens. Special emphasis was placed on the media’s impact on our children’s development. She highlighted the inappropriate and excessive use of cellphones and video games, and the easy access to pornography via various social media. Ms. Mathew also pointed out the lack of parental supervision of children using social media as being a pressing issue today. Her words of advice to the parents and guardians were: “If you can’t use it, don’t buy it. If you buy it, learn to use it”.
The school nurses, Mrs. Melody Hodge and Mrs. Dana Ruan, presented on the topic, “The Health of Your Child”. Mrs. Hodge stressed the importance of nutrition and exercise to avoid ailments like obesity. Mrs. Ruan emphasized healthy lifestyles and proper hygiene. She also called on parents and guardians to be positive role models for their children.
The final speaker for the night was Pastor Rodwell Grant who spoke on the topic, “The Spiritual Aspect of Our Children”. His focus, “Passing Faith On To The Children”, was underscored by Deuteronomy Chapter 6, verses 1-9. He shared six points with the audience:

1. Know who your God is.
2. Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
3. The commandments are to be upon your heart.
4. Impress upon your children the importance of having God in their lives.
5. Talk about the commandments.
6. God’s word should direct what we do.

In conclusion, Pastor Grant stated that children are watching us. He asked parents and guardians to reflect on what they are passing on to their children.

Education Welfare Officers, Conisha and Natasha, express sincere thanks to all presenters and parents/guardians who attended the session. They hope that parents and guardians would make every effort to be positive role models for their children.

– Contributed

“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child” William Shakespeare).

Friday the 27th of May, just a few days before Anguilla Day, the people had cause to march to the Chief Minister and the Minister of Finance’s Office in protest over his government’s handling of the self-inflicted banking crisis. After his less than stellar handling of the previous protest march, the one in which he basically insulted the people of Anguilla, one would hope that this time, it would go differently, that the Chief would be more understanding and respectful. That was wishful thinking on our part for he basically insulted them again.

While he was not as vitriolic as he was during the first march, he did grace us with his presence for a few minutes. However, the rest of his government failed to show up. They probably thought it was unnecessary to at least make an appearance before the people who elected them.

One is hard pressed to truly understand what is going on in the minds of these people, and it is obvious that this government has effectively burnt the bridge that it crossed, for it is no way in this or the next creation that any of these people will ever again hold an elective office in Anguilla, so their thinking might be, let’s make the best of it while it lasts and that is the scary part. It is frightening to think that this government has four more years to go and given, what they’ve done in the first year alone, the thought of having them around for another four ought to scare the life out of every last one of us.

We hired these people and they serve at our pleasure. They work for us and, if we don’t like the job that they are doing, we have the right to fire them – but given the system of government that we have in place it is almost impossible to throw them out. Great Britain, our protector, gave us a ministerial government without the necessary components to effectively govern. Our constitution lacks the checks and balances to guard against the abuses that we now find ourselves subjected to.

So what are our options? We can launch a complete shutdown of the government in which nothing happens. We can use non-violent civil disobedience, the type that was effectively used by Gandhi against the British in India. We could launch a vote of no confidence, which is exactly what the leader of the opposition tried to do in the House on Tuesday and, as usual, the CM found a way of at least postponing the inevitable. It was only a matter of time before this came about. That being said, anyone who knows how things are done in the House knows that what the government did was a way to circumvent the process. It will be interesting to see who will actually stand up for country and not the party. It was said that we need a Cromwell. Who will our Cromwell be? Mr. Richardson will it be you? Will it be Niel? Will it be Mr. Connor? Seriously folks, the time has come to put country above party. Who will step up? Will it be the Harrigan cousins – Terry and Paul? Will you both make Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Atlin proud? Do you want to be associated with – “when my country needed me I did nothing?”

It is time to give serious thought to what’s going on. The way things have been going, one would think that this government got their jobs by divine intervention. I’d like to remind them that that wasn’t the case. They begged and pleaded for our votes. They came on the radio and made the case. Granted, they may have been tossed a few slow pitches at which to swing, but they nevertheless showed up and utilized the opportunity to the fullest. Those that didn’t show up, lost.

