A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANGUILLA

By Colville L. Petty

Anguilla, once a lush island with dense rain forest, was discovered some 2,500 years ago by an Arawak-speaking Amerindian people who called it “Malliouhana”. There were about 40 Arawak villages in Anguilla the largest of which were at Island Harbour, Sandy Ground, Sandy Hill, Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay (east).

The Arawaks who were originally from the Orinoco region of South America slowly made their way up through the chain of islands by raft or dugout canoe. They were skilled farmers and fishermen and were also good at pottery making.

By the time the first English settlers arrived in Anguilla, in 1650, there was not a single Arawak on the island.  However in 1656, an Amerindian raid from one of the neighbouring islands wiped out their settlement. The raiders  “killed almost all the men, plundered and burnt the houses, but kept the women and children for slaves.”  Further havoc occurred in 1666 when a French expedition consisting of 300 men attacked the island, terrorized the people and caused them to flee to the woods.

Conditions in Anguilla in the latter part of the seventeenth century were extremely difficult.  The poor returns from cotton, which had replaced tobacco as the island’s cash crop, created considerable hardships. More hardships were experienced in 1688 when a joint Irish and French attack on the island forced the colonists to seek refuge in Antigua.  In 1694 several of them immigrated to the Virgin Islands.

Despite these setbacks those settlers who remained at home continued to exploit the land.  By the early eighteenth century sugar replaced cotton as the island’s principal cash crop. Sugar transformed a predominantly white society of small farmers into a society of predominantly African slaves labouring on sugar estates.

The development of Anguilla’s economy was frequently disrupted by European political conflicts which spilled over into the Caribbean.  In 1744 three hundred Anguillians, assisted by two privateers from St Kitts, captured the French half of St Martin.  The French retaliated on 21st May 1745: two French frigates, under M. de la Touche, landed some 700 men at Crocus Bay in an attempt to take the island but the Anguillian militia forced them to retreat.

Another French attack took place in 1796 when 400 men from two warships (Le Desius and La Vaillante) destroyed the island’s main settlements at South Hill and The Valley.  The French were forced to withdraw, with great loss (including their two ships), when a British frigate, the HMS Lapwing, came to Anguilla’s rescue.

Conditions in Anguilla were influenced not only by European conflicts but also by political expediency.  In 1825 a legislative union between St Kitts and Anguilla was created when, on the recommendation of the British Government, the St Kitts House of Assembly passed an Act to allow the freeholders in Anguilla to send a representative to the said Assembly.  Despite the freeholders’ strong protest, to Governor Maxwell, the legislative union took effect.

Life in Anguilla worsened during the early 1830s after severe droughts destroyed all food crops.  The resultant famine caused much distress especially among the slave population. At the time of emancipation in 1834 there were 2,354 slaves registered in Anguilla but they were virtually free for many of them owned land or rented or occupied plantation land that was abandoned or neglected by the planters.  “Benevolent paternalism during slavery; manumission; and the system of land tenure . . . gave birth to an industrious peasantry, dependent on its efforts for subsistence.”

During the 1840s, the harshness of conditions in Anguilla prompted the British Government to propose a plan to abandon the island and send the entire population to Demerara (in Guyana).  Most Anguillians refused to go and the island settled down as a society of peasant farmers, fishermen and seafarers.

It was against all official advice that the Anguillians decided to stay at home and eke out a living but not without difficulties.  These difficulties heightened their resentment of the union with St Kitts.  They made their resentment known to Queen Victoria whom they petitioned, in 1872, to dissolve the union and administer Anguilla directly from Britain. The petition went unheeded.

At the close of the nineteenth century Anguillians endured much suffering because of the great famine which started in 1890.  A prolonged drought “obliterated” all food crops, destroyed most of the animals and caused many people to creep into “the woods and gather berries and herbs for food.”

It was in the wake of the hardships of the 1890s and the depression of the 1920s and 1930s that Anguillian men folk flocked to the Dominican Republic where they found employment in the sugar cane fields. They later took refuge in Aruba and Curacao.

