February 23, 2008 - 2nd Annual Rotary Foundation Dinner

ROTARY HONOURS THREE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Rotary Club of Anguilla held a very successful Second Annual Rotary Foundation Dinner last Saturday at Roy’s Bayside Grill. In addition to celebrating the 103rd anniversary of Rotary International on February 23, 2008, Rotary honoured three local Anguillians for their outstanding service to the community – Sandra York Gumbs, Stella Horsford, and Eric Reid.

Sandra York Gumbs. Sandra York Gumbs has a passion for the enhancement of the common man and strongly believes that sharing quality time with family members and others in the community has the potential to produce quality and uplifting human relationships. She founded in 2002 the Comprehensive Learning Centre, one of the most notable education institutions on the island, where CXC and modular-base courses are offered to students. The number of students continues to grow, along with their success rate.

The greatest satisfaction is when students, who were certain that they had no chance of achieving anything, actually gain academic success and acquire new or better paying jobs that enhance their lives and the lives of their families.





Rotarian Lester Forman presents the plaque of recognition to Mrs. Sandra York Gumbs.


The emphasis at the Centre is on values, integrity and responsibility. Academic success must be coupled with these core attributes to serve humanity well.

Mrs. York Gumbs is also the Administrative and Financial Manager in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Utilities. Prior to joining the Anguilla Public Service, Sandra served as a teacher, first at the Convent High School in St. Kitts and then at the West End Primary School in Anguilla. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Quality Management and a Masters in Business Administration.

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Stella Horsford. Stella Horsford is a stalwart educator who holds quiet, but deep, convictions of the importance of family and family life. In 2007, in recognition of her social contribution to the development of Anguilla in the field of Education, Mrs. Horsford was awarded the Anguilla Day Badge of Honour and the Queen’s Certificate at the 40th Anniversary of the Anguilla Day Revolution.



Rotary President, Seymour Hodge, presents Mrs. Stella Horsford with her plaque of recognition.


Mrs. Horsford taught at Valley Second School (now Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School) from 1960 to 1989, and was the first Deputy Principal at the ALHC School. In 1996, Mrs. Horsford received the Deputy Principal’s Award and recognition for her 29 years of invaluable service to secondary education in Anguilla.

In 1989, Mrs. Horsford was appointed Principal Assistant Secretary in the then Ministry of Social Services. She has acted as Permanent Secretary on several occasions.

Mrs. Horsford is active in the Soroptimist International of Anguilla as the President-elect, Member and Past President!


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Eric Reid. Leith Errington Reid, known to all as Eric, was born in Anguilla, but moved to the US Virgin Island in 1964 in the hope of finding work. He lived and worked between St. Thomas and St. Croix for about 10 years where he learned the transport business and developed a keen interest in politics. In 1982, he established his own transport business in Anguilla (Island Transport Services) and also his own bakery, which he ran successfully for many years.

Mr. Reid immersed himself in Anguilla’s political life. He first sought political office in 1976 as an independent candidate. In1977, he joined the Anguilla National Alliance (ANA). He was first voted into office in 1984, and has never lost an election since. Eric has now served as a Minister of Government for approximately fifteen years, and as a Member of the Opposition in the House of Assembly for six years.

As a Minister of Government, in the Ministry of Social Development, Eric met and responded appropriately to all challenges. He considers his crowning moment to be the commissioning of the Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA) in December 2003.

However, only two days after realizing his dream, Mr. Reid suddenly and tragically lost his sight in 2003 December. He refused to be diminished or restricted in any aspect of his life, and this attitude may be his greatest contribution to the social and spiritual development of our island community.

In a country where, hitherto, person with disabilities were, it seems, expected to remove themselves from everyday activities such as work and social functions, Eric Reid has been instrumental in forging a new place in society for handicapped individuals. In his manner of living, Mr. Reid has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to Anguillians, young and old.



Rotarian Preston Bryan presents Mr. Eric Reid with his plaque of recognition. Mr. Reid’s wife assists.

February 7, 2008 - Dr. Tony Snell of NHF addresses Rotary

Dr. Tony Snell addresses the Rotary Club of Anguilla




In the photograph, Rotarian Anne Edwards thanks Dr. Snell for his informative presentation.

