0:00:02 > 0:00:044,000 miles south-west of the British Isles,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09lies the island of Anguilla.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Colonised by English settlers in the 17th century,
0:00:12 > 0:00:15it was quickly abandoned because of its poor soil.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18So the African descendants, many of them former slaves,
0:00:18 > 0:00:22became landowners rather than plantation workers,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25fostering an independent spirit and close connection to the land that
0:00:25 > 0:00:27still flourishes.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32Today just 3% of the population is white and it's now one of the 14
0:00:32 > 0:00:35British Overseas Territories with its own government
0:00:35 > 0:00:37and the Queen as head of state.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40It's very similar to growing up in Cornwall,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42everybody looks out for each other
0:00:42 > 0:00:44and it's just a really nice way of living.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49I've been here 23 years and I still think I'm kind of British.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52With an average temperature of 80 degrees,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56British expats have been lured here by the beaches, low taxes
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and relaxed way of life.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02We have a tradition in Anguilla of going to take a sea bath.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04This is the epitome of paradise.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08You know, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12But this delicate island's future is precarious.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13With few natural resources,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Anguillans have always had to be inventive to make ends meet,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19competing with larger nearby islands
0:01:19 > 0:01:22like Antigua and St Kitts for the tourist dollar.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Here the threat of hurricanes is ever present,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29and in the eye of these storms is a rock,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31the Anglican Minister Bishop Errol Brooks,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35who presides over the island's largest parish.
0:01:35 > 0:01:41As a people, we stand strong when things get rough.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43This Paradise is extremely fragile.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48In the days to come...
0:01:53 > 0:01:57..the National Trust and Fisheries Department join forces
0:01:57 > 0:02:01to give the island's schoolchildren a unique experience.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04It can be a little chaotic with little hands screaming, "Me!"
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Every time, but they completely love it.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Dentist John Jones and his best friend Chinnicks go fishing
0:02:13 > 0:02:16for a 100th birthday present for his mother.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18That's a fine lobster.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20My mother will be very happy with that one.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22It's a nice big one.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25And islanders gather at Trudy Nixon's house
0:02:25 > 0:02:27for a very special occasion.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30If we could all raise our glasses,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34and wish our glorious Queen Elizabeth a happy 90th birthday.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06# Coming to Anguilla
0:03:06 > 0:03:11# Having fun in the sun. #
0:03:11 > 0:03:1429 minutes after four o'clock.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15The Queen is going to have her birthday soon,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17you know, you know that? She'll be 90 years old.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Wow, I tell you, and still going strong, huh?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Happy birthday, Queenie, when it comes.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27At the heart of Anguilla's capital, The Valley,
0:03:27 > 0:03:32lies St Mary's Anglican Church, led by Bishop Errol Brooks.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Our hymn now is 242, 2-4-2.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41As head of the Anglican diocese, the Bishop's duties take him all around
0:03:41 > 0:03:43the 35 square miles of the island.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Good morning.- Good morning.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49How is everybody?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- THEY MURMUR - Good.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Today he's visiting some of the older members of his flock at the
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Just Tender Care Nursing Home.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04HE SINGS
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Anguilla is in the top 20 countries for life expectancy.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11At 81, that's ten years higher than the world average.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It is a fact that people in Anguilla live rather long.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22They eat locally produced food, they exercise,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26they have this positive spirit about them.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31It's not stressful, it's a relaxed type of life, they just chill out,
0:04:31 > 0:04:37as they say. This all helps to contribute to the longevity.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41I have great hope that I will live old, too.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Less than two miles up the road, at Government House,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Governor Christina Scott is also planning a visit
0:04:48 > 0:04:51to one of the more senior inhabitants on the island.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53So, this is the third 100th birthday card
0:04:53 > 0:04:56I've had the privilege of delivering
0:04:56 > 0:04:58since arriving in Anguilla three years ago.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01There's clearly something about living in the Caribbean
0:05:01 > 0:05:02which suits women very well.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Mrs Margaret Jones is the third lucky recipient of a very special
0:05:05 > 0:05:08card from Her Majesty the Queen.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Margaret Jones moved here from Anglesey, in Wales,
0:05:11 > 0:05:12over three years ago.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I love Wales, mind, Wales is my country.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I love it, but not the weather.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25Anguilla and the weather and the people are very nice.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31Margaret shares the house with her son, island dentist John Jones.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32John, how are you?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- I'm fine.- Do I get a little kiss?