It is amazing and unbelievable to see the arrogance with which this government is operating. It’s as though Anguilla is their own exclusive country club. The systems that we have in place are ignored. No one communicates with the people. We may wake up one day and find that Anguilla has been transferred to this government and we have to vacate the premises. I’m being facetious right now but, based on what is happening, we are on track to be booted off of our own land.

That this government can behave in such a reckless manner, with total disregard for the people that they can just toss us aside as headless bodies, is downright wrong. The Anguilla of 67 would never have tolerated that sort of thing from a Chief Minister. The Anguilla of today knows not from whence it came. If it did, we wouldn’t be having any of this nonsense that we are now seeing.

It was amazing to see those responsible for the predicament that we are in, those who collected their large gratuities, the very same ones who called us beggars, collect their exorbitant pensions, come back to celebrate Anguilla Day. I find that to be the height of hypocrisy, that they would even bother to show their greedy faces in Anguilla ever again. It was also sad to see the same ones who now benefit from the AUF being in power, parading themselves like some groupies on the grounds of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, like some zealot in such a way that lacked class.

They say that pride goeth before a fall and, believe me, this fall is coming. For when you behave in a manner that is contrary to human decency, nothing good can become of you. And one is at a loss for words when one sees what has happened to Anguilla. We have allowed ourselves to be bullied by a government who, by all accounts, has demonstrated a total disregard for we the people. To see the shameful way in which the people were treated was totally unacceptable. To see an elderly woman going around with tears in her eyes, at the last rally, speaking to anyone who would listen to her, asking them to direct her to someone who can get her money from the offshore bank. It was heart wrenching.

If you are the Minister of Finance and you are so damned arrogant, and you have the balls to say to the people, you gave me the papers now go home, what do you say to that old lady? Mr. Chief Minister, how could you allegedly take the money of over 4000 Anguillians and basically dispose of it? I really can’t use the word I want to use – how can you do that? You had several options to fix the banks. As the Minister of Finance, and the Chairman of the Monetary Council, you had the power to rectify the situation. You had options most of which you could have opted for. Other countries borrowed money to refinance their banks and had the banks pay back the money. Why didn’t you use the other options that wouldn’t have killed off our banking sector? Why did you not try to get the economy going so that people could actually get a job and the banks would be the least of our problems? Why didn’t you do any of these things? Why have you done something that will cost us for the rest of our lives? But, seriously folks, what are we to do?

As regards our land, does anyone honestly believe that Anguillians are going to stand around and let the Central Bank sell off their properties? There will be hell to pay. We need to come together as one and put a halt to this stripping of Anguilla’s assets.

They keep telling us that if we don’t like what’s going on we have options: hold our government accountable, or go independent. To do that right now with the people we have in power would be like going from the frying pan into the fire. We don’t have a constitution in place with the necessary components to even consider independence. When the time is right we’ll become independent, but not with this bunch of ne-er-do-wells that we find ourselves presently subjugated to. When we’ve educated our young people, and when we’ve put in place an infrastructure, and when we can survive without looking to anyone for help, then we will proudly become independent. In a sense, we are independent, but with the group taking us on our maiden voyage, I don’t think so. They have had many opportunities, but it was all about self and not about country.

We have to figure out how to save our beloved rock. Let’s hope that someone has the temerity to stand up and cast a no vote to what has been going on. Let us stand behind the opposition in her quest to hold this government accountable for the damage that has been done to us. So till next time, may God help us and may he continue to bless Anguilla.

Pride of Anguilla

Soaring registration, packed presentations, a sell-out evening event with comedic storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas, expanded education programme and exceptional feedback from participants positions Anguilla’s “Books and Beaches” festival as one of the best and most enjoyable literary festivals in the world.

