Under the soft evening lights of Ani Art Academy, Anguilla’s creative community came together on Sunday, 7th December 2025 for a powerful fusion of art and advocacy. The “Draw the Line Against Gender-Based Violence Exhibition and Competition” — a collaboration between the Gender Affairs Unit, the Department of Youth and Culture through Malliouhana Fest 2025, and Ani Art Academy – unfolded as one of the island’s most stirring events held during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December.

The tagline –“Art that Speaks. Art that Heals. Art that Transforms.” – echoed throughout the gallery, carried by artworks that spoke boldly of pain, resilience, and the urgent need for cultural transformation.
The competition invited artists aged 15 and over to interpret how Anguilla can shift from silence and injustice to respect, accountability, and care. Entries spanned Fine Art and Mixed Media and Installations — each category judged on creativity, relevance to the theme, technical skill, and emotional impact.
Dean of Ani Art Academy, Taffari Crawford, expressed pride in hosting the exhibition. “I am elated to present, along with the DYC, the Art Arise competition,” he said. “We have some really nice pieces of a diverse range. Hopefully, this will inspire more people to participate next year.” Despite modest participant numbers, the works were strikingly personal. Many artists used the platform to express lived experiences or explore aspects of gender-based violence often overlooked.
Competitor, Lancer Lloyd, presented “Comminuted Hope”, a piece shaped by the devastating ripple effects of gun violence. “My inspiration… was partly the violence that happens in Anguilla, gun violence and gun crime in general,” Lloyd explained. “It has a lasting effect on all of the lives of children in the home, wives in the home… the silent sufferers. I wanted to depict the stark realities of what we can miss because of gun violence.”

Her piece features three bone-like shards shattered by a bullet, each representing family, romantic life, and peace of mind — fragile elements of life that violence can fracture instantly. Despite not being Anguillian, Lloyd noted that living here had made the island’s struggles “imprint” on her deeply.
Adrian Royal, whose painting “Silent Chains” portrays a woman in visible pain yet determined resistance, revealed the deeply personal story behind his work. “It is based on my mother’s story. We were sadly victims of abuse by my father. Thank God, we overcame it,” he said. The open eyes of the painting’s subject symbolise perseverance. “She still keeps standing up… She still has faith that she can get free.”
Royal’s technique blended watercolour and acrylics, using soft washes to create smoke-like shadowing—a visual representation of emotional suffocation gradually breaking apart.
Navene Mairyshaw presented “The Perfect Prize”, an acrylic work exploring a seldom-highlighted dimension of gender-based violence: abuse of men. “When we think about gender-based violence, we think about females… but men also go through the same things,” she said. Her painting depicts a man trapped within a relationship that appears functional from the outside but is emotionally destructive within. “He can’t speak, he can’t share his heart… he can’t be himself.”
Her daughter, Eiolani Mairyshaw, also competed, unexpectedly following her mother into the event. Eiolani’s piece, “Control” was a mixed-media artwork featuring a mouse constricted by a coiled snake. “The mouse represents the individual whose vulnerability is exposed,” she explained. The snake symbolises coercive control. Using origami, paint and mod podge, she crafted a symbolic scene of suffocation. “I like to do freeform things like origami… that’s why I decided to put it into a piece.”
Additional pieces on display added further depth to the exhibition’s emotional landscape, including “Withered Flowers” by Johandri Perez Ventura, a work that evoked a haunting sense of fragility, forced silence, and loss. Anna Lynch’s “Support System” also drew significant attention: a striking installation featuring a wedding dress crafted from coffee filters, gauze, and bandages. The unconventional materials symbolised the delicate balance between hope and despair, capturing the complex reality of how a woman with a history of abuse can still move toward healing and discover healthy love in its aftermath.
Her Excellency the Governor, Julia Crouch, attended the exhibition and assisted in presenting the awards following deliberations by the judging panel.
The winners were announced to warm applause, with the Fine Art/Mixed Media category seeing first place awarded to Lancer Lloyd, who received EC$1,200, followed by Meridith Gumbs in second place with EC$1,000 and the added distinction of winning the People’s Choice Award, while third place went to Navene Mairyshaw, who received EC$800. In the Installations/Creative Concepts category, Eiolani Mairyshaw secured first place with a prize of EC$1,200 and also captured the People’s Choice Award, while second place was earned by Anna Lynch, who received EC$1,000.
All artists also received participation certificates, underscoring the event’s commitment not only to recognition but to community encouragement and growth.
Beyond the prizes, the evening at Ani Art Academy achieved something more profound: it provided a platform for truth-telling, courage, vulnerability, and community reflection. The voices shared — through both paint, sculpture and more — reminded attendees that activism is not only protest; it is also expression, connection, and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

By Janissa Fleming

The Anguilla Youth Business Foundation (AYBF) brought entrepreneurial energy to Innovate Anguilla on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, as the island joined more than 200 countries in marking Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025. This year’s global theme, “Together We Build,” echoed throughout the venue, where dozens of local entrepreneurs transformed the grounds into a vibrant hub of craft, innovation, and community.

The expo – held both indoors and outdoors – featured a diverse mix of businesses, ranging from handmade crafts and specialty foods to beauty services and fine art. Throughout the day, residents and visitors browsed homemade pastries, fresh beverages, crocheted clothing, jewellery, décor, toys and more, each stall reflecting the growing creativity and determination of Anguilla’s small business owners.

Among the standout displays was Hooked by Dove, owned by crochet artist Verrerlyne Bruno-Mason, whose table was filled with handmade plush animals, dolls, keychains, and even crocheted earrings. For Bruno-Mason, crochet has always been more than a pastime.

“This is my farm,” she explained, gesturing proudly to her colourful creations. “So if you ever need a custom order, a custom plushie or keychain, you can contact us.”

She shared that her relationship with crochet began in childhood. “All of this started off as work when I was going to school because we would crochet and sell them to buy our school books during the summer,” she said. “I stopped doing it for a while and then picked it up again as an adult, and it was a hobby. Until I decided, maybe I should move my hobby into a business.” Bruno-Mason officially launched Hooked by Dove in 2021 and has been steadily building her customer base.

Fine art also had a strong presence at the expo. Anna Lynch, an emerging artist, and student of the Ani Art Academy displayed intricate pointillism pieces, both in black-and-white and in colour, alongside prints, greeting cards and ceramic coasters.

Lynch has been pursuing art professionally for about four years, though her passion stretches back much further. “I did art in school,” she noted. “But obviously, I’m still very young, so I haven’t really had time to be doing it as a job.”

Beauty and self-care also took centre stage. Jemila Morson-Hodge, whose beauty business, Chateau Allure Beauty, drew steady foot traffic throughout the event, said her journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly.
“I started it on accident. I didn’t intend to have a beauty business,” she admitted. “I was just looking for some solutions for myself, specifically because I have acrylic and gel allergies… I found, after searching in China, some things that actually work for me. And I started wearing them. And people would ask about it. Over time, I started to think – maybe there’s a market for this.”

Morson-Hodge launched her business in March 2023, officially making this her second year of operations. Known for her customised lash products and do-it-yourself kits, she also offers in-person services and on-site tutorials. “We had people do their own lashes today, which was great,” she said. “A few ladies got to learn how to do their lashes. I think I’ve converted a few non-lash wearers.”