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- Of course you can.- Mrs Jones, how are you?
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I couldn't let today pass without coming to say hello, could I?
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Yes, hello.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Are you well? Happy birthday.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Yes.- I've got a very special card for you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Do you know who this is from? - No, I don't know who it is.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Well, I think we should open it, don't you think?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Look at that! Can you see who that is, that's the Queen.- Oh, the Queen!
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Yes, the Queen!
0:05:59 > 0:06:02It says, "I am so pleased to know
0:06:02 > 0:06:07"that you are celebrating your 100th birthday on 2nd April, 2016.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11"I send my congratulations and best wishes to you
0:06:11 > 0:06:13"on such a special occasion."
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Gosh, lovely!
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- John!- Come and see what your mum's been sent.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19Look at that, John.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Because it's such a momentous birthday for his mother,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26John wants to get Margaret a gift he knows she'll really appreciate,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and also one that takes a bit more effort.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32She loves nothing more than freshly caught seafood,
0:06:32 > 0:06:33so John's going fishing.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I hope I bring her back some fish.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40I usually do.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Be bynnag catch, ti isio.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I will. See you, Mam!
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Don't look at my muscles!
0:06:52 > 0:06:56They've gone floppy and they go like that.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01Joining John on his adventure, his best friend of 40 years, Chinnicks,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03a local calypso star and house builder.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07He has the more challenging job of hunting and spearing the fish while
0:07:07 > 0:07:09John mans the boat.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12John always sits on the boat and do nothing.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15But whatever the catch is, he always gets the best.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16He's just...
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Look at him!
0:07:19 > 0:07:24I was an only child and used to being spoilt,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29and my mother convinced me I'm perfect.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Mr Perfect!
0:07:32 > 0:07:36I'm never happy until they come back.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37I'm always...
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Cos that small boat, anything can happen, you see.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Does my mother worry about me?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Of course she does.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Every week there's reports
0:07:48 > 0:07:52of an experienced Anguillan having got himself
0:07:52 > 0:07:58sadly drowned, so anybody who goes out here takes a chance.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03But not to take that chance would be a sin,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07because it's so beautiful out here.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10And if I die out here, I'll be happy.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19It's not just the fish that inhabit these Anguillan waters.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Turtles have roamed the seas around the islands for thousands of years,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26but their numbers are dwindling
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and now all three indigenous varieties are endangered.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33The National Trust monitors their welfare,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35and today Jan Richardson and her colleagues
0:08:35 > 0:08:37have made an encouraging discovery,
0:08:37 > 0:08:42a nest of hatching leatherback turtles on a popular tourist beach.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43You have to get inside the pit.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Yes, I think that's what happens.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46All right.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Look how deep it is.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51So far I'm definitely feeling really, really, really excited.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Leatherbacks are rare in Anguilla.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Just to be able to excavate some and
0:08:56 > 0:08:59help some get out to the water is amazing.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04THEY CHEER
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Where are they going now?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Basically they are making their way out to the open ocean and we are
0:09:09 > 0:09:10wishing them all the best.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Yeah. One is over there, look at that.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17The biggest threat to sea turtles is humans,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21and Anguillans have a long history of catching them for food.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25The only way to sustain or even increase turtle numbers is through education.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30So once a year, the National Trust and the Department of Fisheries,
0:09:30 > 0:09:35today led by Stuart Wynne, join forces for a community event.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37It is our Turtle Interaction Day,
0:09:37 > 0:09:42where we invite primary school kids to the beach and we go out and set a
0:09:42 > 0:09:47net and try and round a few turtles, hopefully one per school,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50and bring them to the beach and then allow the kids to interact with them
0:09:50 > 0:09:52as we measure and tag them.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54First of all we have to catch turtles.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55That's always a challenge.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00Oh, it's right over there.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Keeping a close eye on proceedings is Farah Mukhida,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05director of the National Trust.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10We set up a net in the water and if there is any turtles within the
