Just days before the official Anguilla Day festivities, cyclists from across the island gathered on Sunday, 24th May 2026, for the annual Anguilla Day Race — an event that served as an early sporting tribute to the island’s spirit of endurance, resilience and community pride.

Held along the Queen Elizabeth Avenue, the race brought together senior competitors, veteran riders and an impressive roster of young cyclists. Though the atmosphere surrounding the event was relatively relaxed, the action on the road remained highly competitive as riders pushed through the demanding 60-kilometre course.

In the Senior Elite category, Delroy Carty of Anglec delivered a strong performance to secure first place after maintaining a steady pace throughout the race. The Juniors division produced another successful outing for Wheels on Fire – AXA, with Ephraim Hughes-Hodge taking first place while teammate Kamari Ruan followed closely behind in second.

The Masters categories showcased experienced cyclists whose competitive edge remains firmly intact. Irwin Reid rode to first place in Masters A, with Samuel Basil finishing second, while Yannick Arnoult claimed top honours in Masters B ahead of Craig Emmanuel of Brutal Pedals – AXA, who secured second place.

Much of the day’s attention, however, centred on the island’s younger riders, many of whom displayed confidence and composure well beyond their years. In the U15 Male division, Drae Hodge of Wheels on Fire – AXA claimed first place ahead of Zarnell Hodge of Brutal Pedals and Carden Petty of Wheels on Fire – AXA, who finished second and third respectively.

Wheels on Fire – AXA also dominated the U13 category, with Haseem Hennis finishing first, Makhai Hodge second and D’Marri Bryan third. In the U11 division, Matteo Richardson secured first place while Z’kari Lake-Panchoo finished second. The youngest category of the day, U9, saw Raziik Webster ride confidently to first place.

The Anguilla Cycling Association extended gratitude to sponsors Tropical Distributors, Millennium Sounds, 5-Star Media and 5C’s Cycling for their support in staging the event. Organisers also thanked the Royal Anguilla Police Force and the road wardens for assisting with safety and traffic coordination throughout the race.
Recognition was further given to the participating clubs, Wheels on Fire Club and Brutal Pedals Club, along with the independent cyclists who took part in the competition.

With the Anguilla Day Race now completed, the island’s cycling community is expected to reunite from Friday, 3rd July to Sunday, 5th July 2026, for the 25th anniversary staging of the John T Memorial Cycling Race — an event many cyclists and supporters are already anticipating as one of the highlights of the sporting summer.

By Janissa Fleming

Civics addresses how government functions and how individuals participate in the democratic process. It is about us and how we are governed. It should therefore follow that civics is a subject in which all citizens should be interested. For our democratic processes to work effectively citizens must seek to understand and engage the systems applicable to the operations of government.

To effectively participate in the governance of a country a citizen should understand how government works and the value that are expected to shape the workings of government. Citizens need to be informed and to seek to be informed. It is, however, not enough to be informed, citizens must be prepared to act having been informed. Action should not be restricted to the voting process every five years. Action also involves actively and regularly holding institutions of government accountable.

A significant aspect of civics is how a person conducts themselves as they go about participating in the governance of their country. It is the diversity of people and their ideas and perspectives that makes life interesting. Civics requires that in our engagements with each other and with government institutions we are civil and respectful as we engage with each other and institutions of government.
In the context of Anguilla, is civics alive and well? Social media discussions suggest that there is a lack of understanding of how government works among a sizable proportion of Anguilla’s populace. Many persons do not understand the difference between Executive council and the House of Assembly. The difference between a policy decision and legislation is not apparent to many persons. The workings of our judicial system is a mystery to far too many persons.

Where does the fault lie for the apparent lack of knowledge on the part of so many Anguillians? Civics, one anticipates, is covered to some extent in the Social Studies programme in our schools. The depth is questionable based on the apparent absence of a basic understanding of how government works demonstrated by so many Anguillians. Are our teachers equipped to provide a basic understanding of how government works should students raise pertinent questions during the delivery of their subject matter? Teachers are very often versed in their subject area while being at a loss as to how government functions, even in respect of matters which directly affect them such as the development of the government’s annual budget.

Government has a responsibility to make citizens aware of how government works and this can be done through formal school programmes or through departmental or ministerial publications or pronouncements. The recent opportunity taken by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly to explain the legislative basis for the action she took in respect of a member when his presentation in the House was truncated, is an example of a public figure educating the populace as to the rules governing the workings of government.

The sole onus for ensuring awareness about the workings of government does not lie with government institutions. Citizens are not absolved of the responsibility to display a natural interest and curiosity, which would see them pursuing information to ensure their understanding of the functioning of government. The size of Anguilla and our familiarity with public figures makes any excuse we raise for being in the dark laughable.

An understanding of government and the role of citizens in ensuring that government works efficiently and effectively, in accordance with certain values and principles, is essential if citizens are to effectively monitor and participate in governance in Anguilla. Civics cannot be allowed to be a dying concept.