Her brand continues to expand. The business plans to release a skincare line in December. She also highlighted the role her creative background plays in her business. “I’m a graphic designer a little bit, and a brand strategist. So I was able to come up with my own branding and send it to the vendors. Then they customised it to my liking.”

Morson-Hodge currently operates from the Tea Box Lounge complex in South Hill and operates on an appointment basis.

I, too, became one of her conversions, after sampling her products during a hands-on tutorial. She carefully explained lash types, lengths and application techniques, and the end result left me unexpectedly impressed – and officially added to the growing ranks of lash enthusiasts.
As Global Entrepreneurship Week wrapped up, events like this year’s expo highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of Anguilla’s small business community. From art and accessories to beauty services and handmade keepsakes, the expo demonstrated that innovation is thriving on the island – and that building together truly starts at home.

By Janissa Fleming

Anguilla’s creative scene gained a fresh and sophisticated addition on Monday, 17th November 2025, as local fine artist and educator Taffari Crawford introduced his newest venture, Pairings, under The Crawford Studios, during an Entrepreneur Meet and Greet held at Innovate Anguilla as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Pairings offers what Crawford describes as “a distinguished multisensory experience,” merging curated artwork with expertly selected wines. The concept, he explained, seeks to elevate both forms in a shared space that celebrates creativity and supports local artists through meaningful exposure.

In a sit-down interview with The Anguillian, Crawford spoke earnestly about his background, motivations, and the long-term vision behind this hybrid artistic endeavour. “I’m a fine artist and I’ve worked at the Ani Art Academy for over five years teaching and developing artists,” he shared. “My new initiative is to start my own practice – The Crawford Studios – offering fine art events such as art gallery shows, curated shows, private art classes, and my first launch which is called “Pairings”, where we pair fine artwork with fine wine.”

Crawford credited the Anguilla Youth and Business Foundation for encouraging him to introduce the project during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Having completed the Foundation’s Get Set programme, he said the initiative emerged at the perfect time.

The spark for Pairings came from Crawford’s encounters within another world of craft and discipline: wine tasting. “I’ve always found it a bit daunting to get into because it seems like a whole different world with a different language, steeped in history,” he said. “I liken that to artwork… People think it’s daunting to get into even that too. So I thought, ‘that’s an interesting parallel.’”

By blending the two, Crawford hopes to remove the intimidation often felt by newcomers to either space, instead encouraging curiosity, connection, and conversation.

Pairings also aims to address a gap in visibility for local artists. Crawford, who continues to mentor students at the Ani Art Academy, intends for the project to become another avenue where local artworks are displayed thoughtfully and respectfully. He revealed that he is also developing ‘Acts of Famous Faces’, a separate, upcoming annual exhibition featuring portraits of notable Anguillians created by local artists — celebrating figures in culture, politics, history, and the community. Like Pairings, the exhibition’s purpose is to promote artists and give value to their conceptual and narrative pursuits.

When asked how he selects works to feature, Crawford was candid. With a laugh, he acknowledged his partial “bias” toward his own students, owing to their discipline and originality, but emphasised quality and conceptual depth above all. He spoke enthusiastically about the work of one featured artist, Michael Hernandez Mena, whose striking floral compositions subtly comment on the illusion of painted realism. “It’s all artifice… none of it’s real despite how photorealistic it might look,” Crawford explained. “His sensitivity to colour and composition are so interesting.”

Meanwhile, Crawford envisions Pairings as “a space where people… come to have a rich communal experience.” A key feature is the Pairings Scorecard, a tool that encourages guests to reflect critically on both the wine and the art. Participants score wines — guided by a sommelier — then artworks, based on colour, composition, originality, emotional impact, and overall impression.
“It’s really just an avenue where guests can probe their minds into some sort of creative facet,” he said. “It does add a richness to your life to be able to think critically about creative things.” Crawford hinted at future additions, including poetry and songwriting collaborations, to deepen the multisensory environment.

Supporting Monday’s event was 22-year-old sommelier Lucas Barry, a rising talent at Veya restaurant. His passion and expertise offered guests a robust introduction to wine tasting — from swirling to scent to finish — while Crawford guided them through the displayed artworks.

Crawford noted that Barry, also an artist who customises shoes, shares the same curiosity and creative spirit Pairings aims to cultivate. He added that he intentionally positioned himself as a learner in the wine component, wanting to explore each bottle alongside guests rather than lecture from a place of authority.
Throughout the day, members of the public — including art lovers, wine enthusiasts, and students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School — moved through the soft launch, many experiencing for the first time the calm interplay between fine wine and fine art. Those old enough sipped wine while exploring paintings and sculptures; students observed, questioned, and engaged with the creative process.

Though The Crawford Studio does not yet have a permanent home, Crawford plans to continue hosting pop-ups and hopes to partner with galleries, restaurants, and other local spaces. Monday’s unveiling marks only the beginning.

Looking forward, he hopes Pairings will nurture a more critically engaged and creatively expressive community. “I hope more people will become more interested in art… thinking critically about it and expressing themselves,” he said. “Whether they do that in fine art or in other fields.”

By Janissa Fleming

In the serene embrace of Long Bay, Anguilla, the Quintessence Hotel’s Q Art Gallery hums with quiet energy—home to a compelling collection by Michael Hernandez Mena, a Dominican-born, Anguilla-raised artist whose voice is his brush. Deaf and mute, Michael’s artwork resonates with depth and emotion, quietly chronicling identity, belonging, and resilience in bold strokes and delicate detail.

Michael moved from the Dominican Republic to Anguilla in 2007, at just 13 years old. Despite the language and cultural barriers, he recalls his integration into local life with gratitude. “I feel privileged for the care they always had for me,” he says of his teachers and school community. His mother—his earliest supporter—quickly recognised his creative potential and nurtured it.
For Michael, art became not only an outlet but a language. He recalls the emotional significance of one of his earliest works—a drawing of his newborn niece. “In that drawing, I expressed the happiness I felt for her arrival to Anguilla,” he shares. It was a turning point in realising how his inner world could be translated into something others could see and feel.

In 2013, Michael began formal training at the renowned ÁNI Art Academies. There, he was immersed in the discipline of realism, developing a meticulous and expressive style. “I felt very welcomed and like I was with family. It was the best opportunity of my life,” he reflects.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. “Each exercise is a challenge,” he says, noting the difficulty of still-life studies like the cylinder, cone, and cube wheel, as well as live portrait sessions. Yet it was these demanding exercises that pushed his boundaries and sharpened his technique.

His creative process begins with rough sketches – made using markers, crayons, or charcoal – before he photographs or arranges still-life scenes as references. This layered preparation brings his final pieces to life with realism laced with imagination. A pivotal piece titled Red Hibiscus marked a shift in his style, anchoring the aesthetic direction of his latest body of work.

Now on display at the Q Art Gallery, Michael’s latest collection is a loving homage to Anguilla. Drawing on the island’s national colours, frangipani blossoms, and hummingbirds, he paints an emotional and symbolic portrait of the island. “These bring a lot of joy to our lives,” he explains, describing his desire to reflect the natural beauty that surrounds him.
Though each work stands independently, together they form a narrative – one that quietly celebrates Anguilla while allowing space for the viewer’s imagination. “I like to include imaginative elements that people will notice more with time,” he says, inviting a deeper connection to each piece.

