For many Anguillians, opening an electricity bill recently has become an unwelcome source of stress. At a time when families are already coping with higher food, fuel and living costs, the sharp increase in electricity bills has left many wondering what is causing the rise.

In response to growing public concern, ANGLEC’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, David Leonce, joined Board Chairman David Carty and Head of Information Technology Alvin Richardson in a press briefing on May 29th 2026 to explain the situation and outline the utility’s plans for the future.

While acknowledging the frustration felt by consumers, ANGLEC officials stressed that the issue extends far beyond Anguilla. Rising electricity costs are being driven largely by increases in global oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions and wider economic uncertainty.

As a small island that relies heavily on imported diesel to generate electricity, Anguilla remains particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the international energy market.

Carty explained that fuel prices have increased dramatically in just a few months – rising from approximately $3.37 per litre in March to more than $5.20 per litre. Since diesel is one of ANGLEC’s largest operating expenses, those increases directly affect the cost of producing electricity.

Unlike larger countries with domestic fuel supplies or more diverse energy sources, Anguilla has limited options when fuel prices surge.

However, officials highlighted the Government of Anguilla’s role in helping to cushion the impact. Both Leonce and Carty described the government’s subsidy as critical in preventing even larger increases for consumers.

I.T. Head Jerry Richardson explained that residential customers currently receive a subsidy of $0.62 per kilowatt-hour on the fuel surcharge. With the surcharge standing at $1.04 per kilowatt-hour, households effectively pay about $0.42. Hotels and villas receive a subsidy of $0.39 per kilowatt-hour, leaving them responsible for roughly $0.65.

According to Richardson, customers whose electricity usage has remained relatively stable should see bills that stay close to previous levels despite the increase in fuel costs.

He also addressed confusion surrounding earlier bills, noting that some customers initially received statements showing the full fuel surcharge before government assistance was applied. ANGLEC is working to improve its billing system so customers can more clearly see both the surcharge and the subsidy on future bills.

A significant portion of the briefing focused on explaining how electricity bills are calculated, an area officials believe is often misunderstood.
Richardson said bills consist of two main components: the base electricity rate and the Fuel Cost Adjustment, commonly known as the fuel surcharge. While the base rate has remained relatively stable at around $0.63 per kilowatt-hour, the fuel surcharge rises and falls depending on fuel prices.

Both charges are multiplied by the amount of electricity consumed. As a result, even with government assistance, households that use more electricity will still see higher bills.
“The subsidy does not eliminate the need to conserve electricity,” Richardson emphasized. “It simply reduces the additional fuel-related cost.”

Although much of the discussion focused on immediate concerns, ANGLEC also outlined what it sees as the long-term solution: reducing Anguilla’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Leonce described renewable energy as essential to creating a more stable, affordable and resilient electricity system. Both he and Carty acknowledged that the transition toward renewable energy should have begun earlier to reduce the island’s exposure to the fuel price volatility now affecting consumers.

Nevertheless, officials said significant progress is now being made.
Central to those plans is a proposed 12-megawatt solar farm paired with battery storage. According to Leonce, environmental, engineering, geotechnical and social impact studies are currently underway and are expected to be completed by late 2026.
Once those assessments are finished, requests for proposals will be issued to engineering and construction firms, with construction potentially beginning in the second quarter of 2027 or earlier – if some stages of the project can overlap.

The solar project is expected to be developed in phases rather than all at once. This means portions of the facility could begin generating electricity before the full 12 megawatts are completed. Once approximately four megawatts are operational, ANGLEC may be able to retire one diesel generator, immediately reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.

The briefing also touched on rooftop solar systems for homes and businesses. While Leonce acknowledged their appeal, he pointed to challenges involving ownership, maintenance, insurance, storm damage and compensation for electricity returned to the grid.

He also raised concerns about fairness. If wealthier households are able to significantly reduce their reliance on the grid through private solar systems, the remaining costs of maintaining power lines, transformers and other infrastructure could fall disproportionately on those less able to afford them.

Officials also emphasized that rising fuel prices affect more than electricity. Carty noted that petroleum products play an important role in agriculture, particularly in fertilizer production, meaning higher oil prices can contribute to rising food costs worldwide. For an island that imports much of its food, this creates another layer of vulnerability.

At the same time, ANGLEC faces financial pressures of its own. Leonce revealed that the utility has absorbed some fuel costs in recent months rather than immediately passing every increase on to customers. However, he cautioned that this approach is not sustainable in the long term.

The company must continue maintaining infrastructure, preparing for storms, investing in renewable energy projects and meeting financial obligations, including loans secured through the Caribbean Development Bank.

Until renewable energy projects begin reducing the island’s reliance on diesel, officials say conservation remains the most effective action consumers can take.

Richardson identified air conditioners, refrigerators and other motor-driven appliances as some of the largest contributors to household electricity use. Small adjustments, such as increasing thermostat settings, turning off unused lights and reducing unnecessary appliance use, can make a noticeable difference in monthly bills.

For now, ANGLEC’s message is one of realism and reassurance. While government subsidies may provide short-term relief, ANGLEC believes the island’s long-term protection lies in reducing its dependence on imported fuel. The conversation is no longer just about electricity but also about affordability, resilience and how Anguilla can build a more secure future in an unpredictable world.

By Janissa Fleming

Why are we still thinking about what’s in (or missing) from our Constitution? Last September, our Premier asserted, “We have to progress with full-fledged constitutional reform. It is interesting because at this same time as well, many of the Overseas Territories are also revisiting their constitutional status and are seeking greater self-internal government. And so too we in Anguilla are along the same path.” [1]
Part of being a constitutional democracy means taking part in democracy! And one of the most elemental forms of democracy is when the People are empowered to have power through initiatives and referenda.

“Self-internal Government”: Putting Bills on Ballots
If you think Anguilla must be independent to exercise “self-internal government” by proposing our own laws or to demand the repeal of enacted laws, think again! None of the US states are independent nations, and yet, “…26 states provide for a statewide initiative process, referendum process, or both. Washington, D.C. also has an initiative and referendum process. These types of ballot measures are known as citizen-initiated ballot measures.” [2]
To propose new laws or amendments to state constitutions, the “initiative process” recognises the collection of citizens’ signatures to petition legislators and governors to allow voters to adopt or reject new statutes – and enact them, often without executive veto privileges.[2]
Many states also allow the People to retain or repeal bills after becoming laws. Thus, a “referendum process” establishes the mechanism for voters’ signatures to “ask voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law” as a ballot measure.[2]

Taking a Stand Standing the Test of Time
Among the US states that allow the People to propose and repeal the laws that govern them, South Dakota happens to have the oldest, as well as the most recent such amendments. Their first was enacted before 1900, and the most recent, some seventy-five years hence.
First proposed in 1897 and adopted in 1898, Article III of the South Dakota Constitution established the powers of a bicameral legislature with a state senate and house of representatives. That is, with the following stipulation, “However, the people expressly reserve to themselves the right to propose measures, which shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the state, and also the right to require that any laws which the Legislature may have enacted shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the state before going into effect, except such laws as may be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, support of the state government and its existing public institutions.” [3]
The latter exception for emergency powers exposes their citizens to capricious, rushed legislation. Nonetheless, it poses an interesting question of whether the right to submit a law to the voters “before going into effect” might not also be afforded to them thereafter.[3]

Self-governance ? with Specific Guardrails
South Dakotan voters can also exercise such rights of self-governance if their numbers reach a threshold. Whereby “Not more than five percent [5%] of the qualified electors of the state shall be required to invoke either the initiative or the referendum.”[3]
Lawmaking powers were also affirmed for lawmakers, as it continued, “This section shall not be construed so as to deprive the Legislature or any member thereof of the right to propose any measure.” However, their constitution restrained the executive from over-riding the People by stipulating, “The veto power of the Executive shall not be exercised as to measures referred to a vote of the people. This section shall apply to municipalities. The enacting clause of all laws approved by vote of the electors of the state shall be: ‘Be it enacted by the people of South Dakota.’” And the state representatives must ensure that the will of the People is followed, concluding, “The Legislature shall make suitable provisions for carrying into effect the provisions of this section.”[3]
This section of their constitution has notably remained a living document. Revisions and amendments have been proposed and rejected or adopted in seven cycles from 1914 to 1988.[3]

Provisions for the People to Amend their Constitution
In addition to the initiative and referenda powers for new laws or to repeal others, Article XXIII of the South Dakota Constitution states that, “Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by initiative or by a majority vote of all members of each house of the Legislature. An amendment proposed by initiative shall require a petition signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least ten percent [10%] of the total votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial election.”[4] Such specifics lay a foundation for constitutional initiatives to be legally binding.
The text continues, “The petition containing the text of the proposed amendment and the names and addresses of its sponsors shall be filed at least one year before the next general election at which the proposed amendment is submitted to the voters. A proposed amendment may amend one or more articles and related subject matter in other articles as necessary to accomplish the objectives of the amendment, however no proposed amendment may embrace more than one subject. If more than one amendment is submitted at the same election, each amendment shall be so prepared and distinguished that it can be voted upon separately.” This section was amended in 1964 and refined through 2018, with the addition of the “single-subject” rule.[4] And a year helps ensure enough time to consult and fully inform the electorate on the issues.

Revision and Ratification
The South Dakota Constitution further provides for a “convention to revise this Constitution” if “called by a three-fourths vote of all the members of each house” – and it may be initiated by the voters. With its members “elected on a nonpolitical ballot in the same districts and in the same number as the house of representatives”. If a majority of members approve amendments or revisions, adoption would require a “special election in a manner to be determined by the convention.” [4]
However, regardless if initiated by a legislator, convention or petition, “Any constitutional amendment or revision must be submitted to the voters and shall become a part of the Constitution only when approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon.”[4] Should 11 members of our review committee have been elected by the People? And, once proposed, should any revisions contemplated by our current government also be put to the People for a vote? – perhaps starting with clauses to enshrine our self-governance rights to propose laws – and repeal them? Our Constitution lacks both.[5]

Referenda, Petitions…and the General Services Tax (GST)
And yet. “A referendum on separating from Saint Kitts and Nevis was held in Anguilla on 11 July 1967…[and] approved by 99.72% of voters.”[6] Imagine if that right to initiate or repeal laws was in our Constitution. The People signed petitions to block the Goods and Services Tax Act of 2021. The last petition was signed by more people than those who approved separation in 1967![7] Instead, the last election was our proxy for a referendum to repeal a repugnant law. In keeping with our most fundamental moment in history, does this unelected review committee have the vision to enshrine our right for a real referendum to finish the job to restore our civil rights and freedom of commerce?

Repeal General Services Tax – and pass a balanced budget bill. Now.
This article reflects issues raised on July 5, 2021, at the House Select Committee on GST Public Hearing.
[1]https://www.caymaniantimes.ky/news/anguilla-mulls-constitutional-reform; [2]https://ballotpedia.org/ States_with_initiative_or_referendum; [3] https://ballotpedia.org/Article_III,_South_Dakota_Constitution;
[4] https://ballotpedia.org/Article_XXIII,_South_Dakota_Constitution; [5] Anguilla Constitution Order 1982; [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_Anguillian_separation_referendum; [7] https://www.caymaniantimes. ky/news/petition-against-new-anguilla-tax.

As Anguilla prepares for the excitement, pride and fierce competition of the Anguilla Day Boat Race on Monday 1st June 2026, one local artist is ensuring that this year’s winning vessel will carry home more than bragging rights.

