Recently, The Anguillian sat with the Chairman of the Anguilla Summer Festival, Mr. Fitzroy “Briggy” Tomlinson, for an interview relative to the just concluded two weeks of the annual national Summer festival.
Mr. Tomlinson was asked to share his views and impressions of the festival in its entirety.
“I must say that over the past weeks I was quite privileged to have the opportunity to work with a very efficient team. Everyone, from the Minister, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, to the several festival committees, worked along with me in a harmonious fashion to pull off what I consider to be a wonderful Summer Festival 2025.”
“It is amazing how our plans came together,” he reflected. “We only had little more than four months to plan within the budgetary constraints with which we were provided. Our budget was in the region of EC$1.3 Million, and through the dedication of the various committees and sub-committees we were able to make Summer Festival ’51 happen to the satisfaction of the general public.
“For me, going in as a new chairman, I was required to utilize my name, my brand, my experience and my reputation. It was never my intent to go outside of my persona to ‘strong hand’ or dominate the process. But rather, I encouraged everyone to work together in harmony for the greater good of a festival that would please the people – a festival that everyone would enjoy.”
Earlier in the planning process, I was motivated to bring on board my colleague in promotions, Production Manager, Lyndale James of St. Lucia, who was quite instrumental in assisting me with the production of a festival that was of an optimum standard.
He noted that, as it is in everything else, there were evident weaknesses even as there were outstanding strengths. “But we have a committed Minister of Culture who is more than willing and ready to put all her efforts into making it much better for the next year’s events.”
One of the obvious problems this year was the backup of traffic on the road to Sandy Ground for the beach party. “Because there was such a high concentration of traffic in Sandy Ground for that high-caliber event,” he said. “Traffic was backed up to as far as the airport roundabout, and it is reported that many patrons turned back and were not able to attend the beach party. By the same token, many folks who were able to, actually walked from George Hill to the party site in Sandy Ground.”
“This logistical nightmare, as I would call it, was not anticipated beforehand by no-one, including the traffic police. Had we expected that level of attendance, with traffic emanating from the various communities and from the Blowing Point Port, we would have put a shuttle system in place in order to alleviate the congestion – traffic control then, would not have been an issue,” the Chairman said.
He admitted that this was his greatness negative about the festival, but it will be certainly addressed for future events.
As far as the Parade of Troupes was concerned, Mr. Tomlinson said: “I think we worked with the hand that we were dealt. There were some residual issues that were brought forward from last year, and as a result many of our local troupes might not have been committed to participate this year. However, I trust that going forward they will become more enthused to participate next year.”
He noted his appreciation for the several persons who made up the troupes from neighbouring islands. He said he and the committee welcomed their exuberant participation.
Overall, Mr. Tomlinson expressed his thanks to every member of the committees and sub-committees who dedicated their hard work, time and unwavering commitment to bring the events to fruition. He praised the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that, for the most part, existed within the teams.
While he appreciates the hard work and devotion of all who played their respective roles in producing a successful festival, he particularly pointed out the efficient work of Ms. Likerah Adams, Chairlady of the Anguilla Boat Racing Association, who ably co-ordinated the several boat races, as well as his Deputy Chairman, Corwyn “Booky” Carty who consistently worked alongside him. He wishes to thank them, and everyone else for their ‘jobs well done’.
