March 8th 2026 was observed worldwide as International Women’s Day, and in Anguilla the highlight was a special celebration at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church, spearheaded by the Gender Affairs Department and the National Council of Women in collaboration with other women’s groups on the island. The theme of this year’s observance was “Give to Gain: Accelerating Rights and Justice for Women and Girls”.
The Moderator of the event was Former Disaster Management Director and Community Advocate, Ms. Susan Hodge. The opening prayer was offered by Minister Genefa Feedee of the Kingdom Citizens Church, and welcome to the ceremony was given by the Church’s Leader, Pastor Ray Edwards, and President of the Church’s Women’s Ministry Ms. Karen Pina.
Several important speakers delivered remarks including Her Excellency the Governor Julia Crouch; the Minister of Social Development and Education, the Honourable Shellya Rogers; and President of Soroptimist International of Anguilla, Ms. Lavan Hoyoung. The Keynote Speaker was Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett. A unique poem written by Dr. Rebecca Dupas – personifying flowers as women – was presented by Anguilla’s Toastmasters Personality Ms. Rosanna Browne. Other items included dances and songs rendered by women’s groups.

A key feature of the celebration was the presentation of much deserved awards bestowed to six prominent women of the Anguillian society. The special awards are distinguished by the acronym RISE, which appropriately denotes these women as: Resilient, Influential, Successful and Empowered. It was determined that these qualities encapsulated the personalities of the six females.

Receiving the Excellence in Leadership Award was Chevening Scholar, Calla Gumbs. Ms. Gumbs is the Director of People and Culture at Four Seasons Resort. She was applauded for her ability to partner with the company’s executives in aligning employees with their growth and development at Four Seasons, thus contributing toward the Resort achieving Forbes Five-Star status.

Another Chevening Scholar Kashamar Lewis, received the Emerging Leader Award. Ms. Lewis is an educator whose leadership abilities have empowered her to drive real impact in the education and development of youth. She is the youngest Rotary Club President in the Caribbean and was able to revive the Interact Club in Anguilla after more than a decade of dormancy.

Angela Rogers is an innovative entrepreneur. She was presented with the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Ms. Rogers is a woman whose faith, resilience, and community spirit have enabled her as a single mother of five to build and develop a stand-alone courier service operating from the local Post Office porch, thus helping busy residents to avoid the long queues inside. Her reliable service is one of integrity, and her friendly and jovial demeanor has enabled her customers to have great trust and confidence in her work.

Rodi Richardson was the recipient of the Arts, Culture and Sports Award. She is a top graduate of G.C. Foster College, displays an influential and resilient personality in the area of Sports where she is the Programme Officer in the Sports Department. Her creative skills in the sporting arena have enabled her to successfully organize a host of sporting events all to the delight of the island’s youth.

Receiving the STEM Innovator Award was Dr. Wenonah Lawrence. Mrs. Lawrence is a leading Anguillian educational technologist who advances STEM education and digital literacy across the Caribbean. Her skills and talents have enabled her to represent Anguilla on the CARICOM Digital Skills Task Force, and, as such, she supports OECS educators in their professional development.

Receiving the Community Impact Award was Mrs. Jemila Morson-Hodge. Mrs. Hodge is a creative strategist, lecturer and development coach whose work has made a meaningful impact across education, community development and corporate engagement. She has served for over a decade as public relations officer at the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) where she has led many transformative initiatives.

Mrs. Rosena Brooks was the Lifetime Achievement Awardee. She is a veteran educator, mentor, and community pillar who has dedicated over six decades in shaping the minds of Anguillians. Apart from an expanded stint of teaching at Anguilla’s original high school, i.e., Valley Secondary School, now the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS), Mrs. Brooks taught for 30 years at the ALHCS.

Her leadership qualities have been also evident in her faith and youth development as well as her instrumentality in the Soroptimist Club, the Anglican Church Women Association, and the Scouts and Guides Association.

Apart from congratulating the island’s dedicated women in general, Her Excellency the Governor particularly applauded the achievements of the awardees. “I am really delighted to be here today to celebrate with the honourees for their achievements,” the Governor stated. “I extend congratulations to them because they embody the strong women of Anguilla and they demonstrate what women of Anguilla can achieve.”

The Governor also issued a three-prong message to the women for the sake of the island’s young girls: “First, never stand back from preventable violence that is holding our girls and women back. Violence in the family is never a private matter. It is never acceptable, and there are people who can help. And I must give credit here to Kemoloy Murphy for all the work that the Gender Affairs Department is doing in that area.

“Secondly, let us encourage our girls to step forward and to offer their voices. The world needs them and their perspectives. The world needs their voices in every aspect of leadership. So let us encourage them to take their place as leaders.”

“Thirdly,” the Governor continued, “let us believe in what we can do to change things for the better for others. Let us leave an inheritance for our girls as well as our boys and our community, and let us build on the shoulders of the great women who have gone on before us.”

Ms. Kemoloy Murphy, Gender Development Coordinator, noted in her remarks: “Here in Anguilla we extend the global observance of International Women’s Day in a Women’s Week where we have created space for reflection, empowerment and action across our community…Our theme this year reminds us that progress requires contribution, advocacy, and community because when we invest in the rights, wellbeing and leadership of women and girls, then everyone benefits.”

International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8th. It is a day that is globally dedicated to the celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also serving as a call to action to advance gender equality and justice for women and girls around the world.

The spirit of youthful determination and community pride was on full display on Sunday, 8th March 2026, as the 31st Annual Ashley Brooks Road Race took over the South Valley streets. The eagerly anticipated event once again brought together primary school athletes, secondary school houses, families and supporters along the island’s capital streets.
Spectators lined the streets, creating a festive atmosphere as cheers echoed along the course.
All six of Anguilla’s public primary schools took part in the competition: Orealia Kelly Primary School (OKPS), Valley Primary School (VPS), Adrian T. Hazell Primary School (ATHPS), Allwyn Allison Richardson Primary School (AARPS), Morris Vanterpool Primary School (MVPS), and Vivien Vanterpool Primary School (VVPS). The programme maintained its long-standing format, featuring relay running races and relay bicycle events among the primary schools, alongside spirited inter-house races contested by the Maroon, Pink, Purple, Orange and Yellow houses of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.

The race course traced a loop through the heart of The Valley, beginning at Ashley’s storefront and continuing east toward St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. From there, competitors headed north in the direction of the Webster’s Park roundabout before making their way westward along the route back to Ashley’s Supermarket.

Prior to the start of the main events, spokesperson for the Brooks family, Connie Brooks, offered a prayer for the athletes, asking for safety and sportsmanship throughout the races. She later assisted with the presentation of medals and trophies and delivered remarks thanking the many individuals and organisations who helped make the event possible.

“On behalf of the Ashley and Sons Road Race, I would like to say thanks to all who participated and made this road race a success,” she said. “We want to say thank you to all the viewing audience, all the coaches, teachers, and the Anguilla Amateur Athletics Association.”

Despite a sudden bout of inclement weather which forced organisers to cancel the planned Over 30s race, the main student competitions were successfully completed.
In the Primary Schools Girls Relay Race, Orealia Kelly Primary School captured first place, followed by Valley Primary in second and Adrian T. Hazell Primary in third. In the Primary Schools Boys Relay Race, Allwyn Allison Richardson Primary secured the top position, with Adrian T. Hazell Primary finishing second and Orealia Kelly Primary placing third.

The bicycle races also produced exciting finishes. In the Primary School Female Bikers category, Orealia Kelly Primary again took first place, with Valley Primary placing second and Adrian T. Hazell Primary third. Among the Primary School Male Bikers, Adrian T. Hazell Primary claimed victory, followed by Morris Vanterpool Primary in second and Allwyn Allison Richardson Primary in third.

The inter-house races among students of Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School added another layer of friendly rivalry to the day’s events. In the girls’ division, Pink House took first place, followed by Orange in second, Yellow in third, Maroon in fourth and Purple in fifth. The boys’ division saw Orange House emerge victorious, with Maroon placing second, Purple third, Yellow fourth and Pink fifth.

Attention now turns to the next major events in Anguilla’s school sports calendar. The Inter-Primary School Sports Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 1st April 2026, while Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School will continue to host a series of athletics activities beginning with field events on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, and Tuesday, 17th March 2026, followed by its bicycle race on Thursday, 12th March 2026, culminating in its annual Sports Day on Thursday, 19th March 2026.

By Janissa Fleming

On 6th March, 2026, acting in accordance with section 63(1) of the Anguilla Constitution, the Honourable Perin A. Bradley, Acting Governor of Anguilla, on the advice of the Premier, issued a proclamation proroguing the First Session of the Thirteenth House of Assembly. The prorogation takes effect from Wednesday, 11 March 2026 until Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

Understanding Prorogation – Prorogation formally ends a parliamentary session. It does not dissolve the House; all Elected Members retain their seats, and the House of Assembly remains constituted. During this period, the Speaker and Members will manage their affairs accordingly until the Second Session is convened. Anguilla’s democratic institutions continue to operate fully, and when the Governor summons the new session, the legislative programme will restart with fresh business.

Reflecting on the First Session: A Year of Progress – The Speaker and Members of the Assembly take this opportunity to highlight the institutional growth and achievements of the House of Assembly during the past parliamentary year.