Renowned shell artist and craftsman Iwassi-I has donated a striking hand-crafted sculpture to be presented to the winner of the Anguilla Day race — a deeply symbolic work carved from wood and local conch shells, celebrating both Anguillian identity and the island’s enduring revolutionary spirit.

The piece, which took considerable time and skill to create, features a wooden map of Anguilla crowned with intricate conch shell artistry. A sailboat, sculpted from polished conch shell, races ahead while a dolphin appears in pursuit, frozen in motion behind it.

“The dolphin is trying to catch up to the boat,” Iwassi explained with a smile during an interview this week. “This goes to show that even a dolphin can’t catch up with the champion.”

The sculpture also incorporates an Anguillian flag crafted from conch shell, tying together sea, culture and national pride into one distinctive creation.
For Iwassi, however, the gift is about far more than artistry. It is an offering from the heart.
“It is for the boat itself, not the captain or the crew. So whoever is the owner of the boat will have this in their home,” he explained.
The respected artist, who has become known for some of the island’s most intricate shell sculptures and handcrafted jewellery, has created more than 150 pieces over the years. His work, often shaped from local seashells and conch, has earned admiration for originality and unmistakably Anguillian character.

Yet despite the value of the piece, Iwassi insisted that profit was never his motivation.

“This would be very expensive if I were to sell it,” he admitted. “But money isn’t everything. I would love to know that I can be a sponsor for whoever wins the race. When I do things like this, I feel happy.”

The Anguilla Day race holds special significance for him because of its connection to the island’s history and the Anguilla Revolution.

What followed was not simply a reflection on history, but a deeply personal account of survival, patriotism and growing up far too quickly.

According to Iwassi, he was only 11 years when he became involved in the Anguilla Revolution – describing himself as the youngest soldier during that period.

“I wanted to fight for my country and for my people,” he recalled.

At the time, his mother was living and working in St. Martin, leaving him largely to fend for himself in Anguilla. He remembers being taught from an early age how to cook, wash and iron — skills that forced him into adulthood long before his years.

He painted vivid memories of evenings during the revolution when neighbourhood children would be called home by their parents as darkness fell across the village. But no voice ever called for him.

Instead, he said he would wait for revolutionary figures, including Charles “Charlie” Fleming and others, to arrive so he could join them.

The memories clearly remain close to him decades later, helping explain why the annual Anguilla Day race is more than just a sporting event in his eyes. For many Anguillians, the races represent national pride and community celebration. For Iwassi, they are also a living reminder of sacrifice, resilience and belonging.

As boats prepare to battle across the waters this Monday, his handcrafted sculpture will stand as a symbol of those same values — local craftsmanship honouring local courage.

And while only one vessel will claim victory, Iwassi said his greatest wish is simply for the races to unfold safely and joyfully for everyone involved.

When one stops to ponder what the significance of Anguilla Day really is, what should come to mind is the cause for which Anguillians were expediently forced to fight against the repressive, domineering “rule” of the pre-1967 St. Kitts regime.

Yes, the belligerent “rule” of the St. Kitts-led government, under the autocracy of the late Robert Lewelyn Bradshaw, had adversely marred the way of life for Anguilla’s people, resulting in unrelenting hardship and a dreary existence for a meek and mild population which, up until the 1960’s, had registered between some 5,000 and 6,000 residents.

Bradshaw’s aggressive rule upon the lowly affairs of this humble, underdeveloped people had caused Anguillians to be aggrieved over many successive years.

At this point, I would like to strike a contrast between the verbs “govern” and “rule”. Although the word “rule” and the word “govern” can be somewhat synonymous, technically, still there is a defining difference between the two. To “govern” implies the act of guiding national interests, administering national services fairly and accountably, and setting up systems that would oversee the functions of government at various levels or segments of society.

On the other hand, the act of “rule” brings to bear an awful, repressive kind of dominance that is, for the most part, self-serving to the ruler and victimizing to the ruled.

In context of the above definitions, it is evident that Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw was a “ruler” and not a “governor”. The many threats that he made against repressed Anguillians who had tried to call his attention to their dreary plight was more than repulsive. Although he had been a hard-core Labour Union president, he had no sense of sympathy for Anguillians’ dilemma. He just ruled with a heavy hand.

Bradshaw had threatened to turn our island into a desert; to put bones in our rice; and to put pepper in our soup – whatever all that meant. He had touted his power by declaring in glaring terms what would be considered today as political crimes against an already destitute people.

To say that Anguilla was taken advantage of by Bradshaw’s oppressive regime is an understatement. Prior to the 1967 Revolution, conditions under which Anguillian residents lived included, but were not limited to: rugged, rocky, dusty roads – a far cry from the paved roads of today; a lack of running water, limited only to a few stand-pipes in the central area of the island, the flow of which was often “on again, off again”.

The only electricity we ever knew was generated by a handful of well-off merchants who owned dilapidated diesel generators for their own domestic use; there were absolutely no communication services by telephone, nor no local radio information service – Anguilla’s only contact with the outer world was via air mail which took several days to reach recipients. Other than that, listening to AM radio broadcasts transmitted from a couple neighbouring islands was our means of contact with the world, a little bit beyond ours.

Our Wall Blake airport was, of course, a very far cry from the modern facility which we are blessed with today. Back then, in the 1960s and 1970s, the airport featured a backwater dirt strip for a runway, with just a small slither of pavement for an apron in front of a primitive terminal house that was no more than 40 by 30 feet.

Anguilla’s only thriving industry in the era of the 1960’s was the production of salt, mainly provided by the Sandy Ground Salt Pond. The salt was reaped manually by the weary hands of men and women, most of whom could not afford the basic conveniences of life. Upon harvesting, the salt was placed in huge heaps and eventually exported to Trinidad by locally built schooners to be used in the petroleum industry there.

For the most part, coming out of a slave society of the earlier eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, where most of the population was forced to work on sugar or cotton plantations, Anguillians in the 1960’s had remained in a state of abject poverty. Many men had to leave the island to migrate to places like the US Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Curacao, Aruba, the USA and the UK for meaningful employment, sending back home whatever subsistence they could to support their families.

Prior to the 1950s and 1960s, however, many young men sailed off to Santo Domingo, transported there by schooners, in order to find employment on sugar cane plantations in order to sustain their families.

But for the most part, Anguillians remained poor and desperate. Most children went to school bare foot, daily treading the stoney, dusty roads. Many of them experienced “crack toes” and other foot wounds due to walking on such rugged paths. As a result, some children spent just as much time at home healing as they spent in school learning.

Because there was no running water, Anguilla’s humble houses were built without bathrooms. Toilet facilities just featured a back yard pit latrine, or, short of that, people would “do their business” in backyard bushes – an unhygienic feature of our ‘ole time’ way of life.

To put it all in perspective, according to the writings of Colville Petty in his book Bless Our Forbears, “During the 1950s and 1960s, Anguilla remained relatively poor and undeveloped. It had a subsistence economy with agriculture – primarily mixed farming – being the largest sector.

“According to the 1960 census,” Petty says, “approximately 41% of the employed labour force was engaged in agriculture compared to 18% in services such as teaching, administration and health. There was 12% of the working class in construction; 12% in sea transportation; 5% in fishing; and another 5% in commerce, which was mainly the wholesale and retail of commodities.

Mr. Petty further noted that a few people were employed in the reaping of salt, during the months of July to September each year, at the Road Pond in Sandy Ground as well as the Long Pond and the West End Pond. He stressed that the 1960 census also showed that some 57% of the total labor force was unemployed.

In general, poverty had characterized the population. Through Bradshaw’s tyrannic rule, Anguilla was deprived of the basics for a decent economy. Bradshaw had engaged local agents who travelled throughout the length and breadth of the island, compelling people to pay the taxes which they hardly had. These were poor folk, indeed, who did not have the means of paying directly into the treasury, and consequently they resented being harassed by the loyal tax collectors.

Whether it was house tax, bicycle license fees, vehicle license fees, liquor license fees, or dog licenses, all had to be paid and funneled into the treasury in St. Kitts.

Then, all the monies which the tax agents gathered would be stacked in a securely locked wooden box and taken to the Forest Bay port under heavy security guard to be transported by boat to St. Kitts, twice every month. Bradshaw would then divide the proceeds between St. Kitts and Nevis and send back a meager pittance to Anguilla. This nominal amount was used for paying civil servants such as teachers, customs officers, nurses, policemen, etc.
An imminent freedom from the oppression of St. Kitts was a longed-for relief for which Anguillians had yearned over many years, but one which they knew not how to pursue. The socio-political and economic stifling that our forefathers endured triggered within them the longing and willingness to be released from the chains of bitter hardship and mundane misery, but they did not possess the ability to fight against Bradshaw’s ruthless regime.

Then came the potential of bringing on more “poverty on distress” (as the older folks put it) when the public learnt that plans were afoot for having Anguilla to actually join with St. Kitts and Nevis to become one associated state which would be known as St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. Bradshaw had set out to pull a neglected Anguilla into submission, and had even devised an anthem song for the “trinity of islands”.

It was not until 1967 when James Ronald Webster rose up with a passionate flare of boldness that Bradshaw noticed how futile his efforts could be. Webster had become a thorn in Bradshaw’s flesh, and Bradshaw for several weeks had been commanding his policemen to capture him and arrest him, but the stealthy Ronald Webster had been evading them all the time.

Webster would be holding strategic meetings with his cohorts and making tactical plans for an overthrow of Bradshaw’s plot, but as far as those Anguilla-stationed Kittitian police were concerned, they could never find him.

Eventually, it suddenly happened. Webster was joined by a large number of Anguilla’s oppressed masses, all declaring with one voice that “enough was enough”. It was May 30th, 1967. This was the opportunity – the moment of truth. The time for deliverance had come – a breakthrough to freedom was here. After all, we had nothing to lose.

That day, Webster, his loyal armed foot-soldiers, and the crowds of Anguillians who rallied behind them initiated a massive rebellion against St. Kitts’ presence in Anguilla – the Kittitian Police Force. The police could not resist as a throng of revolutionists stormed the Police Headquarters in the Valley, and ambushed the policemen, taking them by surprise.

With a fierce and determined resolve, Webster and his allies, now turned militant supporters, compelled the helpless cops to leave Anguilla at once. It was a chaotic Tuesday morning in The Valley in May. Anguilla was about to change – a defining moment in Anguilla’s history.

Anguillians, under the command of James Ronald Webster, had been successful in evicting the St. Kitts police who were rounded up and forced to vacate the island. Two plane loads of aggressive officers, now humbled by Anguilla’s resolute masses, were flown out to St. Kitts by Anguilla’s renowned pioneer pilot, Captain Clayton J. Lloyd, aboard his Piper Aztec aircraft.

As legend would have it, Anguilla had become “the little mouse that roared”. And the world stood to listen. Since that day, Anguilla opted for self determination directly under British governance, void of any political affiliation with St. Kitts or Nevis.

God had seen Anguilla’s dreadful plight, and like the people of Israel, he had heard our plaintive cry over many generations. It was He who had been guiding the plans and strategies that Webster and his men had formulated to launch that notorious attack upon Police Headquarters on that memorable Tuesday morning, May 30, 1967.

The attack upon Police Headquarters was that kind of necessary action taken to mark the bloodless beginning of a Revolution that initiated the course of Anguilla’s freedom, paving the way for our nation’s future development.

May God continue to favour and bless Anguilla, and I wish a Happy Anguilla Day to all.

