Black Meetings and Tourism

March / April 2021

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ANGUILLA: THE PERFECT SMALL MEETINGS PARADISE BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Submerged in decades of rich history and teeming with exciting local culture, the family friendly island of Anguilla pro- vides meeting travelers and leisure travel- ers the ultimate Caribbean experience with its white sandy beaches and colorful backdrop. The island's unique geographi- cal makeup provide planners with a more natural approach at holding a meeting using the outdoor environment as a set- ting for more intimate gatherings. There's nothing better than a week in paradise, you'll be able to probe deeper into the island's diverse offerings while interacting with the warm personalities of the people as well as catch up on well- deserved rest in between conference sessions. Spacious luxury villas, dedicated meet- ing spaces, an 18-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, business support services, private chefs, catering and a place to relax at the end of your sessions; Anguilla is perfect for small high-level board and strategic meetings. On almost any night of the week, but particularly on the weekends, it's possible to hear live music in Anguilla. The island is brimming with talent, from international touring acts like British Dependency, Omari Banks, and Pantha Vibes International to locally based entertainers Natalee, Sprocka, Springer, BOSS and his Horsepower Band, AIM, Amalia Watty, True Intentions, and more. Anguilla has produced a number of popular reggae, calypso, soca and coun- try musicians, the most famous of whom is undoubtedly Bankie Banx, who has per- formed with music legends Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Cliff and the Bacon Brothers, and who founded the island's legendary music festival Moonsplash. The Heritage Collection Museum houses artifacts that showcase both the harsh conditions and the ingenious and inventive ways in which the people of Anguilla coped and created tools for sur- vival by engendering a unique way of life that they called "the jollification". The Wallblake House, and the Warden's Place in The Valley are the only plantation houses that remain intact, and are available for guided tours. There is even less evidence of the time of slavery, although Miss Margerie's House, located across the road from the Warden's Place in The Old Valley, has the former slave quarters attached to it. What is left is a culture of independence, pride and resilience born out of the love, loyalty and conviction of a people determined to sur- vive with little help from the outside. The only standing "Plantation House" on Anguilla, The Wallblake House, is situ- ated on the Western edge of The Valley next to Anguilla's Catholic Church. Located across from The Old Cotton Gin, this part of the city's capital houses some of Anguilla's more colorful and interesting architecture. A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration) and return and onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. Green card holders must have a valid green card and valid passport from their country of origin. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is easily accessible by air, through the main gateways Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/- Martin, Antigua and St. Kitts. B M & T ••• March/April 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 48 • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Viceroy Anguilla 166 Paradise Cove Resort 29 Anacaona Boutique Hotel 27 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Viceroy Anguilla Total Exhibit Space: 1,500 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Anguilla Tourist Board 800-553-4939 www.ivisitanguilla.com AREA GUIDES A N G U I L L A Sandy-Point, Anguilla Photo Credit: Danilo Forcellini

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