Trading desks, paperwork and daily uniforms for trainers and team colours, public service workers across Anguilla stepped into a different kind of duty on Thursday, 16th April 2026 — one that called for stamina, teamwork and a shared sense of fun. Several government department employees swapped routine for relay in the Inter-Department Run Walk Cycle event, setting the tone for an energetic start to this year’s activities.
The event, hosted by the Department of Sports, marked the first in a series of activities designed to bring together workers from across ministries and statutory bodies. What unfolded was not simply a race, but a spirited display of teamwork, resilience and community pride. It was an afternoon where camaraderie took centre stage.
Established in 2018, the Inter-Department initiative has steadily grown into a cornerstone of workplace wellness within the public service. It aims to encourage individuals to remain active while strengthening bonds among colleagues. Thursday’s relay reflected that vision in full, drawing participation from nine teams representing a wide cross-section of government departments.
Dressed in vibrant team colours, participants moved through two laps of a three-leg relay—cycling, running and walking along the Airport Block route. The pace was brisk and the competition keen. The Anguilla Air and Sea Port Authority’s “AASPA” team competed in pink, alongside the “Probation Eagles” in yellow and “The Educators” in orange. They were joined by the “Postal Stars” in white, “DITES Wireless” in red, “The Surveyors” in grey, “Border Control” in black, “The Enforcers” of the Royal Anguilla Police Force in turquoise, and the Customs Department in blue, each bringing determination and focus to the course.
Along the sidelines, colleagues and supporters injected the atmosphere with enthusiasm, their cheers echoing across the stretch as participants pushed through each leg of the relay. The blend of friendly rivalry and collective encouragement created a scene that was both competitive and deeply communal.
As the race progressed, it was the Education Department’s team, “The Educators”, who surged ahead with consistency and coordination, ultimately securing first place. The Customs Department followed closely behind to claim second, while the Immigration Department’s “Border Control” team rounded out the top three with a commendable third-place finish.
In reflecting on the event, the Department of Sports extended its appreciation to all participating departments, acknowledging the effort and energy displayed throughout the afternoon. “We hope that next year you guys will bring your very best,” organisers expressed, underscoring both the celebratory tone and the anticipation for even greater participation in future events.
Beyond the final standings, however, the true success of the relay lay in its ability to bring people together — encouraging movement, strengthening inter-departmental relationships, and reminding participants of the value of health and teamwork in everyday life.
Attention turns to the next instalment in the Inter-Department calendar. A volleyball competition is slated for June 2026, promising yet another opportunity for public servants to connect, compete and continue building a culture of wellness across Anguilla’s public sector.
By Janissa Fleming