When three Anguillian sailors stepped aboard Night Shadow in Sorrento, Italy earlier this month, they were not arriving with the polished image or deep-pocketed support systems of the world’s elite sailing teams. They came instead with years of instinct shaped by Caribbean waters, a fierce love for the sea, and the quiet confidence that sailors from a small island could hold their own on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Now, after an exhausting week of offshore racing, towering swells, sleepless nights and tactical battles against some of the most decorated sailors in the world, Kendal Richardson, Cheryl Webster and Thomas Maccow have returned home as world champions.

The Anguillian trio formed part of the Night Shadow Sailing Team, which secured the Class 0 Corinthian Division title at the prestigious ORC World Championship held in Sorrento, Italy from Friday, 8th May 2026 to Thursday, 14th May 2026. The regatta, staged as part of the internationally acclaimed Tre Golfi Sailing Week, attracted professional crews, Olympians and sailors connected to elite circuits.
For Anguilla, however, the victory carried a meaning that stretched far beyond silverware.
“This is our first time being represented at the ORC World Championships,” reflected Webster after the team’s triumph. She told The Anguillian newspaper “It’s about proving that we can compete at this level and that we do deserve to be in these rooms, even if we come from such a small island.”
The championship itself was relentless from the very beginning. The opening race alone covered 150 nautical miles and required crews to sail overnight through unpredictable conditions. Webster admitted that the reality of the challenge only fully settled in once the team arrived in Italy.
For sailors accustomed to Anguilla’s waters, the Mediterranean presented a very different kind of battlefield. Crews battled shifting winds, punishing seas and split-second tactical decisions where a single error could unravel hours of careful racing. Yet even after an imperfect opening race, Night Shadow managed to stay ahead of key rivals and position themselves for a serious championship run.
The days that followed became a test not only of sailing skill, but endurance.
Tuesday’s races proved decisive, with Night Shadow delivering what the crew described as one of their strongest performances of the week. By Wednesday, however, the margins tightened once more during a coastal race around Capri. After an impressive start and strong upwind sailing, costly tactical mistakes later in the race left the overall standings hanging in the balance heading into the final day.

The final races unfolded with powerful winds and 12-foot swells hammering both sailors and vessel. At one stage, the crew lost a gennaker sail overboard while attempting an aggressive manoeuvre. Precious time disappeared as sailors fought to recover the sail from the sea, but remarkably, they still managed to finish ahead of direct competitors.
By the last race, Night Shadow had done enough. Rather than gamble recklessly, the crew focused on bringing the boat home safely and they were officially world champions.
What made the accomplishment especially remarkable was the contrast between Night Shadow and many of the professionally funded operations surrounding them.
“We honestly felt like a ragtag team of sailors because none of us are actual professional sailors,” Webster said. “Meanwhile, most of the boats we’re competing against are professionals who are getting paid to sail and many of them are Olympians.”
While rival teams arrived with extensive technical crews and specialised support staff, Night Shadow often relied on improvisation and teamwork.
That underdog spirit resonates deeply with many back home in Anguilla, where sailing has long been tied less to luxury and more to heritage, craftsmanship and community identity.
“Boat racing is our national sport,” Webster said proudly. “It’s something that we’re extremely passionate about.”
She explained that Anguilla’s sailing culture differs dramatically from the glossy international image often associated with competitive yacht racing.
“The way we sail is very different. We build our own boats. We race heavy wooden boats with huge sails. It’s very grassroots and homegrown.”
For many Anguillian sailors, boats are not simply equipment — they are extensions of family and tradition.
“It’s not just a hobby for us. It’s our culture,” Webster continued.
That culture sparked curiosity throughout the regatta. Webster said race officials even encouraged the Anguillian sailors to proudly fly the island’s flag during the championship.
“It was beautiful,” she said. “People were asking questions about Anguilla and wanting to know more.”
The opportunity for the Anguillian sailors to compete on the world stage was made possible through sponsorship support from Port Nimara developers South West Harbour Inc., along with SF Marina and Equinox Hotels. The sailors also acknowledged the support of the Beaufort Yacht Club and its Anguilla section, with the victory marking the first world title associated with the club.

For Webster, however, one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience has been what it may represent for young people watching from Anguilla.
“I think it’s about the power of saying yes to opportunities.”
Now, after helping capture a world championship title thousands of miles from home, Webster hopes young Anguillians may begin to see sailing differently — not simply as a beloved local pastime, but as a gateway to the wider world.
“When we go into schools and talk to students, they’re amazed,” she said. “They’re like, ‘What do you mean sailing can take you all the way to Italy?’”
In the end, Webster insists the journey was never solely about winning.
“What would make me most proud is knowing that we finished strong, that we competed with ethics and discipline, and that we supported each other,” she said.
Still, she admitted with a laugh that victory carries its own satisfaction.
“It’s nice to bring some ‘hardware’ back to Anguilla.”
And perhaps that is what makes this achievement resonate so strongly across the island. In a championship crowded with global professionals, corporate backing and some of the sport’s biggest names, three sailors from Anguilla quietly reminded the sailing world that heart, resilience and culture can still carry a crew across even the roughest waters.

The sound of spikes striking the track, cheers rolling across the stands, and young athletes pushing themselves to the limit transformed the James Ronald Webster Park into a vibrant stage for Caribbean athletics on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, as the Full Stride Track Club hosted its 4th Annual Brown Bucket Track & Field Invitational.

What began four years ago as an ambitious local meet has steadily grown into one of Anguilla’s most anticipated youth sporting events, drawing athletes from across the region and creating a sporting atmosphere that felt far bigger than the island itself. Competitors from Anguilla, St. Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda and other neighbouring islands filled the park with energy and determination throughout the day, turning every sprint, jump and relay into a display of both talent and pride.

Yet beyond the races, the invitational made sure the spotlight also shone on the figures who helped build the foundation of athletics in Anguilla long before today’s generation stepped onto the track.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Full Stride Track Club President Rosanna Brown, who set the tone for the day, presenting the meet as far more than a competition.

Brown warmly welcomed the visiting teams, noting that their participation reflected “the unifying power of sport and the strong bonds among our Caribbean islands.”
The ceremony notably recognised two individuals whose contributions helped shape Anguillian athletics long before many of the day’s competitors were born – Susan Ione Smith and Rollins Richardson.

Widely regarded as one of Anguilla’s standout athletes of her generation, Ms. Smith’s achievements remain deeply woven into the island’s sporting history. While attending the Valley Secondary School, she emerged as an exceptional high jumper and later broke a record that stood for 17 years with a leap of 1.8 metres at just 17 years old.

In 1983, Smith and fellow athlete Trevor “Ras Bucket” Davis became among the first Anguillians to represent the island internationally at the International Amateur Athletic Federation level, now known as World Athletics, in Helsinki, Finland. The achievement marked a historic breakthrough for Anguillian athletics on the global stage.

She also excelled in softball, volleyball and windball cricket, earning recognition as one of Anguilla’s finest softball shortstops and power hitters.

Although she was unable to attend the ceremony, her son Shane Smith accepted the honour on her behalf.

Rollins Ronaldo Richardson — affectionately known as “RRR” — received recognition for decades of service to sports development in Anguilla as an athlete, coach, educator and administrator.

A certified World Athletics Level 4 coach, Richardson has played a major role in mentoring young athletes and helping many pursue opportunities both in sport and education. His work has extended beyond coaching into sports administration and programme development, helping strengthen the island’s wider sporting structure.

In his acceptance remarks, Richardson thanked organisers for ensuring younger generations understand “who were the pioneers of sports in Anguilla.” He also paid tribute to Susan Ione Smith, describing her distinguished involvement in sports and acknowledging her enduring influence.

The recognition of both honourees served as a reminder that the Brown Bucket Invitational is not only about medals and finishing times, but also about preserving the legacy of Anguillian athletics while inspiring its future. As young competitors prepared nearby for their events, the ceremony created a powerful connection between the pioneers who once carried the island’s sporting hopes and the next generation now stepping onto the track.

That theme of youth development and regional unity continued throughout the morning’s addresses. A representative from Liberty Cooperative Credit Union, the event’s main sponsor for the third consecutive year, praised the invitational for creating opportunities for young people to develop both on and off the field – describing the event as “a celebration of discipline, determination, teamwork, and community spirit.”

Hon. Minister of Sports Cardigan Connor also commended the organisers, coaches, sponsors and volunteers who have helped the Brown Bucket Invitational grow into a sustainable and respected fixture on Anguilla’s sporting calendar. He pointed toward the future, expressing the government’s desire “that in the very near future, we will take you to a stadium that is fit for purpose.”

The President of the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association, Karim Hodge, echoed similar sentiments, praising the dedication shown by organisers over the last four years while encouraging participants to compete with integrity and embrace every event as a learning experience.

Before competition officially began, organisers paused for a moment of silence in memory of Mr. Carlton Pickering Sr. of KCN Television, remembered as one of the island’s most dedicated supporters of local sports coverage.

As the formalities concluded, Mr. Richardson declared the games officially open and within moments, ceremony gave way to action.

Young runners exploded from starting blocks, coaches shouted encouragement from the sidelines, and proud families crowded the stands as the next generation of Caribbean athletes seized their opportunity to compete.

The Brown Bucket Invitational was a reminder that athletics in Anguilla continues to grow through community effort, regional partnership and the determination of young people willing to test themselves on the track.

By Janissa Fleming

For some, Anguilla Day may be just another holiday. A day of parades, awards and relaxation. But to those who understand our history, it is far more than that. Anguilla Day is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the vision of those who fought to ensure the island’s economic and political self-determination. It is a day to honour the past, reflect on the present, and recommit to shaping a prosperous future for our island and its people. Mind you, the prosperity mentioned here is not limited to financial wealth, but extends to an abundance of kindness, care and love for all; those whose navel strings are buried here and those from elsewhere.
As Anguilla approaches its annual celebrations, it is vital for us to reflect on the true foundations of our path to self-determination. Many of us, myself included, were children at the time of the separation from St. Kitts and Nevis. From my childlike perspective, at that time, it seemed simply like a falling out of friends. I had little understanding of the economic realities and frailties that shaped our lives. It has been only in recent times that the deeper implications of what that separation meant became clear to me.

In light of the current global economic challenges, and thinking back to the challenges we faced in Anguilla, I can better appreciate the vision and courage of that revolutionary band. Their cause was not merely political; it was a determined effort to secure economic fairness, ensure local control over our ‘limited’ resources, and chart a sustainable path for Anguilla’s future; a path that continues to influence our journey decades later.
Paying close attention to historical events, one will realise that Anguilla’s separation was driven not by a division of peoples on two opposing islands. Rather, it was driven by a desire for economic fairness and control over the island’s way forward. Oral histories and records recount the frustrations felt by Anguillans who sought to see their island thrive, yet repeatedly faced a system that seemed to prioritise other interests. Earmarked opportunities for developments in Anguilla often failed to reach their intended purpose. The Revolution and the fight for separation were not acts of anger against St. Kitts or its people—but against the systems in place that served to stifle the people of Anguilla.

Even today, the impact of Anguilla’s Revolution is perhaps not fully understood. We celebrate Anguilla Day as a cultural tradition, without fully appreciating the underlying depth of struggle and sacrifice. Yet it is precisely because of the courage, foresight, and determination of those who showed up and fought for fairness and self-determination that we can celebrate the day at all. It is a reminder that our current successes, are not merely a political achievement—it is an ongoing commitment to our welfare, security, and opportunities.