The Q Art Gallery, nestled within the Quintessence Hotel, is a harmonious setting for Michael’s work. Known for housing one of the largest collections of Haitian art outside of Haiti – more than 600 pieces curated by hotel owner Geoffrey Fieger – the gallery is dedicated to celebrating diverse Caribbean and global artistic expressions.

Michael’s inclusion in this space came about through a recommendation from his instructor, “It’s great to have a local gallery showing your artwork and helping to find an audience that wants to purchase them.”

Anni Fleming, a representative for the gallery spoke passionately about Michael’s presence at Q – saying that they were drawn to his work because of his story and the things he accomplished within a short time frame.

She continued, “When it comes to giving an artist or anyone with a disability a chance to showcase their talent, it’s not only a satisfying venture – it gives you perspective. His body of work is beautiful not only because of his disability, but because of the stroke and the techniques that he uses. The photorealism is beautiful in and of itself.”

Michael’s work fits seamlessly among the gallery’s collection, which includes Asian, Haitian, Afro-Caribbean, and local works in a range of mediums – metal, glass, woven and plastic arts.

“Our gallery is a haven for art lovers, nestled in the beautiful landscape of Anguilla. This is a new, ever-evolving partnership. We hope both guests and locals will feel more involved and open when it comes to art,” Anni added. “The Q Hotel is filled with warmth and we strive to accommodate not just outside visitors, but also our local brethren, offering tranquillity, colour, and harmony.”

Though this is not officially a solo exhibition, Michael hopes one is on the horizon. “I hope to be offered such an opportunity sometime in the near future,” he says. With aspirations to exhibit internationally and participate in larger projects, Michael is focused on growth: “The sky is the limit.”
His future work may also explore deeper aspects of Dominican culture. “I’m interested in the artisanal elements that are important to that culture, as that is what my work is about overall right now,” he shares. As his identity continues to evolve, so too does his artistic voice – one that is rooted in culture, personal memory, and lived experience.

To young creatives in Anguilla who may feel isolated or unsure, Michael offers heartfelt encouragement, “It is all possible, as long as you don’t lose hope and continue to working hard on your craft.”

Michael Hernandez Mena’s collection is currently on display and available for purchase at the Q Art Gallery at the Quintessence Hotel in Long Bay.

A large and appreciative audience of family, friends and poetry enthusiasts gathered at the Anguilla Public Library on Wednesday, 7th May for the much-anticipated Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards Ceremony 2025.
Among those in attendance to celebrate the Poets and pay tribute to the 2025 Malliouhana Poetry Culture Bearer Awardees, the late Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin and Mrs. Yolande Hodge-Richardson, was the Honourable Minister of Education, Social Development, Youth & Culture, Probation and Library Services, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster. In her remarks the Minister applauded the Organising Committee for its continued efforts in promoting literacy and artistic expression, and the celebration of Anguillian culture. She also emphasised the important role of the arts in education and cultural preservation.

Under the theme “Mi Mudda Say…”, and fittingly taking place on the eve of Mother’s Day, the competition drew 49 entries: 37 in the “Poetry-on-the-Page” category and 12 in the “Spoken Word” segment. Submissions included 15 entries from Juniors (ages 8–12), 16 from Teens (ages 13–18), and 18 from Adults (18+).

First place in the Juniors “On-the-Page” category went to Gabriel Evangelista with his poem “The Words From My Mother’s Mouth”. Cattleya Charles claimed second place, while Abigail Sabatini captured third place and Ezra Richardson earned an honourable mention.

In the Teens “On-the-Page” category, Siena Wojack took first place with her poem “My Kind Mother”, followed by Chaundra Patterson in second place and Jaesean Harrigan in third. Azarel Cupid was awarded an honourable mention.
Vanessa Croft captured first place In the Adult “On-the-Page” category again this year with her poem “My Mother’s Fears”. Cassilda Thomas-Carty was awarded second place, followed by Hyacinth E. Hughes in third place. Jonisha Johnson and Sharleen I. Gumbs also received honourable mentions for their poems.

In the “Spoken Word” round, Arudra Bharrat claimed first place in the Juniors’ category with his poem “Her Libra Superpower”. Cattleya Charles was awarded second place and Chaya T.P. Brooks took third.

Uniqua Romney was adjudged Winner of the Teen category with her poem “Voice of a Caribbean Queen”. Harrison Thompson claimed second place, while Azarel Cupid was awarded third place.

In the Adult category, Cassilda Thomas-Carty walked away with first place for her poem, “A Resounding Voice”, while Nashaine Johnson claimed second and Alexis S. Ryan was awarded third place.

All the participants received Certificates of Participation and the Winners of each category were presented with plaques, monetary and other prize vouchers. Runners-up and Honourable Mentions also received certificates, monetary and prize vouchers.

One of the most touching moments of the evening was the Committee’s tributes to the late Mrs. Yolande Hodge-Richardson and Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin and the unveiling of a commemorative Plaque honouring their cultural contributions.

Mr. Carlyle Franklin and Mrs. Bronte Hazell accepted the award on behalf of Mrs. Hodge-Richardson’s family, while Mr. Cecil Chin and his daughter Charisma accepted the honour in memory of Mrs. Jones-Chin. In an emotional expression of gratitude, Mr. Chin thanked the Committee for recognising and celebrating the legacy of his late wife and that of fellow culture bearers. The Plaque will remain on public display at the Public Library.

The dynamic programme, which was chaired by Committee Chair, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, also included an opening prayer by Education Officer Student Support Services Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton and musical renditions by Mr. Elliott Gumbs and Roots Binghi. Ms. Jansie Webster, Ms. Avon Carty, Ms. Carla Harris made the presentations and Ms. René Henry wrapped up the evening by delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee has expressed its appreciation to the esteemed judges: Mrs. Patricia Adams, Mrs. Rosena Brooks, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Mr. David Carty and Mr. Keith “Stone” Greaves; as well as guest artistes, Elliott Gumbs and Roots Binghi for their contributions.

Special thanks were also extended to sponsors and partners, including: The Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Department of Education, Cap Juluca Hotel, Malliouhana Hotel, the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC), Alliance Insurance Services, Coral Reef Bookstore, D-3 Enterprises, Malliouhana ANICO Insurance, Liberty Cooperative Credit Union, the Music Department of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Titanium Sounds, Ivor Hodge, Lloyd’s Live, The Anguillian Newspaper, Radio Anguilla, and other Media houses, supporters and friends for making the spectacular evening a success.

Now in its eighteenth year, the Malliouhana Poetry Competition and Awards is organised annually by the Malliouhana Poetry Committee in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Department of Education and wider community supporters. The initiative continues to foster literacy, artistic excellence, and an enduring ethos of cultural, social, and political awareness, while honouring emerging poets and the legacy culture bearers who shape Anguilla’s artistic identity.

Sunshine Theatre’s Playwright, Felix Fleming, has produced a master-piece of theatrical art in the staging of the play ‘The Caged Bird’.
The premier staging took place on Friday night, December 1st, at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School and was repeated on Saturday night, December 2nd. Another repeat presentation will take place again on Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.

Hosted by the Gender Affairs Unit, in collaboration with Malliouhana Fest, the play is featured as part of the 2023 Sixteen Days of Activism from November 25th to December 10th.