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.

What began as a bold experiment to place Anguilla more firmly on the international travel map is now being presented by Government as one of the island’s strongest tourism success stories in recent years.

Standing in the House of Assembly this week, Hon. Minister José Vanterpool, mounted a firm defence of Government’s partnership with BermudAir under the AnguillAir brand, arguing that the initiative has already delivered significant economic returns only months after its launch.

According to the Minister, the service — which officially began operations in December 2025 — has generated an estimated US$11.5 million in direct economic activity for Anguilla between December 2025 and April 2026, while transporting nearly 7,900 passengers to and from the island.

For an island where tourism remains the lifeblood of the economy, the figures are being framed not simply as aviation statistics, but as evidence of a wider ripple effect touching hotels, restaurants, villas, taxis, shops and small businesses.

“Through the AnguillAir brand, Anguilla has gained increased visibility, enhanced destination marketing, and stronger brand recognition in key international markets,” Minister Vanterpool told the House. “Every AnguillAir aircraft, advertisement, booking platform, and promotional campaign serves as an extension of Anguilla’s tourism presence abroad.”

His remarks painted the partnership as far more than an airline arrangement. Instead, Government sees it as a strategic attempt to strengthen Anguilla’s visibility in lucrative tourism markets while making travel to the island easier and more competitive.

For many Anguillians, improved air access has long been viewed as one of the island’s biggest economic hurdles. Travellers often face lengthy connections and expensive regional transfers before reaching Anguilla’s shores. Government believes AnguillAir is beginning to change that narrative.

Minister Vanterpool stressed that the US$11.5 million estimate was not political guesswork, but was based on recognised tourism and economic modelling methods that measured passenger arrivals, visitor spending habits and average lengths of stay.

“The US$11.5 million figure is not an arbitrary estimate or political talking point,” he stated. “It is derived from actual passenger volumes, established tourism spending metrics, and recognized economic methodology used throughout the tourism industry.”

The assessment reportedly included visitor spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, excursions, entertainment, retail purchases and other tourism-related services, alongside Government revenue collected through taxes and airport-related fees.

In December 2025, AnguillAir’s estimated economic contribution stood at approximately US$1.04 million. By January 2026, the figure had more than doubled to US$2.34 million. February brought an estimated US$2.45 million, March climbed to US$2.77 million, and April approached US$2.9 million.

“This steady month-over-month growth is particularly important because it demonstrates that the routes were not a short-lived promotional spike, but rather a maturing and strengthening airlift product,” the Minister explained.
The Government also sought to directly address concerns that the service may simply have diverted passengers away from existing airlines rather than creating new business for Anguilla.

According to commercial analysis cited by Minister Vanterpool, roughly 80 per cent of AnguillAir passengers represented newly stimulated travel demand.
“In other words, the flights expanded the market,” he said. “They brought new visitors to Anguilla.”

The numbers released in the House suggest the impact may already be visible in some of Anguilla’s most valuable tourism markets.

Minister Vanterpool repeatedly emphasised that the Government’s involvement was never intended to become an unlimited financial obligation. Instead, he described the arrangement as a carefully targeted, time-bound investment designed to help launch strategically important routes during the critical winter tourism season.

He argued that the economic returns generated have significantly outweighed the level of Government support provided.
The strongest-performing routes so far have reportedly been Boston and Newark, both key gateways to Anguilla’s high-spending northeastern United States visitor market. According to the Ministry’s assessment, travellers from those areas tend to stay longer and spend more during their visits.

“The success of these routes has now positioned Anguilla to move beyond simple route preservation into route expansion,” Vanterpool said.
As a result, the Government is now recommending continuation of AnguillAir services for Winter 2026, expansion into Summer 2027 and increased flight frequencies on the Boston and Newark routes.

At the same time, the Minister sought to reassure the public that the AnguillAir arrangement does not signal the start of blanket airline subsidies.
“As stated previously in this House, the AnguillAir arrangement was treated as a unique strategic case due to the importance of direct connectivity to Anguilla’s core tourism markets,” he said.

He added that any future partnerships would continue to be evaluated individually based on economic returns, tourism priorities and long-term sustainability.
“We will not support routes that do not demonstrate strategic value,” he stated. “We will not enter into reckless or open-ended commitments.”

Only a few months ago, AnguillAir was still viewed by many as a risky and uncertain venture. Now, the Government of Anguilla is presenting it as proof that strategic airlift investment can produce measurable economic gains for a tourism-dependent island competing for global attention.

Concluding his statement, Minister Vanterpool declared, “The AnguillAir initiative has now moved beyond a concept…It has become a proven contributor to Anguilla’s economic growth and tourism resilience.”

By Janissa Fleming

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.

The Anguilla Tourist Board officially set the tone for summer on Wednesday, 27th May 2026, unveiling an ambitious new tourism campaign alongside a digital platform designed to change the way visitors and residents experience the island.

