WHERE IS THE CHURCH?

Under such sorrowful economic conditions, have the government’s latest proposals on constitutional reform are missing a prime opportunity to modernize the Church? Should the Church retain its established privileges at the expense of Tax Payers and those who have no religion? Why the Church should enjoy special status above all other charities? Why is it accepted to tithe 10% of our total income (which is not ordained by God), while refusing to entertain any question on the introduction of Income Tax? And is the Church value for money?

Has the clergy lower their salaries or tithe takings in these rough times? Or why isn’t there a Church Compensation (membership returns on investments) plan set up specifically for in such dire economic conditions?

While it must be acknowledged that it is inappropriate for the Government to be involved in ecclesiastical affairs, and while we greatly value the role played by the Church in national life, this burden for the Church should have only been given up as part of a wider negotiation starting the disestablishment process, perhaps as a quid pro quo for the failed churches to be more proactive.

The Church, as an integral part of our society, must be held responsible to live up to the true meaning of its purpose.

I know out of fear many of you will not even touch this topic... as if God will exterminate you for speaking the truth. Neither will you hear this debate on Social Solutions. But... "don't take life too seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway."

"OUR ECONOMIC STRENGTH#3" Destination Anguilla!!!!

Governments rely very heavily on professional advice and opinions to make decisions, and often invest very heavily in such. Often the common man, not having the educational capability has no access to government but often arrives at the very same conclusions; this is why I opt to write my unsolicited opinions which I believe more people should do. It would be common knowledge as a tourist destination to know that we must continually invest in improving our image. There is distinction in what is pertinent basic infrastructural, and that for tourist attraction, which can add distinction and interest to the destination. Our tourism officials go and they come and we often wonder if they ever observe anything that can be applied at home that would make a difference, some in planning of the island opt not to plan, but prefer to leave the island evolve naturally. In the flamboyant market of Tourism, artificial impressions do have an effect. Anguilla has its very own unique qualities which makes it special for the people we attract, but since we have not increased our arrivals numbers in recent years we must consider new ideas to upgrade and improve the quality of the destination. As repeat guests visiting the island year after year we must consider new attraction for Destination Anguilla!!!!

Everyone is aware of our financial restraints, which limit the ability of Government to spend. Our recent request to St. Maarten might not have been solicitously chartered; no doubt, the government of St Maarten will do all it can to assist Anguilla, but that too will have a cost, and there are independent voices in full objection to the prospects . A request for better immigration service to passengers in transit to Destination Anguilla is a fair application, and expedited immigration services are a pivotal necessity. To make note of the congestion on St. Maarten roads as an impediment to our interest was a bad idea. Underscoring our essential needs and seeking St. Maarten’s assistance might be imposing extraordinary encumbrances on them, otherwise for the general concept of St. Marten being promoted as a regional hub. Most organizations operating at Juliana Airport are independent agencies, the immigration department is a unionized body, the taxi association and other essential services there, are all very attentive to their own interests. Recently French St. Martin has been questioning, why Anguilla alone is allowed to totally dominating the Ferry business. In a recent radio interview, an official from the government said on radio, that serious effort is being made to get St. Martiners involved. One caller indicated that a local group has already spent upwards to a million Euros in the effort. Anguilla alone has dominated the ferry business for a very long time and we have failed to set standard for the service. We have again gone back to the usage of a craft that is banned on French St. Maarten and most certainly at some point will be banned on Dutch St. Maarten. “We need a modern Ferry service.”

Simple Improvements; Three key facets must continue to function optimally in the promotion of Anguilla as a primary destination and we must find capital to invest in all three, which would automatically enhance the island and add immense luster to the destination. There are always measurable improvements that can be done on an annual basis to offer our repeat guests an improved image of the island and since there is no capital to invest, we must take a gradual

approach to the required improvements .

Our Airport: It is uncharacteristic to have a government declare that they would ignore the requirements of a national airport, and minimize its usage. Our airport must remain functional and be upgraded forthwith to meet minimum international standards, and function as our primary port of entry. It is this government in its wisdom who applied international recognition, then abandoned the facility. Cape Air was brought in as a new edition and now intends to expand its services, while government continues to seek alternatives to using the facility. Cape Air now seems to have more confidence in the viability of the facility than the government it’s self. Anguillian will not allow its airport to become an idle land mark because of political differences.

