Anguilla Air and Seaport Authority Extends Community Support Through Major Sponsorship Contribution
July 2, 2025
The Anguilla Festivals Development Commission (AFDC) and the Anguilla Summer Festival officially welcomes home Miss Ariel Bushay, Miss Anguilla 2025-2026 First Runner-Up
February 2, 2026The Valley, Anguilla, 28th January, 2026— The Anguilla Festivals Development Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2026 Anguilla Summer Festival Committee, the first committee to serve under its oversight.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in the governance and long-term development of Anguilla’s cultural celebrations. The establishment of the Festival’s Development Commission represents a strategic step toward strengthened planning, sustainability, innovation, and the preservation of Anguilla’s rich cultural heritage.
Chairman of the Anguilla Festival’s Development Commission Board, Romare Kelsick, welcomed the appointment and emphasized the importance of this new governance structure.
Mr. Kelsick stated, “the new governance structure signifies an important step forward as it places responsibility for the Anguilla Summer Festival under the Festivals Commission. This strengthens accountability, improves coordination, supports more transparent decision-making, and streamlines planning and execution. With defined oversight, leadership and a mix of youth and experience, the Festivals Commission is positioned to safeguard the Anguilla Summer Festival’s cultural integrity, while being catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.”
Chairman of the 2026 Anguilla Summer Festival Committee, Fitzroy Tomlinson, expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee and outlined its focus for the year ahead.
“Building on the enthusiasm and momentum of 2025, this year’s Anguilla Summer Festival continues in a spirit of forward thinking and collaboration. With the establishment of the Festivals Commission, the timing is ideal to collectively strengthen a sustainable framework for festival development. I commend the Minister of Culture for the commitment to this process and look forward to planning and delivering this year’s festival under the guidance of the Anguilla Festivals Commission with great excitement,” Mr. Tomlinson said.
Honourable Minister of Social Development, Shellya Rogers-Webster, also expressed strong support for the newly appointed committee and the Commission’s role.
“This new governance framework represents a bold and necessary step toward the future of Anguilla’s cultural celebrations. By strengthening leadership, planning and innovation, we are ensuring that the Anguilla Summer Festival remains sustainable, dynamic and reflective of our national identity. I applaud the Commission and the Committee and wish them every success in delivering an exceptional 2026 festival,” Minister Rogers-Webster said.
2026 Anguilla Summer Festival Committee Appointments
- Chairman: Fitzroy Tomlinson
- J’ouvert and Bands Chairperson: Shayne Thompson
- Soca Monarch Chairperson: Alysha Carty
- Junior Calypso Chairperson: Kasem Thompson
- Senior Calypso Monarch Chairperson: Mark Romney
- Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Chairperson: Katrina Richardson
- Miss Anguilla Chairperson: Amber Woodley
- Miss Talented Teen Chairperson: Romare Kelsick
- Prince and Princess Chairperson: Erica Edwards
- Parade Chairperson: Kay Gumbs
- Boat Racing Association Chairperson: Likerah Adams
- Marketing Chairperson: O’Leary Richardson
- Financial Comptroller: Nordisia Lake
- Secretary & Opening Night Chairperson: Melania Mathew
- Sponsors Liaison: Waynika Romney
The 2026 Anguilla Summer Festival Committee is working collaboratively to create a memorable festival experience that celebrates Anguilla’s culture, engages the community, and showcases the island’s talent and creativity.
Further announcements regarding festival events, timelines, and initiatives will be made in the coming months.
Ends
