"She was a beautiful tree, so tall, so stately and revered by all."

Tribute to the Mahogany Tree circa 1971 – Colville Petty Esq.

The Mahogany Tree was one of Anguilla's most famous landmarks. It towered over the crossroads near Victoria House for over 300 years. It witnessed the settlement of the island in 1650 and every other significant political and religious development in Anguilla's history, including the Anguilla Revolution in 1967.

The tree was a forum where both major and minor issues were debated and settled. Its convenient location made it ideal for commerce and persons traveled from all over Anguilla and neighbouring islands to trade there. It was the island's principal notice board and its first community base.

The Mahogany Tree represents WDM's aspirations. We aim to convey through its imagery the key elements of the firm's vision, its values and our commitment.

We want to be the leading firm in Anguilla, and affirm our belief that by living the firm's values internally and externally, and by supporting the implementation of the firm's goals and objectives with integrity, we will earn a reputation for high professional standards.

We want to be fair-minded always and affirm our belief that by behaving towards each other with respect we will build a strong team and lasting relationships with each other, with clients and with the community.

We strive for excellence and affirm our belief that by focusing on the firm's mission and by aligning our actions with its values we will achieve excellence and realise the firm's vision.

We recognise, in the loss of our beloved Mahogany tree in November 1971, that there will be persistent threats to the realisation of our vision. We resolve to confront these and the changing commercial reality as a committed team. We are encouraged by the wisdom of Mary Catherine Bateson who eloquently opined that "the Past empowers the Present and the groping footsteps leading to the Present mark the pathways to the Future".

Finally, in the ever enduring image of the Mahogany Tree we affirm our commitment to make a positive difference in the legal landscape of Anguilla, the Caribbean and the world.

Pam Webster, John Dyrud