Institution Building and Governance – The First Session placed strong emphasis on strengthening parliamentary institutions. Guided by the Administration Committee, the House delivered:
• A new accessibility focused parliamentary website.
• The formal establishment of Hansard, providing verbatim transcripts of all sessions.
• Adoption of a Code of Conduct for Members.
• Adoption of a comprehensive Strategic Plan.
• More effective use of the committee system.
Parliamentary Innovation and Technology – Anguilla has positioned itself as a leader in digital democracy through the launch of Hansard AI, developed by local company Evoluut AI. This platform enables real time capture and transcription of parliamentary debates.

Hansard AI was featured in The Parliamentarian (Volume 107), where Anguilla was highlighted as a model for small legislatures across the Commonwealth during its 50th Anniversary of Parliamentary Democracy.

External Funding and Grants – The House successfully secured two competitive Commonwealth grants that are enhancing accessibility, ethics, and professional development:
1. CPwD Capital Investment Fund (£10,000): Used to develop the fully accessible parliamentary website (www.houseofassembly.ai), built to WCAG 2.1 AA standards by local firm Design Elements.
2. CPA Small Branches Regional Initiative Fund 2026 (£10,000): Supporting specialist training for the Code of Conduct and the development of a Members’ Handbook and Standards Committee manuals.
Member Development and Training – To ensure that Members and staff are equipped to serve effectively, they participated in several regional and international programmes, including:
• Turks and Caicos & Bermuda: Post election seminars attended by Hon. Tara Carter, Hon. Merrick Richardson, Ms. Vanisha Proctor, and Mr. Lenox Proctor.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Advanced Parliamentary Residency Programme attended by Hon. Jeison Bryan and Hon. Merrick Richardson.
• United Kingdom: Hon. Cordell Richardson (Valley South) is currently attending the 74th Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments.
Inter Parliamentary Relations – The Assembly was represented at key annual engagements geared towards sharing good practice and building the parliamentary network. These included:
• The UK Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (May 2025)
• The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados

Looking Ahead to the Second Session – The Second Session will open with an ambitious agenda. March will be used to finalise preparations for the full implementation of the Code of Conduct and Register of Interests. Specialist training for Members, the Standards Committee, and the Commissioner for Standards will follow in April to ensure rigorous and effective application.

Plans are also well advanced for targeted training for the Public Accounts Committee, supported by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch.

The Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ms. Tara Carter extends her “Sincerest appreciation to all Members, parliamentary staff, and the people of Anguilla for your steadfast engagement throughout the First Session. Let us remember that the desire for our own House of Assembly stood at the heart of our struggle during the “1967 Revolution”. This Assembly is our Assembly. As we enter the Second Session, marking fifty years of our Assembly, let us reflect and recommit ourselves to our shared vision for an independent, efficient, and effective Assembly that is responsive to the aspirations of the people of Anguilla and actively participates in the transformation of Anguilla to meet those aspirations.”

In this week’s Government’s Press Conference (Monday 9th March, 2026) the Honorable Premier and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Cora Richardson Hodge, focused on the possible unfavourable impacts that would be brought on by the war in the Middle East. In presenting her report, she acknowledged the adverse climate that has arisen due to the US and Israel’s attack upon Iran.
“In relation to the global conflict due to the war in the Middle East, we are closely monitoring the ongoing geo-political tensions overseas and their possible implications for Anguilla,” she said, “particularly taking note of oil prices and resulting inflation.”

The Premier alluded to the fact that international markets have seen sharp volatility in recent days due to the rise in the price of crude oil, which has surged to over US$100 per barrel, heading towards US$120, amid concerns of disruption to Middle East supply routes.
“For a small import-dependent economy like ours, such developments can eventually affect transport, electricity, and the wider cost of living,” she noted. “It is important to note that international prices do not always immediately impact local prices, as there is usually a lag while shipments and supply contracts work through the system.”

The Premier observed that there are mixed international reviews about future implications and resulting effects of the war that will determine whether the impacts will be short-lived or more prolonged.
“While some investors appear to be betting on a temporary shock” she said, “other perspectives reflect sustained higher prices which will ultimately impact the cost of living. Our position here is to remain calm and monitor the situation and its impact on Anguilla carefully.”

The Premier mentioned that Government will be assessing any potential implications for Anguilla, and it will be prepared to respond appropriately should sustained external pressures begin to feed through more materially into local prices.
In addition, she ascertained that she has held discussions with both the Permanent Secretary of Finance Ms. Marisa Harding-Hodge and the Customs Department in order to be prepared for contingent eventualities relative to pending economic shocks.

A delegation of [Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School – ALHCS] fourth form history students recently returned from an enriching educational tour to St. Kitts and Nevis from 1st to 4th March 2026, where they investigated the social, economic, and political developments that shaped the twin-island federation during and after the Sugar Revolution.
The group was led by History teachers Mr. Neil Gumbs and Ms. Donielle Estridge and included seven budding historians: Nicalleah Millington, Adaisha Carty, Ysabel Sena-Gomez, Yeimi Brito, Charla Hodge, Reanne Richardson, and Kyshaun Connor. The study tour formed part of the school’s continued commitment to experiential learning, providing students with firsthand exposure to the historical forces that influenced Caribbean development.
Throughout the visit, students engaged in immersive learning experiences that traced the step-by-step process of sugar production; from cultivation and harvesting to milling and export. They examined the historical significance of sugar as the backbone of the Federation’s economy and explored the factors that led to the eventual closure of the sugar industry. Emphasis was placed on understanding the economic transition from sugar production to tourism and how this shift reshaped the national landscape.
Students gained valuable insights into how the sugar plantation system influenced social structures, governance, labor systems, and regional trade. The experience deepened their appreciation for the resilience of Caribbean societies and their capacity for economic reinvention in response to global change.
A major highlight of the tour was a special audience with the Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley. During this engaging session, students participated in meaningful discussions on governance, economic diversification, and the importance of regional collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla. The dialogue underscored the value of youth involvement in regional development and strengthened students’ understanding of contemporary Caribbean political relationships.
The group extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Kerese Elliott and Ms. Shelisia Glasford from the Ministry of Tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis for graciously hosting the delegation and facilitating a meaningful and well-coordinated visit.
Special thanks are also extended to the Honourable Shellya Rogers-Webster, Permanent Secretary Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, Chief Education Officer Mr. Bren Romney, and Principal of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Dr. Trevor Hodge, for their immense support in making this educational initiative a reality. The delegation also expresses sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this developmental opportunity possible: The Ministry of Social Development, Education, Youth & Culture, Library Services & Probation; the Anguilla Community Fund; the Department of Education; Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School; the Anguilla National Youth Council; and all community members who supported fundraising efforts. “Your generous contributions have directly impacted on the growth and global awareness of our young historians.”

This educational tour stands as a testament to the power of experiential learning and regional partnership. By stepping beyond the classroom and into the historical landscapes of the Caribbean, these students have gained knowledge, perspective, and inspiration that will shape their academic and civic journeys for years to come.

A message of rest, reflection and resilience resonated through Bethel Methodist Church on Friday, 6th March 2026, as Anguillians joined Christians around the world in observing the annual World Day of Prayer.
The ecumenical service brought together women, men and children from several denominations across the island, including members of the Women’s Commission of the Methodist Church of Anguilla and visitors from Nigeria. This year’s programme was prepared by Christian women of Nigeria under the theme “I Will Give You Rest: Come”, drawn from Matthew 11:28–30.
Yet while the service featured music, storytelling, prayer and symbolic elements reflecting Nigerian culture and experiences, the heart of the evening centred on a deeply personal and stirring address by keynote speaker Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, who urged those gathered to reflect honestly on the burdens they carry and to accept Christ’s invitation to rest.
From the outset, Mrs. Hamilton reminded the congregation that the biblical promise begins with a condition. “‘Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ There is an invitation extended to those who are weary,” she explained. “The invitation is coming from Jesus himself.”
Her reflection encouraged the audience to look beyond the surface of daily life and consider the unseen weight carried by many, particularly women who are often expected to balance work, family and countless responsibilities. While society praises women for their ability to multitask and endure, Mrs. Hamilton cautioned that beneath that strength many are quietly exhausted.
Recounting childhood memories, Mrs. Hamilton illustrated the idea of life’s burdens through the physical labour she once experienced growing up. Holding up a bundle of sticks — a replica of firewood once collected in the bush — she described how children would gather and carry heavy bundles home along rugged paths. She then lifted a bucket to illustrate another memory — carrying water from a standpipe using a cotta, a traditional cloth ring placed on the head for balancing the bucket of water and to ease discomfort.
“Sometimes along the route we got tired,” she said. “Other times the water spilled and I got soaked.” For Mrs. Hamilton, those experiences mirrored the emotional and spiritual struggles people face today. “Your bundle of wood could be the multiple things you do,” she told the congregation. “You line up your schedule, you begin addressing tasks, and something spins out of control. Before your eyes you see things slipping away.”
Likewise, the bucket of water symbolised the weight many try to carry while maintaining the appearance of control. “You may have been carrying that load trying to impress others,” she continued. “But you stepped into an unseen pothole and suddenly the water spills. Some sisters help you up, but you are still soaked — the hurt is deep.”
Each scenario, she emphasised, points to the same answer. “Jesus says, ‘Come.’ He sees your situation. He is not even asking you to get it together first. He simply says, come.”
The theme resonated strongly with the wider programme prepared by Nigerian women, whose stories highlighted the burdens of oppression, persecution and poverty.
During the service, attendees heard the testimony of Beatrice, a Nigerian widow who lost her husband during a communal clash and faced poverty and social exclusion while raising three children alone. Yet she spoke of finding strength through faith and a community of widows who support one another. Another account, shared through the story of Jato, described the fear faced by Christian families in northern Nigeria where religious persecution remains a reality. Jato spoke of praying daily for her teenage daughter while drawing courage from her faith in Christ’s promise of peace. A third reflection came from Blessing, who described the crushing effects of poverty in Lagos but insisted that hope still shines through acts of resilience and faith within struggling communities.
These stories were echoed in a dramatic presentation titled “Chioma’s Burden,” performed by members of the Girls’ Brigade. The play followed a young schoolgirl struggling academically until she turned to God for strength, reinforcing the central theme that burdens become lighter when placed in God’s hands.
Symbols placed around the church further illustrated the Nigerian context: colourful African fabrics representing cultural heritage; grains of rice symbolising economic hardship; stones signifying heavy burdens; and a calabash bowl reflecting God’s provision. Candles were lit to represent hope amid despair.
For Mrs. Hamilton, the testimonies from Nigeria were not distant narratives but reminders that every community — including Anguilla — carries its own struggles.
“We heard the stories of the Nigerian women and we may say we will pray for them,” she said. “But I want us to reflect on where we are. What is wearing you down?”
She spoke particularly to modern pressures faced by young women navigating careers, expectations and digital life.
“You are operating like a device running multiple apps at once,” she said. “The world sees the polished screen, but underneath the system is overheating. You are experiencing system lag and mental fatigue.”
Her message concluded with a reminder that true rest goes beyond physical relief.
“When you [often] ask someone how they are, they say, ‘I’m tired,’” she observed. “Physical rest is important, but more importantly Jesus is calling to give us rest for our souls.”
The promise of that rest, she emphasised, requires a response.
“We cannot have rest if we do not come,” she said. “When we come, he will give us rest.”
As the congregation joined in the hymn of invitation, Art Thou Weary, the service ended with a call to action reflecting the World Day of Prayer motto: “Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action.”
For those gathered, the evening served as both a global act of solidarity and a deeply personal reminder that the invitation spoken two thousand years ago still stands.
“Come to Jesus,” Mrs. Hamilton urged. “Come and find rest in Him.”