The Anguilla Lit Fest – a Literary Jollification – took place at Paradise Cove Resort and supporting venues such as CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and Government House, from May 19th to 22nd 2016, and attracted the largest number of registrants since its inception in 2012. The three-day festival for writers and thinkers included presentations, workshops and panel discussions as well as many social events. The festival also benefited over 100 local school children who were invited to attend events and activities. The ‘Jollification’ was described by one of the headliners, Colin Channer, critically acclaimed writer and founder of Jamaica’s Calabash Literary Festival, as “One of the best festivals I have ever attended.”

Kate White, New York Times bestselling author and former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, who spoke to a huge crowd on“Top 3 Gutsy Guy/Girl Secrets for Writing and Everything Else in Life,” said “What an incredible event. I feel so lucky to have been included. It was just awesome on every level… This wasn’t just a literary festival. This was a chance for different cultures to meet and merge and learn from each other.”

Lit Fest’s educational programme “The Champions Pursuit of Literary” makes the festival particularly memorable for invited authors – who are offered the opportunity to attend sessions at Anguilla’s Public Library with primary school children. High school students were invited to attend the festival on Friday and actively participate in sessions – often asking the most pertinent questions. Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author, and a member of the mystery writers’ panel discussion “Crime that Pays,” said, “Where the focus of many author events is on the sale of a recent book, this was a celebration of authors’ ideas, craft, and hearts. The theme of the festival – A Literary Jollification – captures the idea of coming together for enjoyment and in common service.“

Mr. Paul Keens-Douglas and Mr. Cardigan Connor

Every year local talent is highlighted in the form of “Pride of Anguilla” writers who shine during the Saturday morning breakfast presentation. This year a selection of poets, bloggers, memoirists and novelists performed – some receiving standing ovations. Many writers cited attending previous Lit Fests as their inspiration.

Hon Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism and Sports, said, “The Government of Anguilla is committed to being 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.”

New for 2016 was the addition of memoir writing workshops for children, seniors and delegates from award-winning author Krista Bremer, who presented at Lit Fest 4, fell in love with the island and its people and offered to come back to help islanders ‘tell their stories. Also a sold-out “Literary Speed Dating” sessions – where aspiring writers got individual appointments to pitch their work – with Johanna Ingalls, the managing editor of Akashic Books.

The Lit Fest closed with a stunning signature event, “An Evening of Caribbean Stories,” with Paul Keens Douglas.” Anguillians and overseas delegates roared with laughter as the master storyteller entertained. He shared the stage with local talent – Anguillian poets and spoken word artists.

The pretty and intimate garden/poolside setting – coupled with fun-filled evening events – ensure that networking is a key component of the festival. Attendees make friends for life. Repeat Lit Fest delegate, Lorraine Rowe, from Brooklyn, said: “The Lit Fest was so amazing because it is a reflection of who you all are. Your combined strengths, sensibilities, and spirits made for an unforgettable experience. Each day at the Lit Fest/Love Fest I fell head over heels for talented artists, openhearted students, straight-talking elders, beautiful new friends. I brought a piece of you home with me. Thanks for making me feel so alive.”

The organisers are happy to announce that next years Anguilla Lit Fest will take place 18 – May 2017 and is already designated as a run-up event to the May 30, 2017, celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution. For more information please visit the website: www.anguillalitfest.com or contact committee members Trudy Nixon or Kay Ferguson on info@anguillalitfest.com.

– Contributed

More than three hundred senior citizens, and other adult persons from throughout the island, were treated to a sumptuous lunch funded by the Government on Anguilla Day on Monday, May 30, 2016. Anguilla Day is the island’s most historic day, commemorating the May 30, 1967 Anguilla Revolution which brought about the formal separation of the now British Overseas Territory from St. Kitts-Nevis.
The luncheon – at the customary Blue Ridge Conference Centre at Lower South Hill, overlooking Road Bay – followed the official Anguilla Day Parade at the James Ronald Webster Park.
Speaking at the luncheon, Chief Minister Victor Banks – said the big event was part of a celebration marking “an important day in the lives of Anguillians”. He went on: “A lot of you are little older than I am which means that you have experienced Anguilla much longer than I have, and you have known a lot more of the issues to which we reacted in 1967. We have come a long way and, as Pastor Dwayne Adams said in his prayer on the park, we got a lot more blessings than we acknowledged we have received and we have many more we are waiting to receive.

