Local News

Despite the financial challenges facing Anguilla and the consequent reduction in the power of spending, there is still much of a Christmas mood throughout the island. After all, apart from the usual commercialization of the season, the spiritual meaning and importance of Christmas has not been forgotten. The true message of the yuletide that Christ, the Redeemer, was born into the world is still rampant and acknowledged in this Christian island. And this is a plus for Anguilla and its people.

The Parking Lot at the main National Bank of Anguilla premises in The Valley was a beehive of activity as children from throughout the island, accompanied by parents, converged there for the 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Gift-Away.
The delightful event, on Friday, December 17, was chaired by NBA’s Marketing and Business Development Officer, Mrs. Deslyn Smith. The large gathering was entertained with a song by Omari Banks on the guitar, and was followed by a Christmas Message by Manager of NBA’s West End Branch, Marisa Gumbs.

Elected Member for Road North and Minister of Social Development, Edison Baird, said Anguilla was “on the horns of an economic dilemma” like every other country, big or small, throughout the world; that taxation was not the answer; and that the solution to the island’s financial difficulty was to grow the economy.

Youth talent was on show on Monday 13th December, thanks to the generosity of FirstCaribbean International Bank.

This is my second Christmas message at the end of my first full year in Anguilla. It’s been quite a year. We have had an election, and suffered a hurricane. We have continued to see the island subject to the global currents from the world economy – benefitting from the upturn but still waiting to see a dramatic recovery. As a consequence both the public sector and the private sector continue to experience challenges. But there is growing evidence that the world economy is on the path to a sustained recovery.

My fellow Anguillans! This is the 7th time you have allowed me as your servant to deliver the Christmas Message as the political leader of our beloved island. For this very generous favour I am indeed most appreciative. Christmas derives its status from the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and so we who worship him and sing praises to him during this Yuletide Season call ourselves Christians.

Fellow Anguillans,

This is the time of year when we celebrate God’s greatest gift to mankind --- the birth of the baby Jesus. It is a time when many of us emulate that act of giving among our family and friends and spread tidings of great joy and peace to all mankind. Because it is almost at the very the end of the calendar year it must of necessity be a time for reflection as well.

On behalf of the staff, members of the Methodist Church, Anguilla Circuit, and my family, I extend to the Anguilla community and readers of The Anguillian newspaper all best wishes for an enjoyable and Christ-filled Christmas celebration.

Season’s Greetings to all the people of Anguilla, particularly the residents of my home district, West End, Meads Bay and The Cove.

Irish businessman and philanthropist, residing in Anguilla, Cyril Fitzsimons, has made another well-needed contribution to a worthy cause on the island.

Staff at FirstCaribbean Anguilla turned out in full force today to bring Christmas cheer to residents at three of the island's senior citizens' homes.

At this time of the year, we all reflect back on the years that have gone by counting our blessings, as well as making new plans and resolutions as we go forward to the new year. Imagine 2011! Not too long ago, 2011 sounded like a year far in the future. Can it be that time goes by so quickly?

The Elected Member for District 1, Island Harbour, Othlyn Vanterpool, has drawn the attention of the Minister of Infrastructure, Evan Gumbs, to the problem of deteriorating roads which is a growing concern to many persons on the island.

The many employees at the recently-opened Viceroy Hotel & Residences were thanked for their service and dedication to the property, with an award, gift and a party event on Thursday, December 16.

Cap Juluca’s Patson Williams has been named among the regional contenders vying for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) 2010 Regional Employee of the Year Award. As the recipient of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association/Anguilla Tourist Board (AHTA/ATB) 2009 National Hotel Employee of the Year Award, Patson, who was also Cap Juluca’s 2008/2009 Employee of the Year, was submitted by Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association for consideration for the regional award.

As the year draws to a close, LIME took the opportunity to once again sponsor its annual Christmas lunch for the residents and staff of the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens home. The bright, cheery home has 17 residents and though some are bed-ridden most were able to enjoy the meal provided by the island’s longstanding telecommunications company. The residents are being ably and lovingly cared for by a staff of 14 care-givers.

Mrs. Marilyn Hodge, producer of the popular Positive Living programme on Radio Anguilla and in The Anguillian Newspaper has published her first book, Positive Living (Volume 1).

The LIME clock and thermometer which were destroyed by Hurricane Omar in October 2008 have now been replaced at a cost of approximately US$30 000. The devices were sorely missed by residents and repeat visitors to the island and already there have been many positive comments expressing appreciation to LIME for replacing them. The clock and thermometer were activated on Wednesday 15 December 2010 and are an aesthetically pleasing, as well as practical convenience, to have at one of our island’s main road junctions.

After many years in service, from its dedication in 1957, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church at Island Harbour has developed leaks in the roof, resulting in the need for restoration.

Table Tennis players in Anguilla have had an opportunity to attend a four-day Level 1 Coaching Course conducted by Chief Instructor with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), George Silberschmidt, a national of Switzerland. The course was sponsored by the ITTF in collaboration with the Sports Department and the Anguilla Table Tennis Association.