0:10:10 > 0:10:13perimeter of the net, then they are going to swim into the net and get
0:10:13 > 0:10:18tangled up, so we're going to have snorkellers swim down and bring up our turtle.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Challenging, a little, but always fun and exciting.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Watch your toes, everybody.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Before long, the snorkellers have rounded up
0:10:29 > 0:10:31several juvenile green turtles.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Although disorientated,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37a few moments of mild discomfort is a worthwhile trade-off to help teach
0:10:37 > 0:10:42a new generation of islanders the importance of protecting these and other turtle species.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Yeah, we got ten in one go, which is great,
0:10:47 > 0:10:48and yeah, it all happened pretty quickly.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52We'll probably put a couple of the larger ones back and not take those
0:10:52 > 0:10:55over to the kids, cos they're harder to handle and deal with.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58I nearly drowned trying to deal with two of these big ones,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00they're so heavy, and you've got keep yourself above the water,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02obviously, as well, and they're really strong.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06So if their flippers go under the water, they just start pulling you
0:11:06 > 0:11:09along with them so you have to try and hold them out of the water
0:11:09 > 0:11:13so their front flippers are in the air and they don't get any traction.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Weighing up to 50lbs each,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18the biggest of the juvenile turtles have been deftly returned to the
0:11:18 > 0:11:21water. There's just one left.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Hopefully the team will have better luck handling the 100-plus schoolchildren
0:11:31 > 0:11:33attending their Turtle Interaction Day later on.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43With the Queen's birthday fast approaching, preparations
0:11:43 > 0:11:46are being made around the island to mark the special occasion.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Squad, odd numbers one pace forwards,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54even numbers one pace backwards, march.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Eyes right!
0:11:56 > 0:12:01At Government House, the Royal Anguilla Police Force are practising
0:12:01 > 0:12:03for a special flag-raising ceremony
0:12:03 > 0:12:06under the watchful eyes of Sgt Brian Best.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Fire.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11Reload.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The flag ceremony on the 10th is one of the more important occasions on
0:12:17 > 0:12:19the calendar for Anguilla.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25And it is expected from our standpoint and from the public's...
0:12:25 > 0:12:30you know, perspective, that we do get it spot on, right on that time,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32the first time, right on.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Squad. Squad, halt.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Their getting it right is a reflection on my instructions, so, yes.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40When they do it wrong then they should be fearful, yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Half of the group are new recruits,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47so for many of them, this will be
0:12:47 > 0:12:49one of their first public ceremonies.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It will be difficult for the first timers,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56it's just that the coordination sometimes gets them in a little bit of trouble.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01Most of the guys, they have that exposure to the party life so they can dance,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05they know what rhythm is and they know how to move on the dance floor so it is
0:13:05 > 0:13:08pretty much the same here. Once you get the rhythm in...
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Yeah. Once you get the rhythm in,
0:13:12 > 0:13:17you get the coordination right and it's all after that. All right...
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Charged with the all-important raising of the flag
0:13:22 > 0:13:25is newly promoted officer WPC Geresa Clarke.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I used to be in the drill, but now I get a little change of position,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35now I'm a flag orderly and I have to get a custom of raising the flag.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38So this is the first time for me raising the flag.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47But the flag doesn't seem to want to cooperate.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You can't break it right at the top, so let it drop a bit,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53let go with your right hand, let your right hand drop a bit.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54Right, now break it.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Ready.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01Today was kind of a little,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03a little hard for me
0:14:03 > 0:14:06to raise it a bit, because I was pulling on the rope
0:14:06 > 0:14:08and I found out it was a little tight.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13All right, now pull it back at the top,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16make sure it's pulled back at the top properly.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23As long as you keep it taut and wrap it around, then it stays at the top.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26All right, very good.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29There's hoping that you don't make any mistakes,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33any obvious mistakes on the day, cos it's very embarrassing sometimes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Yes, I hope that everything is done properly
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and we'll be able to get this done good
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and our guests will be proud of us.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44They'll say, "Yes, Anguilla is doing a good job
0:14:44 > 0:14:47"and the Royal Anguilla Police Force are looking good and nice."