The depression of the 1930s resulted in a series of labour disturbances throughout the Caribbean.  These hastened constitutional reform and limited franchise was introduced in St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla in 1936. Another consequence of the disturbances was the appointment of the Moyne Commission to study social and economic conditions in the British West Indies.  One of its principal recommendations was the granting of universal adult suffrage to all territories. Universal adult suffrage for the Presidency of St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla came about in 1952.

Further constitutional change affecting the Presidency of the St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla occurred in 1956 with the dissolution of the Leeward Islands Federation.  The Presidency was re-styled Colony and when the West Indies Federation was created two years later the Colony was included as a single unit.  Despite the various constitutional changes Anguillians remained powerless.  Social and economic conditions continued to be most unsatisfactory.  These conditions prompted a petition, in 1958, to Governor Williams.  The petition asked him “to bring about the dissolution of the . . . political and administrative association of Anguilla with St Kitts” but it was ignored.

After the collapse of the West Indies Federation in 1962 the British Government attempted a federation of the “Little Eight”.  When that failed most of the islands were granted new constitutions that provided for Statehood in association with Britain. The creation of the Associated State of St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla on 27th February 1967 and the inclusion of Anguilla against the wishes of its people sparked off the Anguilla Revolution.

The Revolution was concerned with replacing St Kitts’ colonialism with direct British colonialism essentially for social and economic reasons.  Up until 1967 Anguilla remained relatively poor and undeveloped.  There were no industries, paved roads, electricity, pipe-borne water, telephones nor proper port facilities.  Health, sanitation and education facilities were grossly inadequate.  These conditions and rampant unemployment had turned Anguillians into a nomadic people.

The high point of the Revolution occurred on 30th May 1967 when a hostile crowd surrounded the Police Headquarters and expelled the 13-man contingent of St Kitts policemen which was stationed in Anguilla.  Having seized power the Anguillians established a Peacekeeping Committee to manage the island’s affairs until elections could be held.  One of its first acts was to approve the launching of an armed attack on St Kitts. To this end an eighteen-man party landed in St Kitts at 2 am on Saturday 10th June 1967 and attacked the Defence Force Camp, Police Headquarters and Power Station.  The attacks fizzled out and five Anguillians were captured.

With a view to legitimizing the overthrow of the authority of the St Kitts Government the Peacekeeping Committee held a plebiscite on 11th July 1967. The result was an overwhelming vote in favour of secession and of the establishment an interim government. However, as Anguillians consolidated their Revolution the Commonwealth Caribbean Governments sought a peaceful resolution by convening a meeting, of the interested parties, in Barbados in July 1967. “Agreement” was reached on the conditions for Anguilla’s return to constitutional rule under St Kitts but it was rejected by the people and the impasse remained unresolved.

The impasse was broken in December 1967 when two British parliamentarians worked out an agreement for an (interim settlement) whereby a British official was appointed to “exercise basic administrative authority” over Anguilla, in conjunction with the Anguilla Council, for a period of one year. Towards the end of 1968 the St Kitts Government and the Anguilla Council failed to agree on an extension of the interim settlement and, following a plebiscite held 6th February 1969, Anguilla declared itself an “Independent Republic”.

This situation made the British Government embark on another attempt at finding a solution to the crisis and on 11th March 1969 William Whitlock, a Junior Minister, arrived in Anguilla with proposals for the establishment of an interim British administration.  The proposals were unacceptable and Whitlock was expelled within a few hours of his arrival.  The British Government’s reaction was swift.  On 19th March 1969 some 300 British troops invaded Anguilla and established an administration under a Commissioner.

After several years of negotiations involving Britain, St Kitts and Anguilla, and a series of incremental constitutional changes, Anguilla became a separate British Dependent Territory on 19th December 1980.  This marked the formal end of its people’s struggle to free themselves from colonial ties with St Kitts and to establish them directly with “Mother England”.

