Date Posted: January 09, 2009.

Absolutely an Anguillian work of art - the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) launched “Absolutely Anguilla” their new visitor magazine for the 2009 season at an enjoyable event held in the gardens of the Anguilla Tourist Board on Thursday January 08, 2009.

Sherille Hughes, President of the AHTA welcomed the invited guests which included Dr. Aiden Harrigan, PS EDICT; Mrs. Dawn Reid: Mr. John Benjamin, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB); Mr. Valentine Banks, Chief Executive Officer of NBA; AHTA Membership and Board of Directors; contributors to Absolutely Anguilla and members of the Press.

Mrs. Hughes told the guests how the magazine fulfilled the AHTA’s brief to create a special visitor magazine that reflects the unique quality of experience of Anguilla’s tourism offer. “The magazine is everything we hoped for and we hope you enjoy it and continue to support it by advertising in it and distributing it to all our visitors – in hotel, villas, guesthouses or your own homes. Ask them to take it home with them - to enjoy memories of Anguilla and to plan their return.”

Trudy Nixon, Executive Director of the AHTA introduced the Anguillian writers and photographers who had contributed to the magazine. She said “our magazine features some great stories and beautiful pictures.. .there is a mouthwatering article on local food – by Writer and Teacher - Dwayne Adams called “relishing the pots of paradise’ - the proliferation of food stands is something that is everyday to Anguillan’s but fascinating and a bit mysterious to visitors and we want to encourage them to enjoy this authentic Anguilla Experience by telling the story of local cooking. We have a humorous look at “tying out “our famous goats and a lyrical description of the comings and goings at Crocus Bay from sunrise to sundown by the very talented wordsmith - Maris Edwards” She went on to list other important articles by writers such as Karim Hodge, Director of the Environment; Mimi Gratton and Scott Hauser. She also commended the Photographs in the Magazine which were taken by Susan Croft, Chris Mason and Rebecca Haskins.

Ms Nixon then asked both Maris Edwards and Dwayne Adams to read extracts from their articles – which the rapt audience applauded loudly. The launch concluded with champagne toast from the Publishers Concepts and a final round of thanks from Gilda Gumbs Samuel of the AHTA who was particularly keen to thank Cuisinart Resort and Spa who had provided delicious canapés for the guests to enjoy after the formal proceedings ended.

Copies of Absolutely Anguilla are available now from the ATB/AHTA offices in the Valley and all local persons and businesses are encouraged to collect complimentary copies to either enjoy themselves or to pass on to visitors and friends. Copies can also be found at the ports and at the premises of AHTA members.