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Detail, fall out.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57A few miles from the shore,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59John Jones and fishing partner Chinnicks
0:14:59 > 0:15:01have found a spot they're hoping
0:15:01 > 0:15:04will deliver a bountiful catch for John's mother's birthday.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Now the deal between us,
0:15:08 > 0:15:12if he catches no lobster, I'll have a few fish.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18If he catches lobster, I'll have no fish, just lobster.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21My mam wants lobster.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I always say that you get back in the boat if you come back with a
0:15:24 > 0:15:27lobster, just to give him incentive.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32But spear fishing in these waters is risky
0:15:32 > 0:15:35as it is home to several types of sharks.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39There are sharks out there, so my job is to stay within 20 or 30
0:15:39 > 0:15:42feet of him and constantly keep an eye.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46If I see a shark, I go straight over to him.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51The boat alone will probably chase it away.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56If not, I call him and give an order, "Get aboard."
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I don't ask, I say, "Get aboard."
0:15:59 > 0:16:02What do I miss back in the United Kingdom?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Weather, no.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09Rushing around and pressure, no.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12If I live to be 100 like my mother,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15I'm not going anywhere, I'm happy here.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22It doesn't take Chinnicks long to return with an impressive haul.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24That's good.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26That's a fine lobster, sir.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29That will do for your...
0:16:29 > 0:16:30Oh, yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34That's a beautiful meal for two.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- You keep this.- My mother will be very happy with that one.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39It's a nice big one.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- Have you caught anything?- Yes.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Good.- Dyna ti, edrycha.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Dyna ti! This is a big one for Anguilla.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03Oh, I don't like them!
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Yes, you do!- Well, I like them, but I don't like the look of them.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09God, John, don't!
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I do like it, it's very, very nice.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Yeah, lobster, very nice.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22I will chop it down in two, get some seasoning, grind up some garlic
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and put it on the grill.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Five minutes, take it off, serve it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29It's going to need some heat in order to cook.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31John!
0:17:32 > 0:17:36John won't listen to me because John is jealous of me, all right?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40John is jealous because I'm the only son that born in Anguilla.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42He born up in Wales.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44SHE LAUGHS
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Down at Island Harbour Beach,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56children from several of the island's primary schools
0:17:56 > 0:17:59are arriving for the Turtle Interaction Day.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02National Trust team member Jan Richardson is in charge
0:18:02 > 0:18:05of presenting to the boisterous group of schoolchildren.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10It can be a little chaotic with little hands screaming, "Me!"
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Every time, but they completely love it.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19They love it, especially at the end where we send them into the water
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and they get to release their own individual turtle.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23They love it.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26They turned them upside down so that they don't go crawling away.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Once they're on their back, they can't move around as much.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34It's important for us to quickly get this done so we can right side them,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37turn them back over, so that they can be released, because it is,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41it is a little stressful for them.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Sorry, excuse me, can I get in there, please?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47All right, guys, can I have your attention, please?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51OK, fingers on your lips.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- All right, good morning, everyone. - CHILDREN: Morning!
0:18:57 > 0:19:00So, who knows anything about sea turtles?
