A Grey Head Is a Crown of Glory An Island Parish

4,000 miles south-west of the British Isles,

where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea,

lies the island of Anguilla.

Colonised by English settlers in the 17th century,

it was quickly abandoned because of its poor soil.

So the African descendants, many of them former slaves,

became landowners rather than plantation workers,

fostering an independent spirit and close connection to the land that

still flourishes.

Today just 3% of the population is white and it's now one of the 14

British Overseas Territories with its own government

and the Queen as head of state.

It's very similar to growing up in Cornwall,

everybody looks out for each other

and it's just a really nice way of living.

I've been here 23 years and I still think I'm kind of British.

With an average temperature of 80 degrees,

British expats have been lured here by the beaches, low taxes

and relaxed way of life.

We have a tradition in Anguilla of going to take a sea bath.

This is the epitome of paradise.

You know, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

But this delicate island's future is precarious.

With few natural resources,

Anguillans have always had to be inventive to make ends meet,

competing with larger nearby islands

like Antigua and St Kitts for the tourist dollar.

Here the threat of hurricanes is ever present,

and in the eye of these storms is a rock,

the Anglican Minister Bishop Errol Brooks,

who presides over the island's largest parish.

As a people, we stand strong when things get rough.

This Paradise is extremely fragile.

In the days to come...

..the National Trust and Fisheries Department join forces

to give the island's schoolchildren a unique experience.

It can be a little chaotic with little hands screaming, "Me!"

Every time, but they completely love it.

Dentist John Jones and his best friend Chinnicks go fishing

for a 100th birthday present for his mother.

That's a fine lobster.

My mother will be very happy with that one.

It's a nice big one.

And islanders gather at Trudy Nixon's house

for a very special occasion.

If we could all raise our glasses,

and wish our glorious Queen Elizabeth a happy 90th birthday.

# Coming to Anguilla

# Having fun in the sun. #

29 minutes after four o'clock.

The Queen is going to have her birthday soon,

you know, you know that? She'll be 90 years old.

Wow, I tell you, and still going strong, huh?

Happy birthday, Queenie, when it comes.

At the heart of Anguilla's capital, The Valley,

lies St Mary's Anglican Church, led by Bishop Errol Brooks.

Our hymn now is 242, 2-4-2.

As head of the Anglican diocese, the Bishop's duties take him all around

the 35 square miles of the island.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

How is everybody?

-THEY MURMUR

-Good.

Today he's visiting some of the older members of his flock at the

Just Tender Care Nursing Home.

HE SINGS

Anguilla is in the top 20 countries for life expectancy.

At 81, that's ten years higher than the world average.

It is a fact that people in Anguilla live rather long.

They eat locally produced food, they exercise,

they have this positive spirit about them.

It's not stressful, it's a relaxed type of life, they just chill out,

as they say. This all helps to contribute to the longevity.

I have great hope that I will live old, too.

Less than two miles up the road, at Government House,

Governor Christina Scott is also planning a visit

to one of the more senior inhabitants on the island.

So, this is the third 100th birthday card

I've had the privilege of delivering

since arriving in Anguilla three years ago.

There's clearly something about living in the Caribbean

which suits women very well.

Mrs Margaret Jones is the third lucky recipient of a very special

card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Margaret Jones moved here from Anglesey, in Wales,

over three years ago.

I love Wales, mind, Wales is my country.

I love it, but not the weather.

Anguilla and the weather and the people are very nice.

Margaret shares the house with her son, island dentist John Jones.

John, how are you?

-I'm fine.

-Do I get a little kiss?

-Of course you can.

-Mrs Jones, how are you?

I couldn't let today pass without coming to say hello, could I?

Yes, hello.

Are you well? Happy birthday.

-Yes.

-I've got a very special card for you.

-Do you know who this is from?

-No, I don't know who it is.

Well, I think we should open it, don't you think?

-Look at that! Can you see who that is, that's the Queen.