Held before tourism stakeholders, partners and invited guests, the launch introduced the “Taste, Feel, Live” summer campaign and the new Xcape Destination App — two initiatives the Tourist Board believes will strengthen Anguilla’s visibility while making the island more accessible, interactive and experience-driven.

Far from presenting summer as a quieter period, officials made it clear that the season is being repositioned as one of Anguilla’s most vibrant and culturally rich times of year.

Chief Marketing Officer Mrs. Kendisha Hall-Prentice described the campaign as an invitation for visitors to experience Anguilla through every sense.
“This campaign is all about showing the world that summer in Anguilla is not an off-season,” she said. “It is one of the most vibrant, authentic, and culturally alive times to experience our island.”
With the slogan “Anguilla isn’t slower, it’s more alive,” the campaign centres around three themes — taste, feel and live — each crafted to showcase a different side of the island’s identity.
“’Taste’ represents our incredible culinary scene from roadside barbecues and beach bars to unforgettable dining experiences that continue to position Anguilla as a culinary capital of the Caribbean,” Hall-Prentice explained.
“’Feel’ captures the energy of our people, our music, our boat racing, our festivals, and especially the spirit of the Anguilla Summer Festival.”
“Live,” she added, “highlights the beauty of staying in Anguilla – the villas, the boutique properties, the luxury escapes, and the relaxed experiences that make our island feel so special.”

The campaign will be supported by an aggressive regional and international marketing push, including airline partnerships, influencer residencies, digital promotions, summer accommodation packages and a diaspora engagement initiative aimed at encouraging Anguillians abroad to return home for the festivities.

A weekly “Taste, Feel, Live” content series also begins on Thursday, 29th May 2026, spotlighting local personalities, food, music, culture and summer experiences across the island.
Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester praised the initiative as strategically timed ahead of Anguilla’s summer festival season and emphasised the importance of keeping tourism activity strong during what has traditionally been considered a slower accommodation period.
“This campaign comes at a very strategic time as we prepare for our vibrant summer festival season and continue our collective efforts to stimulate travel, visitor engagement, and economic activity,” Rochester said.
But while the summer campaign celebrated Anguilla’s culture and experiences, much of the excitement surrounded the official unveiling of the Xcape App — a project nearly three years in the making.

Destination Experience Manager Keri Rogers revealed that the idea grew from a desire to help visitors better navigate and experience the island, especially as Anguilla continues to see increasing numbers of day-trippers and independent travellers. She described the app as something intended not only for tourists, but also for residents seeking to rediscover experiences across the island.

Developers Wilson Jno Baptiste and Gavin Jean were credited as the creative minds behind the platform, with Rogers explaining that the concept evolved after discussions about creating something uniquely tailored to Anguilla.
During a live demonstration, Jean walked attendees through the app’s features, revealing a highly interactive platform that blends navigation, tourism information, live recommendations and artificial intelligence.
The app allows users to locate beaches, restaurants, entertainment venues and other attractions using precise coordinates rather than the often unreliable map pins that can frustrate visitors unfamiliar with Anguilla’s roads.

Using GPS-based navigation and voice guidance, the app directs users to destinations across the island while also identifying nearby beaches and attractions based on their location.

The demonstration showed how visitors can browse beaches, view photographs, rate locations, upload images and even receive weather-related guidance through the platform – the latter of which was one of the most talked about features.

The app’s AI Concierge analyses weather conditions, safety concerns and user ratings – advising users when sea conditions or tides may not be suitable and offering safer alternatives where necessary.
“That means we’re able to make sure that our visitors to the island are safe,” Jean explained.
Beyond beaches, the app also includes dining directories, entertainment schedules, ferry information and future flight schedule integration. Visitors can search restaurants, call directly to make reservations and eventually access menus and expanded photo galleries through the platform.
Business owners interested in featuring their establishments on the app have been encouraged to contact the developers, as the platform is expected to continue expanding with additional destinations, services and features over time.

The app is also closely monitored, with safeguards already in place to filter inappropriate searches and maintain the integrity of the platform.
Throughout the launch, the desire to ensure Anguilla’s tourism industry remains inclusive, authentic and experience-focused remained clear.
“At the Anguilla Tourist Board, we understand our positioning has been, and must always remain, luxury inclusive,” Rochester stated. “Regardless of the price point, every visitor should have the opportunity to enjoy curated experiences across our tourism sectors.”
He also reaffirmed what he described as the “three P’s” guiding the Tourist Board’s direction: “our people, our product and our purpose.”
“Our people are our greatest asset,” Rochester said. “Our product is our promise to the world, and our purpose is to ensure that tourism continues to create meaningful opportunities while preserving the authenticity, excellence, and identity of Anguilla.”

Closing remarks were delivered by Chantelle Richardson, who thanked partners and stakeholders for supporting both initiatives.
“This initiative reflects our continued commitment to strengthening Anguilla’s tourism product, enhancing our digital presence and connecting visitors more easily with the experiences, people and places that make our island truly special,” she said.