“We are here today to enjoy ourselves in fellowship. I look forward to 2017 when we will be celebrating our fiftieth Anguilla Day. I want to assure you that we are going to have two days of celebration because the event will be so important.”
Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs, under whose portfolio Anguilla Day celebrations fall, was also elated with the luncheon occasion – and the togetherness and delight it afforded so many citizens of Anguilla.

“I think that over the years we have had some interesting times in Anguilla, and I know that many of you have been around and went through the Anguilla Revolution,” she stated. “I think it will be really something to be proud about coming up next year – fifty years after the Revolution. God willing, we will all be here again for that special anniversary. In the meantime, for this present Anguilla Day Lunch, enjoy your time with your family and friends.”
Former Chief Minister, Mr. Osbourne Fleming – and Mrs. Richardson-Hodge’s elected predecessor in District 2 – reminded all persons who had been around in 1967 that they were now forty-nine years older, like the Anguilla Revolution, and should rejoice that they are still alive. “I have heard a lot about love, unity, and forgiveness. To me, it is a lot of talk but no action. We ought to thank God for where we are today.”

Mr. Fleming, who has some thirty years plus in Anguillian politics, added: “I hope that with these forty-nine years, since our Revolution, that we will begin to think and act in kindness and love to all.”
Mrs. Palmavon Webster, Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, also spoke about the need for a greater degree of love and unity among the people of the island. “This is a time when we can come together, share our views and enjoy ourselves,” she said. “We have so much to be grateful for and I just want to say that we should cherish such values as respect, love, equality and fairness among all of us in Anguilla. Have a great time.”

The luncheon was blessed by Reverend Menes Hodge of the Anglican Church. The caterers were English Rose and Ev’s Oven restaurants.

During the luncheon, the Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, presented bouquets of flowers to the eldest persons at the event: Mary Carty, 94, of Roaches Hill; and Maryllia Martin, 91, of Old Ta.

Musical entertainment was provided by Took and the Boys’ String Band.

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type of schizophrenia in many parts of the world including Anguilla. Many individuals with this disorder are reluctant to seek treatment, but many of the symptoms can be controlled if managed by a professional team of healthcare providers.

What is paranoid schizophrenia?
This is a chronic mental health disorder requiring lifelong treatment. The main symptom is that of paranoid and delusions (unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence) usually accompanied by hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that do not exist). The most common paranoid symptoms are:

• delusions of persecution, reference, exalted birth, special mission, bodily change or jealousy;
• hallucinatory voices that threaten the individual or give commands, or auditory hallucinations, without verbal form, such as whistling, humming or laughing.

What causes paranoid schizophrenia?
It is not known what causes paranoid schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics and environment contributes to development of the disorder. Anyone can get this brain disorder. Paranoid schizophrenia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. Men and women are affected equally.

How is paranoid schizophrenia diagnosed?
There is no single test available to confirm the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. It is most often diagnosed after an assessment by a mental healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist. It is important that schizophrenia is diagnosed as early as possible, as the chances of recovery improve the earlier it is treated.

Treatment
Paranoid schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy appropriate to each individual. In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy. Treatment is life long and often requires the support of family members and friends.

Conclusion
Paranoid schizophrenia is a leading mental health disorder in Anguilla. If paranoid schizophrenia is well managed, it is possible to reduce the chances of severe relapses. Like other mental health illnesses, there is still much stigma and discrimination of individuals living with disorder in Anguilla. Much more health education is needed to combat these negative attributes.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).