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Dr. Tony Snell, Director of the National Health Fund (NHF) for the government of Anguilla addressed the Rotary Club of Anguilla at the recent meeting on Thursday, February 7. Dr. Snell presented an overview of what the NHF will deliver to the island community of Anguilla. The following presents some of the highlights of this new plan to be implemented in the near future for all Anguillians.

More people suffer from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer today than ever before. Diabetes, which is actually a cardiovascular disease, has reached epidemic proportions on the island. The objective of the NHF – which is based very much on a UK model -- is to ensure that all Anguillians have access to good quality, timely, and equitable health care. The goal is to remove financial barriers to quality health care access for all Anguillians.

Financial support for the NHF program will come from the employers and employees alike. Mandatory participation will ensure effective administration. Public education will be a necessary factor in the successful promotion of the NHF.

Coverage and entitlement to health service will include everyone, and will include, with some conditions, basic primary care (family medicine), basic dental, basic vision, and basic prescription drug coverage.

Dr. Snell is trying to work through the many challenges to implementing the NHF on the island, but he feels that the benefits will be worthwhile: equitable health care for all and early intervention and treatment of the many serious diseases that have reached disturbing proportions on the island.

If you are a community-minded individual and are interested in being considered for membership in Rotary, please contact the Rotary President, Seymour Hodge, at 729-3574. The Rotary Club meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.

February 1, 2008 - Rotary donates to Road School

Rotary Club of Anguilla Donates to Road Primary School


This week, Teacher Michael and Teacher Janice from Road Primary School accepted a cheque for $500 from the Rotary Club of Anguilla to help with costs of tiling the classroom floors at the school. The Rotary Club of Anguilla is devoted to service in the community.

If you wish to learn more about Rotary, check our website at http://www.rotaryanguilla.org. The club meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.



In the photo: Rotarians Ralph Smith, Lester Forman, President Seymour Hodge, Teacher Michael and Teacher Janice of Road Primary School.

January 31, 2008 - Health Authority of Anguilla attends Rotary

NEW HEALTH AUTHORITY TEAM
attends Rotary Club of Anguilla meeting

Members of the “new team” at the Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA) attended the recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Anguilla and shared with the Rotary Club members some of the goals and directions of the revitalized and rejuvenated Health Authority.




Shown in the photo are Dr. Kennedy Simmonds, Director of Medical Services at the Hospital; Mr. Ralph Hodge, Finance Manager; Mrs. Darlene Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer; Rotarian Dr. Franklin Lloyd, Chairman; and Rotarian Mr. Preston Bryan, Board member.

Mrs. Baptiste, the newly appointed CEO, emphasized that the Health Authority is looking forward to positive changes with the goal of excellence in its daily operations. Rebuilding public confidence and excellent stewardship of funds will be top priority.

The new team is excited about this new direction for the HAA. They hope to confront serious health issues in the community, and improve the quality of health care for the people of Anguilla. The team hope to accomplish their goals in partnership with the people of Anguilla, who, they hope, will buy into the process.

January 31 - Louis Price addresses Rotary Club

Louis Price addresses recent meeting of Rotary Club

Good health was again the topic at the recent Rotary Meeting held on Thursday, January 31, with two separate presentations – the first by local fitness instructor, Louis Price, and the second, a very important announcement by the Anguilla Health Authority.

Guest speaker, Louis Price, spoke about Taking Responsibility for our own Health and Fitness, and by doing so, avoiding having to use the services of the Anguilla Health Authority. Mr. Price advocates three times the Letter S -- Stamina, Stretching, and Strength. If we are proactive, we can slow the aging process.

Stamina. Stamina refers to cardiovascular fitness. As little as one-half hour of vigorous exercise three times a week can show a huge difference in a very short time. “Exercise at a level of exertion that allows you to work up a sweat but still be able to talk while moving.” Mr. Price recommends cross-training. Focus on a variety of activities like swimming, walking, and cycling. Good cardiovascular health will give you extra energy.

Make the time. Take the time for yourself, or your body will force you to take the time -- in the form of illness.

Stretching. Stretching for at least five minutes will improve your overall flexibility. Stretching relieves physical tensions that result both from emotional and physical stresses. Hold the stretch position for about 30 seconds. A good overall stretching before you sleep will help reduce morning aches and pains.

Strength. Wear-and-tear is inevitable as you age. Because muscles overlap your joints, it is important to keep the muscles toned so that they can support the joints. Toned muscles will help to increase the mobility of your joints so that they work well without pain.

