A husband and wife couple from Colombia, stranded in Anguilla since the lockdown of the island in March this year, following the onset of the Covid-19 disease, is nevertheless enjoying the local life.
In fact, the couple thinks Anguilla is “the best place in the world.” It is Covid-19 free; the inhabitants move around in open daylight – unlike in Colombia where its people stay inside their homes; and Anguilla is a peaceful island with no acts of war, etc. They are asking all the people of Anguilla to ensure that their island remains free of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The husband is Carlos Duplat. He is a well-known figure in Colombia where he is involved in multiple businesses including an author, artist, television producer and an associate of the popular Alternatativa magazine. His great grandfather, who was from France, was among the foreigners who travelled to the United States one hundred years ago, worked on the Panama Canal and eventually settled in Colombia.
Duplat’s wife, Santifimia Duplat, is a lawyer and writer. They are house guests of John Lloyd and his family at Island Harbour. Their daughter, who has been living in Anguilla for a year now, is Paloma. She is the girlfriend of Lloyd’s son, Ravi Hart Lloyd. They met at the University of London where they studied film production. Ravi, who is also the son of Heather Merrill-Lloyd, is well-known in Anguilla. He holds a Master’s Degree in film production and is involved in various events on the island.
The Duplats were basically the only foreigners at Road Bay, Sandy Ground, on August Monday or Emancipation Day. They cooled out and dined under a tent in front of Dad’s Bar and Restaurant. Their location provided them with a great opportunity to look across the empty beach where, last year August, there was only standing room for the multitude of visitors and Anguillians; and hardy space for the flotilla of boats in the inshore waters. Though probably thinking of returning to Colombia one day, the couple loves the relaxation, open air, beach life and the people of Anguilla.