-Oh, the Queen!

Yes, the Queen!

It says, "I am so pleased to know

"that you are celebrating your 100th birthday on 2nd April, 2016.

"I send my congratulations and best wishes to you

"on such a special occasion."

Gosh, lovely!

-John!

-Come and see what your mum's been sent.

Look at that, John.

Because it's such a momentous birthday for his mother,

John wants to get Margaret a gift he knows she'll really appreciate,

and also one that takes a bit more effort.

She loves nothing more than freshly caught seafood,

so John's going fishing.

I hope I bring her back some fish.

I usually do.

Be bynnag catch, ti isio.

I will. See you, Mam!

Don't look at my muscles!

They've gone floppy and they go like that.

Joining John on his adventure, his best friend of 40 years, Chinnicks,

a local calypso star and house builder.

He has the more challenging job of hunting and spearing the fish while

John mans the boat.

John always sits on the boat and do nothing.

But whatever the catch is, he always gets the best.

He's just...

Look at him!

I was an only child and used to being spoilt,

and my mother convinced me I'm perfect.

Mr Perfect!

I'm never happy until they come back.

I'm always...

Cos that small boat, anything can happen, you see.

Does my mother worry about me?

Of course she does.

Every week there's reports

of an experienced Anguillan having got himself

sadly drowned, so anybody who goes out here takes a chance.

But not to take that chance would be a sin,

because it's so beautiful out here.

And if I die out here, I'll be happy.

It's not just the fish that inhabit these Anguillan waters.

Turtles have roamed the seas around the islands for thousands of years,

but their numbers are dwindling

and now all three indigenous varieties are endangered.

The National Trust monitors their welfare,

and today Jan Richardson and her colleagues

have made an encouraging discovery,

a nest of hatching leatherback turtles on a popular tourist beach.

You have to get inside the pit.

Yes, I think that's what happens.

All right.

Look how deep it is.

So far I'm definitely feeling really, really, really excited.

Leatherbacks are rare in Anguilla.

Just to be able to excavate some and

help some get out to the water is amazing.

THEY CHEER

Where are they going now?

Basically they are making their way out to the open ocean and we are

wishing them all the best.

Yeah. One is over there, look at that.

The biggest threat to sea turtles is humans,

and Anguillans have a long history of catching them for food.

The only way to sustain or even increase turtle numbers is through education.

So once a year, the National Trust and the Department of Fisheries,

today led by Stuart Wynne, join forces for a community event.

It is our Turtle Interaction Day,

where we invite primary school kids to the beach and we go out and set a

net and try and round a few turtles, hopefully one per school,

and bring them to the beach and then allow the kids to interact with them

as we measure and tag them.

First of all we have to catch turtles.

That's always a challenge.

Oh, it's right over there.

Keeping a close eye on proceedings is Farah Mukhida,

director of the National Trust.

We set up a net in the water and if there is any turtles within the

perimeter of the net, then they are going to swim into the net and get

tangled up, so we're going to have snorkellers swim down and bring up our turtle.

Challenging, a little, but always fun and exciting.

Watch your toes, everybody.

Before long, the snorkellers have rounded up

several juvenile green turtles.

Although disorientated,

a few moments of mild discomfort is a worthwhile trade-off to help teach

a new generation of islanders the importance of protecting these and other turtle species.

Yeah, we got ten in one go, which is great,

and yeah, it all happened pretty quickly.

We'll probably put a couple of the larger ones back and not take those

over to the kids, cos they're harder to handle and deal with.

I nearly drowned trying to deal with two of these big ones,

they're so heavy, and you've got keep yourself above the water,

obviously, as well, and they're really strong.

So if their flippers go under the water, they just start pulling you

along with them so you have to try and hold them out of the water

so their front flippers are in the air and they don't get any traction.

Weighing up to 50lbs each,

the biggest of the juvenile turtles have been deftly returned to the

water. There's just one left.