Anguilla Day should serve as a bridge between Anguilla’s past and future. While we honour the struggles and victories of previous generations, we also acknowledge that it isn’t over; there is still work to be done. As Anguilla steadily forges a path toward sustainable growth and navigates economic challenges and opportunities, we should be guided by the lessons of the past, with careful planning, and a keen eye on the future.
This is more than a day of celebration; it is a call to remember that our freedoms, resources, and opportunities were hard-won––even as we celebrate that it was won without bloodshed. It is a day to reflect on our collective responsibility to honour the vision of those who came before us, ensuring that their struggle continues to bear fruit for generations.

For Anguillians, born here and resident here, Anguilla Day is a reminder of resilience, unity, and the ongoing effort to shape our island’s destiny. While we presently remain a British Overseas Territory, this day demonstrates that as a people we can exercise agency, protect our resources, and see a future that reflects our values, needs, and aspirations. It is a celebration of the courage of our ancestors, a reflection on how far we have come, and how far we aim to go. It is a commitment to a future where the island’s resources, opportunities, and the promise to build a new Anguilla, are first and foremost for its people.

By: Kareen Rogers

Mr. Leonce’s arrival to ANGLEC (Anguilla Electricity Company) takes place at a defining period for the company and wider Caribbean energy sector as we face unprecedented volatility that requires strong and transformative leadership. Across the region and internationally, electric utility companies are facing increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure, strengthen sustainability and resilience, through the integration of innovative operations and advancements in renewable energy to better navigate the rapidly evolving energy demands.
A national of St. Lucia, Mr. Leonce is an executive that brings decades of distinguished leadership and experience from across the electric utility industry, supported by a rare multidisciplinary background. His academic qualifications include degrees in Business Administration, Energy and Infrastructure Law, Engineering and Public Policy, and Energy Engineering Technologies. He also holds several internationally recognized certifications including but not limited to engineering, project management, maintenance management, electrical construction, and power-line systems. Throughout his career, Mr. Leonce has held several senior leadership positions including President and CEO of Westario Power Inc. in Ontario, Canada, President and CEO of Saba Electric Company N.V.in the Dutch Caribbean, and CEO/General Manager of Energyze Holdings Inc. in St. Lucia.

As ANGLEC continues advancing its long-term vision for grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and infrastructure development, the company is pleased to announce this appointment which closely follows ANGLEC’s recent renewable energy agreement signing with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a major strategic development expected to support the company’s continued transition toward a more resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future for Anguilla.
“We look forward to Mr. Leonce expertise. He has some major lifting to do and the Board of Directors hope that over the coming years that he will make significant progress on what he has come to us to do, for ANGLEC and Anguilla,” noted Mr. David Carty (ANGLEC Board Chairman).

Organizations throughout the Caribbean, including CARILEC member utilities like ANGLEC, continue emphasizing the importance of future-focused leadership as the region evolves toward greater sustainability, energy security, affordability, digital modernization, and operational resilience. On his first day Mr. Leonce echoed this shift stating, “I want to firstly thank the Board, the Shareholders, Management and Staff for welcoming me to ANGLEC and [to] serve as the CEO of ANGLEC. It is an electric utility I have very much monitored over the years. I recognize the concerns the public has regarding the cost of electricity, and I believe the path forward will require us to remain focused and transparent through our communication as we make strategic investments and carefully plan for the coming years. I am confident that ANGLEC is moving in the right direction and as we look into the future, we must prepare ourselves for all that is ahead.”
ANGLEC now enters the next chapter with a strengthened foundation for strategic growth, technical advancement, and the continued evolution of Anguilla’s energy sector in an increasingly modern and demanding global landscape.

Representing Anguilla with grace, confidence and excellence, Miss Ca’Miyah Hughes delivered an outstanding performance at the Inaugural Miss Caribbean Paradise Beauty Pageant – held on Saturday 16th May 2026 in St. Maarten – securing victories in three of the four judged segments. Her historic accomplishment brought immense pride and celebration to the island as Anguilla claimed the first-ever title in the pageant’s history.

Upon her return on Sunday, 17th May, representatives of the Anguilla Festival’s Development Commission (AFDC) and the Anguilla Summer Festival extended heartfelt congratulations to Miss Hughes and her team for their dedication, hard work and exceptional achievement.

Chief Executive Officer of the AFDC, Ms. Amber Woodley, praised Miss Hughes’ success and reaffirmed the Commission’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people within the creative and cultural industries. Drawing from her own experience in pageantry, Ms. Woodley also encouraged Miss Hughes to continue pursuing excellence in the field, noting that this milestone could mark the beginning of an even brighter future.

Chairman of the Anguilla Summer Festival, Mr. Fitzroy Tomlinson, also congratulated Miss Hughes and acknowledged the strong cultural foundation and support system that contributed to her success.

Chairman of the Anguilla Festivals Development Commission, Mr. Romare Kelsick, likewise extended congratulations to Miss Hughes and her team on behalf of the Commission. He emphasized the AFDC’s commitment to fostering opportunities for young people to grow and excel in the creative and cultural sectors.

Mr. Kelsick further noted that the Commission takes great pride in supporting initiatives that allow young people to showcase their talents, creativity, and artistic expression. He commended Miss Hughes for making history as the inaugural winner of the Little Miss Caribbean Beauty Pageant and for bringing the crown home to Anguilla.

In her remarks, Miss Hughes expressed sincere gratitude to her family and everyone who supported her throughout the journey.

Her achievement stands as a proud moment for Anguilla and serves as an inspiration to other young people across the island to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence. Her success highlights the importance of continued investment in youth development, culture and the performing arts, while further showcasing Anguilla’s talent and excellence on the regional stage.

The word “reserves” appears twice in the Anguilla Constitution Order of 1982. In Section 9, “Her Majesty ‘reserves’ to Herself power, with the advice of Her Privy Council, to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Anguilla”; and it described a Governor’s refusal to assent to a law.

That is, in Section 57, “…he ‘reserves’ the Bill for the signification of Her Majesty’s pleasure…any Bill which appears to him to be in any way repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Constitution…”[1] Repugnant? Inconsistent? The Goods and Services and the General Services Tax acts were repugnant – and inconsistent with expected rights – but “for the purpose of any tax”![1]

“Reserves” in Anguilla…
So, “reserves” refers to wielding power in our Constitution. The word “budget” doesn’t appear at all! By default, it is therefore constitutional in Anguilla to tax the People, take reserves and borrow for anything any government wants to spend without safeguards for the People, or any future generations. Notably, a deficit of EC$73M is anticipated this year, and it may be financed from “reserves” here in Anguilla, at the discretion of the Government for whatever they choose to spend.[2]

“Reserves” in Singapore…
In the Singapore Constitution, “reserves” appears 86 times, and “budget” 59 times.[3] Laws matter. In fact, creating constitutional guardrails to protect the wealth of its People and future generations has helped Singapore achieve financial independence as a tiny island nation. They built a sovereign wealth fund second only to China’s and the UAE, respectively with the second largest population and some of the largest oil reserves in the world.

The Singapore fund is comprised of specific entities, including: the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, Temasek Holdings, and the Central Provident Fund.[4] Imagine. Financial reserves ranked 3rd for a city-state of ~6 million ranked 115th in population and 177th of 197 countries in size, with 277.6 square miles, including inland water![5,6]

Presidential Safeguards…
And accountability is clear. Section 17 states, “There shall be a President of Singapore who shall be the Head of State. … it is also the function of the President to safeguard the reserves of Singapore and the integrity of the Public Services… and…perform this function according to… this Constitution…”[3]

Their President must also guard against contingent liabilities through leadership oversight, whereby “…no appointment to the office of chairman, member or chief executive officer of any statutory board …shall be made by any appointing authority unless the President, acting in his discretion, concurs therewith.” [3] Our Premier is lucky to be “consulted” on such matters in our Constitution.

And, once the boards have been appointed and approved, “The President, acting in his discretion, may refuse to approve any budget or supplementary budget of any such statutory board if, in his opinion, the budget is likely to draw on reserves which were not accumulated by the statutory board during the current term of office of the Government, except that if he approves any such budget notwithstanding his opinion that the budget is likely to so draw on those reserves, the President shall cause his opinion to be published in the Gazette.” [3] What can our Premier do if a statutory body overspends?

Past Reserves: Accumulated Before the Current Term of Office
For routine Government budgets, like our Appropriation Bills, they must prepare and pass a “Supply Bill, providing for the issue from the Consolidated Fund and Development Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified therein.” Budget overruns or new expenditures are likewise addressed as in Anguilla. As such, “supplementary estimates” [or a Supplementary Supply Bill] shall be prepared by the Minister responsible for finance and, when approved by the Cabinet, shall be presented to and voted on by Parliament” [3] – so fiscal discipline is enshrined in their Constitution. Ours has no mention of it.

The law also requires that “a Final Supply Bill containing any such sums which have not yet been included in any Supply Bill” be prepared as soon as practicable after the end of a fiscal year. But. “The Minister responsible for finance shall, in presenting to Parliament any supplementary estimates or statement of excess under clause (2), also present a statement stating whether the supplementary estimates or statement of excess, as the case may be, is likely to draw on the reserves which were not accumulated by the Government during its current term of office.” [3] Past reserves are thus sacred in Singapore.

Transactions, Transparency – and Balanced Budgets
Section 148 further protects the reserves from specific transactions: “It shall be the duty of the Auditor-General and the Accountant-General to inform the President of any proposed transaction by the Government which to their knowledge is likely to draw on the reserves of the Government which were not accumulated by the Government during its current term of office.” [3]

Their Constitution also requires that the President be given any information he requests from any Government ministry, company or statutory board. As with budgets, he must be informed for oversight of transactions – and to inform the Prime Minister and the People by Gazette if he approves spending beyond his term. Likewise, Government companies or boards must use resolutions and Ministerial oversight to account for any transfers between them based on when they were accumulated.[3]

So why all that attention to whether spending exceeds funds accumulated in the current term? Their constitutional framework helps ensure balanced budgets by spending no more than they generate. By protecting reserves, they have protected their People from the humiliation of conditional aid and policy-based loans during the Great Recession, pandemic and more. [7] You know. Like “grants” after Irma?

Forbidden Fiscal Fruit Guarded for Future Generations
Indeed, in Section 142, they specifically safeguard reserves by forbidding access to ”50% of the net investment income of the financial year that is derived from the past reserves of the Government… [which] shall accrete and be deemed to form part of the past reserves of the Government…”[3]

Other fiscal powers and procedures given the supremacy of constitutional clauses also include the management of Contingencies Funds, Parliamentary oversight, Supply (budget) bills, and loan guarantees, further reflecting the discipline that has secured Singapore’s financial independence.

…and the General Services Tax (GST)
Instead, our Constitution has allowed future laws to poison our People. From pernicious powers retained in the General Services Tax Act,[8] which allowed this government to keep its election promise and nothing more, too many keys remain in the locks but for “any law” and “satisfaction of any tax” in our Constitution. Such exceptions have legalised whatever degree of capricious enforcement this or any future Comptroller wishes to inflict to take and spend as much as they please.[1]

So. That law hangs over our People and businesses like a venomous snake dangling from a tree. Now, imagine if our Constitution demanded that our leaders “safeguard the reserves” of Anguilla. An annualised shortfall, notably what they now spend every three weeks, may have never befallen us, nor speciously allowed that demonic law and its serpentine scion to slither through our hallowed House.