The launch signalled a growing effort to modernise the visitor experience while keeping Anguilla’s culture, personality and community at the centre of it all.

By Janissa Fleming

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 Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) hereby announces1 changes to the leadership and composition of its Board of Directors, effective June 1st, 2026, including the transition of the Chairmanship and the appointment of a new Board Director.

The Honorable Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, Mr. Cardigan Connor has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Sean Richard as the new Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board, succeeding Mrs. Cecile Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, whose tenure as Chairperson has been reduced as part of the Board’s leadership transition. Mrs. Vanterpool-Kubisch will continue to serve as a Board Director.

The Anguilla Tourist Board also welcomes the appointment of Mr. Lockhart Hughes as a new Director to the Board.

These transitions form part of the Government of Anguilla’s continued commitment to strengthening governance, strategic oversight, leadership continuity and the innovative advancement of the tourism sector, while supporting the sustained growth and long-term sustainability of Anguilla’s tourism industry.

The Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, along with the Board of Directors and the Management and Staff of the Anguilla Tourist Board, extends sincere appreciation to Mrs. Cecile Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch for her service, leadership, and invaluable contributions during her tenure as Chairperson. Her dedication and commitment to the advancement of Anguilla’s tourism industry continue to be acknowledged and valued.

The Honorable Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, Mr. Cardigan Connor stated that, “These appointments represent an important step in advancing the strategic leadership and governance framework of the Anguilla Tourist Board. As Anguilla continues to strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s premier luxury destinations, strong and effective Board leadership remains essential to supporting the continued growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of our tourism industry.”

Minister Connor continued, “I wish to sincerely thank Mrs. Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch for her dedicated leadership, commitment, and invaluable contributions during her tenure as Chairperson. Her service has helped guide the Board during an important period for Anguilla’s tourism sector, and we are pleased that she will continue to contribute as a member of the Board.”

Mr. Sean A. Richard brings more than 20 years of experience in tourism and luxury hospitality management to the role. He currently serves as General Manager of TEI Anguilla, dba Altamer Luxury Villas, and previously held executive leadership positions at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club and CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa. His expertise spans managerial leadership, financial oversight, governance, strategic planning, and luxury hospitality management. Mr. Richard has also excelled in the Caribbean Training Institute (CTI) Good Governance Certification Programme, further demonstrating his commitment to sound corporate governance, accountability, and effective board leadership. In addition, he brings valuable governance and leadership experience, having previously served as Chairman of the Anguilla Social Security Board from 2015 to 2020.

Mr. Richard stated, “It is an honour to serve as Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board at such an exciting and progressive time for Anguilla’s tourism industry. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Government of Anguilla, the Ministry of Health Tourism and Sports, Board Directors, the Anguilla Tourist Board Management and Staff, industry partners and tourism stakeholders to further strengthen Anguilla’s global brand, enhance visitor experiences, and support the sustainable advancement of the destination.”

Joining the Board as a newly appointed Director, Mr. Lockhart M. Hughes brings extensive managerial and hospitality leadership experience, currently serving as General Manager of Carimar Beach Club. His professional background also includes leadership roles at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club and Belmond Cap Juluca. Mr. Hughes previously served as a Board Director of the Anguilla Tourist Board from 2017 to 2019, contributing to destination marketing initiatives, organizational restructuring, and the expansion of source markets for Anguilla.

As incoming Chairman, Mr. Sean Richard will work alongside the Board of Directors, the Ministry of Tourism, and the management and staff of the Anguilla Tourist Board to support the strategic direction, and continued development of destination Anguilla within an increasingly competitive global tourism environment.

The appointment of Mr. Lockhart Hughes further strengthens the Board’s collective expertise and commitment to supporting the sustainable growth, governance, and long-term development of Anguilla’s tourism industry.

The Anguilla Tourist Board remains focused on advancing strategic destination marketing, strengthening stakeholder partnerships, enhancing visitor experiences, and positioning Anguilla among the Caribbean’s premier luxury destinations.

The Department of Youth and Culture is pleased to officially introduce Ms. Tyeisha Emmanuel and Mr. Kasem Thompson as Anguilla’s newly appointed CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs), with Ms. Sari-Lee Benjamin and Mr. Jharik Richardson serving as Alternate CARICOM Youth Ambassadors from the 29th April 2026.
The appointments mark a significant step in strengthening youth representation and ensuring that the voices, perspectives, and priorities of Anguillian youth are actively reflected within regional discussions and initiatives across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
As CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Ms. Emmanuel and Mr. Thompson will serve as advocates for young people, promoting dialogue on issues affecting youth development, education, health, climate action, entrepreneurship, culture, and civic participation. They will also work to bridge communication between regional CARICOM youth platforms and young people within Anguilla, while encouraging greater youth engagement in national and regional development processes.
Supporting them in this mandate are Alternate Ambassadors Ms. Benjamin and Mr. Richardson, who will contribute to youth advocacy efforts, assist in programme implementation, and ensure continuity in representation and engagement activities.
The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme provides a platform for young leaders across the Caribbean to champion issues impacting their peers while developing leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy skills. Through their appointments, Anguilla continues to invest in cultivating a generation of informed, empowered, and action-oriented youth leaders.
These appointments come at a time when youth participation remains increasingly important in shaping policies and programmes that influence sustainable development and social progress throughout the Caribbean.