Hopefully the team will have better luck handling the 100-plus schoolchildren

attending their Turtle Interaction Day later on.

With the Queen's birthday fast approaching, preparations

are being made around the island to mark the special occasion.

Squad, odd numbers one pace forwards,

even numbers one pace backwards, march.

Eyes right!

At Government House, the Royal Anguilla Police Force are practising

for a special flag-raising ceremony

under the watchful eyes of Sgt Brian Best.

Fire.

Reload.

The flag ceremony on the 10th is one of the more important occasions on

the calendar for Anguilla.

And it is expected from our standpoint and from the public's...

you know, perspective, that we do get it spot on, right on that time,

the first time, right on.

Squad. Squad, halt.

Their getting it right is a reflection on my instructions, so, yes.

When they do it wrong then they should be fearful, yes.

Half of the group are new recruits,

so for many of them, this will be

one of their first public ceremonies.

It will be difficult for the first timers,

it's just that the coordination sometimes gets them in a little bit of trouble.

Most of the guys, they have that exposure to the party life so they can dance,

they know what rhythm is and they know how to move on the dance floor so it is

pretty much the same here. Once you get the rhythm in...

Yeah. Once you get the rhythm in,

you get the coordination right and it's all after that. All right...

Charged with the all-important raising of the flag

is newly promoted officer WPC Geresa Clarke.

I used to be in the drill, but now I get a little change of position,

now I'm a flag orderly and I have to get a custom of raising the flag.

So this is the first time for me raising the flag.

But the flag doesn't seem to want to cooperate.

You can't break it right at the top, so let it drop a bit,

let go with your right hand, let your right hand drop a bit.

Right, now break it.

Ready.

Today was kind of a little,

a little hard for me

to raise it a bit, because I was pulling on the rope

and I found out it was a little tight.

All right, now pull it back at the top,

make sure it's pulled back at the top properly.

As long as you keep it taut and wrap it around, then it stays at the top.

All right, very good.

There's hoping that you don't make any mistakes,

any obvious mistakes on the day, cos it's very embarrassing sometimes.

Yes, I hope that everything is done properly

and we'll be able to get this done good

and our guests will be proud of us.

They'll say, "Yes, Anguilla is doing a good job

"and the Royal Anguilla Police Force are looking good and nice."

Detail, fall out.

A few miles from the shore,

John Jones and fishing partner Chinnicks

have found a spot they're hoping

will deliver a bountiful catch for John's mother's birthday.

Now the deal between us,

if he catches no lobster, I'll have a few fish.

If he catches lobster, I'll have no fish, just lobster.

My mam wants lobster.

I always say that you get back in the boat if you come back with a

lobster, just to give him incentive.

But spear fishing in these waters is risky

as it is home to several types of sharks.

There are sharks out there, so my job is to stay within 20 or 30

feet of him and constantly keep an eye.

If I see a shark, I go straight over to him.

The boat alone will probably chase it away.

If not, I call him and give an order, "Get aboard."

I don't ask, I say, "Get aboard."

What do I miss back in the United Kingdom?

Weather, no.

Rushing around and pressure, no.

If I live to be 100 like my mother,

I'm not going anywhere, I'm happy here.

It doesn't take Chinnicks long to return with an impressive haul.

That's good.

That's a fine lobster, sir.

That will do for your...

Oh, yeah.

That's a beautiful meal for two.

-You keep this.

-My mother will be very happy with that one.

It's a nice big one.

-Have you caught anything?

-Yes.

-Good.

-Dyna ti, edrycha.

Dyna ti! This is a big one for Anguilla.

Oh, I don't like them!

-Yes, you do!

-Well, I like them, but I don't like the look of them.

God, John, don't!

I do like it, it's very, very nice.

Yeah, lobster, very nice.

I will chop it down in two, get some seasoning, grind up some garlic

and put it on the grill.

Five minutes, take it off, serve it.