Repeal General Services Tax – and pass a balanced budget bill. Now.

This article reflects issues raised on July 5, 2021, at the House Select Committee on GST Public Hearing. [1] Anguilla Constitution Order 1982; [2] 27 April 2026 Letter to LOO, Hon. Premier Richardson Hodge; 3 – The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, 31 Aug 2025; [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_ wealth_funds_by_country;[5] https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/singapore-population/; [6] https://georank.org/size/singapore; [7] Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech at the Debate on the Motion on Public Finances in Parliament on 7 February 2024; [8] General Services Tax Act, 2025.

The morning of Thursday, May 7th, 2026, saw Anguilla’s former Minister of Education and Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers, being admitted to the Bar of Lawyers. The swearing in ceremony took place in the Anguilla Circuit of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, in The Valley.

Making prime application with commendations on behalf of Ms. Kentish-Rogers was her aunt, Attorney Joyce Kentish-Egan, KC. Ms. Kentish-Rogers comes from a pedigree of solicitors. Her great aunt, the renowned late Dame Bernice Lake, QC; her Aunt Joyce Kentish-Egan, KC, and her cousins, Kerith, Kendrickson, and Nakishma, have all made their mark in the legal arena, making her a third generation solicitor. What’s more, her dad, Kenth Rogers, who resides in the Virgin Islands, is himself also a lawyer.

In petitioning the Honourable Justice Raulston Glasgow regarding Attorney Kentish-Rogers’ qualities and qualifications, Attorney Kentish-Egan testified in part: “This application is supported by the affidavit of the applicant, Dee-Ann Kendra Kentish-Rogers, who is over the age of twenty-one.

“She is a British citizen and a belonger of Anguilla, and here I hold exhibits that support that fact… She has earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Birmingham, as well as a certificate which evidences her call to the Bar in England and Whales by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.

“There is evidence that following her call to the Bar in England, she returned home to Anguilla, the place of her birth, and she did an aggregate of six months pupilage under your humble servant. During that period of time I can certify that she demonstrated the acumen, capacity and dedication to deal with the tasks that were assigned to her.

“Having taken a detour into public service; on May 26, 2025 she returned to the Chambers of Joyce Kentish and Associates and did a further pupilage under her cousin, Kerith Kentish.”

She continued: “I can say that the applicant is a person of good character, she has paid into the treasury, she has not been required to pay any fines, she has no convictions, and a copy of her Police Certificate is evidence of that…Her application is further supported by an Affidavit of Identity submitted by Senior at the Bar, Ms. Yvette Wallace.”

Attorney Kerith Kentish, the applicant’s cousin, also commended her to the Honourable Justice Glasgow. “Your Lord, I respectfully rise to present this application before this Honourable Court on behalf of my cousin, Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, to be admitted as a barrister/solicitor in the Anguilla Circuit of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

“Your Lord, I do so with enormous pride and confidence and a profound sense of personal joy. I am here today not only as Council Kerith Kentish, but as Dee-Ann’s cousin, and truthfully one of the first sisters I have had in this life of forty years.

“I have known her all my life, Your Lord. I have known her in childhood; in mischief; in triumph and in disappointment; in public life; in private life; and most recently in her pupilage. I have had the privilege from May 26th, 2025 until now of helping to guide her formal entry into this noble profession…

“Dee-Ann was a member of the Literary Debating Society while attending the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. She joined early, she excelled, and she represented Anguilla with distinction throughout the Leeward Islands. She was adjudged the Best Speaker in Tortola in 2011, and led the Anguilla team to victory in 2012 while being the President of that Society…

“She was raised in a family of lawyers, and indeed she was much closer to the law that I ever was… Dee-Ann was born on January 13th 1993, and by August of that same year, there was already a playpen for her in her mother’s office at Lake & Kentish Chambers in The Quarter. Dee-Ann’s day-care was in chambers; her after-school programme was in chambers; her playground was in chambers; the lawyers and staff at Lake & Kentish all played a role in raising her…My Lord, it is therefore fair to say that Dee-Ann was raised by the profession itself.”

Mr. Kentish also outlined Dee-Ann’s qualifications relative to her Specialist Mediation training and her Bachelors Degree which she attained from her schooling in the UK, as well as her achievement in making history in 2018 as the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Great Britain.

Words of commendation and congratulations were also extended to Dee-Ann from another cousin of the legal cloth in Antigua, who made a brief address via video feed. Kendrickson Kentish, KC, also spoke to how Dee-Ann had grown up, naturally, within the law.

In responding, His Lordship Justice Glasgow accepted the application and then invited Attorney Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers to come before him to take the oath. With the Holy Bible lifted in her right hand, she swore: “I, Dee-Ann Kendra Kentish-Rogers, make oath and say that that I will well and faithfully demean myself in the performance of my duties as a barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Anguilla Circuit to the best of my ability and knowledge, so help me God.”

Following the oath, Ms. Kentish-Rogers was fitted with the Barrister’s Robe by her Cousin Kerith Kentish. A special welcome and acceptance speech was delivered by President of the Bar Association, Ms. Merline Barrett. Many of her colleagues rose to offer sentimental remarks and congratulations for Ms. Kentish-Rogers joining the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Anguilla Circuit.
By: James R. Harrigan

When most people think about sport in Anguilla, baseball is rarely the first thing that comes to mind.

Cricket still carries deep roots across the island. Football dominates schoolyards and community fields. Basketball, netball and volleyball all command loyal followings of their own. Yet somewhere between those established sporting traditions, another game has quietly managed to carve out space for itself over the years — not as a passing novelty, but as a sport steadily building its own identity within Anguilla.

And perhaps the most interesting part is this: baseball in Anguilla no longer feels like an outsider sport.

For years, the game has largely been associated with the Dominican Republic community, and understandably so. In the Dominican Republic, baseball is not merely entertainment; it is culture, ambition and national pride rolled into one. Children grow up with bats in their hands the same way many Caribbean children grow up with footballs or cricket bats. Across towns and villages, makeshift baseball diamonds are as common as corner shops, and dreams of reaching Major League Baseball are shared openly among young players.

The Dominican Republic’s influence on the sport globally is undeniable. Despite its relatively small size, the country has produced hundreds of Major League Baseball players and some of the sport’s biggest international stars. Baseball there is woven into daily life, and for many families, the sport represents opportunity as much as recreation.

That passion naturally travelled with Dominican communities abroad, including those living in Anguilla. In many ways, they helped lay the groundwork for baseball’s continued presence on the island long before wider interest began to grow.

But what feels different now is that baseball in Anguilla is beginning to move beyond being seen as “the Dominican sport”.

More young Anguillians are being introduced to the game through organised programmes, camps and training sessions. In particular, the Anguilla Little League, headed by Lyndon Webster, has played a major role in that development, creating opportunities for children to learn the sport in a more structured environment while encouraging discipline, teamwork and confidence.

At the same time, the Department of Sports has also become increasingly involved through baseball camps and youth activities designed to expose more children to the game. That level of institutional support matters. It signals that baseball is no longer existing solely through community passion and volunteerism, but is slowly becoming part of the island’s wider sporting conversation.

International support has further strengthened those efforts. As previously reported, individuals and organisations from the United States have donated gloves, bats, balls, uniforms and other equipment to young players in Anguilla. Coaches and trainers have also travelled to the island to help conduct training sessions and skill development programmes.

In many respects, Anguilla’s baseball story mirrors the wider Caribbean experience. While the sport may be viewed internationally as distinctly American, some of the world’s greatest baseball cultures are found throughout the Caribbean basin. Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and, of course, the Dominican Republic have all produced generations of elite players who transformed the sport internationally.

So perhaps the bigger question is not whether baseball belongs in Anguilla. But rather, why the idea may still feel surprising to some people.

Anguilla has already proven that international sporting success is possible despite the island’s small population. Zharnel Hughes became one of Britain’s premier sprinters on the Olympic and world stage, while Shara Proctor competed at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and Omari Banks played Test cricket among others.

Decades ago, the idea of athletes from a small island like Anguilla competing among the world’s elite may have seemed unlikely to many people as well. Today, it is reality.
That same possibility now quietly exists within baseball.

No one can say whether Anguilla will eventually produce a professional baseball player or even a Major League prospect. But the infrastructure, exposure and interest now developing around the sport suggest that such a dream no longer feels impossible.

And if an Anguillian player one day walks onto a professional baseball field in the United States wearing the flag of Anguilla somewhere close to his heart — it will not be a sudden miracle story. It will be the result of years of quiet groundwork laid by communities, volunteers, coaches, overseas supporters and young players willing to embrace a sport that once existed largely on the margins of the island’s sporting culture.

Baseball may never overtake cricket or football in Anguilla. But it is possibly doing something meaningful – steadily creating a place of its own.

By Janissa Fleming

The sounds of heritage, memory and island pride filled the Anguilla Public Library on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, as the Malliouhana Poetry Competition returned with one of its most emotionally resonant themes yet — “Salt In De Blood”.
What unfolded over the course of the evening was far more than a competition. It became a vivid celebration of Anguillian identity, where poetry met performance, generations shared the same stage, and the island’s relationship with the sea rose to the forefront in moving, powerful and deeply personal ways.
The event, chaired by Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, drew an audience that included Her Excellency Governor Julia Crouch, Permanent Secretary Bonnie Richardson-Lake, educators, poets, cultural advocates and families eager to witness the island’s literary talent come alive.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Fleming-Banks reflected on the journey of the Malliouhana Poetry Competition since its launch in 2007, noting that its mission has always been rooted in literacy, artistic expression and social, cultural and political awareness.

Over nearly two decades, the competition has received more than 900 submissions from poets across all age groups, with many participants later going on to publish their own work.

This year’s theme, however, struck a particularly deep chord.

A total of 82 entries were submitted this year, including 66 “Poetry on the Page” pieces and 16 spoken word performances. Particularly notable was the strong participation from Anguilla’s youth, with teenagers accounting for the largest number of submissions.
As the spoken word segment began, it quickly became clear why the theme resonated so strongly. The performances carried the rhythm of waves, the strain of migration, the energy of Summer Festival, the danger of the sea and the fierce pride of belonging to a small island shaped by resilience.

The junior performers brought warmth, humour and striking confidence to the stage.

Nevaiya Simpson’s winning performance, “Up De Road”, painted a lively and affectionate portrait of village life through scenes familiar to many Anguillians — children heading to school, basketball games in the yard, music drifting through neighbourhoods and the everyday personalities that define community life. Delivered with charm and natural storytelling ability, the poem transformed ordinary moments into treasured snapshots of home.

Arudra Bharrat’s “Anguilla Boat Racing: From Survival to Summer Festival” offered a spirited tribute to one of the island’s most beloved traditions. The performance traced the evolution of boat racing from a means of survival after the decline of the sugar industry into the centrepiece of national celebration. Rich with imagery of sails cutting through rough waters, daring manoeuvres and cheering crowds following races by land and sea, the poem captured both the danger and exhilaration of the sport.

Timyia Carter’s “Salty Summer” brought colour and festivity to the evening, celebrating the joy of Anguilla’s carnival season through images of dancing, flags, sunshine and togetherness. Beneath its celebratory tone was a deeper message — that cultural identity is rooted not only in place, but in shared experiences and traditions passed from one generation to the next.

The teen category elevated the emotional intensity of the evening.