By Janissa Fleming

Judith Berglund Carmichael
June 21, 1935 – February 21, 2026

Our beloved mother, Judith B. Carmichael “Judy” passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was 90.

Judith was born in Youngstown, OH to Eleanor and Ernest Berglund. Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Paul D. Carmichael, Jr. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together.

Judith has left behind her children, Sherry C. Killion of Wesley Chapel, NC (husband T. Christopher Killion), Kristen C. Olsson of Cupertino, CA, Paul D. Carmichael lll (Chip) of Missoula, MT (wife Malou), and Nevin S. Carmichael of Polruan (Cornwall) United Kingdom, (wife Jane Walker). Judith and Paul shared 9 grandchildren. Family was Judith’s greatest joy.
Judith attended Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University). Paul was the first person Judith met on campus. He helped direct her to her dorm when moving in. Judith majored in Home Economics. She became president of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma and sang with the Cameron Choir. Judith and Paul married after graduating from college. During their married life, they lived in Ohio, New York, Kentucky, Connecticut, and finally settled in California. Judith and Paul gathered friends far and wide.
While living in Wilton, CT Judith was active in the Wilton Congregational Church where she served as a deaconess, Wilton Garden Club, and DAR. She was president of both the Wilton Garden Club and DAR for several years. Judith owned her own business, Topiary Designs. Judith and Paul both supported their children’s numerous activities with hours of time given to horse shows, Boy Scouts, Wilton Wahoos Swim Team, many community clubs, hosted the neighborhood Weiner Roast and much more. Judith created a home that was the center of the neighborhood where everyone was welcomed. Her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens were admired by all. Judith was amazing in the kitchen. She loved animals. The house and barn were always full of beloved creatures.

Once relocating to California, Judith had more time to get back to her passion of sewing, giving to others, traveling the world, activities with her friends and Cupertino Senior Center.

Judith and Paul spent 6 months of the year at their vacation home in Anguilla, BWI where they developed wonderful friendships. They cherished every moment there. The Craft Group in Anguilla was a special love of hers. Judy and Paul supported AARF, the Youth Sailing Association and funded scholarships for island students in addition to many other organizations.

Judith most recently resided at MorningStar Assisted Living. A whole new set of friends, both residents and staff became like family. She enjoyed every day to the fullest. Fun, laughter filled meals at “the round table of 8” (or as many more they could squeeze in), crafts, card games, entertainment, movies and outings made her later years extra special.

Judith was an inspiration and light to all with her grace, endless kindness, positivity, inclusion of others, open hospitality, her huge smile, and caring heart. She smiled from her eyes. She is greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Her memorial will be held in Anguilla at a future date. Friends and family are welcome. The family asks that donations to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, shfb.org, be made instead of flowers or other gifts.

A group of young Anguillian leaders is stepping forward to support their peers following another round of training under the StreetDoctors Anguilla initiative – a programme aimed at strengthening youth awareness of mental health, violence prevention and community safety.

The Ministry of Social Development and Education, through its Community Services Planning Unit (CSPU), coordinated the latest phase of the initiative from Monday, 9th March to Wednesday, 11th March, 2026, continuing its work to empower young people to speak openly about mental wellbeing while equipping them with practical life-saving skills.

StreetDoctors Anguilla is a youth-led programme that prepares young leaders to deliver peer-to-peer guidance on issues affecting their generation, including emotional distress, conflict and injury. The initiative encourages responsible decision-making while promoting safety awareness and positive mental health practices among students and young people across the island.

The programme was first launched in October 2024 through collaboration between the Government of Anguilla and the UK Health Security Agency, with guidance from StreetDoctors Chief Executive Officer, Martin Tilbury. Since then, the initiative has steadily expanded. A second phase of training and recruitment in 2025 brought more young leaders into the programme while placing stronger emphasis on mental health awareness and violence prevention.

Drawing on discussions and experiences shared by the students themselves, participants previously developed a locally informed Mental Health Training Pack designed to support peer-to-peer conversations about emotional wellbeing, conflict resolution and the importance of seeking help.

Mr. Tilbury explained that the resource emerged after young people raised concerns about how mental health was being discussed within the wider conversation about violence.

“Last year we followed up from our initial work in Anguilla where we looked at street violence,” he said. “Young people in Anguilla looked at how they can train other people in the physical effects of violence. But one of the things the young people said to us was about how mental health was impacting them.”

He added that the feedback prompted a shift in focus. “We followed up the first visit with looking at a training programme to help young people explore how violence affects their mental health and how they wanted to understand what mental health meant. Based on that, the young people created a training pack which helps them to peer educate other young people about violence.”

The recent training sessions served both as a review and expansion of that work. Mr. Tilbury said the goal of the visit was to see how the youth-created materials were working in practice and to continue refining them with a new group of participants.
Thirteen students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School National Youth Empowerment Club, ranging from First to Fifth Form, participated in the training alongside five members of the National Youth Ambassadors Corps (NYAC). Also involved was Ms. Takiyah Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Inside a Young Mind, who will support the continued rollout of the programme.

Several of the young participants were also bilingual, strengthening the programme’s ability to reach a wider group of students within the school community.

Throughout the sessions, facilitators focused on helping students understand mental health in ways that felt relatable rather than clinical.

“One of the things the young people told us in Anguilla was that when people talk about mental health it seems very clinical,” Mr. Tilbury said. “But when they described mental health, they talked about it being their wellbeing.”

To simplify the concept, trainers introduced practical and interactive exercises. One activity involved a shaken bottle of soda, used as a metaphor for emotional pressure.

“If you shake the bottle too much it becomes too tense,” Mr. Tilbury explained. “And if you keep putting lots of pressures onto it, it becomes too much. The process is about helping young people realise how stress builds up and then looking at ways they can relax themselves.”

The programme also incorporated practical emergency response training – at the students’ request. During a session held on Tuesday, 10th March, 2026, students received basic first-aid training led by facilitator Rachele Ferrario.

Participants were introduced to the body’s vital organs and how to respond if someone is seriously injured. They were taught how to control bleeding in emergencies, including injuries caused by stabbing or gunshot wounds, and the essential steps to take before assisting someone — such as ensuring the scene is safe, calling for help and applying pressure to wounds.

Students also learned how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on babies, children and adults, practising the techniques in hands-on demonstrations.

By the end of the training, the young participants were not just learners but facilitators themselves. Working in groups, they recreated what they had learned through interactive exercises designed to teach others about mental health awareness and first aid. Members of the NYAC also joined in the activities, supporting the collaborative and peer-led environment the programme aims to foster.

Mr. Tilbury said he was particularly encouraged by the impact Anguillian students have already had beyond the island.
“What we found from developing the pack is that other people, not only in Anguilla but also internationally, have learned from the young people here,” he said.

As a UK-based charity, StreetDoctors operates with limited resources, but Mr Tilbury expressed a strong commitment to continuing the partnership with Anguilla.

“We’re really happy to support wherever we can,” he said. “We’re also looking at developing volunteer teams and seeing how we can build a sustainable system so that the training continues to grow here.”

For the Community Services Planning Unit, initiatives such as StreetDoctors Anguilla, represent a broader commitment to placing young people at the centre of solutions to issues affecting their generation.