It's going to need some heat in order to cook.

John!

John won't listen to me because John is jealous of me, all right?

John is jealous because I'm the only son that born in Anguilla.

He born up in Wales.

SHE LAUGHS

Down at Island Harbour Beach,

children from several of the island's primary schools

are arriving for the Turtle Interaction Day.

National Trust team member Jan Richardson is in charge

of presenting to the boisterous group of schoolchildren.

It can be a little chaotic with little hands screaming, "Me!"

Every time, but they completely love it.

They love it, especially at the end where we send them into the water

and they get to release their own individual turtle.

They love it.

They turned them upside down so that they don't go crawling away.

Once they're on their back, they can't move around as much.

It's important for us to quickly get this done so we can right side them,

turn them back over, so that they can be released, because it is,

it is a little stressful for them.

Sorry, excuse me, can I get in there, please?

All right, guys, can I have your attention, please?

OK, fingers on your lips.

-All right, good morning, everyone.

-CHILDREN: Morning!

So, who knows anything about sea turtles?

Just about everyone. We have three species of sea turtle that nest on Anguilla.

Historically, Anguillans have always had sort of a cultural connection with

sea turtles, especially with the eating and the, you know,

harvesting them for their meat and for their eggs and stuff, so we are

trying to sort of,

sort of switch their mind-set a little bit that, yes,

you can still have that culture,

we don't want to take away that cultural connection,

but we're trying to get them to realise

that turtles are valued more alive rather than dead.

Why do you think sea turtles are an endangered species?

Someone said sea pollution, do you agree?

-ALL: Yes!

-Right, pollution.

I think that saving turtles is very important.

I get to learn a bit of how they move in the water and all,

and it was so cool.

I got to touch the turtle for the first time.

The Caribbean has a lot of endangered turtles

and it's very important to look after them.

All right, so, we're going to release them now.

Careful, careful. Hold them very carefully.

All right.

I'm hoping that the kids would begin to sort of see sea turtles

in a whole different light compared to our ancestors,

more of seeing them as, you know,

beautiful, gentle creatures that deserve to be protected.

I'm hoping that they'll be able to look at Anguilla as the home

of sea turtles and want to protect

not just sea turtles, but all of our natural resources.

THEY CHATTER EXCITEDLY

Playing the music for the Queen. Happy birthday, Queenie.

She was born April 21st, 1926.

Queenie, happy birthday to you.

All right! Enjoy it, and, of course, 90 years is a long time.

And, of course, all those that will be celebrating with the Queen,

you know who you are, I hope that you will have a wonderful day,

and you'll be blessed, right,

because the Queen is going strong, you know?

Budget bunting.

In the West End of the island,

expats Trudy Nixon and best friend Sue Ruan are preparing for a garden

party to mark the Queen's birthday celebrations.

Brilliant.

Who knew we had such talent?

-I tell you!

-Well, it started off as a small party

and as usual in Anguilla they just add on and keep coming.

I think it could be anywhere between 30 and 60.

So there will be some scones

and then we've got lots of nice tea here,

not that I expect very many people to have a cup of tea

because it's a bit hot.

I'm supposed to be getting some roast beef delivered, but the man

that was going to get me the roast beef has gone to St Martin, and I haven't

been able to reach him this morning so I don't know whether we're going to have roast beef.

Luckily a friend, chef Tyrone Hughes,

arrives moments later with the all-important main dish.

-How's my beef?

-Oh, it's getting there.

It's raw, isn't it?

Yeah, it is.

The party is in an hour's time.

This is a level of complication I wasn't anticipating.

That Pimm's is disappearing quite fast.

They'll just be getting fruit salad by the time we've finished!

THEY LAUGH

Trudy and Sue's isn't the only party in town today.

Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.

We celebrate her 90th birthday.

Five miles down the road, Margaret is celebrating with the help of some

close friends, including Anglican minister Father Menes Hodge.