0:19:01 > 0:19:06Just about everyone. We have three species of sea turtle that nest on Anguilla.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Historically, Anguillans have always had sort of a cultural connection with
0:19:11 > 0:19:14sea turtles, especially with the eating and the, you know,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17harvesting them for their meat and for their eggs and stuff, so we are
0:19:17 > 0:19:19trying to sort of,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23sort of switch their mind-set a little bit that, yes,
0:19:23 > 0:19:24you can still have that culture,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26we don't want to take away that cultural connection,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29but we're trying to get them to realise
0:19:29 > 0:19:32that turtles are valued more alive rather than dead.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Why do you think sea turtles are an endangered species?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Someone said sea pollution, do you agree?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- ALL: Yes!- Right, pollution.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45I think that saving turtles is very important.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I get to learn a bit of how they move in the water and all,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52and it was so cool.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54I got to touch the turtle for the first time.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57The Caribbean has a lot of endangered turtles
0:19:57 > 0:19:59and it's very important to look after them.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02All right, so, we're going to release them now.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Careful, careful. Hold them very carefully.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07All right.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12I'm hoping that the kids would begin to sort of see sea turtles
0:20:12 > 0:20:17in a whole different light compared to our ancestors,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19more of seeing them as, you know,
0:20:19 > 0:20:24beautiful, gentle creatures that deserve to be protected.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I'm hoping that they'll be able to look at Anguilla as the home
0:20:27 > 0:20:29of sea turtles and want to protect
0:20:29 > 0:20:33not just sea turtles, but all of our natural resources.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42THEY CHATTER EXCITEDLY
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Playing the music for the Queen. Happy birthday, Queenie.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56She was born April 21st, 1926.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Queenie, happy birthday to you.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03All right! Enjoy it, and, of course, 90 years is a long time.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05And, of course, all those that will be celebrating with the Queen,
0:21:05 > 0:21:09you know who you are, I hope that you will have a wonderful day,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11and you'll be blessed, right,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13because the Queen is going strong, you know?
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Budget bunting.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18In the West End of the island,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22expats Trudy Nixon and best friend Sue Ruan are preparing for a garden
0:21:22 > 0:21:25party to mark the Queen's birthday celebrations.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Brilliant.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Who knew we had such talent?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- I tell you!- Well, it started off as a small party
0:21:34 > 0:21:40and as usual in Anguilla they just add on and keep coming.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44I think it could be anywhere between 30 and 60.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47So there will be some scones
0:21:47 > 0:21:51and then we've got lots of nice tea here,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53not that I expect very many people to have a cup of tea
0:21:53 > 0:21:55because it's a bit hot.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00I'm supposed to be getting some roast beef delivered, but the man
0:22:00 > 0:22:03that was going to get me the roast beef has gone to St Martin, and I haven't
0:22:03 > 0:22:08been able to reach him this morning so I don't know whether we're going to have roast beef.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Luckily a friend, chef Tyrone Hughes,
0:22:10 > 0:22:15arrives moments later with the all-important main dish.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- How's my beef?- Oh, it's getting there.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18It's raw, isn't it?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Yeah, it is.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25The party is in an hour's time.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29This is a level of complication I wasn't anticipating.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35That Pimm's is disappearing quite fast.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38They'll just be getting fruit salad by the time we've finished!
0:22:38 > 0:22:41THEY LAUGH
0:22:41 > 0:22:46Trudy and Sue's isn't the only party in town today.
0:22:46 > 0:22:52Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54We celebrate her 90th birthday.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Five miles down the road, Margaret is celebrating with the help of some
0:22:58 > 0:23:02close friends, including Anglican minister Father Menes Hodge.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Bless her with your divine presence and surround her with your love,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10that she may enjoy many more happy years.
0:23:10 > 0:23:17As a child growing up when we put on concerts or anything,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21before, when it ended, we had to stand and sing the national anthem.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I mean, that was a part of growing up.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It came naturally to us.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- You know?- This is an MBE badge from Her Majesty the Queen.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Oh, yes? MBE.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35MBE. There you go.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Oh, yeah.- And see what it says down there at the bottom.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42This certificate of honour
0:23:42 > 0:23:45is awarded to Rev Menes Hodge.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Very good, very nice.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Needless to say that I was excited
0:23:50 > 0:23:53to have had the occasion to meet Her Majesty.