By equipping students with leadership opportunities, life-saving knowledge and the confidence to speak openly about mental health, the programme continues to build a network of youth advocates dedicated to strengthening safety, resilience and wellbeing throughout Anguilla’s communities.
By Janissa Fleming

On Thursday, March 5th, I had the privilege of delivering an impactful session on “Teamwork: The Role of Gender in Team Performance and Development” to a cohort of 18 trade union leaders from across the Caribbean. This facilitated session was a focal point of the recent Trade Union Education and Gender Education Workshop hosted by the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT).

My presentation provided a deep dive into how gender dynamics operate within the workplace, outlining actionable strategies to achieve equitable team balance without relying on traditional stereotypes.

Rather than a standard lecture, the cohort was highly instrumental to the session’s success. The participants actively engaged with the material, sharing their unique regional views through robust discussions and collaborative group work. Together, we navigated critical frameworks and regional data, focusing on:
• The Basics of Team Development: Utilizing Tuckman’s stages of development (forming, storming, norming, and performing), we highlighted how societal expectations and gender norms actively influence conflict resolution and team cohesion.
• The Caribbean Context (2020–Present): We placed a spotlight on regional disparities. While women in the Caribbean outpace men in educational attainment by 86%, their labour force participation lags by over 20%. We identified the “unpaid care gap”—where women spend up to three times more of their day on domestic labour—as a systemic barrier that prevents women from taking on the extra, unpaid ‘hustle’ often required to reach top leadership roles.
• Gender’s Influence on Teamwork: We unpacked the divide between ‘task’ roles (driving projects forward) and ‘maintenance’ roles (organizing schedules, taking notes, keeping the peace). Society often conditions women to take on these vital yet invisible maintenance roles, which are frequently overlooked in promotions.
• Leadership Styles: We emphasized the need for diverse teams to balance both transactional and transformational leadership styles to truly thrive.
• Barriers to Gender Equity in Teamwork: We discussed implicit bias and stereotyping, the double burden, microaggressions, and a lack of sponsorship.
• Implications on Team Performance: We examined the loss of diverse perspectives, decreased morale and engagement, and inefficient talent utilization.
• Strategies for Inclusive Team Development: We explored actionable steps, such as defining roles by skill rather than stereotype, rotating maintenance tasks, implementing structured communication, and fostering continuous awareness.
• The Role of Educators and Unionists – Moving Forward: Finally, we addressed the crucial role educators and unions must play in breaking down these barriers to shape a more balanced future.

My experience
Although I attended the workshop as a presenter and an executive of the CUT Status of Women’s Committee, the experience was truly a two-way learning opportunity. Connecting with 18 leaders from across the region reminded me that, despite our different islands and systems, we share many of the same concerns as educators and trade unionists.

The conversations we had strengthened my belief in the importance of unionism within our organizations. Our unions give us the collective voice we need to advocate for fair compensation, equitable policies for both men and women, and safe working environments where teachers are protected from harassment and burnout. One issue that came up repeatedly was educator mental health. It was a powerful reminder that, as leaders, we must work together to close the gaps and actively support our teachers’ well-being.

I am sincerely grateful to the Caribbean Union of Teachers for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Education and Union workshop. The experience has helped me grow both as a union member and as a leader.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I took away was the value of networking. Building relationships across the region strengthens solidarity, allows us to learn from each other’s advocacy strategies, and fosters genuine camaraderie. I look forward to sharing what I learned with our local union so that we can continue working toward stronger collaboration, better recognition of the invisible workload teachers carry, and a more inclusive and supportive organization for everyone.

On the afternoon of Sunday, March 1st 2026, the Government of Anguilla hosted a special service in Honour of the late James Ronald Webster, widely regarded as the “Father of the Nation”.
This memorial event took place at the Church of God (Holiness) and was held in recognition of what would have been Mr. Webster’s 100th birthday, which was celebrated on the following day, Monday, March 2nd as a public Holiday. The national hero was born on March 2nd 1926.
The Ecumenical Service brought together patriots from all across the island, including members of the clergy, elected officials, members of Mr. Webster’s family and members of the wider community. They had come in a spirit of unity to pay homage in appreciation for Mr. Webster’s daring exploits in the quest for political freedom for Anguilla through his fierce fight in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
In delivering the Call to Worship, Pastor Gareth Hodge alluded to the song “Stand up Stand up for Jesus”, which he cited as the song that Mr. Webster himself had customized into an anthem of sorts, during informal events when he would gather his foot-soldiers and supporters to strategize his revolutionary plans. That song was lustily sung as an opening hymn for the ecumenical service.
Reverend Lindsey Richardson of the Methodist Church delivered Reflections and a Prayer: “One hundred years ago a child was born,” he reflected. “His parents were happy and perhaps anxious a little; one hundred years ago a child was born, and like any other ordinary child, these parents had no clue of what the future would hold for him; one hundred years ago a child was born. Little did anyone know that he would not only be a man, but he would be a man who would hear a call from the cries of his people for him to be courageous and take a stand. It was a call to stand up for his people, for his country and for his God. It was a call to take a stand against injustice and political disrespect.
“It was a call,” the Reverend said, “that enabled him to gain the admiration and respect of his own people – a people whom he rallied around himself; a people whom he challenged and motivated to stand up with him. He was chosen to lead, and so he led.”
Rev. Lindsey’s fervent prayer expressed hearty thanks to God for the life of Mr. Webster. He acknowledged that God had chosen him, called him, and ordained him to lead and liberate his people into a life of freedom from political bondage and oppression. He prayed that, like Mr. Webster, the people of Anguilla would be inspired to first give of themselves to God, and to offer themselves in service for each other.
The First Scripture Reading was designated to be read by the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, but due to his absence was read by Opposition Member, Haydn Hughes. The passage came from Exodus 3:7-17. It gave a vivid account of Moses leading God’s people out of dreadful Egyptian bondage, akin to Mr. Webster leading his people out of an age of dark dismay to light and liberation.
The Second Scripture Reading taken from Hebrews 11:1-10 and James 2:17-20 and was delivered by the Honourable Premier, Cora Richardson-Hodge. This passage speaks to the kind of bold faith that Mr. Webster would have possessed as he ventured to take the glaring risks and make the costly sacrifices that would have set The Revolution in motion.
The sermon entitled “Anguilla Needs Another Revolution” was preached by the Church’s leader, Pastor Phillip Gumbs. He called on Anguilla’s people, and men in particular, to lead the young people, especially young men, even as Mr. Webster led. He called on responsible Anguillians to lead our youth away from destructive traits and ill-fated lifestyles.
Quoting from a documentary on Webster, Pastor Gumbs relayed a message that is profound: “Mr. James Ronald Webster is often remembered as the protagonist of The Anguilla Revolution. One reason for this is that many consider him to have demonstrated the prototypical features of a hero marked by bravery, sacrifice, conviction risk-taking and moral integrity for an honorable purpose,” the writing relates.
One attractive highlight of the service was the singing of the patriotic song, “Anguilla My Home” written by Pastor Gumbs in 2007 and melodiously sung by him and members of his family. The immaculate lyrics call to mind the oppressive conditions under which Anguilla existed prior to The Revolution and the new day that broke forth through the dawn of The Revolution. It calls upon God to end all forms of oppression and make the nation truly prosperous – a land where “faith, love and peace” will reign.
The only daughter of Mr. Webster, Parlona Webster Reece, paid a special tribute in writing to the legacy of her Dad: “On this national celebration,” she wrote, “let us honour him not only with words, but with commitment – commitment to our unity.” (Parlona’s entire tribute is published elsewhere in this edition.)
With regard to the aspect of “unity”, per se, Dr. Timothy Hodge made a stunning observation as it pertains to Anguilla’s Coat of Arms. He noted that while the Coat of Arms pride three dolphins, it depicts only two virtues, namely: “strength” and “endurance”. However, he suggested that there be room for a third virtue, which is “unity”. “These three elements,” he proposed, “would then go along well with the dolphins to make the emblem complete.” He therefore suggested that legislation be put forward to effectively amend this.
Towards the end of the service, Pastor Cecil Gumbs offered an intercessory prayer. In it he thanked God for protecting Mr. Webster and his foot-soldiers in times of impending danger and for keeping the brave stalwarts safe during the time of fearsome The Revolution. “And though we have drifted from all that you have done for us,” he acknowledged, “and though we are not as grateful as we are to be, Lord we ask you in the name of your son, Jesus, to forgive us.”
The service was then brought to an end with the vibrant singing of the revolutionary song, “Onward Christian Soldiers”.