Bless her with your divine presence and surround her with your love,

that she may enjoy many more happy years.

As a child growing up when we put on concerts or anything,

before, when it ended, we had to stand and sing the national anthem.

I mean, that was a part of growing up.

It came naturally to us.

-You know?

-This is an MBE badge from Her Majesty the Queen.

Oh, yes? MBE.

MBE. There you go.

-Oh, yeah.

-And see what it says down there at the bottom.

Yeah.

This certificate of honour

is awarded to Rev Menes Hodge.

Very good, very nice.

Needless to say that I was excited

to have had the occasion to meet Her Majesty.

Yes, at the Palace, and the Queen was there, with her corgis.

-Happy birthday.

-Happy birthday, Queen!

-Happy birthday.

I hope you live to be 100 and more!

Cheers.

Back at Trudy's, chef Tyrone is putting the finishing touches to the roast beef.

Thank you. It's very good.

We'll have to hide some before everybody starts.

It's not a moment too soon, as guests start flooding in.

All right, darling?

Lovely to see you.

So we've got johnnycakes, but we've got some roast beef to go with it

because that's the British bit.

So is that a mix of Anguilla and the British?

-Yes.

-When I go to the UK, actually, it's one of my favourite things,

and I'm a tea-drinking person.

Morning, noon and night.

Actually my favourite is Earl Grey.

Oh, some roast beef, one of my favourites.

And, let's see, now. Oh, we've got a nice little Cornish pasty.

It's always good to have a celebration.

I agree, and the fact it's for the Queen is even better.

Happy birthday, Lizzie! So, we actually met her when she was here.

I had to rush home and phone my mum and dad up to say I met the Queen!

"The Queen of who, love?"

"The Queen of England!"

OK, everybody.

If we could all raise our glasses

and wish our glorious Queen Elizabeth a happy 90th birthday.

Hip, hip, hooray!

ALL: Hip, hip, hooray.

Later that day, at Government House,

guests are being hosted by Governor Christina Scott,

who is also commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday.

The highlight of the evening is the toast and flag raising ceremony by

the Royal Anguilla Police Force,

so tonight, Flag Orderly WPC Geresa Clarke will be centre of attention.

I hope I don't get too overanxious

and then I wouldn't raise the flag in time,

but hopefully, I must say by the grace of God,

I will get it done properly and in time.

It's my distinct privilege and pleasure to celebrate the official birthday

of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

and I am particularly pleased that we have

two of Anguilla's centenarians here with us here tonight.

Mrs Margaret Jones and Mrs Ursula Connor.

To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Anguilla.

-Her Majesty.

-ALL: Her Majesty.

MUSIC: God Save the Queen

And now the moment of truth for Officer Clarke.

It's a nimble display of flag handling

to cap off a perfectly executed ceremony.

MUSIC: God Save The Queen.

Present!

Fire.

Three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen.

-Hip, hip, hip.

-Hooray!

-Hip, hip, hip.

-Hooray!

-Hip, hip, hip.

-Hooray!

I realise that my hands started shaking a bit

but I said to me get hold of myself and then I relaxed

and then everything went good.

I'm relieved, I'm happy it's over so now we can properly party a bit,

you know, and have some fun.

In the days to come...

It's wonderful to see so many of you out this afternoon.

It's great to see such a gathering, so give yourselves a hand.

Islanders don their national colours to celebrate the most important date

in the calendar, Anguilla Day.

We're proud of where we come from 49 years ago and we are proud that

Britain has been by our side through it all.

The Anguilla Day Around the Island Boat Race stokes local rivalries.

Yeah, I'll be cheering for the Real Deal on Monday.

And I'll be cheering for the Sonic on Monday.

And I will beat him on Monday.

And Trudy Nixon steadies her nerves

for a reading at Anguilla's literary festival.

It's going to be a full house, which is, I think,

what's giving me the, kind of, heebie-jeebies.