This is Radio Anguilla. Those were the words used in 1969 by British invasion forces on board the HMS Minerva anchored in Sandy Ground, as they used radio broadcasts to communicate with the paratroopers and other personnel on land. The radio equipment was eventually moved on island and that same year on 9th April, Radio Anguilla was established in the Agricultural Station in the Valley. The station was later turned over to Government and called the Department of Information and Broadcasting. Among its first announcers were Mr Menes Hodge, Mr Ralph Hodge and then Ms Linda Banks.
How many times have we heard the words “this is Radio Anguilla” without realizing the significance of their historical context. In our homes, cars, village shops, supermarkets, work places etc, we have listened to the voices of announcers reading the news, the radio personalities sharing stories and opinions on current events and DJs keeping us up to date with the latest music. Unknowingly their influence has permeated our everyday lives and brought us into an awareness of the issues and events affecting our island, this Caribbean region and the world. Radio Anguilla has been our reliable information gateway for half a century. So ingrained in us is the tradition of listening to radio that, even today with all the advances in technology, many Anguillians of all ages still use radio as the main source of news.
Often referred to as the Nation’s Station, Radio Anguilla has demonstrated, over the years, that it is a credible source of information which prides itself on accuracy, dependability and relevance. It is the standard bearer by which all other local media outlets are measured.
In times of adversity, severe weather, political upheaval, social crisis and the like, Radio Anguilla has been a steady and, sometimes, the only voice bringing us up to date information – ensuring that what it is reporting is factual and unbiased. The station has been critical in helping us to navigate and analyse various national issues through rigorous questioning of relevant persons and in-depth research on the issues from local and global perspectives. Through its links with regional and international news outlets, Radio Anguilla has also been able to ensure that happenings in Anguilla garner the attention of our Caribbean neighbours and the Anguillian diaspora.
I am certain that it is because of the sterling contributions of past and present Directors and staff, that Radio Anguilla still earns the reputation for being the most dependable and accurate media outlet. I am proud, as Minister responsible for Information and Broadcasting, to congratulate Radio Anguilla on reaching its 50th year. I pray that it continues to build on its legacy of reliability, accuracy and integrity for another 50 years.