The main objective of the play is to bring awareness to Gender-Based Violence through the arts, allowing both young and old the opportunity to engage with the theatre art-form while being sensitized to violence in spousal relationships. The use of theatre allows the audience to be exposed to the serious repercussions of domestic violence in an environment of awareness and understanding.
‘The Caged Bird’ depicts the impact of violence on families and communities. The play explores the message that silence and inaction on the part of the subject of the violence is not an option. Rather, the play reveals that silence and inaction is an affirmation for the perpetrator that all is well and there is no need to desist from his brutish acts.

The Playwright himself, Mr. Felix Fleming, was actually commissioned by the Gender Affairs Unit to write and direct this theatrical piece. ‘“The Cage Bird’ in particular, means a lot to me,” Mr. Fleming said. “When I left Anguilla in 1958 and migrated to St. Thomas, I left with domestic violence happening behind me in Anguilla. When I came back in 1989, I discovered that domestic abuse was more pervasive than ever before.”

He said that he knew of a particular horrific death that occurred not long after he returned home, and since it happened so tragically in Anguilla, he felt just as if it happened to him. He said, “A case like that is what has influenced this play.”
Gender Affairs Unit Director, Ms. Kemoloy Murphy, said: “We have been sharing the information about this play in all circles. And we are hoping that victims can see it as something that they can attend and identify with.”

She said that because we do have that culture of silence, it is not easy to identify victims of domestic abuse, although we may know persons who are directly affected by it, due to the services that the Department provides.

“However, we are not saying that the play is only for victims or survivors or even perpetrators,” she said, “but we do want everyone to see this play because each of us in society has a role to play and we have a responsibility in our perception of the scourge of domestic violence.”

The staging of ‘The Caged Bird’ is sponsored by PAHO, the Anguilla Community Foundation, and the Gender Affairs Unit in collaboration with Malliouhana Fest.

On July 12th 2023, a team of building technology students from the Albena Lake- Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) handed over to the Ministry of Infrastructure a set of six concrete benches which they had constructed for their School-Based Assessment (SBA) project for the year 2022/2023. The seats will be placed along the newly constructed Valley Main Road.

Some of the students involved in the SBA project were present to make the handover. Those present included: Jaheim Christie, Shaelon Hughes-Hodge, Shakailia Richardson, Jo’Ardie Richardson, Elvin Hodge, and Aivor Adams. They were aided by their teachers Mr. Franklyn Brandon and Mr. Corvel Fleming.

Mr. Brandon spoke on behalf of his colleague: “On behalf of Mr. Fleming, I stand here as a proud teacher. To give an overview, these benches were made by the Building Technology students as part of their SBAs,” he said. “The project entailed a lot of hard work in that they had to plan the project, draw the project, build the molds, cut the steel, tie the steel, mix mortar, and pour the mortar. The benches were constructed under our instructions with their design.”

According to Mr. Brandon, the students did not know initially that their benches would be donated. He said that each year Building Tech students must construct park benches as their SBA project. He explained that since the new Valley Main Road had just been constructed he had discussed the idea of donating the benches with his colleague Mr. Fleming. He then contacted the Honourable Minister of Minister of Infrastructure Communications Utilities Housing and Tourism, Haydn Hughes and made the proposal for handing over the seats as public property to be placed along the road.

Minister Hughes was on hand to receive the benches on behalf of the Anguillian community.

He reflected upon his own tenure at the school, which was once named the Valley Secondary School.
“This space where I stand is an area that I fondly remember. I have great memories of spending seven years at the Valley Secondary School which was later changed to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School while I was a student here,” he said. “Yes, I spent seven years in this establishment, and I did not go to Sixth Form. That is unheard of, but it is because I entered high school at ten, I spent two years in Third Form and stayed back to repeat Fifth Form. But wherever you are there is always time for redemption, and you can make changes to your life for the better.”

Minister Hughes also commended the students for utilizing the skills they learned under Mr. Brandon and Mr. Fleming: “The Building Technology class has done a great thing in that it has provided the students with the skills to construct these benches that will probably last beyond our times. I am very proud of Mr. Brandon, and I am very proud of these students,” he said.
According to the Minister the benches will certainly serve to enhance the Valley Main Road.

“In every country,” he noted, “the centre of the city needs to have a different feel and look different to the rest of the country…“I would like you students to be encouraged and to do all (you) can to continue building Anguilla. We have often heard it said that the young people are the future of the country. But I dare say that you young people are not the future, but you are the now. Your ideas and your vision will take Anguilla to the next level.”

ALHCS Principal, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, also applauded the work of the students.
“On behalf of the Technical Studies Department, I would like to express the delight that we all feel today in having this opportunity to contribute these beautiful benches to build [the] environment of The Valley,” she said. “We at the ALHCS are well aware of the fine work that is done by our Technical Studies students. We are happy that now, the public on a daily basis will be able to witness these students’ products and they would be convinced that this is an awesome school.”

“The teachers, Mr. Brandon and Mr. Fleming, and I are all proud of this accomplishment. The students have done a great job in producing these benches through collaborative work,” the Principal said. “The CXC syllabi notes and emphasizes that learning to live and work together is an important outcome of education in the 21st century. So, we would like the public and ourselves to see these benches as ‘bench marks’ (pun intended) in our attainment of the goal of collaborative effort”.

While Mr. Brandon thanked all the students and applauded their diligent efforts in the construction of the benches, he particularly made mention of the achievements of Jaheim Christie and Shaelon Hughes-Hodge who both attained top-ten status in CXC exams in the region.

The week of July 3rd to July 9th was specially designated to engage with the children of the community who gathered at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church for the annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). As is customary, the children were occupied with several fun-filled educational and spiritual activities.
According to reports from the VBS Coordinator, Ms. Marcia Hodge, sixty-five children registered, and fifth-eight attended.
She provided an extensive synopsis of what the children were involved in for the week.

This year a cross-cultural program was used with the theme being ‘Thailand Trek’. It focused on Thailand and its culture through videos and games played by Thai children. The participants from ages 6 to 12 were divided into four “crews”.

On Day One, each crew was required to give themselves a name. The names included “Christian Soldiers”, “Treasures”, “Bible Detectives”, and “Diamonds”. The other children, aged 3 to 5 were self-contained, supervised by volunteers, and referred to as “Preschoolers”.
Each day throughout the week, there was a Bible Point about which a biblical concept that was taught. A Bible verse was associated with the Bible Point, and a song was linked to the general daily theme. A Bible story was also linked to the Bible Point.

The Crews rotated through four stations each day. They began and ended the day as a whole group reciting the Bible Points and learning the songs. The four stations were as follows:
1. Bible Adventures – Each day, there was a discussion on the Bible story of the day.

2. Thai Treats – The children made and enjoyed snacks that are eaten by Thai children. Some included sticky rice, spiced toast, and plantain chips.

3. Experience Thailand – Children learned about Thai culture as if they were on a tour of the country.

4. Thai Games – This was an outdoor station where students learned to play various games played by children in Thailand.

“On Monday, we focused on the fact that God is real even though He cannot be seen. The children identified things in their environment that aren’t visible but were testament to the existence of God,” Ms. Hodge said.
“On Tuesday we featured “Mango Madness” where church members donated mangoes from their trees. We got hundreds of mangoes that were used to make mango beverage and mango specials for the children. That day, Tropical Treats Ice Cream also came along and provided ice cream to each child as well as the volunteers.

