The Anguilla Enhancement Project (AEP) marked a proud milestone on Saturday, 6th December 2025, as it hosted its 5th Annual Best Village Competition Awards at Davida’s. The evening unfolded in a jubilant atmosphere, with supporters from villages across the island dressed in their distinctive colours, each community eager to showcase its pride and vie for the coveted dolphin trophy — symbol of the year’s top village.
The ceremony, chaired by Tirichmir Gumbs and Shameica Hodge, welcomed a distinguished gathering, including Her Excellency the Governor, Julia Crouch; Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Infrastructure, Housing & Natural Resources Cordell Richardson; members of the AEP; sponsors; and enthusiastic residents from near and far.
Villages were colourfully represented: South Valley in yellow, South Hill in blue, North Hill in charcoal, Island Harbour in green, Shoal Bay in pink, Rey Hill in purple, Tackling Estate in orange, Sandy Hill/East End in red, and West End in grey, while AEP representatives proudly wore white.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Niamke Brooks underscored the importance of the gathering, stating, “Each year, this event grows in impact and inspiration, and tonight is no exception.” He praised the villages’ continued commitment to unity, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and cultural pride, noting, “Your work has made a difference, and your passion continues to shape the future of Anguilla.”
Parliamentary Secretary Cordell Richardson, speaking on behalf of the Government of Anguilla, which was also one of the event’s platinum sponsors, commended the transformative effect AEP has had over the past five years. “Tonight is a celebration of vision, dedication and community transformation across our island,” he said. He took a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support of the Hon. Minister Shellya Rogers-Webster, noting her longstanding commitment to AEP’s mission. “This project reminds us that national development begins at a village level and that every cleanup, every project and every shared idea contributes to a stronger Anguilla.”
Representing NCBA, another platinum sponsor, Marisa Gumbs reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to supporting the competition’s goals. “We are extremely proud… to partner with such progressive, hardworking and dedicated individuals,” she said. Reflecting on NCBA’s sponsorship of the Cleanest Village, Green Thumb and Most Sustainable Village awards, she added, “The commitment to sustainability, community pride and environmental stewardship… will carry Anguilla into a brighter, greener future.”
The AEP was born from the devastation of Hurricane Irma and the island’s need for a unified effort to restore beauty, protect natural assets and strengthen cultural identity. Formally registered in 2020, AEP was spearheaded by Nakishma Rogers, who has remained its president since. Over the years, the organisation has grown its calendar of activities, launched Club AEP in 2022, and steadily expanded its reach — efforts reflected in this year’s two debut villages: Tackling Estate and South Valley.
In her address, AEP President Rogers celebrated the evolution of the competition and the unwavering commitment of volunteers island-wide. “AEP is a massive undertaking… accomplished by a very small team of dedicated, selfless, and patriotic Anguillians,” she said. She praised the longstanding partner villages — Shoal Bay, Island Harbour and West End — as well as those whose competitive spirit and community drive have consistently elevated the competition.
Rogers highlighted several major accomplishments of 2025, including the largest participation ever recorded for Jollification and Plant a Tree Day, with over 700 trees planted and 450 plants donated to communities. She noted ongoing efforts such as the bulk waste removal programme, repopulating native cocoa plum trees, and collaboration with Sandy Glass for sustainable glass recycling.
She emphasised that the competition’s criteria would evolve in 2026 to place increased focus on community mobilisation, unity and social cohesion — responding to the community’s demonstrated resilience during a challenging year. “What Anguilla needs in this moment is love, unity and community,” she stressed. In looking to 2026, Rogers promised a strengthened calendar of activities and small grants for community groups to assist with Jollification Day transformations. “Together… we will build a better Anguilla,” she declared.
A series of individual awards were presented throughout the evening. South Valley captured the Cultural Spirit Award; Island Harbour won Best Jollification, Most Sustainable Village, Green Thumb, and Best Marine Village; while Sandy Hill earned Cleanest Village. Tackling Estate secured Most Enhanced Village, and South Hill was awarded for Community Spirit. The Best Debut Village went to South Valley. The Christmas Spirit Award will be announced at a later date.
The much-anticipated Top Five Villages for 2025 were: 1. Tackling Estate; 2. South Valley; 3. Island Harbour; 4. South Hill; and 5. West End.
Representing Tackling Estate — the first-place winner — Ms. Shaunda Richardson reflected on the village’s remarkable debut year. “I messaged Nakishma with my interest to register Tackling Estate,” she recalled. “Within a few weeks… the Tacklonians really stepped up to the plate… and it is evident this evening as we were awarded the Dolphin Award.” She ended with heartfelt thanks and “three cheers for Tackling Estate.”
The evening also featured a lively performance by South Hill, with resident entertainer Darrel Connor, known as Mr Decent, joined by former winners of the Prince and Princess Show.
While the awards ceremony was underway at Davida’s, the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association was simultaneously hosting its gala at the Aurora Resort — and AEP was named the 2025 Community Service Award recipient. President Rogers, visibly moved, remarked, “I really appreciate my team… It’s all volunteer work and I hope we continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Meanwhile, AEP Vice President Louise Fayet outlined the 2026 activity calendar, beginning with the Best Village Handover in January and culminating with the 6th Annual Best Village Competition on 28th November 2026. The schedule includes Jollification on 2nd March, Plant a Tree Day in April, a full month of patriotic activities in May, World Ocean Day events from 6th–8th June, and the island-wide cleanup from 19th–20th September. Fayet encouraged all communities to participate, emphasising a shared vision of a cleaner, stronger and more united Anguilla.
Five years after its official inception, the Anguilla Enhancement Project continues to be a catalyst for unity, environmental protection, cultural celebration and village pride. Through community-driven transformation, Anguilla’s villages are not only competing — they are flourishing.
By Janissa Fleming
