The Financial Information Month (FIM) 2025 roadshow made its second stop on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, at Malliouhana Anico Insurance Company (Maico) — Anguilla’s only indigenous insurance company. Following the first stop at Liberty Credit Union, Maico’s session continued to explore this year’s theme, “From Savers to Investors,” through a distinctly Anguillian lens — one rooted in resilience, ownership, and the courage to build and protect what’s ours.
Maico reminded why every good investment must be protected. In the words of Senior Sales and Marketing Officer, Mr. Jervis Richardson, “We are here to fill in the gap so that when a catastrophe happens, we can protect your investment and you won’t have to start back from zero.”
It’s a perspective often overlooked when people hear the word “investment”. As General Manager Mr. Adrian Smith explained, many assume investment simply means putting money in the bank and earning interest. But he offered a broader — and wiser — view.
“Insurance may not necessarily come to mind when you think of insurance,” he said, “but this is actually investing. It gives you peace of mind to carry on your business. You take a relatively small portion of your income compared with the value of your assets and you transfer that risk of losing everything to someone else — that’s the insurance company. That in itself is an investment.”
Maico’s story is, in many ways, a reflection of Anguilla itself — bold, determined, and unwilling to accept “impossible” as an answer. Richardson recounted how the company began in the 1960s, not as an insurer, but as a brokerage agency representing foreign companies. When those partners pulled out, citing a lack of local viability, Maico’s founders pushed ahead anyway.
“With the true Anguillian grit,” he said proudly, “they decided to discard the recommendation of this company that they paid thousands of dollars to give them — and open the company anyway. It just goes to show the Anguillian spirit — belief in oneself regardless of the outside noise.”
This spirit of self-determination ties beautifully into the FIM theme. Anguilla’s earliest investors weren’t just saving pennies; they were building legacies. In Maico’s case, those legacies now safeguard the investments of families, businesses, and young entrepreneurs across the island.
Smith reminded listeners that many people think of risk only in terms of physical assets. “It’s a mistake that a lot of business people make,” he warned. “A liability claim can eclipse the value of your assets and savings. Once you engage in business, once you engage with people, you have to think not just about what you can see, but about the possible liabilities.”
Maico’s services range from property and vehicle insurance to employers’ and public liability — the kind of coverage that can mean the difference between recovery and ruin after an unforeseen accident. “One claim can wipe out your profits for several years,” Smith cautioned.
Richardson added that liability insurance has become even more essential in modern Anguilla. “We’re seeing a lot more lawsuits happening locally,” he said. “That wasn’t normal before. Employers have a duty to ensure a safe work environment. If an accident occurs and you’re deemed liable, you can be prosecuted. Employer’s liability insurance covers that, ensuring peace of mind for both the employer and employee.”
While Maico’s Sales and Marketing team plays a visible role, Richardson was quick to credit what he called the company’s “real marketing department” — its Claims Department. “You’re not paying for the printed paperwork that we give you at the front desk,” he said. “You’re paying for when catastrophe happens. And when it happens, we will ensure that you’re made whole in quick time.” All claims decisions are made locally, a point of pride that reinforces Maico’s commitment to Anguillians.
New recruit Ms. Saige Carter reflected on her experience as part of the team. “It’s very calm, it’s peaceful,” she said. “You meet new people and you get to help them. They leave happy knowing that they have peace of mind — that they’re covered.”
Her message to young people was simple: “Maico is very transparent. There’s no surprises, no secrets.”
As Maico is popular for auto insurance, Richardson also offered advice for young drivers: start building a driving history early. “Don’t get insurance under someone else’s name,” he urged. “When you get to 25 and don’t have your own record, your rates are still high. Build your history now, and you’ll benefit later.”
At its core, Maico’s philosophy is about more than financial security — it’s about peace of mind. Smith summarised it neatly: “Insurance is paying relatively very little to get covered for a very big amount. It’s taking the risk you have on your shoulders and transferring it to someone else.”
And as Richardson added, Maico’s local roots mean flexibility for clients, especially during the financially hectic months for customers. “Because we’re local, we understand the needs of our people. We can offer payment plans so customers remain covered, even when times are tight.”
Whether it’s property, vehicles, boats, or even motorcycles — the latter of which Maico remains the only company on the island to insure — the message remains consistent: coverage matters. “Ride safe,” Richardson reminded Anguilla’s bikers, “and remember, peace of mind is priceless.”
As Financial Information Month continues, Maico’s message fits squarely within the theme From Savers to Investors. Investing isn’t just about making money — it’s about protecting it. And in a world where storms, accidents, and uncertainty are inevitable, that protection is perhaps the most valuable investment of all.
By Janissa Fleming