“Wednesday was Water Wednesday. The only beverage served was water. On Thursday, more mangoes were donated and were served as snack along with watermelon. Friday was “Plantain Frenzy”. The children were exposed to plantain porridge and had plantain chips made by the teachers at the Treats Station,” Ms. Hodge said.

VBS culminated on Sabbath afternoon with a Closing Ceremony attended by the children’s friends and family members. They recited their daily Bible Points and scripture verses for the audience, and they shared the lessons they learned about Thailand in their various groups. One highlight during the ceremony was that parents were challenged to chant the Bible Point for each day after the children, and also to recite each day’s memory verse.

“We would like to thank Pastor Dr. Howard Simon and all the volunteers and donors who made the activity a success,” Ms. Hodge concluded. “These contributors included Tropical Treats Ice Cream; Chantal Bryan; Tiffany Carty; the kitchen staff; Catherine Brooks (for the décor); Shefoo Webster; Vanicia Fleming; and Max Printing (for printing of t-shirts). We also thank the parents for entrusting us with the care and education of their children for yet another year. We hope to minister to children at VBS 2024 as we seek to share God’s word in creative and interesting ways.”

The Whit Monday holiday in Anguilla has become synonymous with Welches Fest. This cultural event, which took place this year on Monday 29th May, attracted hundreds of local residents as well as friends who come over from neighbouring St. Martin/St. Maarten to enjoy the ambiance of fine local food, a little frolic and local music.

This year persons were treated to the taste of delicious delicacies from the various Caribbean natives who have made Anguilla their home.

The Welches Fest dates back to fifteen years ago, when the children of the late Maxwell Vanterpool, all of whom are noted for native cooking and traditional games, came up with the brilliant idea to put on an annual gig.

It was the actual brainchild of Teacher Susan Vanterpool-Smith.

At its inception, however, the purpose of the Welches Fest was to simply teach the young people of the village the traditional ways of life, including past recreational norms and traditional cookery with an emphasis on upholding the old folkloric trait of jollification.

According to Susan’s sister, Melsadis Vanterpool Fleming, the event began in a very unusual manner. She told The Anguillian: “Several of the villagers, after deciding to share their knowledge of past customs with the village’s children, made financial contributions toward the idea in an effort to see it mobilized as an annual function. Donation sheets were prepared, and members of the public were willing to contribute towards the worthy cause. Business places also contributed by providing required goods and raw material for cooking.”

“Our first event was held at the same site, the Fredrick O. Harrigan Playing Field, on Whit Monday of 2008,” Melsadis noted. “All the eats and drinks were prepared by the villagers.”

“That day, the children were given the opportunity to play traditional games like rollers, marbles, knickers and cherry-nuts, top spinning and kite flying among other activities,” she said. “It was really a great day for fun and wholesome frolic.”

“Brother Lee, of Radio Station Kool FM, on his programme ‘Culturally Yours’, gave us great promotion when he heard of this cultural event in Welches. He came to Welches on that notable day and broadcast the event live,” she said. “This caused the public to believe that ours was a grand public event taking place in the little quaint village. Persons from all across the island gathered at the venue with the intention of purchasing traditional food and taking part in the activities.”

“However, there was nothing to buy. Everything for that first event was free,” she reminisced. “That was the beginning of Welches Fest. Since then, we have grown by leaps and bounds. Fifteen years later, we have developed to be one of Anguilla’s prime annual events.”

“This year, we had an added feature,” Melsadis said, “where the organizers of the Fest decided to include a fun-filled Caribbean Unity Pageant, which involved participants from across the Caribbean. Five countries participated in this first pageant, which featured young ladies from Jamaica, Dominica, Anguilla, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.”

“This Welches Fest Pageant drew people from every walk of life in Anguilla, who flocked to the field to view and enjoy the new feature. Comments following the pageant were all positive and encouraging. It is our aim to keep on enhancing the Fest with new features in the future.”

“The Welches Fest Committee extends heart-filled thanks to the entire Anguillian community who has supported our events over the years,” Melsadis said. “We will endeavour to make Welches Fest better each year, all for your enjoyment.”

The highly anticipated Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards Ceremony was held on May 10, 2023, at the Anguilla Public Library under the theme “Why?”. A large and appreciative audience of family, friends and poetry enthusiasts was on hand to witness the presentations of the Performance/Spoken Word Poets, as well as the celebration all the participating Poets and the 2023 Culture Bearer Awardee, the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre.

The Competition was open to Juniors (8-12) Teens (13-17) and Adults (18 and older). This year there was a total of 47 entries: 31 for the “On-the-Page” and 16 for the “Spoken Word/Performance” categories. The majority of the entries (26) came from Poets in the Junior Category, followed by 18 from those in the Adult Category and 3 from those in the Teen Category.

First place in the Juniors “On-the-Page” category went to Jamyoi Hodge with his poem “The Final Plan”. Camia Gumbs took second place, while Asiya Hodge captured third place. Sakura Davis and Albert Mejai Rey received Honourable Mentions.

In the Teens “On-the-Page” category, Siena Wojack took first place with her poem “Why Do We Ask Why?” followed by Ajani Arrindell in second place.

Hyacinth E. Hughes captured first place with her poem “The Scholar” for the Adult “On-the-Page” category. Jonisha Johnson was awarded second place, followed by Desmond Richardson in third place. Ronald Forde and Jessica Davis received honourable mentions for their poems.

In the “Spoken Word/Performance” round Camia Gumbs claimed first place in the Juniors’ category with her poem “Will It Ever Change?”. Eioliani Mairyshaw claimed second place and Eboni Hodge third place. Ajani Arrindell captured first place in the Spoken Word Teen category for his poem “Gold to Dust”. In the Adult category, Cassilda Thomas-Brookes took first place with her poem “An Obscenity to God; My Apologies. Kiara Battice placed second, and Avenella Griffith was awarded third place.

Each of the participants received a Certificate of Participation and the Winners of each category were presented with plaques and monetary prize vouchers. Those who placed second and third or received honourable mentions also received special certificates and prize vouchers.

During the Ceremony, the Organising Committee presented the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre with the 2023 Malliouhana Poetry Culture Bearer Award in recognition of their contributions towards the preservation of the Anguillian Culture through song, dance, and other performances over the past 40 years. Speaking on behalf of the Group, Mrs. Jacqueline Bryan-Niles expressed gratitude to the Committee for the recognition of their contributions, and emphasised the importance of the arts in education and the preservation of culture.

The Committee also paid special tribute to the late Professor Sir Howard Fergus of Montserrat, who served as a judge for the “On-the-Page” entries since the inception of the Competition in 2007 until his passing earlier this year. Committee Member, Ms. Carla Harris presented a poetic biography in tribute and Poet Kenneth Porter delivered a special rendition of Sir Howard’s Poem, “Ultimate”.
The programme was chaired by Manager of The UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks and included opening prayers by Pastor Bernard Joseph, musical renditions by Ms. Amelia Olivacce, Roots Binghi and Bankie Banx. Also in attendance was the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, who applauded the Organising Committee and the Participants and saluted the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre 2023 Culture Bearer Awardees.