The Department of Youth and Culture congratulates Tyeisha Emmanuel, Kasem Thompson, Sari-Lee Benjamin, and Jharik Richardson on their appointments and looks forward to their contributions in elevating the voice of youth and advancing the interests of young people across Anguilla and the wider CARICOM region.

For additional information or inquiries, please contact the Department of Youth and Culture-Youth Affairs Division at youthandculture@gov.ai, dycanguilla@gmail.com or call 1-264-498-3792.

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

The vibrant colours of Guyana swept through Anguilla on Sunday, 24th May 2026, as the Guyanese Association of Anguilla transformed the James Ronald Webster Park Volleyball Court into a lively celebration of heritage, memory and national pride in honour of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
From the rumble of engines during the afternoon motorcade to the emotional singing of folk songs long remembered from childhood, the afternoon unfolded not simply as a formal observance, but as a deeply personal gathering for many Guyanese living away from home — one that also drew curious and supportive members of the Anguillian community into the spirit of the occasion.
The celebration began with a motorcade at 3:00 p.m., winding its way from the park to the Sandy Ground Roundabout before returning to the park. Vehicles decorated in Guyana’s national colours proudly carried the message, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” as horns sounded and flags fluttered against the late afternoon sky.
As families gathered following the motorcade, the ceremonial raising of the Golden Arrowhead became one of the defining moments of the evening. Attendees dressed in green, gold, red, black and white stood together as Mr. Jason Benn raised the national flag — a symbol rich in meaning and history. Throughout the ceremony, organisers reflected on the symbolism embedded within the flag itself: green for Guyana’s lush forests and agricultural lands, gold representing mineral wealth and a bright future, red symbolising the zeal and determination of the people, black for endurance, and white for the many rivers and waterways that shape the nation.
The programme intentionally reflected the multicultural fabric of Guyanese society. Interfaith prayers were offered by Ms. Elaine Wilson, Mr. Abdul Alhassan through a recorded Muslim prayer, and Mrs. Deoranie Bharrat with a Hindu blessing. The inclusion of The Shanti Path, a Sanskrit prayer for peace and unity, underscored the evening’s message of togetherness across cultures and faiths.
A moving Prayer of Thanksgiving also invited attendees to pause and reflect on the significance of the milestone anniversary. The prayer gave thanks for sixty years of independence, honoured the sacrifices of past generations who helped build the nation, and asked for wisdom, unity and guidance for Guyana’s future.
Guyana’s Honorary Consul to St. Maarten, Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, in her recorded address, reflected on the historic significance of 26th May 1966 — the day Guyana achieved sovereignty — while paying tribute to national leaders such as Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
However, her message extended beyond history. Speaking directly to members of the diaspora in Anguilla and St. Martin, Lucas-Felix urged Guyanese abroad to remain connected to their roots and ensure younger generations understood the sacrifices and stories that shaped the nation.
She encouraged parents to teach their children Guyanese history and traditions while serving as “patriotic ambassadors” wherever they reside. Her remarks also carried a tone of gratitude toward Anguilla and St. Martin for welcoming the Guyanese community and providing opportunities for families to build their lives abroad.

That sense of gratitude and belonging appeared to resonate strongly throughout the event.

While the official programme featured hymns, the National Anthem, the National Pledge and cultural presentations, it was perhaps the simple moments of shared memory that gave the celebration its emotional heartbeat.

Traditional childhood games quickly drew enthusiastic participation from both the young and the old. Races and games such as Lime and Spoon, Needle and Thread, Hop Scotch, Marbles and Three-Legged Race sparked laughter across the grounds, while older participants reminisced about growing up in Guyana and the games that once filled village yards and school compounds.
Mrs. Deoranie Bharrat later shared that many participants spent the evening exchanging stories about school days, village life and family memories back home. Those recollections blended naturally into spirited performances of folk songs including Small Days is Still on Meh Mind, Lili Gyal, Bamboo Fyah and Aunty Bess.

As voices joined together in song, the celebration became a reaffirmation of identity — a reminder that culture can survive distance and time.

Sixty years after Guyana first raised its Golden Arrowhead as an independent nation, that same flag rose proudly once again in Anguilla — carried by patriotism, memory, community and enduring pride.