By: James R. Harrigan

Anguilla has taken a deliberate and strategic step towards strengthening its response to trauma, grief and violence, as eighty frontline professionals completed an intensive two-week certificate training programme aimed at transforming the way institutions and communities care for vulnerable people.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Development and Education through its Community Services Planning Unit (CSPU) and the Department of Probation, concluded with a closing ceremony on Friday, 27th February 2026. The ceremony brought together participants, facilitators and senior officials to reflect on what organisers described as a timely and critical investment in Anguilla’s human services infrastructure.
As previously reported, Week One of the training – held from Monday, 16th February 2026 to Friday, 20th February 2026 – focused on Trauma-Informed Care for Residential Care Workers. Residential staff and frontline professionals responsible for supervising and supporting children, young people and adults within institutional settings were equipped with practical tools to better understand how trauma shapes behaviour, emotional regulation and decision-making.
Building on that foundation, Week Two, held from Monday, 23rd February 2026 to Friday, 27th February 2026, broadened the scope to Community Trauma, Grief and Violence-Reduction Training. This phase drew an even wider cross-section of stakeholders, including probation officers, social workers, counsellors, police officers, educators, health professionals, youth workers and other community responders.
Participants examined traumatic loss, grief counselling in crisis situations and community-based trauma response, while developing practical strategies to strengthen resilience among families and communities impacted by violence and loss.
The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Royette Williams-James, a Trinidad-based regional specialist with nearly two decades of experience in trauma and behavioural intervention, the sessions moved beyond theory.
Delivering remarks at the closing ceremony, P.S. Social Development Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake thanked participants for their commitment and urged them to translate learning into action. She highlighted a crucial shift in perspective championed throughout the training. “A trauma-informed approach challenges us to think of a different set of questions, not what is wrong with you, but rather what has happened to you and what can we do to help you feel safe and supported.”
Dr. Richardson-Lake also emphasised staff well-being, reminding participants that the work of caring for traumatised individuals carries its own emotional toll. “You cannot pour from an empty cup,” she said. “When you’re working with young people and families carrying deep pain, you’re also at risk of suffering that pain and compassion fatigue. The self-care plans, boundaries and resilience strategies you’ve explored are not just extras. They’re really essential.”
She cautioned against allowing the training to end with a certificate alone. “Training can’t just be us giving you a certificate. You really have to translate what you learn into practice.”
The impact of the sessions was evident in the testimonials that followed.
One participant from the Mental Health Institution within the Ministry of Health described the workshop as transformative. “Many of us suffer trauma in many ways. But one thing is that we swallow it like food. One thing we have to do in order to cure trauma is to speak out.”
Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks, Clinical Psychologist within the Ministry, said the training offered both professional refreshment and personal reflection. “It helped to refresh my memory of a lot of theories, but also give me another angle from which I can now look at things like trauma and grief,” she explained.
Retired professional Mrs. Anita Martin-Ruan described the course as one she was eager to attend from the outset. She praised Dr. James’ energy and authenticity, noting that grief and trauma are “real in Anguilla”. “After this week, I feel I am in a better place to help. I now know that I was doing the right things, how to improve on those things and how to implement other techniques.”
Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs, Senior Health Educator at the Health Authority of Anguilla, described the training as “the best workshop ever” and commended organisers for its timeliness. “Many times we hear in society, what is government doing?” she said. “But this workshop shows us as a community, we need now to take the information that we got in here and really serve our community.”
In her closing remarks, Dr. Williams-James expressed gratitude for the engagement she experienced over the two weeks and reiterated the importance of implementing the lessons learned in their professions.
She issued a sober warning as well. “You guys have the opportunity to arrest your issues and face them head on. …Let us use the information that we acquired for the betterment of this place.”
Certificates were presented to participants representing the Ministry of Social Development and Probation, Community Services Planning and Psychological Services, the Health Authority, Her Majesty’s Prison, the Department of Probation, Community Centres, the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Red Cross, the Fire Department, teachers, counsellors, the Department of Sports and the Department of Education. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Christine Brooks for assisting in the absence of Permanent Secretary Dr. Richardson-Lake.
As Anguilla continues to navigate the complex social realities of trauma, loss and community violence, training is only the beginning. The real work now lies in classrooms, counselling rooms, prison corridors, police stations and homes across the island.

The Green Space illuminated with imagination and purpose on Thursday 26th February 2026 as educators, government officials, students and families gathered for the official launch of Fran The Firefly Has Lost Her Light, by Anguillian author Serena Connor. What unfolded was far more than a book launch. It was a celebration of literacy, identity and community, wrapped in laughter, music and the hopeful glow of a story about rediscovering one’s inner light.
At the heart of the day was Fran, an endearing firefly who delights in dancing through the rain, her light glowing brightly from her tiny tummy. When the rain stops and her glow mysteriously disappears, she is left confused and afraid. Determined to reclaim what she believes she has lost, Fran embarks on a journey, confronting doubt and disappointment before ultimately discovering that her light was within her all along. The book, part of Connor’s “Lost and Found” collection, explores themes of resilience, perseverance and self-belief in language accessible to young minds yet profound enough to resonate with adults.
Chairperson of the book launch, Ms. Rosanna Browne, in her welcome, set the tone. “Today is a celebration of imagination, literacy, and Anguillian storytelling,” she declared. In a world “filled with screens and noise”, she said, gathering around a book remains both timeless and transformative. She acknowledged major sponsor the Anguilla Social Security Board (ASSB), commending its commitment not only to social protection but to literacy, youth empowerment and community engagement. Additional sponsors included the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Anguilla National Trust, whose visiting “bug experts” later led children on an educational nature hike through the grounds, fittingly exploring the real-life world of fireflies and insects.
Throughout the day, children and parents enjoyed games, each costing one US dollar per turn, with all proceeds directed to supporting Anguilla’s primary schools. Tr. Krystal Webster described it as “a celebration of literacy and community spirit”, noting that sponsored children received copies of the book, workbooks, bookmarks and entry into a raffle featuring tablets, microscopes, terrarium kits and other STEM prizes.
P.S. Education Dr. Richardson-Lake underscored the national significance of the moment. “Education gives our children the knowledge, skills, confidence, and values they need to grow, contribute, and succeed,” she said. Announcing that the book will be used in all primary schools, she called reading “one of the most important foundations for learning”, emphasising vocabulary development, comprehension and imagination as cornerstones of academic success. The fundraiser, she added, was a reminder that education “is not the work of schools alone”, but of the entire community.

Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney delivered a stirring address, describing Connor’s achievement as “heroic”. “You are choosing to speak to the youngest minds at the very stage when curiosity is forming,” he said, acknowledging the educational legacy of her mother, former Chief Education Officer Mrs. Rhonda Connor. He pledged that the Department of Education would procure copies of the book, stressing the importance of culturally resonant material. “When children see themselves in stories… they understand that reading is not only something that happens somewhere else,” he said. In an era of digital distraction, he reminded parents and students alike that “Reading is your superpower.”
Representing the Department of Youth and Culture, Ms. Toniquewah Ruan praised the publication as “a significant step forward for our creative community”, while Acting Director of the ASSB, Dr. Maglan Lewis-Webster reflected on the Board’s longstanding commitment to youth development, referencing the enactment of the Social Security law on 3 November 1980 under the late Hon James Ronald Webster. The launch, she said, followed the island-wide parade honouring his heavenly centennial birthday, was a reminder of the enduring investment in Anguilla’s future generations.
Ms. Susan Hodge of the Anguilla Writers’ Association (AWA) highlighted the growing literary momentum on the island. She praised Connor for producing not only a story but also a workbook, creating “a complete hands-on tool for families, schools and young readers”.
Connor herself delivered deeply personal and emotional remarks. “Fran the Firefly was born from my love of storytelling, from my love of children, and from a deep desire to remind every child that even when life feels dark, their light still exists within them,” she said. Drawing parallels between science and life, she observed, “Light depends on darkness to be seen.” She thanked her parents, Rhonda and Esterlin Connor, her children Somaiya and Ashe Banks, her editors and organising committee, and the many volunteers who brought the event to fruition. “Fran may have lost her light, but standing here today, surrounded by all of you, I’m reminded that when a community comes together, the glow is undeniable.”
The programme was interwoven with performances from students across the island, including “Reading is a Magic Key” by Morris Vanterpool Primary School, “Try Everything” performed by Nikolai Romney of Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School, environmental poems from Adrian T. Hazel Primary School and Orealia Kelly Primary School, and musical selections “Breezin’” and “Isn’t She Lovely” performed by Somaiya and Ashe Banks.
As the formal session closed, Ms. Browne reflected on the morning’s energy. “Books shape how children see themselves. They tell them you matter, you belong, you have light,” she said. In that spirit, Fran The Firefly Has Lost Her Light reignited a conversation about reading, resilience and the importance of telling our own stories in our own voices for generations to come.

By Janissa Fleming

Board appointments in Anguilla are like musical chairs. With the election of a new administration, it automatically follows that board appointments will be terminated and new appointments made. Is there a rhyme or reason to such terminations save that the previous appointments were made by the outgoing administration? No other rhyme or reason is usually apparent.

Are board appointments made on merit? In most instances the appointments appear to be payback for the role (real or perceived) that the appointees are thought to have played in securing the win at the polls for the new administration. Are there no persons in Anguilla who are seen as desirous of wanting only the best for Anguilla and who are by virtue of qualifications and experience well suited to serve on a board without reference to their political leanings?

Is it idealistic or naïve to assume that it should be possible to identify good men and women to serve in Anguilla’s best interests regardless of their political leanings? Must appointments always be treated as payment for service to party? Many board appointees fail to function effectively without suffering any consequences. Ministers appear content, having appointed a board, to leave board appointees to their own devices without implementing any meaningful monitoring or evaluation structure. Chairpersons do not assume the responsibility of apprising the appointing authority of the failings of any appointees so that more suitable appointments can be made.

Governance training has in the past been stipulated as a requirement for board appointments. Is this still a requirement and if it is, who ensures compliance? In the past, directors who failed to pass the mandated Governance course retained their appointments.

Anguilla’s game of political musical chairs extends to the appointment of its United Kingdom Representatives. The two main parties rotate between two individuals in that space. Would Anguilla be better served by the appointment of an individual who serves despite any change in administration, following a general election?

While there have been brief moments of hope, maturity in politics in Anguilla remains elusive. The electorate and political aspirants all seem consumed with a desire to win and following the election to trash talk each other. Very rarely do we witness occasions of well thought out contributions to national conversations by politicians and their supporters in social media posts. Instead, we can expect regular attacks and counter attacks by elected officials, political aspirants, and their supporters.

