Anguilla News


New Year’s Eve at Sandy Ground, The Way To Start the New Year

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More New Year’s Even Celebration News from Anguilla…

Never let it be said that Anguilla is a quiet place, at least not on New Year’s Eve. There is a fabulous party going on at just about every restaurant on the island, many complete with midnight fireworks.

From low-budget rock ‘n reggae for the young to high-end “black tie” (well, not really that formal), Anguilla has a party for all tastes, ages and budgets.

Pumphouse, of course, just wouldn’t be Pumphouse without hosting a tasty dinner and then what most assuredly will be a wild and crazy evening. The menu sounds outstanding, and reasonably priced, as you can see…

Pumphouse New Years Eve

And even if you choose to dine elsewhere, the young and young-at-heart can do what many do after their “starter event” has struck midnight. Head down to Sandy Ground and scream “hi” to Laurie and Deb, owners of Pumphouse.

Dance to the sounds of reggae masters, Versatile Vibes. One of Anguilla’s top DJ’s, DJ Sugar, will carry you the rest of the way, but you’ll have to carry yourself home!

$10 cover charge after 10PM includes free glass of champagne, party hats/favors/noisemakers (whee, yippee!). We’re not sure that Pumphouse ever needs noisemakers, let alone on the eve of the New Year, but what the hay! 😉

The other addition in our New Year’s coverage is also in Sandy Ground. Ripples, hosted by “grande dame” Jackie Ruan, offers an amazingly priced menu for what promises to be a delicious-value meal…

Ripples New Years Eve

And as the menu says, “then it’s time to party.” Sandy Ground does turn into one huge party, with Elvis chipping in a few thousand decibels and hundreds of fans overflowing into the street.

All in all, not a bad place to party until you drop. What better way is there to see the New Years in (if you can take the pace)?

What’s that, you say?

“A good movie at home after a delicious meal with friends and a round of Auld Lang Syne,” no matter where seeing it in happens? I have a feeling Janice and will be agreeing with you on that.

It’s usually home for us, soon after da’Vida’s fireworks for “Janice and Ken.” You’ll probably run into Yuki and Nori, though down on Sandy Ground. Do give us a ring if they cause any trouble. 😉

WinAir Coming to Anguilla!

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Winair Logo

Hot on the heels of recent news about the new Tradewinds flight from San Juan to Anguilla, and on the upcoming program of “seamless transfer” from St. Maarten to Anguilla for all arriving via SXM, comes this…

Winair will be launching two new routes to Anguilla, one from San Juan and one via St. Maarten (SXM). With the latter being such a critical access point to Anguilla, Anguilla Air Services is the sole airline providing the quick and sensational 7 minute hop across the channel.

This welcome addition, for those who prefer not to “boat across,” or who would rather arrive with a sensational aerial perspective, should shorten connection time from SXM. In the very near future, this could be you landing in St. Maarten from Anguilla…

Winair flight landing in St. Maarten

Welcome WinAir!

More Options for Old Year’s Night (AKA “New Years’s Eve” Outside Anguilla)

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What the rest of the world calls it “New Year’s Eve,” we refer to is as “Old Year’s Night.” Is December 31st a day to be looking back, to savor achievements and reflect on what could have been done better? It seems to us that January 1 is the day to look forward to the year that is coming, to set goals.

Either way, Anguilla has loads going on. We covered Anacaona in an earlier post. Here are 3 more options for those on-island during the “high season”…

Cuisinart continues its tradition of legendary celebrations at both Le Bistro at Santorini and at Tokyo Bay. And please note…

While the recently launched “Anguilla Card” (from Anguilla-Beaches.com) does not normally cover 10% discounts for special events, CuisinArt (an Anguilla Card Partner) is extending 5% off to Card Holders for its Tokyo Bay celebration (more info on The Anguilla Card here)…

Cuisinart New Years Eve
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A third option is da’Vida, which is offering a full 10% to Anguilla Card Holders for its extravaganza, which is our usual Old/New Year’s hangout. Mom and Dad fade at midnight, but the girls head out for more, the night still young…

da'Vida's New-Years-Eve
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Ah, youth! Young or not-so-young, there’s a wonderful evening for all in Anguilla while the “old year” becomes “the new.”

Enjoy! And Happy New Year!

The 1st Annual Pumphouse DaddyRoots Reggae Festival

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If you’re in Anguilla on December 29th, here’s a one-of-a-kind event that belongs on your “don’t miss” list…

The Pumphouse is inaugurating its 1st Annual DaddyRoots Reggae Fest on Sunday, December 29th, 2013. If you’re into reggae, this is the place to be. If you’ve yet to discover the joy of its rhythms and lyrics, it’s also THE time to learn!

Pumphouse Reggae Fest

DaddyRoots, world-famous reggae artist, is the headliner. But check out the poster to see the all-star lineup of local reggae musicians…

Bankie Banx, DJ Legend, True Intentions, Sprocka, Versatile Vibes, Connis Vanterpool.

