An association called the Anguilla Genealogical Society was formed at a meeting on Thursday June 20th 2013 at The Valley Bistro and Stone Cellar Gallery at the Old Factory Complex. It was chaired by Mr. Timothy Hodge who made a presentation on genealogical research done by others and by him to date. He also circulated some specimen documents to demonstrate what has been produced and can be produced through a Society which will research and document the genealogy of the people of Anguilla. Tourism Advisor, Mrs. Jasmin Garraway, addressed prospective members on the “far-reaching, sustainable” benefits to be derived from the formation of such a Society, including “Roots” or Genealogy Tourism.
A draft constitution, with aims and objectives for the proposed Anguilla Genealogical Society, was presented by Mr. Don Mitchell and was adopted with minor amendments. Following this Mr. Mitchell conducted elections which resulted in the following Executive Officers being elected: President – Timothy Hodge; Vice-President – Kenn Banks; Secretary – Althea Roach; Treasurer – Wilma Broaden; and Members – Dr. Patvin Adams and Larry Stott.
The President then read congratulatory messages as follows:
“The Puerto Rican Genealogical Society wants to congratulate the newly formed Anguilla Genealogical Society. Getting together individuals interested in genealogical study and research is quite a task. Formalizing an organization to create synergies amongst them, to share information, to maximize the cumulative knowledge acquired by all, is an achievement. Perseverance will be key. The fruits of these efforts may only be measured in terms of satisfaction, which knows no bounds. We want to extend our goodwill, our resources and our experience to the Anguilla Genealogical Society. Muchos éxitos!
Dr. Norma Feliberti Aldebol, President, and Luis Rafael Burset, Past President”.
“We congratulate you on getting the Anguilla Genealogical Society up and running and hope those attending realize that the Society will only flourish if those taking an interest will work too – they cannot just expect everything to fall into their laps. Thus, if they hear of family information (and not only their family) they should record it and bring it to the attention of other Society members. Just as you did, they should “go out to their family/community and ask questions of those that have knowledge of the 19th/20th Century”. It’s a central database that should be helping everyone, and it is for posterity. It is the exchange of information, as you well know, that helps individuals with their research. Heather Nielsen, and Martha Burrows”.
“Congratulations on forming the Society and I wish you continuous success. This is something that will help to preserve and enhance the knowledge of the unique culture of Anguilla. Kudos! Philip T. Arnell (the Society’s first paid-up member).”
There then followed discussion from the floor as to how the Society’s work can be progressed, and how members could work through various committees towards achieving the Society’s objectives. The President then moved that the Anguilla Genealogical Society accept Martha Burrows and Heather Nielsen as the first Honorary Members in recognition for their tremendous work over many years in recording and analyzing information for Anguilla. He described the work of Heather, from the UK, and Martha, from Canada, in photographing and committing to computerized databases information from Church and other records, which will prove invaluable to the work of the Anguilla Genealogical Society. The motion was accepted by acclamation.
– Contributed