The sound of cocktail shakers rattling against ice, the scent of thyme and sizzling lamb chops drifting through the air, and the steady hum of excited spectators transformed the grounds of Anguilla Great House into a stage of culinary theatre on Saturday, 16th May 2026, as the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) Bartending and Chef Battles delivered an evening packed with pressure, flair and island pride.

The competition brought together some of Anguilla’s most talented bartenders and chefs in a showdown that was as entertaining as it was technically demanding. With mystery ingredients, ticking clocks and discerning judges all in play, competitors were forced to think quickly, improvise boldly and trust their instincts.

The bartending battle immediately drew spectators into the action. This year’s format raised the stakes by allowing only one bartender to mix at a time, intensifying the focus on each competitor’s creativity and showmanship. Contestants were given just three minutes to raid the pantry after their mystery ingredient was revealed, followed by five minutes to craft two cocktails — one garnished and one plain — while showcasing balance, originality and precision.

The mystery basket ingredients, including Thai basil, honey, hot sauce, dragon fruit and tamarind, pushed competitors beyond familiar territory. Yet the challenge only seemed to energise the field, with inventive combinations and daring flavour profiles emerging one after another.

Representing some of Anguilla’s best-known hospitality establishments were Lucas Barry, wine steward at Veya; Orlanno Adams and Kelly Hodge of Sandbar; Victor Fernandez Yamuni of the Blue Bar at CeBlue Luxury Villas; and returning champion Kyrleson Klaren, floor manager at Sandbar, who entered the competition carrying the pressure of defending his crown.

Judging the contests were Hall of Fame bartender Ron Webster, Dion Rogers of Dolce Vita and Doreen Harrison of Anguilla Great House, all carefully scoring competitors on creativity, timing, presentation, aroma, taste and technical execution.

The audience itself became part of the spectacle. While judges sampled cocktails using the “straw method”, patrons answered trivia questions for the opportunity to taste the second garnished cocktail prepared by each contestant.
Speaking during the event, Karen Hodge, representing the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA), praised the competition as more than simply a showcase of drinks.
“Bartending is about creativity, precision, confidence and connection. Every cocktail tells a story of balance, innovation and personality and today’s competitors have stepped up to showcase exactly that.”

Another major sponsor, Cape Air, also lent its support to the festivities. Mary Stanley told the audience that the airline’s philosophy of “making our customers happy and having a good time doing it” closely mirrors the spirit of bartenders and chefs.

Meanwhile, under the pressure of the clock, the bartending competition felt like a live performance. Contestants darted between pantry tables and workstations, grabbing bottles, herbs, fruits and syrups before the clock ran down. Ice clattered into metal shakers and glasses lined up neatly as competitors worked to stay composed.

When the final scores were announced, it was Kyrleson Klaren who once again emerged victorious, successfully defending his ACE Bartending Battle title. Clearly emotional after the announcement, Klaren admitted he was “in shock” over the result and repeatedly praised his fellow competitors while expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

Lucas Barry secured second place honours, and the two competitors embraced each other and their fellow competitors following the announcement — a reminder that while the competition was fierce, camaraderie remained at the heart of the event.

If the bartenders brought drama, the chefs brought intensity.

Inside the chef battle arena, flames flickered, pots boiled and knives moved with practised precision as four chefs raced against the clock to transform unlikely ingredients into restaurant-worthy creations.

Returning champion Karan Kumar, a private chef known for preparing meals at Anguilla’s luxury villas and resorts, faced stiff competition from Steve Nicholls, Chef de Partie at Cap Juluca and Manoah Resort; Makeame Mussington, Hot Line Chef at Sharky’s Restaurant; and Riley Nuncio, Sous Chef at Karaya.

The judges’ panel featured internationally recognised culinary talent, including chef-owner Olivier Poilevey of Obelix and La Bouchon in Chicago, Executive Chef Sam Handwerger, Bravo TV “Top Chef” alum Timothy Dean, and Anguilla’s own Kelston “Sweets” Connor, the 2022 ACE Chef Basket Battle Champion.

The chefs were challenged to incorporate all three mystery basket ingredients — apricot jam, canned pigeon peas and sticky thyme — into their dishes. Judges stressed that the ingredients could not merely be decorative; they had to play a meaningful role in the final plate.

With only 55 minutes to complete their dishes, competitors worked furiously, blending local flavours with global techniques. Sweet potatoes, fish, lamb chops, fresh vegetables and more became canvases for culinary experimentation. Some chefs simmered sauces patiently while others fired the hibachi grill, each bringing a distinct personality and cooking philosophy to the competition floor.

The judges praised the competitors not only for their creativity, but also for the high standard of execution displayed throughout the afternoon. While they mentioned some strengths and weaknesses, the panel repeatedly described the dishes as “incredible” and noted that every chef performed like a winner.

In the end, however, Karan Kumar successfully defended his championship title, while Riley Nuncio captured second place honours.

The ACE battles showcased the sophistication of Anguilla’s hospitality industry and the remarkable talent shaping the island’s culinary identity behind hotel bars and restaurant kitchens every night.

