C&N Jumbo Plaza at The Water Swamp is the latest commercial business to open its doors in Anguilla. It is seen by its Anguillian family owners as a dream come true and as a leap of faith, undeterred by the present global financial and economic situation impacting the island.

Government Officials and others at the Opening Cermony

The 260 by 160-foot super store had its grand official opening on Thursday, November 27, with a large number of invited guests in attendance, among them being Government officials, members of the business community, relatives and friends.

C&N Jumbo Plaza is owned by Cummings and Naomi Gumbs, who have already made their mark in the business field and now share ownership with three other family members Glenford Hughes, Sandra Hughes and Ivin Hughes.

Cutting of the ribbon

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, in congratulating the owners on their new venture, said C&N Jumbo Plaza was a signal that the Anguillian entrepreneurial spirit was alive and doing well. He said that the progress and success of Anguillians in business in these trying times was a testimony of their perseverance, tenacity and managerial skills. He commended the family for their bold vision and courage, wished them every success and God’s guidance and called on all persons to patronize the new Anguillian-owned business place.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister of Infrastructure, Kenneth Harrigan. Others at the opening ceremony included Opposition Member and family relative Hubert Hughes who spoke highly of the five business owners; Lana Hoyoung, a family friend who chaired the proceedings; Pastor Philip Gumbs who gave the opening prayer; and Pastor Kathleen Richardson who delivered the dedicatory prayer. Other speakers included Evalie Bradley who grew up with the family.

Inside C & N Jumbo Plaza

Naomi, whose name rings loud in local business and who has built up a large and supportive clientele over the years, spoke of the formative years when she and her husband, Cummings, opened their first store in a small section of her grandmother’s house. As customers’ demands increased, the couple opened a second and larger store at Back Street, South Hill. And now, by God’s providence they have been able to establish the new and large C&N Jumbo Plaza, now crowded daily by shoppers just in time for Christmas.

She was grateful to a number of persons for their assistance. The list included the family’s spiritual leaders, Pastors Ambrose and Kathleen Richardson for their guidance, inspiration and encouragement; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Owen from whom they purchased the land; the Caribbean Commercial Bank for providing the funding and the Government of Anguilla for duty-free concessions.

Naomi and Cummings Gumbs (right) with brothers and sister

“Words cannot express thanks and appreciation to the hard-working and dependable men who undertook the construction of this building,” Mrs. Naomi Gumbs said, as she also praised her husband and his brothers and their sister for their devotion, faithfulness, hard work and caring love.

“This was all brought together by me and it is a dream come true,” she stated. “We have indeed come this far by faith.”

C&N Jumbo Plaza is fully stocked with clothing, shoes, a variety of household furnishings, cosmetics, toys and gift items. The expanse of the air-conditioned building provides customers with comfortable shopping spaces between the multiple shelves, and all across the store are signs directing shoppers where to find the items they want. There is a large upstairs section of the building where many other items are attractively displayed.

C&N Jumbo Plaza certainly has the potential to become a shopper’s delight in Anguilla. It leads the way to a new crop of classy quality Anguillian-owned businesses and highlights the outcome of the enduring faith of its owners in the island’s economic future and investment opportunities.

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