Saturday 14th July and Sunday 15th July saw Anguillians in a highly celebratory mood. They were united in their obvious pride over the victory of two Anguillians who literally took centre stage in two premier events. De-Ann Kentish Rogers, Miss Anguilla 2017, set her sights on the title of Ms. Universe Great Britain, and achieved it. Mr. Hasani Hennis trained hard, and believed in himself, and delivered the long-coveted John T Memorial Race Title to Anguilla.
On the evening of Saturday 14th July, 2018, Anguillians, and friends of Anguilla, touted the news to the world, on all available media, that our little island had produced and nurtured Ms. Universe Great Britain 2018. Anguillians are never short on confidence and it was obvious to all, in their interactions with Dee-Ann, that she lacked nothing in that area. It is now clear to all of us that she backed her self-confidence with hard work, determination and a great team in her preparation for the Ms. Universe Great Britain pageant.
Dee-Ann’s efforts have resulted in her making history. She is the first Anguillian to enter and win the Ms. Universe Great Britain, the first Ms. Anguilla to enter and win this pageant, and the first black woman to win the Ms. Universe Great Britain pageant. Angullians continue to be undeterred by the perceived limitations associated with the size of their island home and its location. Dee-Ann joins a growing list of Anguillians whose names are well on their way to becoming household names in Great Britain, and elsewhere in the world, as they represent Great Britain in various fields of endeavour. We are happy to see that, despite their official representation of Great Britain, these patriots ensure that their ‘Anguillianness’ shines through ensuring that their heritage is always on display for the world to see and all proud Anguillians to glory in.
Anguillian institutions that backed Dee-Ann, with tangible financial and in kind support, must feel justifiably proud of Dee-Ann. She has demonstrated that their faith in her abilities to be outstanding in her representation of Anguilla and their institutions was not misplaced. The Anguilla Tourist Board and the Anguilla Social Security Board, two of Dee-Ann’s sponsors, must be saluted for the part they have played in this history-making event.
Anguilla’s celebratory mood was further boosted on Sunday, 15th July, 2018 when an Anguillian won the John T Memorial Bicycle Race for the first time in its 19-year history. The John T Memorial Bicycle Race is a premier annual event which attracts significant regional interest. Mr. Hasani Hennis of Blowing Point, who is a member of the Double Trouble Cycling Club, won the race convincingly to the delight of Anguillians at the race and those viewing via social media. He completed the race in a time of 3 hours and 46 minutes some ten minutes ahead of the second place finisher. The many fans, who lined the streets of Anguilla to cheer Hasani and other riders as they rode the length and breadth of Anguilla, witnessed the historical feat delivered by Hasani.
The John T Memorial Race is a homegrown event which has grown to a stage where it attracts regional and international participants. The Cycling Associations, which over the years have ensured the continued hosting of the event, and the sponsoring businesses, must feel justifiably proud of their contributions to this defining sporting event on the island’s sporting calendar.
It is generally felt that the international and regional coverage that Anguilla will receive as a result of the wins over the weekend, by Dee-Ann and Hasani, cannot be adequately measured in monetary terms. The contribution that Culture and Sports can and are making to the recognition of Anguilla, its people and their many defining characteristics, is invaluable and immeasurable.
A recurring observation during and since Anguilla’s winning weekend has been the ability of Anguillians to unify in the pride and glory we feel as we share in the euphoria associated with these huge wins. The capacity of Anguillians to unite in moments of victory and despair is clear. Amidst the weekend celebrations, calls have been made by many for unity to become a part of our daily interactions. The achievement of unity in our daily interactions would indeed be our greatest success.
The Anguillian offers its sincerest congratulations to Dee-Ann and Hasani. We, at The Anguillian, like all Anguillians, are proud of your achievements and look forward to your continued success on the world stage.