What unfolded at Anguilla Great House was not simply a contest of cocktails and cuisine, but a celebration of the creativity, resilience and ambition driving one of Anguilla’s most important industries forward.

By Janissa Fleming.

The grounds of the Central Poly Clinic in The Valley were transformed into a lively hub of wellness, conversation and community action on Friday, 15th May 2026, as residents turned out for the Hearts Health Expo — an event designed not only to educate, but to inspire Anguillians to take their heart health seriously before problems arise.
Hosted by the Department of Health Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Tourism, and Sports, the day-long initiative brought together healthcare professionals, students, families and seniors in an atmosphere that felt far more interactive than a typical health fair. From free screenings and practical demonstrations to games, healthy food samples and even a surprise mascot appearance, organisers made a deliberate effort to connect with people in ways that felt personal and relatable.

The message of the day was clear: small lifestyle changes made now can have life-saving benefits later.

Throughout the expo, attendees received free blood pressure and blood sugar checks while health professionals offered guidance on managing risk factors linked to heart disease, hypertension and diabetes — conditions that continue to affect many families across Anguilla and the wider Caribbean.

One of the most talked-about sections of the expo focused on salt awareness, fittingly coinciding with Salt Awareness Week. Healthcare workers engaged attendees of all ages — including students from the ALHCS — in frank discussions about the hidden sodium content found in many commonly consumed foods.

Using real examples familiar to households across the island, presenters highlighted the excessive salt levels packed into items such as biscuits, Kraft macaroni and cheese, canned foods, processed seasonings, condiments and instant meals. Visitors appeared visibly surprised as labels were examined and sodium quantities broken down in easy-to-understand terms.

Health educators explained how regular overconsumption of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and other serious complications, particularly when paired with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. Rather than delivering lectures, however, organisers kept the sessions conversational and interactive, encouraging questions and practical discussion about healthier alternatives and smarter shopping habits.

The expo also leaned heavily into positivity and motivation.

At one station, participants sampled healthier food and drink options and learned how simple ingredient swaps could reduce sugar and salt intake without sacrificing flavour, while at another station free relaxing massages were offered to attendees. Nearby, games and activities kept the environment energetic, with darts challenges and wellness-themed engagement activities drawing both younger and older participants into the conversation about health.

Perhaps the most touching feature of the day was the “I Commit” board, where attendees were invited to write personal health goals on heart-shaped paper cut-outs and pin them publicly as a pledge to themselves and their families.

Many promised to lose weight, drink more water, exercise consistently, stop smoking, eat healthier meals or finally prioritise routine medical check-ups. Others wrote messages about wanting to live longer for their children and grandchildren — reminders that heart health is deeply connected not only to physical wellbeing, but to family and quality of life.

The atmosphere became even more spirited when the heart health mascot made an appearance, moving through the crowd greeting children, posing for photos and adding a light-hearted touch to the educational event.

What stood out most throughout the day was the sense that the expo succeeded in making healthcare feel accessible rather than intimidating. Conversations flowed naturally between nurses, students, parents and retirees, creating a community-centred experience that resonated beyond medical statistics and pamphlets.
For many attendees, the event served as both a wake-up call and a source of encouragement, proving that improving one’s health does not always begin with drastic measures, but often with small, intentional decisions made daily.

As Anguilla continues to confront the growing impact of non-communicable diseases, initiatives such as the Hearts Health Expo are becoming increasingly important in shifting public attitudes towards prevention, awareness and healthier living.

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.

The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) marked the International Day of the Boy Child as male students and male members of staff wore ties on Friday, 15th May 2026. The gesture, though simple, carried symbolic meaning. The tie represented pride, responsibility, dignity, and aspiration, a reminder that young men should be encouraged to see themselves as future leaders, professionals, fathers, mentors, and contributors to society.

Observed each year on May 16, the International Day of the Boy Child focuses on the wellbeing and development of boys. While not officially recognised by the United Nations, the observance has gained attention in many countries, including Anguilla, where concerns about the challenges facing young men continue to grow.

Founded in 2018, the initiative is credited to Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a University of the West Indies (St. Augustine) lecturer and social commentator whose work has consistently highlighted the need to address issues affecting men and boys with seriousness, compassion, and balance. The initiative continues to raise an important question: what happens when boys grow up without enough emotional support, guidance, affirmation, or opportunities for healthy development?

The founder noted that the observance is not meant to take away from the challenges faced by girls or from wider efforts toward gender equality. Instead, it broadens the conversation by recognising that healthy societies require both boys and girls to be supported.

The initiative encourages more open conversations about the emotional, social, and educational needs of boys. Too often, discussions focus mainly on discipline or underachievement without looking at the pressures many boys face, including expectations to hide emotion or deal with struggles on their own.