The game of musical chairs will not serve to advance Anguilla. Measured consideration of the abilities and likely contributions of individuals should be the guiding factor for appointments. Which political party will bite the bullet and face the ire of its supporters by ensuring the appointment of qualified and experienced individuals rather than the sole qualifying factor being that an individual is a party supporter.

Anguilla deserves better than to have its appointment of board members compared to the party game of musical chairs. Who will take the lead in ensuring Anguilla gets what it deserves?

In the House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 4th, the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge moved a Bill for the amendment of the Social Security Act 2026.

In outlining the objects and reasons of the Bill, the Minister said that the Bill is to revise the process by which the Director of the Social Security Board is appointed. It also defines the process by which the Director’s appointment is renewed, as well as it sets out the conditions under which a Director might be demitted from office or be removed.

“The amendments are intended to make these processes clearer and more transparent,” the Minister said. “The Director is the Chief Administrative Officer responsible for managing the Social Security Fund and overseeing the day-to-day administration of the Act.”

“Because of the importance of that role,” she noted, “the amendments are aimed at strengthening accountability, improving transparency and building public confidence in the leadership of the Social Security system.”

She then explained the various clauses of the Bill and their relations to the various new sections of the Act.

In essence, the Bill stipulates that the candidate for Director should be a “fit and proper” individual who would be approved by Executive Council to function for a period of more than five years. Such a “fit and proper” person should be endued with the acceptable qualities of integrity, competence, experience, diligence, financial soundness and past conduct.

One important facet of the revised Act would be the determining powers in selecting the Director. Whereas in the past the position of the Director of Social Security was administered by the Governor, the amendments would provide that the former role of the Governor will now be replaced by the Minister of Finance who, in fact, has been the one to whom the Social Security Board reports.

The Honorable Representative for District 3, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, stood in support of the Bill: “Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this necessary amendment. I wish to thank the Premier and Minister of Finance for the work that she is undertaking to ensure that the Act is adjusted. Often times we are told that elected members can’t carry out certain functions because the law does not allow us to.

“But we operate in a unique position where we are also legislators,” said Minister Rogers-Webster. “And this is a good example of recognizing that there were particular short comings as a result of the existing law and necessary changes needed to be made.”

Also standing in approval of the Bill was Single Island-wide Representative, Kyle Hodge, who said he lent it his full support. “Madam Speaker, I lend my full support to the Premier and the Minister of Finance, who is the Minister in charge of the Social Security Board, which is a very important institution in Anguilla.”

He went on to say that for its entire existence in Anguilla, the Social Security Board has had only one Director, and so he considered the amendments as being timely.

Due to the fact that there were no objections to the Bill after its second reading and Committee Stage, it was read a third time. The Minister of Finance then stated: “Madam Speaker, I wish to move that [a] Bill entitled Social Security Amendment Act 2026 be moved a third time and passed.” The move was seconded by Minister Kyle Hodge. All members of the House present were in favour, and the Bill was passed.

As we move on to Chapter V, the 1982 Anguilla Constitution Order enshrined powers to “make laws” beginning with Section 47, “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Assembly, may make laws for the peace, order and good government of Anguilla.” [1] So, only an appointee can “make laws” – limiting elected members to advise, agree or disagree?

Royal Instructions
Section 48 links back to the monarchy, saying, “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Governor and the Assembly shall, in the transaction of business and the making of laws, conform as nearly as maybe to the directions contained in any Instructions under Her Majesty’s Sign Manual and Signet that may from time to time be addressed to the Governor in that behalf.”[1]

Rules of procedure
Section 49 gives latitude for House rules, then retracts it: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any Instructions under Her Majesty’s Sign Manual and Signet, the Assembly may … make, amend and revoke rules of procedure …and the despatch of business, and for the passing, intituling and numbering of Bills for the presentation thereof to the Governor for assent; but no such rules … shall have effect until the Governor, acting in his discretion… approves them.”[1]

Presiding in Assembly
Section 50 requires, “(1) When the Assembly first meets after a general election, or after the office of Speaker has fallen vacant for any [other] reason… and before…any other business, the Assembly shall elect a… Speaker… from among persons who are qualified for election…” but not from Executive Council.[2] Electing a Deputy Speaker was later included, as would be another member’s election for a single sitting if both are absent.[2,3] Conditions that “vacate” their offices include: dissolution of Assembly; resignation; two-thirds vote; ceasing to be a member (Section 39); joining Executive Council; or if not a member, if the Speaker becomes disqualified for election under Section 37. [3]

Assembly may transact business not-withstanding vacancies
Section 51 is ironic: “The Assembly shall not be disqualified for the transaction of business by reason of any vacancy… and any proceedings therein shall be valid notwithstanding that some person who was not entitled to do so sat or voted in the Assembly or otherwise took part in those proceedings.”[1] Ironic? See Section 56. Laws can be made without any Assembly at all!

Quorum
However, Section 52 allows “any member of the Assembly who is present” to object to “the transaction of business” without a quorum (two-thirds) and for “the person presiding” to “adjourn the Assembly” once the rules for confirming quorum status are followed.[1] Sounds good but see Section 56.
Voting
Section 53 has another pesky key left in the lock, saying, “Save as otherwise provided in this Constitution,[!!] all questions proposed for decision… shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting.” And the presiding member, “shall not vote unless… the votes are equally divided, in which case he shall have and exercise a casting vote.”[1] Most expect Speakers to vote down fraught legislation. Nonetheless, they are clearly empowered to single-handedly impose it.
Summoning of persons to assist Assembly
Section 54 simply allows, “The Speaker or other person presiding” to “summon any person to a meeting of the Assembly notwithstanding that that person is not a member” and that such individual(s) can participate in the proceedings relevant to their summons, except they can’t vote.[1]

Introduction of Bills
Section 55 states, “…any member may introduce any Bill or propose any motion for debate in, or may present any petition to, the Assembly… according to the rules of procedure.” However, it reserves powers of taxation whereby “Except on the recommendation of the Governor, the Assembly shall not—proceed upon any Bill [or motion – or receive any petition or amendment…] which in the opinion of the person presiding…makes provision for imposing or increasing any tax, for imposing or increasing any charge on the revenues or other funds of Anguilla or for altering any such charge otherwise than by reducing it or for compounding or remitting any debt due to Anguilla.”[1] Okay to reduce them? Hmm.

Section 56: Governor’s legislative reserved power
Section 56 turns an important key: “If the Governor considers that it is expedient in the interests of public order or public faith (which …include the responsibility of Anguilla…and all matters pertaining to the creation or abolition of any public office …) that any Bill introduced or motion proposed, in the Assembly should have effect, then, if the Assembly fail to pass the Bill or to carry the motion within such time and in such form as the Governor thinks reasonable and expedient, the Governor, acting in his discretion, may, at any time that he thinks fit, and notwithstanding any provision of this Constitution or of any other law in force in Anguilla or of any rules of procedure… declare that the Bill or motion shall have effect as if it had been passed or carried by the Assembly either in the form in which it was introduced or proposed or with such amendments as the Governor thinks fit which have been moved or proposed in the Assembly or any Committee thereof; and the Bill or the motion shall be deemed thereupon to have been so passed or carried, and the provisions of this Constitution, and in particular the provisions relating to assent to Bills and disallowance of laws, shall have effect accordingly.” [1,2]
This notably requires instructions from the Secretary of State, unless he judges it too urgent for such instructions. Reports and objections may follow, giving final discretion to the Secretary of State.[1,2]

Assent to Bills
Section 57 underscores the clarity of 56, saying, “A Bill shall not become a law until—the Governor has assented to it in Her Majesty’s name …or Her Majesty has given Her assent to it through a Secretary of State and the Governor has signified Her assent by Proclamation.” It continues, saying the Governor shall declare his assent, or that “he reserves the Bill” for [His Majesty’s] pleasure for “any Bill which appears to him to be in any way repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Constitution; and…any Bill which determines or regulates the privileges, immunities or powers of the Assembly or of its members…unless he has been authorised by a Secretary of State to assent to it.”[1] One wonders if either governor read the Constitution before assenting to GST or its offspring? [4,5]

And the General Services Tax (GST)…
Remember July 29, 2021, when the DG and AG nullified elected Ministers’ votes? ’Seems no one read Section 56, which empowered the Governor to enact GST without any votes, once the Speaker allowed the first reading. And would Section 55 permit replacing General Services Tax with Accommodation Tax while “reducing it” to zero for other services, now that AI is funding the government anyway?
Notably, the “UK retains the right to make law for all the Territories” – yet three such constitutions do not allow the Governor to make laws.[6] Will our amended Constitution will be the fourth? And will this Government put the People First by sharing AI revenue for more relief and restore the People’s rights by repealing that outside child of a fraught, repugnant law?

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] The Anguilla Constitution Order 1982; [2] The Anguilla Constitution (Amendment) Order 1990; [3] Anguilla Constitution (Amendment) Order 2020; [4] Goods and Services Tax Act, 2021; [5] General Services Tax Act, 2025; [6] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9583/

There is something humbling about stepping into a celebration that is not your own.

On Sunday 1st March 2026, I did just that when I attended the Holi festivities hosted by the Guyanese Association of Anguilla at The Green Space. As someone who has always been curious about cultures beyond my own — from Japanese and Korean traditions to the diverse customs of African nations — I have long believed that music, language and ritual are doorways into understanding. Often, I find myself listening to foreign-language music more than English, drawn not necessarily by comprehension of every word, but by rhythm, emotion and story.