For a change of atmosphere, why not drop by Bonjour Café? Breakfast and lunch are served in a setting that is natural and inspiring. Nestled in the greenery of Well Road, Sandy Ground, you would be delighted by the little novel surprises of this down-to-earth enclave.

Enjoy breakfast à la francaise and lunch à la Caraibéenne (Caribbean lunch). It’s eclectic and fun. It’s not unusual to have a butterfly as companion.  Bonjour café is also the place for your planned social event: private party, summer party, birthday party… If you haven’t been to one of their events, you have definitely missed out! Bonjour café is a great location for fun among friends, they will host any small to medium size party (under 50 people). Call them to help you plan your next special event. See you there!

Bonjour café - Sandy Ground – Anguilla: +1 (264) 461 3200

Looking for a conversation piece for your home? Check out Teck: Spirit of Asia, specialist in beautiful teak furniture, and antique pieces,  from an old wooden piano to a coffee table made out of an ancient door!  Distinguish your home with more soul. Their pieces are made to love you back for years and years to come.

Teck – South Hill Plaza – Anguilla  + 1 264.497.6211

Watch out for Summer Festival 2010 with an interesting line up of events. Lots of sea, sun and sand during this festive season with lots of music in between.

Sunday July 25th

Miss Anguilla Swim Suit & Costume Competition 

Landsome Bowl
6:00 pm

Thursday July 29th

Official Opening & Fireworks Display

Landsome Bowl
7:00 pm 

Friday July 30th

Latino Caribbean Night

Landsome Bowl
8:30 pm 

Saturday July 31st 

Anguilla Band Clash

Landsome Bowl
9:00 pm

Sunday August 1st

Heineken Warm-Up Boatrace

Sandy Ground
2:00 pm

Prince & Princess Show

Landsome Bowl
6:00 pm

Female Calypso Show

Landsome Bowl
8:00 pm

Monday August 2nd

J’ouvert Morning – Sunrise Street Jam

The Valley to Sandy Ground
4:00 am

August Monday Boatrace

Sandy Ground
3:00 pm

Caribbean Beach Party

Sandy Ground
6:00 pm

Tuesday August 3rd

Island Harbour Boatrace

Island Harbour
3:00 pm

CCB Talented Teen

Landsome Bowl
8:00 pm

Wednesday August 4th

Sandy Ground Boatrace

Sandy Ground
3:00 pm 

Calypso Monarch

Landsome Bowl
8:00 pm

Thursday August 5th

August Thursday Boatrace

Meads Bay
3:00 pm

Miss Anguilla Queens Pageant

Landsome Bowl
8:00 pm 

Friday August 6th

Parade of Troupe

The Valley Streets
12:00 pm

Saturday August 7th

Last Lap – Sunrise Street Jam  

The Valley Streets
4:00 am

Leeward Island Calypso Competition Landsome Bowl
9:00 pm

For more info  

http://www.axasummerfestival.com

Movie lovers ! You’ve probably heard about the new drive in theatre. Yep a theatre is long overdue on island…. It’s finally here! Some of you must be thinking what’s the point when I have a flat screen TV or when I can download the latest movies on my computer, first of all downloading movies with out paying is illegal and could eventually put the movie industry out of business.  Second of all your flat screen TV or your computer won’t be the uniqueness of a night out , a romantic evening in charming company, with hot hotdogs and pop corn etc… It’ s also a great place to bring a first, despite the coziness it could be seen as moving to fast….

The yound talented Shavaun Crawford was on the spotlight again when a travel agent from Vanada  sought him out to present him witha special gift: a sewing machine, and Anguilla Magazine was there to witness it. In our March issue we published an interview with Shavaun who shared with us his dream of becoming a Fashion designer. He is already expressing his talent through the fabulous  figurines sold at Sea Breeze ( old Bartletts). Judi Schulz, a travel agent who has never met Shavaun before heard about him while she was in Anguilla and kindly thought about bringing him a sewing machine on her next trip.