Uniqua Romney-Dupigny’s winning piece, “My Blood”, delivered one of the night’s most commanding performances. Through references to ancestry, migration, hurricanes and endurance, the poem explored “salt in de blood” as both inherited pain and inherited strength. Her delivery moved seamlessly between tenderness and defiance, presenting identity as something impossible to erase, regardless of distance or hardship.

Sakura Davis, who placed second with “Shaped By Salt”, reflected on growing up beside the sea and learning life lessons through its rhythms. Boat racing became a metaphor for discipline, teamwork and perseverance, while the ocean itself emerged as a silent teacher shaping character and values.
Cattleya Charles’ “A Sanctuary Beneath the Pulse” took on an almost spiritual tone, portraying the sea as something living within the body itself — ancient, constant and essential to survival. The performance carried a quiet intensity that lingered long after the applause faded.

The adult category delivered some of the evening’s most layered and emotionally charged performances.

Rosanna Browne claimed first place with “Tide Talk”, a stirring reflection on Anguilla’s maritime history and collective memory. Her poem honoured the fishermen who ventured out to sea, the women who waited anxiously on shore, and the generations shaped by hardship, migration and survival. Through repeated calls to remember, Browne transformed the sea into both witness and storyteller, reminding listeners that “salt in de blood” contains loss as much as pride.

Sharleen Gumbs’ nostalgic “Chiren Uh De 70s” drew warm laughter and reminiscing from the audience as it revisited the discipline, church-going routines, outdoor games and strong community values of 1970s Anguilla. The poem celebrated a generation raised with modest means but enduring resilience.

Cassilda Thomas-Brookes’ “Born of the Sea”, dedicated to the Fabian brothers of Island Harbour, honoured the fishermen whose lives are inseparable from the ocean. The performance portrayed the sea as both livelihood and danger, paying tribute to quiet acts of bravery carried out far from public recognition.

Additional performances in the adults category by Jonisha Johnson, Nashaine Johnson, James Harrigan and Joseph Ivor Hodge further expanded the evening’s exploration of identity, survival, faith and community. Their poems moved between humour, social commentary, spiritual reflection and historical remembrance, collectively forming a mosaic of Anguillian life.

Yet one of the evening’s most moving moments came not through competition, but through tribute.

This year’s Culture Bearer honour was presented to Edwin “Ed” Carty of Sandy Ground — fisherman, boat racing pioneer and cultural stalwart — whose life was described as the embodiment of the theme “Salt In De Blood”.

Mr. David Carty reflected on the deep connection between the sea and Anguillian identity, describing Edwin Carty as a man forged by maritime tradition, leadership and courage.
He recounted the influence of Ed’s father, William Elliot Carty, remembered as a legendary sailor and builder of the famous racing boat ‘Wins All’. Stories of schooners, daring races and hard-earned respect brought a wave of nostalgia across the room, especially among those who remembered the golden era of Anguilla’s boat racing culture.
But beyond racing victories and maritime accomplishments, Edwin Carty was honoured for the values he carried — leadership, discipline, faith, commitment to family and dedication to preserving cultural traditions.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake underscored that point during her remarks, describing Carty as “the very spirit of this year’s theme”.

“Culture is not only preserved in books or museums,” she said. “It’s preserved in people.”
She also reflected on the meaning of the sea to Anguillians, describing it as provider, teacher, test of courage and source of identity.

“The salt in our blood is the memory of fishermen at dawn, it’s the rhythm of boat racing, it’s the courage of our ancestors,” she stated. “It’s the taste of home.”

At the close of the evening, certificates of participation were presented to all competitors before winners across both categories received plaques, cash prizes, dining vouchers and hotel stays sponsored by local businesses and partners.
Alongside the aforementioned winners of the Performance Round were Timyia Carter, Uniqua Romney-Dupigny and Vanessa Croft, who won in the Junior, Teen and Adult categories of the Poetry on the Page segment respectively.

As the audience filtered out of the library at the close of the evening, the atmosphere remained steeped in reflection and pride. For one night, poetry became more than performance; it became memory, tribute and a living testimony to “Salt In De Blood”.

By Janissa Fleming

On Wednesday, 29th April 2026, the Art Room at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) Quarter Campus shed its familiar identity as a classroom and quietly transformed into something far more ambitious. Walls once lined with reference charts and works-in-progress became a gallery of colour, texture and story. “Imagination Unfiltered”, presented by the ALHCS Visual Arts Department and curated by Canita Ruan, did more than display student artwork. It opened a window into the creative minds of Anguilla’s emerging young artists at a pivotal stage in their lives.

The exhibition centred on Form 3 students — an age group often caught between childhood expression and serious academic decision-making. For many, this is the year subjects are weighed carefully, passions are questioned, and futures begin to take shape. By placing their work in a public setting, the showcase made a clear that creativity is not an extracurricular afterthought. It is a discipline, a skill, and potentially, a calling.

The title, “Imagination Unfiltered”, was deliberate. These were not pieces produced solely to satisfy examination criteria or polished into safe conformity. Instead, they revealed raw experimentation and bold personal choices. Visitors stepping into the room encountered textile pieces that pulsed with colour and cultural resonance — fabric transformed into storytelling surfaces through batik, stencil work and printmaking.

Textile design served as the exhibition’s foundation, pushing students beyond sketchbooks and into tactile creation. Batik techniques involving wax-resist dyeing allowed them to explore how colour seeps, resists and reveals. Designs did not remain theoretical; they evolved into tangible objects — table mats, decorative pillows and wall hangings — bridging the gap between art and function. In a Caribbean society where craft, Carnival, fashion and interior design intersect so vividly, the relevance was unmistakable.

Stencil work introduced another layer of discipline and invention. Students conceptualised and cut their own stencils before transferring repeating motifs onto fabric, experimenting with symmetry and layering. Meanwhile, linoleum carving demanded patience and precision. Etching designs into linoleum blocks, inking them carefully and pressing them onto fabric and paper required technical control.
For Ms. Canita Ruan, the exhibition was never intended to be a routine school display. Created as part of her degree practicum, it was designed to fill a gap she recognised within the school experience. Many students, she observed, rarely have opportunities to present their work publicly unless they actively seek them out. “Imagination Unfiltered” changed that dynamic by creating an accessible, supportive platform where their efforts were not only seen but validated.

Form 3 is a transitional year, and by showcasing work at this stage, students are invited to see their abilities differently. The confidence that comes from seeing one’s art displayed can shift how a young person views their own potential. Already, several students have expressed interest in continuing art at the CSEC level.
Yet the decision to pursue art is rarely straightforward. Persistent misconceptions that art offers limited career prospects or lacks stability still linger. But in a region where Carnival costume design, cultural festivals and creative entrepreneurship are woven into the social fabric, the possibilities are closer to home than many realise.
Ruan’s own journey reinforces that broader vision. Now having completed her fourth and final year as an art student at Valdosta State University in Georgia, United States, she is set to graduate on 9th May 2026. Her exposure to disciplines including metalwork, woodwork, screen printing, photography and life drawing has expanded her understanding of art’s scope. That breadth now informs her teaching philosophy in Anguilla — one rooted in exploration rather than limitation.
Teaching, in her view, extends beyond technique. It involves dismantling self-doubt and reshaping perceptions about what is possible. Students are encouraged not to see art as something to abandon once examinations conclude, but as a skill to refine and carry forward.
These Form 3 students are part of a generation growing up in a rapidly evolving cultural and economic landscape. Creative industries — from digital design to fashion and event production — are expanding globally. If nurtured intentionally, local talent can participate meaningfully in that growth. By investing in young artists at this formative stage, the ALHCS Visual Arts Department is not simply hosting an exhibition. It is shaping confidence, broadening horizons, and planting seeds for a more creatively empowered Anguilla.

By Janissa Fleming

The National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA) held its tenth anniversary corporate dinner at the elegant DaVida’s Restaurant in Crocus Bay on the evening of Saturday, April 25th.

The occasion, dubbed “The Decade: A Corporate Affair”, was attended by white-attired guests, representing a cross-section of Anguilla’s corporate community; the Honourable Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge; Her Excellency the Governor Julia Crouch; Government officials; stakeholders in business; staff and officers of the Bank itself; and former Premier Victor F Banks among others. The Mistress of Ceremony was the Director of Radio Anguilla, Ms. Farrah Banks.

The event was opened by a passionate prayer offered by the Bank’s Executive Assistant to the CEO, Ms. Karen Hodge. She thanked God for the foresight, courage and perseverance of those who laid the foundation of the institution, and for the leaders who had guided it through its seasons of growth. She also gave thanks for the members of the dedicated staff who had contributed to the Bank’s strength and reputation.

Warm welcome remarks were delivered by Executive Manager of Banking Services, Ms. Marisa Gumbs. Former CEO and current Chairlady of the Board, Mrs. Sharmaine Vaughan, delivered cordial remarks. As CEO, Mrs. Vaughan had served in quite an instrumental capacity during the Bank’s formative years.

“Today, NCBA is a strong, stable and highly performing financial institution,” Mrs. Vaughan declared. “We are the leading bank in Anguilla and in the Eastern Caribbean.” Referring to NCBA’s quality of transformation, she stated: “Today, we operate with strong liquidity, sound capital, improving asset quality and a clearly defined strategy for sustainable growth.”

She remarked that no institution can achieve this level of transformation alone. “This institution was built upon the shoulders of many, and so we pause to recognize and honor those who laid the foundation for the success that we celebrate today.”

She then acknowledged the work of the several past directors. She also commended the Bank’s past Secretary, Mr. Alex Richardson, who had faithfully served over the past ten years. In addition, she paid due recognition to past Chairmen Mr. Colville Petty and Mr. Carl Harrigan, as well as Vice-Chairman, Jeff Scott. “We thank you all for your stewardship, your courage and your leadership during the defining moments in our institution’s history,” she affirmed.

“To our management and staff, both past and present, you are the engine of NCBA. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence, particularly during the challenging years, have brought us to this moment of celebration…”

“But as we celebrate, we also reflect on our inadequacies,” Mrs. Vaughn admitted. “We know there are certain areas that we must improve on, particularly in the area of service delivery. As your current Chairlady of the Board, I make this commitment to our customers. We hear you; we see you; and we will deliver.”

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean’s Central Bank (ECCB), Mr. Timothy Antoine was on hand to give congratulatory remarks and to highlight certain aspects of the bank’s development and history.

“In 2016 when I first came to Anguilla, it was to assess the conditions under which the two indigenous banks, National Bank of Anguilla (NBA) and Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) had collapsed and to try to formulate a solution. I recognized that good sense must prevail, and together, with the Government of Anguilla, the ECCB worked assiduously and relentlessly to execute the resolution.”

He stressed that crafting the creation of NCBA out of the demise of NBA and CCB was not an easy task. He noted that one of the key concerns after the formation of NCBA was to encourage Anguillians to embrace the newly modified bank, since it was the people’s bank, and it would only succeed if Anguillians rallied behind it. “Tonight, the jury is in,” Governor Antoine determined. “Anguilla has rallied behind NCBA.”

“Standing here, ten years later, I am immensely gratified by this outcome,” he said. “As a man of faith, in those early, trying days, I drew strength from a portion of Scripture found in Romans 12:12, which says: ‘Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction; faithful in prayer.’”

He characterized NCBA by three principles that have spelt its success, and he took time to elaborate on them: 1 – NCBA is a product of decisive leadership and strong partnership; 2 – NCBA has become a pillar of stability and national development for the people of Anguilla, evolving from bridge-bank to a billion dollar bank; and 3 – NCBA must see the next decade as one of transformation, innovation, strong governance and enhanced development impact.