So when my work brought me into closer contact with the Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese community here in Anguilla, I found that same curiosity stirring again.

The grounds of The Green Space were transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and culture as families, friends and well-wishers gathered for the observance. The afternoon began reverently with the reciting of a Hindu hymn, grounding what would become a lively celebration in its spiritual roots. A poem dedicated to the festival followed, its lines simple but brimming with meaning:
“Colour flies high in the sky.
Red and yellow and green and blue.
Holi brings joy to me and you.
Splashing colours water spray.
Celebrating in a fun filled way.
Holi is the time to share.
Love, laughter and colour everywhere.”
As an outsider, I stood listening, realising that while the powders and water guns would soon dominate the landscape, Holi — known in Guyana as Pagwa — is first and foremost a story. It is one of the most vibrant festivals in the Hindu calendar, observed on the full moon of the month of Phalguna, typically in late February or March. It marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. In Guyana, where descendants of Indian indentured labourers preserved centuries-old traditions, Holi is not only a Hindu observance but a national holiday embraced across ethnic and religious lines.
Mrs. Deoranie Bharrat, addressing the gathering, explained the significance of the day with warmth and clarity. “Holi is a time of colours and songs and music. So wherever you go at this Holi time, there will always be dancing, singing and lots of colours. This is another occasion that brings all our people together — all ethnic groups, all ages — and we celebrate and we have fun together.”

She pointed to the many attendees dressed in white. “Usually we wear white. Then we powder each other with coloured powder or spray coloured water.”
White, I quickly learned, is intentional — a blank canvas ready to be transformed. It felt symbolic, too. We arrive as we are, and we leave marked by shared experience.

Mrs. Bharrat briefly shared the legend at the heart of Holi — the story of the tyrant king Hiranyakashipu, who believed himself invincible after securing special boons, and his devoted son Prahalad, who refused to stop worshipping God. Despite repeated attempts on the boy’s life, he was protected, while the king’s sister Holika — who tried to burn him in a fire — perished instead. Ultimately, God appeared in the form of Narasimha, half man and half lion, destroying the king and affirming the triumph of good over evil, commemorated through the bonfire known as Holika Dahan. She also referenced the lighter tale of Lord Krishna playfully colouring Radha’s face, a story which inspired the joyful tradition of smearing one another with bright powders as a symbol of love and unity.

By Sunday afternoon’s end, those legends had leapt from story into lived experience. Clouds of powdered red, yellow, blue and green rose into the air. Children shrieked with laughter as they chased one another with water guns. Adults also surrendered to the inevitable, embracing colour with the same enthusiasm.

As someone not born into the tradition, I was struck not by exclusion but by invitation. No one insisted that you believe. No one demanded that you convert. Participation was offered, not forced. Respect was mutual. Tables were lined with traditional vegetarian dishes and “sweetmeats” — beloved Guyanese confections — reinforcing Holi’s spirit of hospitality and abundance.

What stayed with me – aside from the powder on my clothes and skin – was this: we often live within the comfortable echo chamber of our own culture. Most of us are Anguillian. We, rightfully, stand proud and true to our own customs. Yet within this small island lives a tapestry of people carrying histories from elsewhere — Guyana, China, Dominican Republic, America and beyond.

You don’t have to adopt another’s religion or practise their rituals to appreciate them. But stepping outside our cultural bubble, even briefly, opens dialogue and further builds community. It fosters understanding. It reminds us that identity is layered and that heritage travels with people wherever they settle.
Watching the Guyanese community celebrate Holi so vibrantly, thousands of miles from ancestral homelands, was a testament to resilience. Traditions have survived oceans, generations and change. They have adapted without losing their heart.
Holi in Anguilla is more than an imported celebration. It is an expression of belonging — both to heritage and to this island. And sometimes, the most meaningful way to grow is simply to step into someone else’s colour for a while.

By Janissa Fleming

Hon. Tara K. Carter is the Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly and was appointed on 11 March 2025. She is a distinguished barrister and solicitor.

Anguilla’s parliamentary history began with the 1976 Constitution, which established the first Legislature where laws were made with the advice and consent of the Assembly. This year, Anguilla’s House of Assembly celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Parliamentary Democracy.

In July 2025, the Administration Committee of the Anguilla House of Assembly successfully applied for a grant from the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network to fund the development of its website: www.houseofassembly.ai, which was developed by the Anguillan company Design Elements (www. digitalelements.ai).

The new website ensures that constituents with visual, auditory or other disabilities can access information about their Parliament’s work with the same ease as any other citizen. In a small community like Anguilla, where personal relationships matter deeply, it was particularly important that its digital presence reflected its commitment to inclusion.

Anguilla’s commitment to continuous improvement was reinforced by its participation in the CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures assessment in February 2020. This comprehensive review of its parliamentary practices identified areas where it excelled and, more importantly, highlighted opportunities for development. The assessment report’s recommendations on transparency, accessibility and the need for better record-keeping resonated strongly with its aspirations for the House of Assembly. One particularly pressing recommendation concerned the considerable backlog in producing official records of parliamentary debates. This challenge became a catalyst for innovation.

Building on this foundation, the Anguilla House of Assembly took an even bolder step and engaged the services of another local company, Evoluut AI (www.whosaidwhat.ai), to develop and implement an AI-driven transcription platform, known as the Hansard AI Together with the audio recording services of For The Record – FTR (www. fortherecord.com), the Hansard system works in real-time. As debates unfold on the floor of the House, audio is captured and immediately transcribed. An editor/ transcriptionist receives this live feed on their platform, allowing for verification and quality control even as the words are being spoken. Simultaneously, every Member of the House of Assembly has viewer access to the transcription on their own devices, enabling them to follow the debate with unprecedented clarity.

Most remarkably, the AI platform automatically generates the Hansard format transcript immediately upon conclusion of proceedings. What once took days or even weeks can now be accomplished in hours, providing constituents with rapid access to the official record of their Parliament’s work.

This innovation carries particular significance for Anguilla on two fronts. First, Anguilla is known as the birthplace of the .ai internet domain. While many around the world now recognize .ai as synonymous with Artificial Intelligence, it was originally, and remains, the Country Code Top-Level Domain for Anguilla. Anguilla’s implementation of sophisticated AI technology in its Parliament demonstrates that Anguilla is not merely the custodian of a valuable digital asset, but an active participant in the technological revolution it represents.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, this system advances the core values that must underpin any healthy democracy: accountability, transparency and fairness. When citizens can access the record of parliamentary debates immediately, when Members can review their own contributions and those of their colleagues in real-time, and when the process of creating the official record is both rapid and reliable, democracy is strengthened.

In December 2025, the Anguilla House of Assembly was honoured to host a formal launch of this innovative system, attended by CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and former CPA Head of Programmes, Matthew Salik. Their presence underscored the significance of this achievement not just for Anguilla, but as a potential model for other small Legislatures facing similar challenges. The launch represented the culmination of Anguilla’s efforts to address the recommendations of the benchmarks assessment while positioning Anguilla at the forefront of parliamentary innovation.

For small Parliaments like Anguilla that operate under resource limitations, the AI transcription system addresses a practical challenge. With limited staff managing multiple competing demands, traditional manual transcription had created significant backlogs that undermined transparency and accountability. The new system has proven effective: a single transcriptionist can now produce in hours what previously took weeks, while retaining essential human oversight for accuracy and parliamentary conventions.

Anguilla was honoured to share its experience at the CPA UK Post-Election Seminar in Bermuda from 26 to 28 January 2026. The session on exploring the use of AI and technology in Parliaments provided an excellent forum for exchanging ideas with colleagues from across the Commonwealth, including representatives from Turks and Caicos Islands, Jersey and the Isle of Man. The Anguilla delegation included the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Tara K. Carter and the Clerk, Mr. Lenox Proctor, who both made presentations on the advancements in Anguilla.

The Anguilla House of Assembly’s journey does not end with this achievement. In November 2025, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association co-hosted, with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNDP, a landmark conference in Malaysia on ‘The Role of Parliament in Shaping the Future of Responsible AI’. The resulting Kuala Lumpur Declaration provides a comprehensive framework for parliamentary action on AI, with thirteen specific recommendations covering everything from AI readiness assessments to the establishment of oversight mechanisms and the promotion of responsible AI use within Parliaments.

The Administration Committee in Anguilla’s Legislature is committed to conducting regular assessments of the AI transcription system while ensuring clear ethical boundaries and governance. The recommendations from both the CPA Democratic Benchmarks assessment and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration will guide Anguilla’s ongoing work to ensure that its use of AI remains responsible, transparent and firmly in service of democratic values.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been instrumental in supporting this development, both through direct funding and through the networks and knowledge-sharing it facilitates. Anguilla encourages other Parliaments to embrace new tools to advance technology in the parliamentary process.

Anguilla’s Parliament is small, but it continues to advocate for transparency, accessibility and effective democracy with the same fervor as any large Parliament in the Commonwealth. Through the combination of CPA support, Government of Anguilla investment, local innovation and a commitment to its values, Anguilla has proven that size need not limit impact.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Tara K. Carter, Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, and originally published in The Parliamentarian, the journal of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The publication has served Commonwealth parliaments and parliamentary professionals for more than 100 years. The article highlights Anguilla’s advancements in parliamentary accessibility and innovation through technology and artificial intelligence. It is reproduced here in full with permission of the author.