                                                                                                           

Blowing Point Tourist Port: This port is fast becoming the preferred point of entry for the island, because of its easy access to and from St. Martin, a natural evolution from the chaos that continues to plague the Airport, we must however set standards as we continue to improve the interior and also exterior of the port. It would seem that some degree of politics is also at work here, because there were advanced plans for its upgrading and redevelopment which after the elections have been apparently abandoned.

The Valley: There is no sensitivity to the neglect of shopping on the island, and our government as well as the general population has accepted our disorganized and disjointed shopping environment. We are totally comfortable traveling to SXM for our shopping experience. There are three important reasons why we must improve our “Town Center” for the good of our very own people; for the benefit of our guests, and for a fair exchange of commerce with SXM. We must begin to retain some of the powerful spending done on SXM on a daily basis and encourage their multinational community to spend on Anguilla. “Spend the week end on Anguilla” The one way trade so far, has made life and pleasure more costly for the average Anguillian. I am a proponent of the Valley becoming an active shopping environment, our commercial block is relatively large and would establish a very elaborate shopping environment if we encompass all of its potential. “I suggest we establish a working group, charged with the responsibility of making the Valley an active town center and business environment.” Our guests are never visible in our commercial zone or our public space, which is extraordinary. We must begin to plan and gradually improve this area.

By Elliot J. Harrigan

“BUBBLES, BANGLES AND BEADS!”

It was not my intention to write an article this week since I was off-island on my main “writing night”. I was also aware that the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers was delivering a major national address that will be carried in the Anguillian this week. I knew that finally readers and listeners would have factual evidence to discredit the Chief Minister’s continual efforts to mislead Anguillans about the Interim Stabilization Levy Act. Mr. Rogers presented the response he received from the Minister for the Overseas Territories that states clearly that the elected Government of Anguilla is “the competent authority” for the implementation of all revenue and taxation measures. Mr. Rogers concluded: “the UK Minister confirmed what we have being telling you all along and clearly confirms what I said earlier, that our Chief Minister is seeking to mislead us. It should therefore be clearer that the imposition of the Stabilization Levy and the three-year time frame to balance the budget were all brought on us and are all under the control the Government of Anguilla lead by the Hon. Hubert Hughes. It is also clear that the Repeal of the Bad tax is in fact a matter for the AUM Government. Not the Governor! Not the Secretary of State!”

My decision to write, however, was brought about by an article I noticed in the Anguillian last Friday. It was not a front-page article. It was a very short piece stuck in the bottom left corner of page 21 of the newspaper. I was told later that a press release had gone out almost a week before. In the festive mood of the four-day weekend I obviously missed it completely. The article is short enough for me to quote in its entirety and I will do so as follows:

“Governor Alistair Harrison announced on Friday June 10, that Detective Inspector Andrew (Andy) Arsenault had been awarded the Honour of Member of The British Empire (MBE) in the 2011 Birthday Honours List of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The award was in recognition of his services against the fight against financial crime in Anguilla.

The Governor offered his warm congratulations to Inspector Arsenault whose contribution in the areas for which he received the award had been immense. The award recognized the importance of the fight against corruption and financial crime in Anguilla, on which significant progress had been made, but the Governor said that much remained to be done. He also expressed his pleasure that Inspector Arsenault’s contract had been renewed and he would be returning after a short vacation to continue his work.”

I want to state categorically at the outset that I have absolutely nothing personal against Inspector Arsenault. I know him in his official capacity and I have exchanged pleasantries with him on a number of social occasions. Secondly, the decision to grant an award to a citizen of the British Commonwealth is not the responsibility of anyone in the Government of Anguilla, including the Governor. But my concern is about the statement that he received the award for what has been described as an “immense contribution” to the fight against corruption and financial crime in Anguilla. Like many other Anguillians I am not aware of what the Inspector has done that put him to the top of the “heap” in his area of activity neither do I have any knowledge of any successful outcomes which would cause his virtues to be extolled throughout the island. When I saw the caption I was certain that the Inspector was being awarded for his lifetime achievement in the field of financial crimes investigation in his homeland Canada or elsewhere in the Commonwealth. I hardly expected that he would have received such distinction for a few years of contract service to an Overseas Territory.

