Mr. Michael Taylor (5th from left)
On Thursday, February 6th, officials of the Government of Anguilla, members of the Anguilla Historical and Archeological Society, and others, met with Restorer Mr. Michael Taylor and his contractor, Mr. Audley Carty for a press briefing at the site of the old courthouse, on Crocus Hill, to review plans for the proposed restoration of the old courthouse building.
The press briefing was called by the Department of Youth and Culture, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Development, and highlighted an offer made by Mr. Taylor to restore the historic structure in its entirety. Undertaking this intricate work will be one of Anguilla’s renowned contractors, Mr. Audley Carty.
Standing atop the staircase of the historic ruins, Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evan MacNiel Rogers, took the opportunity to read a letter inclusive of the minutes of the Executive Council which indicated that Mr. Taylor’s offer was well accepted:
“Dear Mr. Taylor, on behalf of the Government of Anguilla, we would like to thank you for your contribution to Anguilla’s cultural development. We are pleased that you have offered to restore the iconic old courthouse building.”
The letter continued: “During its January 16th, 2020 sitting, the Executive Council accepted and approved your offer to restore the old courthouse building at Crocus Hill. Additionally, the Executive Council agreed to your: (a) making of direct payments to suppliers for labour and materials; (b) appointment of Mr. Audley Carty as the contractor for the project. We have also agreed to duty-free concessions. Additionally, we agree for you to convert the building into a national museum in the future with the creation of a national museum development policy. Thank you once again for your valuable contribution.”
In responding briefly, Mr. Taylor said: “It is my pleasure to contribute to Anguilla. This island means so much to me and my family. Your island has provided for us a wonderful life, and we just want to be good citizens of Anguilla and contribute as best as we can. Thank you!”
Minister Rogers also expressed his thanks to the Department of Youth and Culture for spearheading the briefing. Besides, he applauded the work of the Anguilla Historical and Archeological Society, represented by Mr. Ken Banks, for its valuable participation in providing insight into the history of the old courthouse facility.
A statement by the Anguilla Historical and Archeological Society read in part: “The Old Courthouse is the only remaining 18th century Government building on the island. Records of the Executive Council Meetings in 1819 indicate that it was used as the seat of the Council since the early 1700s. Up until 1955, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Alice, it was the main administration building on the island housing the Courthouse, Treasury, Post Office and Prison.
“A separate building on the site housed the Police Station. Since its destruction, the remaining structure has continued to deteriorate with no real effort to have it restored. Its only occupation since that was after Hurricane Donna, in 1960, when it was used as a makeshift shelter for persons who had lost their homes.”
Premier Victor Banks took the opportunity to share his sentiments concerning Mr. Taylor’s offer and the proposed development of the site: “Certainly this site means a lot to me,” he said. “My grandparents’ home was less than a hundred yards from here and, while growing up, this area was very special to me. My childhood revolves around here and Crocus Bay. And even though we lived in The Valley, as a family, I had always wanted to live in this area.” (Mr. Banks’ current residence is not too far away.)
4The Premier continued: “I know well the history of this place. I remember when the old police station was here along with the court offices and, certainly, it is commendable that Mr. Taylor has taken on a project like this. It means that he has a true sense of what it means to ensure that we can maintain certain elements of our history.
“There was a time when this site gave way to art and cultural expression, and we are happy to know that we can revive that again with the proposed coming museum here. This is a great initiative, and Mr. Taylor we thank you for taking it on.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