Here is Her Story: “I visited the island earlier this year with my family. I was there for three weeks (Feb 14 – Mar 6th) arriving with my husband and son because my son had his one week university break  Feb 14 – 21 and my daughters break was to be the first week of March. Somehow my daughter ended up coming earlier and staying to the end (J) and she brought a friend who stayed for 10 days. After her friend left a my sister arrived with her son and her daughter came for the last few days – so I had a revolving door of people at the Poinsettia Villa where we were staying.

Because of the length of my stay I made it a holiday combined with an independent fam trip. I went around to a lot of properties to do inspections and tried to get to know the locals and the hangouts, restaurants, shops, beaches, groceries, etc.

One place I went to  a few times was Pamela Miller’s shop next to the smoothie stop  (we stopped for smoothies and I went shopping!). The first time in the store I saw Shavaun’s shadow box pictures which I loved. I got chatting with Pam about them and she told me about Shavaun – his love of fashion and wanting to perhaps be a designer one day. I believe she said his favourite designer is Dolce and Gabbana (is this correct?). She went on to say that the hope was that a sewing machine could be found for him, so he could create some things of his own.

I then said I had two sewing machines sitting at home – one of which is mine and which I was not likely to use again, so I said I would like to donate it to Shavaun.

I knew Dale Pusching, Canada’s Anguilla Tourism rep, would be down again and I also knew I would be trying to join one of the agent fam’s – so I told Pam I would get it down one way or another.

My daughter Emily loves fashion too and is in fashion merchandising at Sheridan College here in Oakville. I thought it would be wonderful for her to meet Shavaun and see his work and be inspired by him. Unfortunately each time we passed by the store it was not open. The last week I was there we managed to get there when it was open, but Shavaun did not stop by that day and all his pictures were sold! So we came home empty handed so to speak. I do feel that this story will be important for Emily though – she will see how much she has and how lucky she is, but how sometimes the less you have the further you go (the hungrier you are). She is still searching for what it is she wants to or should be doing. I just always like to present inspiration and possibilities to my children and hopefully something will trigger a response. I was never terribly driven myself and only late in life have I found my passion.”

Judi said that she had a fabulous experience in Anguilla and was mostly touched by all the hospitable people she had met. Thank you Judi for your kindness, and thank you for supporting Shavaun’s dream.

Craving a boost of energy?  No doubt endurance and motivation are priority at this time. As the name implies, Force G Power Max, a concoction of natural ingredients (ginseng, ginger, acerola cherry, guanara among others, ), promises a delivery of user friendly combustible energy for physical endurance and to enhance mental concentration and alertness.   Packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, Force G combines 6 active plants to revive and strengthen the body’s natural defenses, increase physical and intellectual abilities, assist in the elimination of toxins and improve blood circulation.

Our team tried it and it works instantly!  Product available at Sun Eel Pharmacy.

Sun Eel Pharmacy – Tomac Plaza, Water Swamp, Anguilla  – Tel: (264) 498-1252.

In addition to finding one-of-a-kind paintings and accessories for your home, Djambara Art Gallery also offers jewellery culled from across the African continent that exude a time worn feel and are an expression of  the well traveled connoisseur.  Using different materials, such as engraved wood, silver, copper, leather and beads, these handmade pieces embody the history and culture of their creators.  The Agadaz cross (in photo at right) were sculpted by the Tuareg people. The markings and geometrical design of Tuareg crosses and Tuareg jewelry in general translate into protective symbolism communicating that “God is the center of the universe; we are one with God” and “no matter where you go God, I shall always be with you and protect you”  it is believed that the arms of the cross will disperse all evil from the individual .

Visit Djambara at Tomac Plaza. Ask for assistance at Sun Eel Pharmacy (opposite)

Djambara – Tomac Plaza – Anguilla +1. 264.498.5500 or 498-1252

For its relatively small size, Anguilla is really large on culinary exposure. With more than 80 restaurants, Anguilla has a higher density of culinary experiences than New York City per square mile. The obvious is then apparent: one vacation is not enough time to do the culinary round in Anguilla.