Written by: Honourable Tara K. Carter, Speaker of the House, Anguilla

Students at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School (MVPS) were treated to a hearty taste of homegrown goodness on Thursday, 5th March 2026, as Anguilla joined a wider Caribbean movement promoting healthy eating and the use of locally produced foods.

The event formed part of the regional PÉYI BÒKAZ Caribbean initiative which seeks to inspire Caribbean communities — particularly young people — to embrace healthier diets built around ingredients grown in their own soil.

In Anguilla, the concept was brought to life through a pilot programme at MVPS, where children sampled dishes prepared from fresh vegetables and other locally sourced ingredients. The initiative was introduced locally through collaboration between the Department of Education and Mr. Salih Abdur-Raheem, owner and manager of Sensational Flavours. Mr. Abdur-Raheem approached education officials with the proposal to pilot the programme in a primary school, where students could experience the flavours and nutritional benefits of local foods first-hand.

Mrs. Susan Smith, Education Officer for Primary and Pre-Primary Education, explained that the Department was quick to support the effort.

“Of course, we welcomed the opportunity to introduce our children to local produce,” Mrs. Smith said. She added that the Department connected Mr. Abdur-Raheem with MVPS, where both the school leadership and kitchen staff embraced the idea.

“We are sampling the work that they have actually produced,” she said. “I sampled the green soup and it’s really good. We want to thank Raheem and Sensational Flavours and Citrus for stepping up and introducing this initiative to our schools. We look forward to other schools benefiting from a similar experience.”

During the lunchtime service, the school cafeteria filled with students from different grades curious to sample the dishes prepared especially for the day. Bowls of steaming soup — made with ingredients such as callaloo, potatoes, carrots, kale, peppers, flour dumplings and chicken — were served.

Reactions varied. Some students quickly cleaned their plates, while others took a little longer to warm up to the unfamiliar flavours. Yet the exercise offered a valuable introduction to foods that were once staples in the Anguillian diet.

Mr. Abdur-Raheem said the goal is to reconnect the younger generation with local agriculture and healthier eating habits.

“We want to entice the students and let their taste buds understand the importance of local produce,” he explained. “We want food security in Anguilla where the children understand that we cannot continue to eat fast foods all the time.”

He noted that the programme aims not only to influence eating habits but also to strengthen connections with local farmers and encourage hands-on learning.

According to Mr. Abdur-Raheem, the idea gained momentum following the Breadfruit Festival held on 11th January 2026.

“We recognised the importance of local organic produce that can be implemented in the school menu,” he said. “We started with MVPS and eventually we’re going to go to various schools.”

He also praised the many individuals and organisations that supported the effort, including the chefs and staff of MVPS as well as the event’s sponsors: Island Greens, Palm Grove, Anguilla Sands and Salts, and Sensational Flavours. Special acknowledgement was also given to donor Agnita Parris of the United Kingdom and to the teachers and principal of MVPS.

Catherine Emmanuel, Mr. Abdur-Raheem’s sister, also expressed gratitude on behalf of Sensational Flavours and the wider initiative. She emphasised the long-term importance of instilling healthy habits early in life.
“Health is wealth, and it’s important to start it from the little ones so that it can be incorporated into adulthood,” she said. “We’re looking forward to great things happening and a healthier lifestyle not only in Anguilla but throughout the Caribbean.”

The broader vision of the PÉYI BÒKAZ initiative goes beyond a single meal. Organisers say the movement aims to unite Caribbean nations around food, culture and cooperation while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and local economic development.

For the students at Morris Vanterpool Primary School, however, the lesson began with something simple — a warm bowl of soup made from the land around them. And while some may still be developing a taste for these traditional flavours, organisers believe the seeds of appreciation have already been planted.

By Janissa Fleming

The Government of Anguilla, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), this week hosted the Opening Ceremony of the University’s Technical Advisory Committees (TACs). The TACs, together with the Grants Committees, form a cornerstone of UWI’s financial governance framework. The committees comprise Permanent Secretaries from Ministries of Finance and Ministries responsible for tertiary education across contributing countries, representatives from the Ministry of Health, Jamaica, the University Hospital of the West Indies, the Vice-Chancellor of UWI, and other senior government officials.
The Opening Ceremony was held on Tuesday, 3rd March, as a hybrid event. Anguilla’s delegates gathered at the newly refurbished Teachers’ Resource Centre while colleagues joined online from fifteen of the seventeen contributing countries. The ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Andrea McNish, University Bursar and Chief Financial Officer of UWI.

Proceedings began with an invocation delivered by the Right Reverend Canon Reid Simon, Parish Priest of the Pro-Cathedral and Parish of St Mary, Anguilla. Delegates were then welcomed by Dr Bonnie Richardson Lake, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development and Education.
Remarks were delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles, who reminded delegates that the objective of the TACs is to secure adequate financing for the university’s operations. He also highlighted the institution’s strong global standing, noting that the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 placed UWI among the top 3.6% of the 2,191 universities from 115 countries included in the assessment. Professor Beckles emphasized that while UWI is an elite university, it is not elitist, describing it as a public institution committed to expanding democracy, access and development through education and research across the region.

The Honourable Minister for Social Development and Education, Shellya Rogers-Webster, also addressed the gathering. She noted that UWI plays an important role in shaping Anguilla’s human resources and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the University’s “academic programmes remain rigorous, relevant and aligned with regional priorities and global realities.” Minister Rogers-Webster further observed that education must go beyond preparation for employment. She stressed that “quality assurance and strategic planning are more important than ever” so that UWI can integrate innovation, critical thinking and resilience into its programmes—skills essential for maintaining the competitiveness of small island states such as Anguilla.

The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Premier of Anguilla, Cora Richardson-Hodge. The Premier described the TAC meetings as “working sessions of consequence…[that] affect national capacity, regional competitiveness and the future we are building for our people.” She emphasized that small island territories such as Anguilla understand clearly that “small does not mean insignificant.” The Premier explained that small states face significant pressures from economic uncertainty, climate vulnerability and rapid technological change, and noted that “our response has always been regional cooperation.”

The Premier also encouraged regional governments to meet their financial commitments to UWI, highlighting that the university’s partnership with governments extends beyond teaching to include research, policy support, consultancy and technical expertise that help small administrations address complex challenges. She concluded by inviting delegates to reflect on several guiding questions during their deliberations: “What does the region most need from its University at this point? How do we protect quality while pursuing efficiency? And how do we deepen regional solidarity in practical and measurable ways?”
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Cherise Gumbs, Education Officer for Secondary and Tertiary Education.

The ceremony also featured contributions from Anguilla’s youth, underscoring the importance of investing in the next generation. Students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) showcased their talents through two performances. The school’s Expressive Edge Drama Club presented a dramatization of a poem by Mrs. Patricia Adams from her collection Windows to Yesteryear, while the ALHCS Steel Orchestra concluded the ceremony with an energetic pan medley that celebrated the creativity and promise of Anguilla’s young people.

Bright colours, lively chatter and the aromas of traditional foods filled the classrooms of Prophecy Preschool and Play School on Thursday, 5th March 2026, as the institution hosted a vibrant Cultural Dress-Up and Exchange Day in celebration of Early Childhood Month.
The event was one of many of the island-wide activities held by each respective school marking the observance of Early Childhood Month throughout March.
At Prophecy Preschool, however, the message was delivered in a way only preschoolers can – through colourful costumes, laughter and food that told stories from around the world.
The toddlers and preschool-aged children arrived dressed proudly in the national colours of various countries represented within their school community. Tiny flags and bright outfits reflected nations such as the United States, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the US Virgin Islands and, of course, Anguilla.
Classrooms and activity areas were transformed into miniature cultural stations where the children and their teachers explored traditions, cuisine and customs from different countries. The experience was not simply about dressing up. It was about discovery.
Tables displayed an inviting spread of foods associated with the various cultures prepared by the children and their families. From the Dominican Republic came savoury salami paired with mashed plantain, while Anguilla’s table offered familiar island favourites such as peas and rice, coconut tart and freshly made johnny cakes. Jamaican flavours were represented through the beloved national dish of ackee and saltfish, while fried chicken – though not native to America but widely associated with Southern American cuisine – also found its place among the offerings.
For the children, many of whom are only just beginning their educational journeys, the experience served as an early introduction to the diversity of cultures that exist both within Anguilla and beyond its shores.
Teachers explained that activities like these quietly nurture curiosity and understanding among young learners – aligning with the month’s theme, “Growing Together: Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity in Every Child.” By tasting foods, seeing colours and hearing stories linked to different countries, children begin to grasp that the world is made up of many traditions and identities.
For some of the pupils, the cultural exchange also reflected their own family backgrounds, giving them a chance to share pieces of their heritage with classmates.
Early childhood educators emphasise that such interactive learning experiences are essential during the early years, when children are naturally inquisitive and eager to explore their surroundings. Activities that involve play, creativity and sensory engagement help to build social awareness, communication skills and confidence.
Across Anguilla, preschools and early learning centres traditionally organise a range of events during Early Childhood Month, from church services and literacy activities to parades, sports days and teacher appreciation events, all designed to highlight the importance of nurturing young minds.
At Prophecy Preschool, Thursday’s cultural showcase captured that spirit perfectly. Teachers moved from table to table with the children, explaining dishes, colours and traditions while the youngsters eagerly sampled new flavours and compared costumes.
The result was an atmosphere of joyful discovery — proof that even the smallest learners can begin to understand the wider world when learning is made fun, interactive and meaningful.