The Department of Education paused to reflect, give thanks and celebrate on Thursday, 15 January 2026, when it hosted its annual Retirement Ceremony and Dinner at the Anguilla Great House. The evening brought together staff of the Department of Education, teachers and support staff from across the pre-primary, primary and secondary sectors, along with family members, invited guests and government officials, to honour ten retirees whose combined service represents more than two and a half centuries of dedication to the nation’s children.
In welcoming remarks, Chief Education Officer Mr. Bren Romney framed the evening as an intentional act of gratitude. “Tonight is about pausing long enough to say clearly and publicly, ‘thank you’,” he said. He reminded those gathered that education is sustained not by policy alone, but by people who show up “day after day, term after term, year after year, serving children, supporting colleagues, and strengthening communities.”
The ten honourees, drawn from every level of the education system, collectively contributed a combined 254 years and ten months of service. That service, Mr. Romney noted, extended far beyond timetables and job descriptions, encompassing early mornings, long afternoons, Christmas mornings, mentoring conversations and countless unseen moments that profoundly shaped young lives.
He also acknowledged the families and friends of the retirees, recognising that educational service often spills into homes and personal time. He challenged current staff and emerging leaders to see the legacy in the room not only as something to applaud, but as a responsibility to protect and build upon.
Hon. Minister of Education Shellya Rogers-Webster echoed those sentiments in her remarks, describing the ceremony as “a tribute to lives of service, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the people and children of Anguilla.” She told the retirees that their contribution went far beyond years worked, noting that they had shaped minds, nurtured potential, upheld standards and strengthened the education system through professionalism and perseverance. “Education remains the foundation of our national development, and you have been among the strongest pillars in that fight,” the Minister said. On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, she extended sincere appreciation and encouraged the retirees to embrace this new chapter with pride, enjoyment and gratitude for the gift of health and longevity.
The Anguilla Teachers’ Union also paid tribute, with representative Ms. Dawvier Gumbs extending heartfelt congratulations and gratitude. She reminded retirees that their influence reached far beyond lesson plans, shaping lives and futures, and thanked them for their contribution to both the profession and the Union’s collective strength.
The formal presentation of awards reflected the breadth and depth of service across Anguilla’s education system. Among those honoured was Tr. Heather Gumbs, whose 43-year career in early childhood education began in 1982. From her early work at Woodbine Pre-School to decades of leadership at Prophecy Pre-School, she has taught multiple generations within families and continues to serve beyond official retirement, leaving an enduring mark on foundational education.
Tr. Londrina Hughes was recognised for a distinguished career defined by excellence, leadership and mentorship. Serving in Anguilla since 1991, she played a pivotal role in strengthening Methodist preschools, mentoring teachers, expanding enrolment and contributing to national early childhood readiness initiatives. Even in retirement, she remains actively engaged through substitute teaching and supervisory support.
Honoured for more than three decades of service was Tr. Euetta Lloyd, whose career spanned from September 1992 to September 2025. Beginning at Bethel Methodist Preschool and later serving as Principal of Ebenezer Methodist Preschool, she was known for her quiet dedication, empathy and unwavering commitment to fairness, compassion and shared responsibility between educators, parents and the wider community.
Also recognised was Tr. Julet Simon, whose career began in 1995 and included leadership roles at several preschools. A passionate advocate for the sector, she served as the longest-serving President of the Early Childhood Association and was instrumental in lobbying for improved pay and professional recognition for early childhood educators. Though officially retired, she continues to teach, describing education as a calling rather than a career.
The ceremony also recognized the vital contributions of support staff. Ms. Jacqueline Hodge was commended for her dedication as a Cleaner at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School during the preparation and opening of the Quarter Campus. Ms. Heather Reid was recognised for 13 years of faithful service at Valley Primary School, where she worked with care and consistency, often saying she treated every child as her own. Ms. Sheila Webster was honoured for her warm, community-centred service at Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, first as a Cook and later as a Lunch Assistant, exemplifying the belief that every role within a school is essential.
Among the long-serving professionals honoured was Tr. Cislyn Richardson, whose career began in 1983 and culminated in pioneering work in inclusive education. As Anguilla’s first Speech Therapist within the Department of Education, she helped establish specialised services that significantly strengthened support for students with speech and language needs island-wide.
Tr. Mavis Fleming-Webster was recognised for a career defined by courage, advocacy and leadership. Returning to Anguilla in 2007 after studying abroad, she served as Principal of Adrian T. Hazell Primary School and later Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, where she consistently championed vulnerable learners and high standards. Even in retirement, she continues to serve as Acting Head of the Pupil Referral Unit.
Mrs. Cynthia Harrigan was honoured for 39 years of distinguished public service, including more than two decades at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. Serving as Executive Secretary, Administrative Officer and later Bursar, she managed the school’s finances with diligence and integrity, earning the respect of successive Boards of Governors and Principals.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Tr. Londrina Hughes expressed appreciation to the Department of Education, the Anguilla Teachers’ Union and the Government of Anguilla for recognising a significant milestone. She reflected candidly on the challenges and rewards of a life in education, from navigating difficult moments to witnessing former students achieve great things.
“We’re incredibly proud of the part we played towards the Department’s growth and development. It is very easy to focus on individual achievements, but tonight it’s about collective,” she said, emphasising dedication, loyalty and camaraderie across diverse roles, personalities and sectors, all united by a single purpose.
By Janissa Fleming
