On December 31st 2020 most people subconsciously believed that a new year meant things would completely change. Call it wishful thinking or naïveté but a small part of us felt the same way. Like: “Yes! This year will take us back to the comfort of life as we knew it.”
But it hasn’t. And for many among us, the situation has become even more dire.
Last year we launched Sustainable Anguilla as a part of the OECS Sustainable Development Movement.
Our mission was to start a conversation around Sustainable Development in Anguilla. To talk about what that looks like for us in the environment, in our consumption, in our commitment to entrepreneurship and sports, in our adoption of new and advanced technology.
It’s 2021 and the stakes have got even higher. In Anguilla today, more than any time in our history, our livelihood, our ability to create a sustainable future for our families are threatened. Mentally and emotionally, our people are drained. In the face of the COVID-19 imposed economic downturn – our Sustainable Anguilla 2021 Campaign has a simple message: “YOU HAVE INFINITE POTENTIAL”.
We are very excited to welcome Digicel Anguilla & Tropical Distributors as our partners for the 2021 Sustainable Anguilla programme – Digicel, joining the campaign for a second year in a row, and Tropical Distributors coming onboard at such a critical juncture in our island’s history. Their commitment sends a strong message to the community about the role corporate partners play, working hand in hand with Anguillian people, in creating a more sustainable future.
“Digicel is thrilled to again support Thoughtful in this year’s Sustainable Anguilla Project. We recognise the need for our community to embrace technology, as in today’s climate it is the catalyst for igniting one’s infinite potential. As the island’s sole Digital Operator, we stand committed and ready to support digital innovation in Anguilla,” Digicel commented on the partnership.
Sustainable Anguilla 2021: Infinite Potential, is host to a series of programmes and activities, each addressing a specific sustainable development goal with a focus on reframing what we, as a people, believe to be our potential.
Sustainable Anguilla is the work of the team at Thoughtful Digital Agency. It includes programmes focused on Technology Training: one for mature adults, the other for primary school students ages 5-9. Activities also include a media programme in partnership with J. Austin Pro targeting Teenage Students, A Coastal Resiliency Initiative with the Anguilla National Trust, A Basketball Summer Camp and the Third Annual 3V3 Chase the Dream Basketball Tournament. The headline event, a virtual deep dive with Caribbean leaders, addresses the Role of Caribbean Stories in our Digital Transformation.
All activities and events are accessible free of charge to the general public.
The Sustainable Anguilla campaign culminates in the 2021 OECS Sustainable Development Movement Summit.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States conceptualised and hosted the inaugural OECS Sustainable Development Movement (SDM) Summit in September 2020 under the theme: Create. Innovate. Deliver. Sustain. The Summit, the first and largest event of its type in the region, created a space where leaders from around the world converged to have dialogue about, and agitate action towards, innovative sustainable development and growth.
SDM2020 created new channels of cooperation and laid the foundation for strong multi-stakeholder partnerships involving Governments, private sector, development partners, community and civic organisations in a more inclusive and cohesive manner than ever before. All sectors recognised that our survival as a Caribbean civilisation depended on our capacity and determination to work together.
The 2021 iteration of the SDM Summit is positioned to fast-track the fruition of the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union through disruptions, solid innovations and agility thereby fostering exponential growth and inclusion for all. The main motivations of the SDM2021 is nestled in the agile manifesto which precludes:
• Meaningful partnerships over processes and tools
• Action and impact over comprehensive documentation
• Collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding to change over sticking to the plan
Sustainable Anguilla is made possible because of Organisations like Digicel Anguilla, Tropical Distributors, Leviticus Lifestyle & Travel, The Comprehensive Learning Centre, Omololu International School, Calypso Charters, Prickly Pear Anguilla, The Anguilla National Trust, The Department of Education, The Anguilla Department of Sports and Ron’s Sign Shop.
– Press Release