In Anguilla and across the region, concerns remain about academic performance, mental health, exposure to violence and harmful influences, and the lack of consistent mentorship for some young men. At the same time, young men in our communities continue to show leadership, creativity, athletic talent, and strong commitment to their families and communities.

The International Day of the Boy Child serves as both a celebration of those strengths and a reminder of the importance of continued encouragement from schools, families, and the wider community. The real challenge is to move beyond one-day observances and provide boys with mentorship, positive role models, safe spaces for open conversation, and guidance that encourages growth and development. When boys thrive, communities thrive with them.

Sorento, Italy/Anguilla, British West Indies, 20 May 2026: The Night Shadow Sailing Team, featuring three talented sailors from Anguilla sponsored by Port Nimara, has claimed victory in the Category 0 Corinthian Division at the ORC World Championship in Sorrento, Italy. This remarkable achievement marks a historic moment for Anguillian sailing on the international stage.
After a week of intense competition against world-class offshore racing teams, the Night Shadow crew demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to secure the championship title in one of the most prestigious events in the sailing sport. The victory represents the culmination of Port Nimara’s investment in local sailing talent and their commitment to promoting Anguilla’s presence in international sports.

“This victory is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our Anguillian sailors,” said David Mizrahi, executive chairman of Port Nimara. “We are immensely proud to have supported these athletes as they achieved this historic win, bringing honour to Anguilla on the world stage. This championship validates our belief in the potential of local talent when given the opportunity to compete at the highest level.”

The ORC World Championship, which concluded this week in Sorrento, brought together elite offshore racing teams from around the globe. The Category 0 Corinthian Division represents a pinnacle achievement in the worldwide sailing competition, making this victory particularly significant for the development of sailing in the Caribbean region, creating opportunities for continued international recognition.

As part of its ongoing engagement with the Anguilla community, Port Nimara, Anguilla’s first lifestyle yachting destination, sponsors the participation of Anguilla sailors in a series of international regattas and sailing events in collaboration with the Night Shadow Sailing Team. This championship win highlights the success of Port Nimara’s community engagement initiatives, which focuses on youth development, sports promotion, and creating opportunities for international recognition. The partnership with the Night Shadow Sailing Team has provided invaluable high-level competition experience and skill development opportunities for Anguillian sailors.

Two weeks ago, three talented sailors from Anguilla including Kendal Richardson, Cheryl Webster, and Thomas Maccow departed the island to compete in the prestigious ORC World Championship, taking place in Sorrento, on the Bay of Naples, Italy. The team is now expected to return to Anguilla as champions, where they will be celebrated for their outstanding achievement and their role in putting Anguilla on the global sailing map.

This initiative reflects Port Nimara’s commitment to supporting local talent and promoting Anguilla’s presence on the international sporting stage. By partnering with the Night Shadow Sailing Team, the program provides Anguillian sailors with invaluable exposure, high-level competition experience, and the opportunity to develop their skills alongside world-class athletes. Port Nimara remains committed to fostering meaningful connections with the Anguilla community through initiatives that promote youth development, sports, and international engagement.

– Contributed

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.

On Tuesday 13 May 2026, the Fire Prevention Unit of the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service officially commenced its 2026 Fire Safety Training Programme with a comprehensive Fire Safety Training Workshop aimed at government workers as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen fire prevention awareness, emergency preparedness and public safety across Anguilla.
The session was facilitated by Ag. Sub. Officer Carronelle Gumbs-Romney and brought together a total of 30 participants from the Department of Sports, the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority, the General Post Office and the Mental Health Unit.
Remarks were delivered by Deputy Governor Mr. Perin Bradley, who underscored the critical importance of prevention, preparedness and professional training within small island communities such as Anguilla.
In his address, the Deputy Governor stated: “The true measure of an emergency response system is not only how effectively it responds to crisis, but how successfully it prevents tragedy before it occurs.”
He further highlighted that these words carry special meaning within the Caribbean region, where small island communities are particularly vulnerable to emergencies including natural disasters, structural fires and other incidents that can quickly test national response capabilities.
Mr. Bradley emphasized that preparedness is not optional but essential, noting that fire safety extends beyond emergency response and includes building resilient communities, strengthening institutions and ensuring citizens understand their role in protecting themselves and others.
The Deputy Governor also commended the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service for its continued commitment to fire prevention awareness, emergency preparedness and professional development throughout the community. He noted that initiatives such as these are critically important in helping to build technical competence, reinforce best practices and ensure that officers, institutions and the wider public remain prepared to respond effectively and confidently during emergencies.
He also paid tribute to the dedication and bravery of firefighters and emergency personnel, stating that while many people run away from danger, firefighters are the ones who run toward it…a level of service and sacrifice deserving of the highest respect and appreciation.
Participants engaged in both theoretical and practical components of the workshop, including fire prevention principles, emergency response procedures and the proper use of fire extinguishers.
The Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to educating the public and strengthening community resilience through continuous training and outreach initiatives aimed at creating a safer Anguilla for all.

– Contributed