This is a festival that is full of headliners! No doubt, this is going to be one unforgettable, fest of an event during this festive season.

And, in the spirit of festive giving, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales goes to “The DaddyRoots & The Pumphouse Music Scholarship Fund.” Proceeds from the fund go toward a young, local and highly talented musician to further his/her studies in the musical field.

Judges from Anguilla and Los Angeles select the deserving recipient. So spread the good tidings. Tell your your friends, tell your families!

Reggae fanatic or novice, head for the Pumphouse on the 29th.

DaddyRoots’ Roots

Born in Anguilla, DaddyRoots was a regular performer at The Pumphouse before making a name for himself internationally. He went on to thrill audiences in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

His music has been chosen for numerous films, including the movies “On Falling”, “Broken Flowers” starring Bill Murray and the BBC Lifetime Movie “The Fugitive”. Three of his songs were chosen for the 2011 Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston movie, “Just Go With it”.

Winner of Best Reggae Male Vocalist in the 2006 L.A. Music Awards, Daddy Roots has also been nominated for a host of other awards including the Hollywood’s HMMAwards in 2012 for Best Reggae Song, “Sunshine.”

Be There or Be Square

This is going to be the type of show where you’ll be excited to say, “We were there.” Doubtless, like Woodstock, there’ll be many more making that claim who can fit in The Pumphouse.

Advance tickets are only $12 and $15 at the door. For more information or to reserve your tickets (and we suggest doing it fast), call…

264-497-5154 or 264-584-8912

You can reach the Pumphouse, a true Anguilla institution, at its Facebook page and at Twitter.

Great News on Cooperation Between Anguilla and St. Maarten

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Outstanding news for those traveling to Anguilla via St. Maarten (often the best way to reach Anguilla). The two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that is a first for both countries. Why is is important for air travelers to Anguilla?

It should shortly lead to preclearance for visitors arriving from St. Maarten into Anguilla. It has long been a goal of the Anguillian Government to have a more seamless transfer to Anguilla through St. Maarten. And it has long been an equally strong desire by those traveling to our fair shores.

Princess Juliana International Airport is the main airline hub for travel into Anguilla, with San Juan (SJU) placing an important second for some points of origin. Over ninety percent (90%) of visitors arrive to Anguilla via St. Maarten.

An Immigration office has been office has been opened at the Anguilla dock in Simpson Bay to accommodate travelers to and from Anguilla in an effort to improve the overall quality of service. Here are the details of the MOU…

1) The Anguilla-St. Maarten Ferry Terminal will be an official transit point for residents, tourists and business travelers traveling between St. Maarten and Anguilla. It is now an official point of entry/checkpoint wherein immigration and border controls will be uninterruptedly carried out as long as the dock is in operation.

2) The signing of the MOU establishes an understanding between Anguilla and St. Maarten where it pertains to the admission of persons in and out of the islands.

3) The Ministry of Justice of St. Maarten will be responsible for the execution of the immigration for the execution of the immigration and customs services provided at the Anguilla-St. Maarten ferry terminal (dock).

4) All passenger vessels using the Anguilla-St. Maarten ferry terminal will be required to operate under the immigration and maritime laws of both St. Maarten and Anguilla and in accordance with international law.

5) All vessels destined for the Anguilla-St. Maarten ferry terminal will be subject to controls by Dutch Coast Guard if deemed necessary by these services.

6) Utilization of the facilities at the Anguilla-St. Maarten ferry terminal acquired by the Government of Anguilla will be extended to the Government of St. Maarten for immigration and customs purposes

7) A Port Manager will provide entry and departure clearing services for all vessels operating within the below mentioned hours. The Port Manager will be responsible for assuring proper customs and immigration adherence under any applicable local laws.

8 ) The above-mentioned Port Manager will be appointed by the Government of Anguilla, subject to approval by the Government of St. Maarten.

9) The Anguilla-St. Maarten ferry terminal will operate from Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm.

10) All vessels will be required to report to the Port Manager and Immigration office at the Anguilla-St. Maarten dock when entering the Lagoon at Sandy Ground, giving name of vessel, estimated time of arrival and number of crew and passengers.

11) All vessels carrying passengers between the two territories must be authorized to do so by the country of registry, each vessel must carry on board valid copies of boat registry, radio license, insurance, copy of last inspection of vessel in addition to life jackets, rafts, fire extinguishers and any other pertinent life-saving or operational equipment.

12) Captains must be in possession of a current Captains license recognized by the country of registry of the vessel. Each boat crew must be in possession of a Port Pass from the country of registry. Vessels and Captains not complying with the above requirements will not be permitted to operate services between the two territories.

13) All operational and maintenance cost associated with the dock will be the responsibility of the Government of Anguilla with exception to the salaries of the Immigration officers. All accessories including office supplies will be provided by the Ministry of Justice, St. Maarten.

Ideally, those arriving in St. Maarten would be able to simply get on a boat or plane and leave for Anguilla. That’s “ideally.” We await the actual implementation with great anticipation.