There is a restaurant for every lifestyle: barefoot, casual and all dressed up. For every mood, in all types of locations: beachside, poolside, hillside, roadside, pond side. Rib joints, beach bars, barbecue stands, in de yard cuisine, food vans, hotel restaurants, stand alone restaurants…You choose!

A myriad of tones and flavors abound on this island: Anguillian, American; Mexican, English, French, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Thai, Vietnamese, fusions of various combinations: Euro-Caribbean; Asian-Caribbean; Indian influences; out of this world subtleties; can’t put-your-hand-on-it undertones…  

In one dining guide, Chef Dale Carty of Tasty’s Restaurant is pictured dressed in his chef clothes sitting in a fishing boat waiting to haul in the catch of the day. Though, this ad is a humorous moment, it does represent the truth about the quality of the foods to be savoured in the restaurants on island. The catch of the day is really the catch of the day, fresh and newly caught in the sparkling clean waters off Anguilla.

Many of the restaurants are serviced by local, back-yard and small-scaled farmers who practice organic agriculture. Santorini Restaurant at Cuisinart takes freshness and organic cuisine to another level where Executive Chef Daniel Le Guénan creates his simple and innovative cuisine with produce from that resort’s on-site hydroponics garden. The hydroponics garden at a resort is the first and only one of its kind in the Caribbean. Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, bok choy, parsley, basil and other veggies and herbs basically travel from the farm to your plate in a matter of minutes.

Executive Chef Rene Bajeux is another culinary heavy weight on the Anguillan scene who oversees three restaurants at Cap Juluca. With over three decades of culinary experience and numerous accolades to his name, including one of 50 Masters in the United States, Chef of the Year from the American Tasting Institute and inclusion in ‘America’s Top Tables’, Gourmet Magazine to skim the surface of a very illustrious career, Chef Bajeux can only notch up the culinary experience to simply divine.

As for the Michel Rostang at Malliouhana restaurant, it garnered the top spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2008 as the best hotel for food in the Caribbean. January 2010, Conde Nast Traveller Gold List, named Malliouhana Hotel and Spa one of three Best Hotels for Food in the Americas and Caribbean. With over 1,300 wines listed in the menu and around 25,000 bottles of wine in its cellar since 1998, Michel Rostang at Malliouhana restaurant has been honoured to receive the Wine Spectator Grand Award – one of only two Caribbean properties – for showing passion and commitment when it comes to wine.

Gastronomy on Anguilla has certainly not gone unnoticed by the international media, and for very good reason as haute cuisine in Anguilla has been cultivated by many internationally acclaimed chefs, and Anguillian born chefs who were trained in top schools in Europe and North America or under the tutelage of top chefs at the island resorts.

Epicurean dining is not limited to the top resorts, but can be had at just about every restaurant on island. Restaurants such as Veya, Hibernia, DaVida, Tasty’s, Smokey’s, Ku and countless others serve up gastronomical delightfulness in their own way at their own level.

After winning 22 awards in the annual Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition in 1997 held in Puerto Rico, members of the Anguilla Culinary Team were featured on the Discovery Channel’s show ‘Great Chefs of the World’. Those featured were Chefs Vernon Hughes and Peggy Hughes of the now defunct Cinnamon Reef Restaurant, and Chef Alain Laurent of Malliouhana. Since then, these chefs have moved on to open their own eateries. Chefs Vernon and Peggy Hughes can be found in their own E’s Oven at South Hill and Chef Alain at Jacala at Meads Bay which opened last year. Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition 2009 was yet another momentous occasion for Anguilla when Chef Glendon Carty of Ripples Restaurant was crowned Caribbean Chef of the Year and the Anguilla Culinary Team took home top medals! While Anguilla has been earning awards over the years at this competition, Chef of the Year was a first, no doubt confirming that Anguilla is indeed the culinary Mecca of the Caribbean!