Local News

Life is slowly returning to normal particularly in The Valley and the eastern sections of the Anguilla, where a freak rainstorm, with flash-flooding, dumped torrents of water which also cascaded into the surrounding low-lying areas from higher elevations.

The Police reported on Wednesday that nine serious crimes were committed in Anguilla during the period November 23-30.

Among them were two burglaries at North Hill and Island Harbour where jewelry and money were stolen. The other six offences were thefts at Long Path, South Hill, Rey Hill and The Quarter. The stolen items included a pocket book with contents, fertilizer, a bicycle, guitar, money and keys.

The Public Accounts Committee, which is attached the Anguilla House of Assembly, is to meet for the second time in the near future.

Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, who led a delegation of four persons to the Overseas Territories Consultative Council Conference in London, has charged that they experienced a fairly hostile reception at the bilateral meetings due to inaccurate reporting from Anguilla.

Senior Environment Health Officer, Oliver Hodge, whose career in public health in Anguilla spans more than 38 years, is retiring from the public service on December 17.

The following is the text of a Radio Anguilla broadcast delivered on Monday November 21 by Elected Representative for Island Harbour Hon. Othlyn Vanterpool. It is a response to a broadcast made by the Parlimentrian Secretary Hon. Haydn Hughes on Wednesday November 16.

Fellow Anguillians, on Monday 14th November 2011 I addressed you on the issue of Chief Minister Hughes’ continued false and irresponsible statements that the present issues at Cap Juluca are as a result of an MoA that Mr Aron signed with the AUF Government. On Wednesday November 16th, 2011, the Honourable Parliamentary Secretary Hadyn Hughes, son of the Chief Minister, responded to my address. In his response he accused me of making false and misleading statements.

Customers of the National Bank of Anguilla are being offered a number of new products and services which the local banking institution announced on Thursday, November 24. The announcement was made at a press conference held in NBA’s Board Room, and chaired by Market Research & Business Development Support Officer, Mrs. Deslyn Smith.

Workers representing Immigration, Customs, Security, the Ports Authority and the Anguilla Tourist Board attended a useful one-day workshop on Tuesday this week. It was a joint effort by the Tourist Board in conjunction with the Anguilla Community College, the Ministry of Tourism and the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association.

The Soroptimist Club of Anguilla joined voices around the world in condemning violence against women and children in all communities. The event was a rally on the grounds of the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium on Friday, November 25, which was observed as the United Nations-declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The following is a statement from the FCO website about the OTCC meeting held in london last week at which Anguilla was represented.

This year’s Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) concluded this week following two days of successful talks between UK Ministers and Premiers, Chief Ministers and elected leaders of the UK’s Overseas Territories (OTs).

Medfest, a series of activities over a two-day period, last week, was a unique way to raise funds for the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Both main events, the one on Friday, called “Devyn’s Ice Cream Party”, and “Family Festival” on Saturday, comprised various separate activities and speakers.

Renowned local Author and Artist Jo-Anne Mason, creator of the Caribbean Tales series of illustrated Children’s books held a lively, fun filled book reading and signing event at Viceroy Anguilla’s colourful Kids Club, Generation V this Thanksgiving.

Three visitors who have been staying at Paradise Cove Resort each year for the past eleven years were honoured on Saturday evening at a cocktail reception at the Resort. Luke Taiclet, Ann Michalski and Kay Osmanski first stayed at Paradise Cove in 1999 and have continued to visit every year except one.

The Ministry and Department of Education in Anguilla initiated a roundtable discussion on Monday this week with a number of private and public sector stakeholders. The aim is to develop a Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) policy to create more skilled jobs on the island for persons not academically inclined, but who can contribute substantially to the various employment trades in a growing economy.

The Lords Hansard Text from the House of Lords, in the British Parliament, dated Tuesday, November 15, 2011, quoted Lord Ashcroft, of Chichester, as asking a number of questions about Anguilla. The written answers were provided by Lord Howell of Guildford, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Opposition Leader in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Evan McNiel Rogers, says he “is very disheartened and disappointed” by the way the Government is dealing with the Education Bill, which has repeatedly been the subject of public consultations and which was not allowed to be debated in the House.

Digicel’s Country Manager, John Gidharry, said that taking into consideration the economy in Anguilla, the company had tailored its special Christmas offers to the island in a way different from that in other islands.

The National Bank of Anguilla has joinedin creating an awareness of colon cancer.As part of its activities this month, NBA hosted two presentations at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Saturday, November 20. The presenters were Dr. Rona Hodge of Hughes Medical Centre and Mrs. VerniceBattick, Nutritionist with the Health Authority of Anguilla.

The Ministry of Social Development in Anguilla, and other stakeholders, now have an official Policy Guideline, in the form of a booklet, to assist them with provisions relating to safeguarding children on the island.

The National Bank of Anguilla Ltd contributes to the 2011 Anguilla Race Against AIDS thus supporting the Optimist Club in their continued fight against HIV/AIDS. The event which is scheduled to commence at 6:30 am on Saturday December 3, 2011 is geared towards creating awareness to Anguilla’s children and youth about HIV/AIDS while incorporating the participation of regional citizens.