Anguilla has established its first National PTA, bringing parent-teacher associations together to strengthen collaboration and advocacy across the education system.
The executive was elected on 16 July following 10 months of preparation and is made up of PTA representatives from primary and secondary schools across the island.
Heading the team is president Twyla Richardson Thomas from Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School who in a press release on 31 August spoke of the importance of the new association.
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“Anguilla’s National PTA is the beginning of an important new chapter – one built on partnership, advocacy, service and a shared commitment,” she said.
“We will support our educators and schools, encourage academic achievement and advocate for initiatives that positively impact families across our island.”
The president went on to issue a rallying cry to parents, saying: “Your voice matters, your participation matters. Together, let us create stronger families, stronger schools and stronger communities.”
‘A shared commitment’
Joining Richardson Thomas from the high school are assistant treasurer Kenny-Anne Proctor-Benjamin and trustee Keischa Brooks.
Brooks said: “I am excited about the work ahead and confident that, through collaboration and a shared commitment, the ANPTA can make a meaningful contribution to education in Anguilla.
“Our goal is to ensure that parents and teachers are empowered to play an active role in the educational journey of every child, while creating an environment where students are encouraged and inspired to reach their full potential.
“As a body, we look forward to empowering parents, supporting teachers and inspiring students.”
Also on the team are vice president Dr Timarah Hodge and trustee Kenroy Herbert from Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, and secretary Khera Gumbs from Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School.
Representing Orealia Kelly Primary School is public relations officer Sheila Bryan, while treasurer Andrea Brown is from Adrian T Hazell Primary School.
Journey to establishment
The push to establish a National PTA began during the 2025-2026 academic year after Brooks and Herbert joined Anguilla’s delegation at a regional education symposium in Barbados.
The Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education highlighted the importance of collaboration between parents, educators, government and other stakeholders.
Following the meeting, which was led by the Caribbean Development Bank and regional partners, Anguilla agreed to work towards greater collaboration among PTAs across the island.
The first step was to create a database of PTA executives and contact information for public primary and secondary schools, while private and home schools were also invited to participate.
PTA executives then met for a ‘socialise and strategise’ session on 8 December 2025 to discuss the proposal for a national association.
A steering committee led by founding members Brooks and Herbert was subsequently formed to develop bylaws for the National PTA, paving the way for the election of its first executive in July.
The association has described the election and initial establishment activities as a soft launch, with more substantial activity planned for the first term of the new academic year.