The Organising Committee has expressed appreciation to the judges: Mrs. Patricia Adams, Mrs. Rosena Brooks, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Dr. Richard Georges of the BVI, Mr. Felix Fleming, Mr. Marcel Fahiie, Ms. Trudy Nixon and Ms. Farrah Banks. Guest artistes, Bankie Banks, Roots Binghi and Amelia Olivacce. Special thanks are also extended to sponsors and partners: Digicel Anguilla, Aurora Anguilla, the Anguilla Literary Foundation, Radio Anguilla, Trenton Roach, Coral Reef Bookstore, Lloyd’s Live, Kreative Communications Network, Ivor Hodge, Titanium Sounds and all other supporters and friends for making the spectacular evening a success.

The Malliouhana Poetry Competition is organised by The University of the West Indies Open Campus Anguilla in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Community College.

Now in its sixteenth year, the Organisers have used the event to encourage literacy and artistic expression, as well as to promote an ethos of social, cultural, and political awareness, by celebrating and paying tribute to local Poets and Culture Bearers.

Last week the Anguilla Craft Group donated US$2,500 to the Arijah Children’s Foundation for equipment for the development of a sensory room. Renuka Harrigan received the cheque, along with her daughter Arijah. She expressed sincere thanks to the Craft Group for their kindness and support over the years.

The Foundation envisions the sensory room to be available for a summer camp at Branches of Learning, used in residential locations and in government special education classes during the school year.
The sensory room is a pleasant environment, cognitive and physically accessible, specially designed for developing senses and controlling sensory stimulation. The activities offer their users a totally immersive experience through the activation of the different elements such as lighting, music, objects, images, textures, sounds, vibration, and more, specially created and set for reaching specific therapeutic purposes.
The Arijah Foundation is currently in partnership with a number of organisations in Anguilla such as the Autism Society, Branches of Learning, the Government of Anguilla and private families and visitors.

The Anguilla Craft Group is a group of ladies who meet each week and produce many items. They are sold at local fairs and businesses and all profits are donated back to the community.

A spokesperson for the group said that they are pleased once again to provide funds to the Arijah Foundation that does such good work in helping children with special challenges.

The evening of Saturday 21st April, 2023, Devonish Art Gallery in South Hill, was abuzz with activity as a young budding artist, Ammique Tosca Mills, took pride in showcasing her creativity in uniquely made jewelry and several other favourite art and craft pieces.
In July of 2021, the management of the Devonish Art Gallery was taken over from the legendary artist Courtney Devonish by a shrewd and versatile business woman, Mrs. Doreen Liburd. While Mr. Devonish still works hard behind the scenes in the production of carvings for the business, Doreen runs the store with a wealth of business-oriented experience.
However, one of her most prominent goals and a keen intent of her business is to expose local young artists’ work to the public eye. She believes that through constant exposure of their artwork, young, talented art entrepreneurs can gain the needed publicity for their craft while they discover the nature of the art gallery business. Ammique Tosca Mills is one such artist who got that privilege of exposure last Saturday night.
“Ammique really touched my heart. She is an extremely creative artist, and I have seen vast potential for the local art area within her. She has put a great deal of thought and imagery in her craft,” Doreen reflected. “Behind her work there is local knowledge that will particularly interest the discriminating tourist who might want to learn more about Anguilla.”
“Through her art,” Doreen said, “Ammique portrays tidbits of information about Anguilla which tourists would very much appreciate. For example, her art bears the significance of Anguilla’s three dolphins, and her souvenirs are nothing less than unique. She produces various kinds of crafts which depict local sceneries on souvenirs – items that would delight our visitors.”
Ammique tends to be naturally gifted, and she told of how she started in the art arena.
“In 2014, I opened my own hair salon business in The Valley, she said. “When business declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, I then naturally turned on my creative talent, making jewelry, souvenirs and other crafts.”
Doreen also spoke of her visit to the recent visual art displays produced by the Fifth Form students of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School for their CXC examinations. The exhibition was held in the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium on Thursday 13th April, 2023.

“Recently, it was such a pleasure for me to take a tour of the several tables displaying art in the MacArthur Rey auditorium,” she said. “My daughter was one of the art students, and, of course, I was proud of her work. But as I moved from table to table that day, I was highly impressed by what I saw. I was amazed by the quality of art which the students exhibited.”
“Anguilla’s students have a great degree of talent in artistic abilities,” she noted. “My advice is that when these students leave school, they should not leave their work of art behind, and forget about it. Their art should not be a thing of the past, but they should seek to pursue avenues whereby they can develop themselves into more fully fledged artists.”

“I have seen great potential in that exhibition, and I would like to say that just as Devonish Art Gallery has provided publicity for Ammique’s magnificent work, we are willing to welcome and promote the work of any young artist at the Devonish Art Gallery. Any interested young artist may call us at 584-6019,” Mrs. Liburd said.

Last year, the Anguilla Enhancement Project (AEP) ran a competition to determine which village on the island was the best. Participating villages included Sandy Hill, East End, Rey Hill, Shoal Bay, Stoney Ground, Little Harbour, Blowing Point, West End, Welches, The Farrigton and Island Harbour.

On Saturday, 16th April, at the Festival del Mar activities, President of the Anguilla Enhancement Project, Mrs. Nakishma Rogers-Hull presented to the Island Harbour community, a beautiful stone carving – in the shape of a dolphin. The replica was carved from Anguilla stone by one of Island Harbour’s residents, Mr. John Lloyd.
In making the presentation of the carving, Mrs. Rogers-Hull said: “I would like to express my gratitude to the Festival del Mar Committee for extending an invitation to the Anguilla Enhancement Project to participate in the opening ceremony of the best festival in Anguilla – Festival del Mar.

“The Best Village Competition was a keenly contested competition. But the winning village, Island Harbour, demonstrated a profound sense of community and togetherness – an ability to mobilise community efforts, and an interest in cleanliness, preservation, and beach upkeep, as well as a commitment to important community buildings like the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, and an indomitable spirit of jollification.”
“The judges for the competition,” she continued, “came from all over the island, but they all came to one conclusion, which is that Island Harbour was the best Village in Anguilla for the period 2021 to 2022.”
Mrs. Rogers-Hull went on to commend prominent persons in that community for their dedicated work and activism. As regards the dolphin replica, she said: “The AEP promised all participating villages that we would deliver a monument worth fighting over, and that every year we would move that monument as the prize for the winner of the best village competition.”

She noted that eight months ago when the AEP commissioned the prize from John Lloyd, they had not the faintest idea that Island Harbour would be the first winner. But, it was a provisional coincidence that the prized monument is one hundred percent an Island Harbour creation.
When the monument was finally unveiled, cheers filled the air, as the people of the village displayed their patriotism. The first to stand beside the dolphin for a ‘photo-opp’ was Mrs. Rogers-Hull and her fellow committee members – as well as the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster.

The next table we visited was that of Ms. Carlisia Adams. Carlisia’s theme was “Amerindian Women” – displaying the indigenous people of the Caribbean. She displayed five pieces. Her first piece was that of the ‘Princess of Light’ who glows in light because she will soon be a queen. She bears a red stripe across her forehead which represents her strength. This painting depicts the custom of body paintings back then.