When involved in a fitness program, don’t compare yourself to others – only to yourself. Whatever you do is a step in the right direction! But it is important to take that first step!

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Anguilla Health Authority. Visiting surgeon, Dr. Randy Zuckerman from Cooperstown, New York, spoke briefly about some of the plans already in motion with the new team at the Anguilla Health Authority. Dr. Zuckerman will return to Anguilla in March with a team of surgeons from New York who will bring with them all the equipment necessary to provide laparoscopic surgery at the local hospital. The team of surgeons will provide surgical services to patients in Anguilla, and will leave that equipment here to benefit Anguilla. Local physicians will also be trained in this type of surgery for the benefit of the Anguillian population.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, is a technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgeries. Advantages are less pain, shorter recovery time, and reduced blood loss.

The new team at the AHA is already making giant strides in following through with the changes and improvements that they have promised the people of Anguilla! It is hoped that this program will be only the ground floor of a very important program that will continue for years to come.



Left, guest speaker, Louis Price, thanked by Rotary Club President, Seymour Hodge.



Left, visiting surgeon, Dr. Randy Zuckerman, with Rotary President Seymour Hodge.

January 17, 2008 - Dental Health essential to one’s overall health

Dental Health essential to one’s overall health
Dr. Lindel Brookes addresses the Rotary Club of Anguilla

Dr. Lindel Brookes, Prosthodontist and Senior Dental Surgeon with the Anguilla Health Authority, spoke to the Rotary Club of Anguilla at the regular Rotary Club meeting on January 17. Dr. Brookes led a very interesting and animated discussion about the proper and effective methods of cleaning one’s teeth. Preventative dental measures are important to all ages – the elderly included. It is important to take care of one’s teeth so that your teeth will last you a lifetime.

Good dental health will ensure the ability to chew food. The ability to chew one’s food determines one’s state of health. The immune system depends on one’s nutritional intake; consequently, the ability to chew food well is always important.

The bacteria associated with periodontal disease is the same bacteria that causes heart disease and stroke. Good overall health is not possible without good dental health.

Dr. Brookes spoke specifically about Dental Implant Therapy, and how there is much expectation of good results with today’s medical technology. Dental implants may be expensive, but not having teeth could be far more costly. The more education people have about good dental health, the more capable they are to make decisions regarding the quality of life.

Thank you to Dr. Brookes for sharing his knowledge and time with the Rotary Club of Anguilla. For more information about Rotary, check the website at www.rotaryanguilla.org.





In the photos: Dr. Lindel Brookes addresses the Rotary Club.



Rotarian Anne Edwards thanks Dr. Hughes for his presentation.

January 10, 2008 - Ms. Lynette Rogers of the Diabetes Association addresses the Rotary Club of Anguilla

Ms. Lynette Rogers from the Anguilla Diabetes Association addressed the Rotary Club of Anguilla at its recent meeting on Thursday, January 10. She presented some very interesting facts about Diabetes on the island of Anguilla. Diabetes is a cause for concern on this little island. However, with education and with early detection, no one need fear the disease. I

Ms. Roger’s important message was, first and foremost, early detection. Get yourself tested! Early detection allows diabetes to be a very manageable disease. Also, keep yourself educated about what exactly diabetes is and what it means to be diabetic.

Diabetes is a disease related to genetics; however, other contributing factors include changes in our lifestyles. We are more sedentary than we were a few years ago. We are also eating more fatty and less healthy foods and snacks. We are too busy to take good care of ourselves, and it shows. People who are overweight and inactive are prime candidates for diabetes.

Currently, statistics show that 18 per cent of all Anguillians either have diabetes or are affected by diabetes. The Anguilla Diabetes Association hopes to work towards the most timely and effective management of diabetes care for persons with diabetes and those affected by diabetes. The Rotary Club of Anguilla has promised to assist the Anguilla Diabetes Association in its goals.

The Rotary Club of Anguilla is seeking to increase its membership in order to fulfil its goal of doing good works on the island. For more information about how you can become a member of the Rotary Club of Anguilla, please contact any Rotarian. The club meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.




Shown in the photos are Ms. Lynette Rogers of the Anguilla Diabetes Association and Rotary President, Seymour Hodge.