Government Attends Unveiling of Accreditation Award
Wednesday, March 7, 2007

The Government of Anguilla was present this morning at Paradise Cove Conference Room to witness the Unveiling of the Accreditation Award Ceremony.  Mrs. Florence Harrigan chaired the proceedings.  Mrs. Serene Carter-Davis gave the invocation.  Mr. Dexter James Chief Executive Officer gave the welcome and opening remarks.  Mr. James highlighted the journey from thought to Accreditation.  He utilized modern technology to portray various aspects of the journey.

 

  Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks Chairperson for the Anguilla Health Authority (AHA) Board was the next speaker.  She paralleled the journey of the AHA to that of a three days fast where in the first day you ask yourself what is it I got myself into?  She said in the second day you begin to feel as if you cannot go on but if you persevere you come to the third day where you are endowed to go on despite the challenges.  Mrs. Fleming- Banks got a resounding applause when she highlighted that Anguilla was leading the way in doing more than just talk when it came to Health Sector Reform. 

 

The Honourable Minister of Social Development Evans Mcneil Rogers spoke just prior to the unveiling.   Mr. Rogers reiterated that the summit of achievement was to be celebrated but it was not the end of all things.  He stated that infact the journey had just begun.  He admonish all involved with the AHA to continue to build on this solid foundation until the great edifice that was envisioned by the Honourable Eric Reid OBE is complete. He pledge his support and undying commitment to see the Health Services of Anguilla meet international standards.

 

The Honourable Chief Minister Fleming also shared a few words.  He said that Anguilla is small but it was a model in the region.  He told the audience that there is no perfect Health System in the world.  The audience erupted with applauds when he further admonished that people will always find something to complain about in the Health Services regardless to outstanding performance and achievements.  His final words were“ be strong and go forward.”

 

Mr. Victor F. Banks was also called upon to gave brief comments.  Mr. Banks said “the total achievement recognized here today is a sum of the past and present efforts of all involved in the process of the years.”  His admonishment to the AHA was “do your best and even the critics will praise you at the end.”  Mr. Banks said a prophet is not without honour save in his own country because while the AHA was not recognized much at home it was being replicated in other parts of the region.  He further went on to single out the AHA as a team effort.  He praised the Honourable Eric Reid as a visionary.  He highlighted that it was Mr. Rogers who  had to ensure its continuation and who is charged with the responsibility to carry it on beyond this Accreditation era.  He praised the Chief Minister for his efforts in being financially prudent.  Mr. Banks in his closing remarks said “success has a cost.  Whatever good is attained, it must be maintained and sustained.  I congratulate you all and I look forward to better things.”

 

The Honourable Kenneth Harrigan was also invited to speak.  Mr. Harrigan said “ I used to be home scared to sleep that some parent would call saying I have my child at the hospital and there is no doctor here.  But now I can sleep in peace.”  The room erupted with thunderous applauds.  He mentioned that now things have improved and Government will stand by the AHA.  Inclosing he admonished them to keep the faith.

 

Mr. Rogers, Mr. James and Mrs. Fleming-Banks did the unveiling together.