Her second piece showed a colourful portion of a woman’s body which is called ‘Body of Symbols’. These symbols represent the official position of tribal Amerindian women, and depict what roles they were responsible for within their communities. Her third piece depicted a ‘Female Amerindian Soldier’ who bears her weapon in preparation for war. According to Carlisia, “this woman is quite strong on the inside, even though she may be fragile on the outside. She fears that she might be defeated, but nevertheless, she stands her ground.”
Then, her fourth piece of art depicted the ‘Future Taino’ who is destined to walk in the footsteps of her ancestors. Her fifth and final piece represented a ‘Female Saviour’ – a spirit who brought relief to the Amerindians whenever they were in distress. Carlisia expressed her delight in working with this educational theme.
The next art display was that of Mia Pradel. Her theme was “Mental Health”. She said she chose this theme because good mental health was very important to help one make it through life in these crucial times. Her first piece of art depicted anxiety. It is a picture of a young girl in the darkness who experiences much stress in her life.
Mia’s next piece depicted one who is contemplating suicide. She said the colour yellow is predominant in this painting, since it is the main colour for suicide awareness. Green signifies the overall mental health, and blue represents the awareness of autism. Her other piece, on a light grey background, depicted depression. Hands in this drawing represent a trap that the mind is confined to. In this piece, there is also a heart encircled by a tight string that represents feelings of stress, heartbreak and sadness.

Her final piece was a pillow. Mia described the pillow – one side of the pillow is dark grey, representing dismal days, while the other side displays the beautiful colours of pink and purple, which signify bright and cheerful days.
There were a few other display tables which we visited, but due to constraints of space we were unable to include all of them at this time. Those whose descriptive works were not included here are: Shonte Hope, with the theme “Escapism”; Brielle Letang, whose theme was “Caribbean Women Fighting in the Struggle”; and Chyriki Richardson-Yearwood, who worked under the theme “Tranquil Ties”.

Chorus:
Let the church bells ring, (Praise Him), and the choirs sing, (Praise Him),
Fifty-five are we, (Praise Him), Our Emerald Jubilee.
Many storms we faced, (Praise Him), but shielded by His Grace, (Praise Him)
Fifty five are we, (Praise Him), Our Emerald Jubilee.
So with God we trod, to our Nationhood,
Fifty five are we, Our Emerald Jubilee.
Let your voices rise, to The Lord Most High,
Anguilla strong and free, Our Emerald Jubilee.
Going forward together is the key, to climb the stairs of prosperity,
Fairness and justice must be common place, Emerald Jubilee.
Come together as we commemorate, stand together as we celebrate,
Our strength will be our unity, Emerald Jubilee.
Let hatred, intolerance disappear, let peace reign for more years,
And love and cohesion reign for many more years (more years).
Chorus:
Let the church bells ring, (Praise Him), and the choirs sing, (Praise Him),
Fifty five are we, (Praise Him), Our Emerald Jubilee.
Many storms we faced, (Praise Him), but shielded by His Grace, (Praise Him),
Fifty five are we, (Praise Him), Our Emerald Jubilee.
So with God we trod, (Anguilla we love you), to our Nationhood, (May God bless and keep you),
Fifty five are we, (Celebrating) Our Emerald Jubilee.
Let your voices rise, (Anguilla we love you), to the Lord Most High, (May God bless and keep you),
Anguilla strong and free, (Celebrating), Our Emerald Jubilee, Our Emerald Jubilee.
Anguilla proud and strong and free!

Words by Mr Marvin Gumbs

The Competition is open to persons residing on Anguilla and features two categories: Poetry on the Page and the Performance Poetry/Spoken Word. Junior poets (those in the 8-12 age range), Teens (aged 13 to 17) and Adults (ages 18 and up) are invited to submit their unpublished works for either or both categories.

Poets in the Performance Poetry/Spoken Word category will be required to perform their submissions for judging in front of a live audience at the annual Awards Ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2022. Winners of the Poetry on the Page category will be invited to read their submissions at the Ceremony.

The annual literary competition is organised by The University of the West Indies Open Campus Anguilla, in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Community College. The goal is to encourage literacy and artistic expression, as well as to promote an ethos of social, cultural, and political awareness.

The Competition is popular among poets of all ages and forms part of the annual Anguilla Day National Celebration activities. Over the years it has attracted more than five hundred and fifty submissions.

Entry forms, as well as the rules for the 2022 Competition, may be obtained from the Anguilla Library Service and the UWI Open Campus Anguilla.

Persons seeking more information are invited to contact the Anguilla Public Library at 497-2441 or The University of the West Indies Open Campus at 497-8156 or email anguilla.mpc@gmail.com

– Press Release

You see! God knew that that cherub was bad
And nothing He could do would bring a rehab!
He turned bad to the bone that once Bright Morning Star
Who concocted a plan for a Heavenly war.

He thought of this and he thought of that
Then he and one angel had a military chat;
Those two turned to four, then four turned to eight
And that group was soon engulfed in hate.

They planned and manoeuvred, they uttered no word
Till the eight grew and grew to be Heaven’s one third
They proclaimed war on God (Oh blasphemous thing)
Demons making war with the Heavenly King.

I say this to say, there are times we must fight
Stand up for our freedom , stand up for our right.
No mercy or love, forgiveness or peace
Will cause our enemies’ hatred to cease.

So let’s march to the frontlines, blood flowing red
Bandage our wounded, bury our dead.
Don’t turn our cheeks, or say “Leave them alone.”
They will think we are cowards and break our jawbones.

Let’s gird up our loins, pack our weapons of war.
It’s our land and progeny we are fighting for.
October 1st, 2001.

The Anguilla Library Service hosted A “Chocolate Day” event, on Valentine’s Day, to show love and appreciation for our patrons and the public. This event was an outreach activity aimed at promoting resources, services and programmes offered by the library.

Visitors were treated to a number of delightful chocolate treats, including a chocolate fountain with various food items for dipping, chocolate cake, cookies, fudge, brownies, candy and chocolates. Also featured was our information table promoting resources and services including our e-resources: Tumblebooks, Axis 360, Jstor & EBSCOhost and Valentine’s Day themed bookmarks, manned by staff to answer any questions about the services.

A special thank you to all who supported who event as well to those that donated. The turnout was good and the feedback has been great. Follow us out on Facebook and Instagram for more library events and information about our services.

– Press Release

The stage settings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mount Fortune were transformed to facilitate a world class concert on January 22, put on by the World Doctors Orchestra, led by renowned musician, 20-year-old Emily Bear. By far, this would have been the most spectacular classical musical event in Anguilla’s history.

Established in 2008, the World Doctors Orchestra (WDO) is comprised entirely of medical doctors. The orchestra’s founder, Prof. Stefan Willich, established it as a non-profit group at the Charité University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany. The main mission of the World Doctors Orchestra is to combine music with its global medical responsibility. All proceeds from every concert performed by WDO go towards the aid of selected non-profit medical or music organisations.

One of the main organisers of Saturday’s grand event was Mrs. Janine Edwards. She is the co-owner of Sunset Homes, one of the platinum sponsors of the memorable concert. Mrs. Edwards moderated the programme, and after the pronouncement of necessary formalities, she remarked:

“Ladies and gentlemen, today Anguilla will witness a grand global musical celebration — musical excellence at its very best. You will witness a fine tapestry of exquisite musicians from all around the world, as well as our very own home. Today, you will journey with us through a range of emotions, reflections and human connections, created through the power of music.” And just as Janine had promised so it was.