0:23:53 > 0:23:59Yes, at the Palace, and the Queen was there, with her corgis.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Happy birthday.- Happy birthday, Queen!- Happy birthday.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I hope you live to be 100 and more!
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Cheers.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15Back at Trudy's, chef Tyrone is putting the finishing touches to the roast beef.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Thank you. It's very good.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23We'll have to hide some before everybody starts.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30It's not a moment too soon, as guests start flooding in.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31All right, darling?
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Lovely to see you.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40So we've got johnnycakes, but we've got some roast beef to go with it
0:24:40 > 0:24:42because that's the British bit.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44So is that a mix of Anguilla and the British?
0:24:44 > 0:24:50- Yes.- When I go to the UK, actually, it's one of my favourite things,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52and I'm a tea-drinking person.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Morning, noon and night.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Actually my favourite is Earl Grey.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02Oh, some roast beef, one of my favourites.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06And, let's see, now. Oh, we've got a nice little Cornish pasty.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08It's always good to have a celebration.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I agree, and the fact it's for the Queen is even better.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Happy birthday, Lizzie! So, we actually met her when she was here.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I had to rush home and phone my mum and dad up to say I met the Queen!
0:25:20 > 0:25:21"The Queen of who, love?"
0:25:21 > 0:25:22"The Queen of England!"
0:25:23 > 0:25:24OK, everybody.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28If we could all raise our glasses
0:25:28 > 0:25:33and wish our glorious Queen Elizabeth a happy 90th birthday.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Hip, hip, hooray!
0:25:35 > 0:25:37ALL: Hip, hip, hooray.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Later that day, at Government House,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56guests are being hosted by Governor Christina Scott,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00who is also commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06The highlight of the evening is the toast and flag raising ceremony by
0:26:06 > 0:26:08the Royal Anguilla Police Force,
0:26:08 > 0:26:14so tonight, Flag Orderly WPC Geresa Clarke will be centre of attention.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17I hope I don't get too overanxious
0:26:17 > 0:26:20and then I wouldn't raise the flag in time,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but hopefully, I must say by the grace of God,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I will get it done properly and in time.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31It's my distinct privilege and pleasure to celebrate the official birthday
0:26:31 > 0:26:33of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and I am particularly pleased that we have
0:26:35 > 0:26:39two of Anguilla's centenarians here with us here tonight.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Mrs Margaret Jones and Mrs Ursula Connor.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Anguilla.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Her Majesty.- ALL: Her Majesty.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49MUSIC: God Save the Queen
0:26:51 > 0:26:54And now the moment of truth for Officer Clarke.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It's a nimble display of flag handling
0:27:08 > 0:27:11to cap off a perfectly executed ceremony.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18MUSIC: God Save The Queen.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Present!
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Fire.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28- Hip, hip, hip.- Hooray!
0:27:28 > 0:27:29- Hip, hip, hip.- Hooray!
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- Hip, hip, hip.- Hooray!
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I realise that my hands started shaking a bit
0:27:36 > 0:27:39but I said to me get hold of myself and then I relaxed
0:27:39 > 0:27:40and then everything went good.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45I'm relieved, I'm happy it's over so now we can properly party a bit,
0:27:45 > 0:27:46you know, and have some fun.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53In the days to come...
0:27:53 > 0:27:57It's wonderful to see so many of you out this afternoon.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01It's great to see such a gathering, so give yourselves a hand.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Islanders don their national colours to celebrate the most important date
0:28:05 > 0:28:07in the calendar, Anguilla Day.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11We're proud of where we come from 49 years ago and we are proud that
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Britain has been by our side through it all.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20The Anguilla Day Around the Island Boat Race stokes local rivalries.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Yeah, I'll be cheering for the Real Deal on Monday.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25And I'll be cheering for the Sonic on Monday.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28And I will beat him on Monday.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30And Trudy Nixon steadies her nerves
0:28:30 > 0:28:33for a reading at Anguilla's literary festival.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36It's going to be a full house, which is, I think,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39what's giving me the, kind of, heebie-jeebies.