(Tuesday April 9th), we celebrate 50 years of Radio Anguilla.
On April 9th, 1969, Anguillians could not know that the equipment donated by the British paratroopers would result in a radio station that would stand the test of time. Radio Anguilla’s humble beginnings at the Plot in the Agricultural Department laid the foundation for a nation building service that keeps our community informed.
It is important, at this time, to reflect and pay tribute to all those who have paved the way so that we can continue to be reliably informed and educated. It is equally important for us to continue to chart the way forward – based on the established best practices – while using advancements in technology to make us more efficient as we carry out our mandate.
In celebrating 50 years, we reflect on and pay tribute to Mr. Menes Hodge, Mr. Nat Hodge, Mr. Wycliffe Richardson and Mr. Kenneth Hodge – four persons who have led Radio Anguilla into becoming, and remaining, The Nation’s Station under their direction. These gentlemen will be honoured and awarded on the night of May 25th, 2019, as part of Radio Anguilla’s year-long celebrations. As the station was born out of the Anguilla Revolution, it is only fitting that this event forms part of the official Anguilla Day Calendar of Events this year. Members of the public are invited to show their appreciation and purchase tickets for this event at CuisinArt’s ballroom.
Radio Anguilla’s current team, whose dedication is unwavering, must also be commended as we strive to continue serving, amidst ongoing construction for many months! We are excited about what our work environment will become and the efficiency it will provide.
Today, we mark the occasion of our anniversary with the commissioning of our new 3 kilo-watt transmitter at Crocus Hill. When construction is complete, we’ll install and commission new studio equipment and invite you all to celebrate this with us. We want to thank our community for being patient with us since Hurricane Irma as we work to improve our output with limited resources. Radio Anguilla would be nothing without the community we serve. You provide the information, you create the events, you listen and give feedback. We appreciate you now and over the past 50 years!
Trust is the most important asset in public broadcasting. Audiences rely on the information and perspectives of broadcasters as they make decisions in their public and personal lives. We owe it to our listeners to be fair, balanced and impartial. The world is changing faster than ever, and the world of radio with it. With an aim of catering to the entire Anguillian community and diaspora) Radio Anguilla continues to do more with less, implementing many new local programmes with our community in mind, and working efficiently to do so. We have just implemented our paperless newscast, as we are conscious of our environment. Bulletin Board announcements, programme and commercial logs, are being read by Announcers from the computer screen as well. Our commitment to changing for the better continues! Our new website launches on May 1st!
The vital role the station plays in times of emergency and disaster is something that cannot go without recognition. This responsibility is taken very seriously. Many have heard the stories of staff at the station during Hurricane Irma – continuing with their mandate, while the building swayed, leaked and vibrated. The recent construction of an all-concrete “safe room” is expected to provide some level of comfort to staff in what we hope to be the DISTANT future.
Coverage of significant national events, such as House of Assembly meetings, the Annual Anguilla Day Parade and the Anguilla Summer Festival, is of high importance on Radio Anguilla’s agenda.
In the next 50 years, and beyond, Radio Anguilla will continue to provide the service of public broadcasting which is so necessary for our community. Reliable news and current affairs programmes will always be the backbone of the Nation’s Station. As we celebrate 50 years of Radio Anguilla, in our community, let us all be grateful that our country has a dependable public broadcasting service that constantly has its community at heart.
Fifty years later, The Nation’s Station continues to represent all residents and people of Anguilla through a diverse range of local, regional and international programming, news and music. We invite the public to celebrate with us all year long. Call in today with best wishes, and continue listening and using the station for the dissemination of information.
It is an honour to be a part of an institution so steeped in Anguilla’s History! Happy 50th Anniversary, Radio Anguilla!