One particular highlight at the commencement of the concert was the playing of the Anguilla National Song by the WDO. Like all their other pieces, they played with precision and superb orchestration, and no doubt their rendition would be considered the most pristine instrumental of “God Bless Anguilla” ever played. For the audience, it was a breathtaking moment of musical admiration, setting the stage to savour more.

Among the other pieces played by the WDO were: Romance in F Minor; Les Voyages; Fly Me to the Moon; Take the “A” Train; You’ve Got a Friend; He Never Failed me Yet; Every Note Played; and Peace, We Are the Future.

Apart from the classical musical pieces played by the 50-member orchestra, several others were rendered by local artists including Alaina Carty, Jaine Rogers, Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Omari Banks, Veneshaw Richardson, Omalie360 and the Saint Augustine’s Chorale. All were backed up by the orchestra’s accompaniment, with Emily Bear on the piano.

Plans for Saturday evening’s performance were initiated three years ago. Emily, who visits Anguilla regularly, after Hurricane Irma, in 2017, sought to find one way of bringing comfort and healing to the minds of those affected, especially the Music Department of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.

According to Emily, “When we got this idea to stage a concert for the music sector of Anguilla’s schools, I called the WDO founder, Dr. Stefan Willich, and told him of our plans. He readily agreed to come to Anguilla and perform with the big band. That was some three years ago.”

“This orchestra is made up of working doctors from all over the world,” she noted. “For example, there is an anesthesiologist from Germany playing the flute; there is a cardiologist and a brain surgeon from California playing clarinets; we have doctors from South Africa who play various instruments, and the list of musical doctors goes on.”

Emily said, “Every single one of these doctors have been working on the frontline with Covid 19 cases for the past two-and-a-half years. (Applause from the audience.)

“These doctors come together in various locations, all over the world, and they put on a show. This year we are more than delighted to be playing in Anguilla for the pleasure of the Anguillian people, and for the benefit of the music programmes in school where our aid is needed.”

Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, Music Professor at ALHCS, Conductor, and a well-rounded musical maestro, had much to do with the organising of the event. He gave a synopsis of the origins of the WDO concert: “The concert was birthed out of a visit to the island of Mrs. Andrea Bear and her daughter, Emily, who came to Anguilla over four years ago. Emily needed a piano to practise on, and so her host contacted me. Well, when I heard her play, I was quite impressed for at the age of seventeen she played with the plum of a seasoned musician.

“I told her that we have a Steinway piano at the high school, and she was shocked and enthused about that. I introduced her to that instrument, and she was even kind enough to graciously give some lessons to our piano students.
“Then, it was the following year, when she returned, that her mother, Andrea, along with their host, Janine Edwards, attended the Christmas cantata of the St. Augustine’s Chorale. Andrea was quite elated with our performance, and it was from there that the suggestion to bring the World Doctors Orchestra to the island surfaced. Since then, serious planning went into place. It was some heavy lifting, but ultimately we were successful in bringing the musical doctors to our shores.”

The organisers wish to thank all the sponsors of the concert.

The Platinum sponsors: Anguilla Music Academy Center; Sunset Homes; World Doctors Ochestra; C-Suite Business Counseling; Morlen’s School of Music and Emily Bear.

The Gold sponsors: Austin’s Violin Shop; Anguilla Community Foundation; Anguilla Tourist Board; Aurora Anguilla; 5-Star Media; Digicel; and INAnguilla.

The Silver sponsors: National Commercial Bank of Anguilla; International Wines and Spirits; Titanium Audio Visual; and Confetti Dust.

The Bronze sponsors included: Anguilla Social Security; Anguilla Development Board; BEP Services; Rotary Club of Anguilla; Tranquility Beach; Chinnicks; Lloyd’s Live, Malliouhana Auberge Resort; Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel; Best Buy; Nevaeh; Department of Youth and Culture; Gavin Jean; and Access.ai.

The event was streamed live on INAnguilla, Lloyd’s Live and Klean Stream.

Their story is one of faith, love and marriage. The Anguillian chanced to be introduced to them at their “wedding” ceremony at St. Andrew Anglican Church, in Island Harbour, where they actually decided, through their faith, to renew their vows and recommit themselves in love to one another, bound together in the bond of marriage for life.

In Switzerland, George and Susan were first married in 1991. Their acquaintance with Anguilla began not too long after their marriage, while Susan ploughed through a tourist guide book trying to find a suitable place in the Caribbean where they could spend a vacation. Her eyes and her heart became fixed on Anguilla, and soon they both decided to take the trip in 1996.

George said that he vividly remembers their eleven-hour trip. “I can’t forget it, he recounted. We had flown from Geneva to Paris, and from Paris to St. Martin. And I can’t forget our short trip over to Anguilla on Carl Thomas’ plane. It was close to sunset as we flew in and, looking down on the island at twilight, I thought of Anguilla as being a rather backward country, undeveloped and rustic.

“What made it even worse, is that electricity went off at our hotel that same night, and I complained to Susan that I felt like heading back home the next morning. I did not really like the experience then, but the next morning when we arose and beheld the charming scenery, and the brilliant sunlight on the ocean, my heart was captured. I wanted to stay, and since then we have endeavoured to come to Anguilla ever so often. We love it here. The people are so friendly, and the peace and quietness is therapeutic.”

But, somewhere along the line of time, the couple became separated, and began to drift apart. Five years later, their love for one another drew them back. They reconnected, took a trip to Anguilla, and re-married in the local courthouse. Throughout the course of their marriage three children were born to their union. Now, fifteen years after their courthouse ceremony, they returned to have their union blessed at St. Andrew Anglican Church.

Susan explains that what inspired them to be blessed at St. Andrew is George’s conversion to a new-found faith. “Up until eighteen months ago,” she said, “George had been an agnostic. He was born as a Jew, but he did not believe in the existence of a sovereign, loving God. I had been quite spiritual and religious, though. I was raised with Christian principles, being the daughter of an English Methodist minister. But when I turned forty, I was motivated to convert to Catholicism.”

“When we retired three years ago,” she reflected, “we found that we had more time on our hands. We would regularly spend a lot of time in Italy when we are not in Anguilla. One day, not long ago, while we were in Italy, George walked into the bedroom and said, ‘You know, I was thinking seriously about the things of life.’ I had just given him a book to read, a few days before. It was a little book written by Pope Francis, and it explained Baptism and the Ten Commandments. George said, ‘ You know, I read this book, and I think I want to be baptised.’ You can just imagine the joy that filled my heart. You could have knocked me over with a feather.”

“So George was soon baptised,” she exclaimed gleefully. “George knew my faith is very important to me, and he realised that his was not important to him, as an agnostic. At the same time when he got baptized, we decided to have our three children baptized as well. Now, since we are all baptised in the Catholic faith, we decided to bless our marriage at St. Andrew Anglican Church — our renewed marriage which was officiated at the courthouse in Anguilla some fifteen years ago.”

George and Susan Gutmans were matrimonially blessed at St. Andrew on Monday, December 27th, 2021. The ceremony was officiated by Canon Simon Reid, and the Gutmans’ children, Felicia, James and Henry, each played an important role in it. The St. Augustine’s Chorale featured in the singing of specially selected songs as a prelude to the renewal of their vows. A sumptuous reception later followed at the exquisite Manoah Resort on Shoal Bay Beach.