Columns

Terrorists in Anguilla
By Keesha Webster

WAR is not only a pertinent issue in the United States of America, but it is quickly becoming a very real issue in Anguilla. Terrorists not only come from far away countries, but reside in our once peaceful Anguilla. Bombs are not the only weapons of choice for terrorists, but also the gun and the knife. Terrorism is not only an issue talked about, but it is becoming our reality.

Chronic constipation is a common problem in childhood, although it is frequently not reported. It commonly not only affects the child but the entire family.

Last week’s article elicited so many positive comments that I must thank you for letting me know of your shared concern. The day after I submitted the article, I got to work just in time to see two small children alone in a car parked with the key in the ignition and the radio on. It will obviously take more than writing and talking to deal with this issue but let us encourage one another and take whatever initiatives we can, to minimize the risks at which we carelessly place young lives.

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The day is used to increase awareness of diabetes, a serious condition that is rapidly increasing in many countries including Anguilla. The theme for this year is “Fight Obesity - Prevent Diabetes”.

My new office is located in a two-storey complex in one of the busiest parts of The Valley. From that vantage point, whether I want to or not, I can see a lot of vehicular traffic on any given working day.

If I did not promise myself to stay out of politics until after the elections, I would have mentioned how Edison Baird (Eddy) called Haydn Hughes a suicide bomber and said that Anne Edwards got to lose some 30 or 40 lbs in order to beat him in 2005. And that, as the campaign heats up, Anne will see “how barley grow.”

The Bible is a storehouse of phrases and statements which, though ancient, are in fact timeless and applicable to varying situations in our times today. Take the above phrase, for example.

I think I should mention in passing that the quality of presentations made by ANSA’s candidates at their party’s launching, in The Valley, on Monday evening 18th October 2004, if maintained is likely to contribute to the uplifting of the quality of political debate in Anguilla during the upcoming election campaign.

The concept that diet plays a vital role in the development of cancer has been around form many years, but recently more evidence has accumulated to confirm this idea. It is therefore important that good eating habits are set early in life and continue for a lifetime.

By: James R. Harrigan

This week, I might have been otherwise inclined to comment on the political goings-on relative to the U.S. presidential elections. Much is taking place in America with what is expected to be dead-heat results in the electoral race between Bush and Kerry. The political atmosphere is rife with excitement there. New developments occur on a daily basis now, as the official Election Day draws near.

The virus that causes this potentially fatal infection is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito that is widespread in Anguilla, especially during the present rainy period. This disease can be prevented if we decrease the concentrations of the aedes aegypti mosquito on the island.

Our political landscape is beginning to take shape. Beginning to look more organised. It is now clear that there will be four political parties vying for office: the Anguilla Progressive Party (APP) led by Roy Rogers, the Anguilla Strategic Alternative (ANSA) led by Edison Baird, the Anguilla United Movement (AUM) led by Hubert Hughes and the ruling United Front (UF) led by Osbourne Fleming or Victor Banks. The stage is gradually being set for a most interesting political showdown. The picture is becoming clearer day by day. Some of the independents are definitely in the race. And some have decided to stay out as the temperature rises.

By: James R. Harrigan

On Thursday night, September 30th, the University of Florida in Fort Lauderdale bustled with excitement as their two towers of political influence, President George Bush and Senator John Kerry, prepared to face off in what might have been considered as one of the greatest presidential debates in American history.
From start to finish, it was regarded the most important event of the presidential election campaign, witnessed by a large, polite, on-the-scene audience, as well as by some 60 million American television viewers and multiple millions worldwide. In the aftermath, the Republicans ended up properly wounded, and the Democrats were able to significantly narrow their gap in the electoral race.

Many individuals, particular females, suffer from bunions. This foot disorder can cause much pain and discomfort if left untreated. Early treatment can alleviate much of the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

Health care providers in Anguilla have used the month of October to increase the awareness and knowledge of cancer in Anguilla. This year the focus will be on cervical cancer. Cervical cancer causes significant illness and death in the Caribbean including Anguilla. Many of our mothers, sisters and aunts continue to die from this preventable disease.

Psoriasis (pronounced sore-i-ah-sis) is a common and chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This disorder can cause severe emotion and physical impact on individuals with it. Although there is no cure, many of the symptoms can be controlled with treatment.

I can hardly wait for Carnival 2005. It goin be great. Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming (Bunton) seems hell bent on entering the local Calypso Monarch Competition. The boys say he goin sing under the name of the Mighty Bunton. I will not miss that show for the world. I understand his backup vocalists will include Bee, Shirley, Hot Shot-Olive and Edith.

These days I am finding it difficult keeping pace with the acrobatics and somersaulting in Anguilla’s political theatre. A few weeks ago the Anguilla United Movement (AUM) threw out Belto Hughes and replaced him with Walcott Richardson. And now it has thrown out Iwandai Gumbs and replaced him with Evan Gumbs to contest the Valley South seat against Victor Banks. Then we had the United Front dumping Roy Rogers and replacing him with Neil Rogers. Roy has not taken his rejection quietly but instead resigned from the Front, by letter dated 26th June, firing some parting shots. He accused the Front of being “an unprincipled organisation that makes decision based on self-interests rather than on integrity” and emphasised that he “no longer wish[ed] to be associated with this fickle organisation.”

In my legal practice I am often asked to advise non-Anguillians about buying or leasing land in Anguilla. Many people fall in love with our little island and want to obtain a piece of paradise, usually for private residential purposes. Anguilla welcomes persons of good repute who choose to make Anguilla their home in this way and thereby contribute to the economic growth of the country.

The Anguillian economy has seen sustained and strong growth during recent years. One result of this has been a remarkable growth in the number of new businesses which have sprung up in all areas. Restaurants, supermarkets, clothing stores, travel agents, trucking companies, auto supplies stores, hardware stores, construction companies - you name it, and chances are that that particular type of business already exists, or someone is thinking about embarking on such a venture.