Governor Antoine commended Anguilla’s Premier of that era: “It was Premier Victor Banks who provided decisive leadership at the moment of NCBA’s creation. Let us now applaud him,” he said.
In the same vein the Governor recognized the contributions made to NCBA by former Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, who demonstrated great support for the institution. “He too must be applauded,” he said. And, of course, he acknowledged the service of the current Premier, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge who is leading NCBA into its second decade.

In addition, Governor Antoine singled out the long-standing service of Mr. Aiden Harrigan who served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance throughout the bank’s creation process. “I want to recognize his yeoman’s service,” he said. “So, Aiden, take a bow!” Governor Antoine acknowledged Mr. Harrigan for his role in contributing to the Bank’s buoyancy. Mr. Harrigan is a former Board Member of the ECCB as well as a current Board Member of NCBA.

Overall, Governor Antoine expressed his satisfaction and approval with NCBA’s operations: “NCBA is a trusted institution,” he stressed, “owned by the people of Anguilla, through the Government of Anguilla as the sole shareholder, holding the Bank in trust for the people of Anguilla. NCBA supports households and businesses all across Anguilla. This success belongs in no small measure to you, the people of Anguilla. Your trust made NCBA possible, and the Central Bank is pleased with your Bank’s progress.”

The Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge also gave remarks. “I am both humbled and proud to stand before you, not only as Premier and Minister of Finance, but also as a former Minister of Government in 2016, when the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla was born from the vestiges of the National Bank of Anguilla and the Caribbean Commercial Bank…”

She reflected on how the weight of making the decision to create a new bank from the two collapsed banks laid heavily on the shoulders of the then Premier, Victor Franklin Banks, who shed many tears during the frustrating process.

In a somber yet emotional tone, the Premier reflected: “I don’t think any of us can appreciate the heavy weight that Mr. Banks carried. He felt the need to protect depositors’ accounts, preserve livelihoods, and to ensure stability in the banking sector. He felt the cost of implementing a resolution that might or might not have been successful and he felt the desire to ensure the continued existence of an indigenous Anguillian bank.”

The Premier invited all the guests present to resoundingly applaud Mr. Banks for his leadership and decisiveness during that difficult period of NCBA’s creation.

In retrospect, the Premier remarked that NCBA’s success was primarily due to the will of the people who worked hard to achieve the mission. “What made this institution truly special are its people,” she said. “The dedicated staff, the prudent leadership of its Board, and the trust placed in the Bank by its customers had all been essential to its success. So, this anniversary is as much a celebration of you, the people, as it is of the institution itself.”

Also speaking at the event were previous directors Ms. Marissa Harding-Hodge, and Ian Chinapoo who spoke via video feed. Interim CEO, Mr. Jerrick Evangelista presented an extensive report of the Bank’s financial standing. One spectacular feature of the night was the sterling rendition of Etta James’ “At Last” sung by Senior Credit Officer, Shyrone Hughes-James. This was followed by special presentations, and the Vote of Thanks by Director, Twana Duncan-Van Heyningen.

By: James R. Harrigan

The conversation around money in Anguilla is an ever present one and on Friday, 24th April 2026, it pressed on further when the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA) hosted its Family and Finance Panel event, part of the institution’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. What unfolded was not just a discussion about dollars and cents, but a thoughtful, deeply relevant exploration of how families can secure their futures in an increasingly complex world.

The panel brought together a mix of professional voices and lived experience, featuring Dr. Justin Ram, Keesha Fleming-Lake, Thomas Astaphan K.C., Tonae Simpson-Whyte and Sharmaine Vaughan. Together, they tackled issues many Anguillian families quietly grapple with — how to balance household needs with business ambitions, how to navigate legal and financial obligations, and how to build something sustainable across generations. The concept of a “Family Finance Makeover” framed the session, inviting attendees to rethink not only how they manage money, but how they plan their lives.

Central to the evening was a compelling presentation by Dr. Justin Ram titled “Why Family Financial Planning Matters.” Rather than approaching finance as something to be addressed only when challenges arise, Dr. Ram urged a more holistic and forward-thinking perspective. He introduced what he described as a “lifecycle approach to financial planning,” a framework that follows a family’s journey from before a child is even born through to end-of-life considerations.

“It is one family, but there are multiple timelines competing for financial priorities,” Dr. Ram explained, capturing a reality familiar to many households. In a single family, there may be parents striving for career advancement, children preparing for university, and elderly relatives requiring care all at once. This overlapping of responsibilities, he suggested, makes financial planning not just important, but essential.

Dr. Ram described a financial plan as “a roadmap that connects resources, goals, and timelines across generations.”

Preparation cannot be postponed. “The time for preparing for emergencies is not when the emergency happens,” he said, a reminder that proactive planning is the difference between resilience and crisis. Yet, he also emphasised that financial stability is not solely about survival. Families must leave room to “enjoy life,” recognising that well-being includes both security and quality of living.

Beginning at the earliest stage of life, Dr. Ram pointed out that financial decisions start even before a child is born. From prenatal care to health insurance coverage, prospective parents must assess their readiness not just emotionally, but financially. Once a child arrives, expenses quickly multiply. Childcare, nutrition, education, and healthcare are not one-off costs, but ongoing commitments that require careful planning and discipline.

As children grow, the financial demands grow along with them. Adolescence, in particular, brings a sharp increase in expenditure, especially around education. Dr. Ram shared a humorous yet relatable anecdote about receiving messages from his children abroad, noting that they often signal more than a simple greeting. “It is not just ‘daddy, how you’re doing,’” he joked, “but ‘daddy, I need this.’” Beneath the humour lies a serious truth: education represents one of the most significant financial investments families will make, often peaking before young people begin earning their own income.

He stressed that preparing children for independence is just as important as funding their education. Encouraging savings habits early, he noted, can shape how young adults approach major milestones such as purchasing their first home.

That transition into adulthood, however, brings its own uncertainties. Dr. Ram recounted a conversation with his daughter, who questioned whether her generation would ever achieve full financial independence. It is a concern that resonates with many young people navigating rising living costs and evolving career paths. But, according to Dr. Ram, the answer lies in discipline — managing spending, avoiding “lifestyle inflation,” and investing early.

For those entering the stage of building their own families, the pressure can be at its highest. Mortgages, vehicles, children’s education, and daily expenses converge, often creating a financial balancing act. Dr. Ram described this period as one where “multiple obligations converge,” making it crucial to increase savings, diversify investments, and maintain adequate insurance coverage.

As life progresses towards retirement, priorities shift once again. The focus turns to risk management — reducing debt, planning for healthcare, and safeguarding assets. Retirement itself also introduces a new challenge: sustaining income rather than generating it. Managing savings wisely becomes essential, ensuring that individuals can maintain their lifestyle without exhausting their resources. Yet even here, Dr. Ram encouraged a balanced approach, urging retirees to plan for travel, hobbies, and the freedom to experience life after decades of work.

Perhaps the most sobering part of the discussion centred on end-of-life planning, a topic often avoided but deeply consequential. Dr. Ram spoke candidly about the difficulties families face when loved ones leave behind unclear financial arrangements. Without proper planning, relatives may encounter legal complications, delays, and emotional strain. He emphasised the importance of wills, clear asset distribution, and practical strategies to ease transitions. “Planning reduces financial and emotional stress for survivors,” he said, offering both a warning and a call to action.

In closing, Dr. Ram urged attendees to align each stage of life with appropriate financial tools—from savings accounts and insurance policies to investments and mortgages. He encouraged especially younger generations to take an active interest in investing, advising them to “start earlier rather than later” and to explore opportunities beyond their immediate environment.

Planning is not a single act, but a continuous process. Financial stability is not built overnight, but with intention, foresight, and a willingness to have conversations that matter.

The conversation now turns to the delicate act of balancing family, business and financial goals — an issue many Anguillians know all too well. In the next instalment, panellists unpack the realities of managing enterprises while maintaining stable households.

By Janissa Fleming

As we reached the final sections of the 1982 Anguilla Constitution Order, while some might question what was included, other constitutions may reveal omissions or clarifications to strengthen our democracy. Of note is the concept of supremacy, which has been heralded as a hallmark of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996).[1] In its Founding Provisions, it states, “This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic; law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled.”[2] The words are clear: “is” and “must” are not equivocal.

Constitutional “Supremacy” for Anguilla – Except for “Any law”?
The supremacy of the Anguilla Constitution Order is implied by the monarch’s ultimate power “as to the interpretation of this Constitution” in any civil or criminal proceedings, which would logically include any claims of inconsistencies. The supremacy of the Anguilla Constitution is also implied as an “Order” by “Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council”; whereas other powers are derived from the Order, including those of the Governor and Assembly to pass “any law” under its auspices. [3]

That said, “any law” is mentioned repeatedly in reference to how future laws could present conditional changes to our Constitution, once passed.[3] As such, while supremacy may have been intended, the language is frequently vague and would require extraordinary resources and luck to challenge the constitutionality of any law.

Constitutional “Supremacy” in South Africa – Except for Section 36?
Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution establishes human rights and begins, “This Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom…The state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights.”[2]

The “Application” section continues, “The Bill of Rights applies to all law, and binds the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and all organs of state…” But. Too good to be true? It continued, “The rights in the Bill of Rights are subject to the limitations contained or referred to in Section 36, or elsewhere in the Bill.”[2] Before reading Section 36, let’s look at some of the rights they included.

Progressive Protection of Human Rights
The South African government describes its Constitution as, “…one of the most progressive in the world and enjoys high acclaim internationally. Human rights are given clear prominence in the Constitution [and it]…is the supreme law of the land. No other law or government action can supersede the provisions of the Constitution.”[1] Many of the “freedoms” in the Anguilla Constitution are consistent with those in South Africa; however, the latter articulates more rights with seemingly more clarity.

Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
Similarities with our Constitution include “equal protection and benefit of the law.” While ours cites “race, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed, or sex,”[3,4] their additional exclusions forbidding state discrimination include “pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin,… sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.”[2]
Other examples of South African rights that may be implied but not enshrined in the Anguilla Constitution include: … “bodily and psychological integrity, which includes the right ¬to make decisions concerning reproduction; to security in and control over their body; and not to be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without their informed consent.”[2]

And “…Everyone has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have their person or home searched; their property searched; their possessions seized; or the privacy of their communications infringed.”[2] That’s it. Our privacy clause has five subsections of exceptions, including “for the purpose of any tax”.[3] Thus, “constitutional” property searches may seem harmless for packages at ports for duties, but this exception also allows warrantless, random business searches, seizure of records, and computers, for GST and now, General Services Tax! [5] What else could be searched for a future tax?

Rights Beyond Our Rights and Freedoms…
In fact, there are South African rights beyond those enshrined for Anguilla, too many to mention here. However, notable entries include, “an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being”; to “enable citizens to gain access to land on an equitable basis”; “access to adequate housing…[and] No legislation may permit arbitrary evictions.” They also include, “access [but not free] to ¬health care services, including reproductive health care; sufficient food and water; and social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance”; and “No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.”[2] Know anyone sent to the bank before an xray?

Numerous, clear rights for children [under 18] are followed by the right to a “basic” education. And they allow “anyone acting in their own interest…on behalf of another person who cannot act in their own name… acting as a member of, or in the interest of, a group or class of persons… in the public interest; and an association acting in the interest of its members” to approach the court to protect their rights.[2] As such, “class action” challenges appear to have standing. Hmm. A class of taxpayers?

Moreover, transparency is enshrined with “the right of access to ¬any information held by the state”; whereas, any arrested, detained or accused person has the right not to provide information, to remain silent, and not “to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against that person.” And, such persons have the right to, “a legal practitioner assigned to the detained person by the state and at state expense, if substantial injustice would otherwise result, and to be informed of this right promptly… and not to testify during the proceedings.”[2] Not so in Anguilla!

Limitation of South African Rights
While our Constitution is muddled by “save as may be authorised by law” or “to the extent that the law makes provision” exceptions, some include “the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health.”[3] The South African Section 36 states that rights, “may be limited only in terms of law of general application to the extent that the limitation is reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom, taking into account all relevant factors, including the nature of the right; the importance of the purpose of the limitation; the nature and extent of the limitation; the relation between the limitation and its purpose; and less restrictive means to achieve the purpose…” They also enshrined the “Constitutional Court” where at least eight judges have final say as to the constitutionality of other laws, amendments, whether Parliament or the President is negligent…[and] “any issue involving the interpretation, protection or enforcement of the Constitution.”[2] But who has the resources to even challenge “constitutional” powers to infringe on rights we thought we had for a tax imposed against our will?

…and the General Services Tax (GST)
So. Apart from the absence of forced oaths, self-incrimination, property searches and seizures and countless threatened GST penalties made legal “for the purposes of any tax” [3] – perhaps the most elegant distinction from ours is in the preamble to the South African Constitution: It states the intent to, “lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people, and in which every citizen is equally protected by law.”[2] GST was passed against the will of the people, and the General Services Tax Act of 2025 continues its legacy of intrusive powers that remain against the will of the people, and in which every citizen is at the mercy of one civil servant.[5]

Repeal General Services Tax – and pass a balanced budget bill. Now.
This article reflects issues raised on July 5, 2021, at the House Select Committee on GST Public Hearing. [1] https://www.gov.za/constitution website; [2] Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996); [3] Anguilla Constitution Order 1982; [4] 1990 Anguilla Constitutional Amendment; [5] General Services Tax Act, 2025.

The courtroom was formal, the robes pressed, the language ceremonial. But beneath the decorum of Wednesday morning’s Special Sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the occasion carried a recognition that Anguilla’s justice system is operating under strain, and that the arrival of an experienced judge comes at a critical moment.

On 29th April 2026, members of the judiciary, government, the Anguilla Bar Association and more gathered to formally mark the assignment of His Lordship, the Honourable Justice Raulston Glasgow. He had officially assumed office on 1st April.

Justice Glasgow brings nearly 30 years of legal experience across the Caribbean. Called to the Bar in Guyana in 1999 and later in Saint Lucia, his career has included private practice, legislative drafting, and senior advisory roles within Attorneys General chambers in Saint Lucia and Grenada. Since joining the High Court bench in 2017, he has developed a reputation for independence, strong legal reasoning, and a willingness to hold the State accountable where constitutional principles demand it.

For many present, his appointment was seen not simply as a routine judicial posting, but as a potential turning point for the administration of justice in Anguilla.

Attorney General Ms. Rachel Spearing, KC, acknowledged the weight of the moment in her address, noting that Justice Glasgow’s arrival coincides with a difficult period marked by recent incidents of violence. She stressed the importance of restoring public confidence in the justice system.

Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she reminded those gathered that “true peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” Without the supremacy of law, she warned, society risks disorder. Her remarks underscored a central message of the Sitting: justice must not only be delivered, but seen and trusted.

Ms. Merline Barrett, President of the Anguilla Bar Association, painted a detailed picture of Justice Glasgow’s judicial record. She described him as disciplined, precise, and firmly committed to fairness.

She highlighted his expertise in constitutional and administrative law and referenced several landmark decisions, including rulings that protected workers’ pension rights, struck down corporal punishment despite constitutional challenges, affirmed the right to be heard, and exposed weaknesses in environmental oversight and government transparency.
Taken together, she said, these decisions demonstrate a judge prepared to apply the law rigorously and to hold public authorities to account when necessary. She also noted his commitment to legal education, mediation, and professional development within the legal community.

Members of the Bar echoed support while offering their own perspectives. Mr. Thomas Astaphan, KC, emphasised judicial independence, warning against any executive interference and urging vigilance in protecting that principle.
Ms. Yvette Wallace described Justice Glasgow as steady and disciplined, setting high professional standards in court while Ms. Eustella Fontaine of Fontaine & Associates welcomed him in the spirit of Caribbean legal unity and shared values.
Ms. Nakishma Rogers of KCW Carty & Rogers highlighted his influence on younger attorneys, describing him as a “old school” jurist who demands preparation, discipline, and respect for the court. Mr. Carlyle Rogers reflected briefly on fairness and integrity as the foundation of judicial service. Representing the junior Bar, Mr. Theon Tross expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the profession.
When Justice Glasgow rose to respond, he began with humour, noting that after the praise he felt like he was having “an out-of-body experience… wondering, who’s this chap?”
His tone soon shifted to reflection.

“It is a humbling occasion,” he said, “to be dressed in these robes, to adjudicate on matters of justice.” He emphasised that judicial robes are not symbols of status, but of responsibility – describing the purpose of the justice system as broader than dispute resolution alone. “It’s about ensuring that the state does not condescend into violence,” he said, noting that responsibility is shared across the judiciary, Bar, law enforcement, and wider justice system.
One of his most poignant remarks reframed the role of legal professionals, describing them as “glorified servers of justice… in the business of serving the public.” The focus, he suggested, must remain on the people who depend on the courts for fairness and resolution. While affirming judicial independence, Justice Glasgow cautioned that independence should not be mistaken for isolation. Effective governance, he argued, requires cooperation between institutions, even as constitutional boundaries are maintained. Dysfunction, he suggested, often arises not from collaboration, but from its absence.

He also set firm expectations for the legal profession. Preparation, discipline, and professionalism, he said, are non-negotiable. “I don’t accept shoddy work because I don’t accept shoddy work of myself,” he stated.

A significant portion of his address focused on legal reform. He pointed to outdated legislation and procedural inefficiencies, urging urgent modernisation of the system. “This is 2026. We have to get on with it,” he said, calling for mechanisms to reduce delays and improve access to justice.
His comments reflected concerns long expressed within the legal community about case delays and procedural bottlenecks affecting the efficiency of the courts.

Yet amid institutional themes, Justice Glasgow also offered personal reflection. He described his appointment as “almost a homecoming,” referencing family ties to Anguilla. He paid tribute to his father, acknowledging the sacrifices that shaped his journey in law.
As the sitting concluded, a broader sense emerged that Anguilla’s justice system stands at an important juncture. The challenges it faces — from delays to public confidence — are immediate and widely felt.
In Justice Glasgow, the island has gained a jurist with extensive regional experience, a strong constitutional record, and a clear focus on reform. However, as speakers repeatedly emphasised, meaningful progress will depend not on one individual alone, but on the collective effort of the entire justice system.

The Department of Education (DOE) is saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Carlton Pickering. Mr. Pickering joined the Department of Education on 3 June 1996 as the first male Education Welfare Officer and only the second individual to serve in this role in Anguilla. He quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the work and became a valued member of the then-emerging student support services team.

Quiet, serious, and deeply respectful, Mr. Pickering brought to his role a strong sense of purpose shaped by his faith and community involvement. He served for a time as Associate Pastor at New Covenant Wesleyan Holiness Church in Stoney Ground, and this grounding was evident in his compassionate and thoughtful engagement with students and families. Many young male students—particularly those who were frequently absent from school and lacked positive male role models—were drawn to him. His influence contributed to the development of a more gender-responsive approach to education welfare services within the Department.

Among his contributions was the introduction of a Savings Club for students and their families, inspired by traditional community-based saving systems. This initiative reflected his practical approach to support and his understanding of the broader social factors affecting student participation and well-being.

Throughout his eleven-year tenure, Mr. Pickering also nurtured a deep interest in broadcasting, video journaling, and media production. He occasionally took unpaid leave to pursue this passion, which led to the establishment of Kreative Communications Network (KCN) along with its flagship programme, Anguilla Diary Magazine.

As his media work expanded, Mr. Pickering increasingly looked forward to retirement so that he could devote more time to this growing enterprise. He retired from the Department of Education in August 2007; however, this was not the end of his involvement in Education Welfare.

Even after his retirement, Mr. Pickering remained actively engaged with the work of the Education Welfare Unit, maintaining strong collaborative relationships and demonstrating an enduring commitment to student attendance and well-being.

For example, in September 2020, in observance of Attendance Awareness Month, he supported the “SOCK It to Truancy” initiative involving all six primary schools. Students were asked to attend on time and were encouraged to wear bright socks to show their commitment to timely attendance. Invited to address students at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, Mr. Pickering readily accepted and delivered a heartfelt message on the importance of regular and punctual school attendance. In a spirited show of support for the initiative, he spoke with his pants rolled up to display his vibrant socks, fully embracing the theme and connecting meaningfully with students.

His commitment extended beyond the event. He later recognized students at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School who achieved outstanding attendance—95% and above—by presenting them with beautifully crafted plaques, celebrating their dedication and encouraging continued excellence.

Mr. Pickering consistently expressed a desire to remain involved in education welfare initiatives, and his continued interest and support were deeply appreciated by staff at the Education Welfare Unit and the DOE.

The Department of Education extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Carlton Pickering. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in his pioneering contribution to student support services in Anguilla.

Residents across Anguilla were treated to a colourful and spirited procession on Saturday, 18th April 2026, as the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA) carried its ongoing 10th anniversary celebrations onto the island’s roads with a carefully choreographed motorcade that blended festivity with community outreach.

The motorcade, one of several activities commemorating a decade of NCBA’s operations, set off from the bank’s St. Mary’s Street Branch in The Valley, where participants assembled before embarking on a route that would wind through communities from west to east and back again. Vehicles, organised in a striking sequence of purple, light blue, and green, created a moving display that drew attention and curiosity along the route, offering residents a visible reminder of the institution’s milestone.

From The Valley, the procession moved steadily through George Hill and on to South Hill, where its first major stop brought a more personal dimension to the day’s proceedings. At Greig’s Trucking, the motorcade paused in support of the All For Won Boys Club initiative. During this stop, a donation of US$500 was presented to the All For Won Club, reinforcing NCBA’s stated commitment to youth development and community partnerships.

The journey then continued westward, looping past the scenic Meads Bay area and Malliouhana before turning back towards Lower South Hill. As the motorcade advanced, it transitioned into its southern leg, passing through Spring Path and Blowing Point, and travelling along the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway en route back towards The Valley. The steady movement of vehicles, accompanied by honking horns and waving participants, lent a celebratory rhythm to communities along the way.

The motorcade pressed on into its northern leg. From Stoney Ground, the procession travelled through Little Dix and Bad Cox before making its way into Island Harbour, ensuring that residents in the eastern districts were equally included in the day’s events.

The final stretch carried the motorcade through White Hill, East End, Sandy Hill, Long Path, and The Quarter, gradually circling back towards The Valley. By the time the procession reached its concluding point at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre, it had effectively traced a broad loop around the island, symbolically connecting communities in a shared moment of recognition.

While modest in scale, the motorcade’s island-wide reach underscored a larger message: that NCBA’s ten-year journey is intertwined with the communities it serves. For many onlookers, the passing convoy was more than a celebratory display—it was a reminder of the bank’s presence in everyday life, from personal banking to community support initiatives.

By Janissa Fleming