Apparently, the Inspector’s contribution was noticed by an individual or group of individuals during the few short years that he served as a part of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Furthermore, the fact that he received the award during the Queen’s Birthday Honours means, based on the deadline in the nominations process, that he was recommended at least six months ago. I must congratulate Inspector Arsenault on the fact that his work has made such a great impression on his nominator or nominators because several other persons have served most diligently in the service of Anguilla for many years and have not gained such attention. Does this prove the biblical adage that “ a prophet is not without honour but in his own country?” Would the Inspector have received such notice in his homeland Canada? Was the Inspector noticed by an Anguillian or Anguillian resident who felt strongly that above all other persons involved in Law and Order his contribution was the most valuable to our national security?

I am sure we all have looked at other recipients of awards and medals and asked questions. On Anguilla Day, during our national awards, there are always awardees that someone will query. It is not a perfect process anywhere. Not at the Oscars! Not at the Emmy’s! Heck! I am sure many would have heard the international debate when President Obama was granted the Nobel Peace Prize. What I am saying is that Inspector Arsenault is in good company based on the many times persons have asked me the question: “Inspector Whooo?”

The purpose of my comments, however, is to explain to persons who observe such decorations and appreciate such forms of recognition that if persons you believe are not deserving get nominated and people you believe are deserving do not --- it is not really their fault --- it may very well be yours. And if we value the grant of such honours to deserving Anguillians or other persons --- we must know what is required to get it done. Otherwise, we may only have ourselves to blame, when the allocation for Anguilla gets “taken up” by sojourners in our land.

Let me state a few clear facts about the process:-

• Anyone is allowed to nominate someone who they consider worthy of an honour.

• You are requested not to inform the person you are nominating that you are doing so.

• Nominations are particularly welcome for those who work in the voluntary sector or who give outstanding service to the community.

• You are required to complete an FCO Honours Nomination Form for the person or persons you are nominating. This form is available at the Governor’s Office.

• You must outline your grounds for the nomination of your candidate in a brief outline giving detailed examples explaining the meritorious services to the UK, to the community or to specific British interests they have performed, for how long they have been performing these services, whether these services were paid or unpaid, and what specifically makes them worthy of recognition by means of an honour.

• You must indicate which other persons in the community support the nomination and you should include any documentation or letter indicating such support.

• The nomination form is then returned to the Governor’s Office that will then forward the nomination to the Royal Households and Honours Secretariat at the FCO in London.

• The process can take up to eighteen months.

I have heard a number of comments since this article appeared in the Anguillian. There were expressions of shock; there were expressions of disbelief; there were expressions of outrage; there were expressions of disgruntlement by persons who felt that someone of their associates was more deserving; and in a few cases that they were cheated themselves. In my case I feel strongly that such awards for service to Anguilla should principally go to Anguillians --- preferably in long-term service to this country. When awards are granted outside of this main principle we all should readily feel the impact of the services of that recipient without question. We must not be surprised and ask the question: “Who?” We should be able to say: “Yeah! That’s right! He/She deserve it!” There are examples of such cases in the Anguilla Day Awards. No one has to my knowledge ever questioned the merit of any “non-Anguillian” who has been granted an Anguilla Day Award. According to Shakespeare: their “virtues plead like angels”. This is what we can ensure by following the nomination process and celebrating exceptional servants among us unselfishly.

Of course there are those who could not care less about the Queen’s Honours List. But everyone understands that such awards carry great meaning for a number of our citizens and if they are “deserving” they should be decorated. The covering letter from the FCO reads: “Honours are awarded to people whose service to the community or contribution to public life is regarded as being exceptional. Competition is strong in Britain and around the world, so it is inevitable that only a relatively small number of those who are nominated can be successful” Let us therefore make sure that we take advantage of the opportunity to give honour to “prophets” in our own country without apprehension.

By the way, a friend was trying to find out from me exactly who is Inspector Arsenault. I thought for a moment and then I said: “The police officer with the exceptional singing voice! He does Elvis; Frank Sinatra; Nat King Cole songs --- you name it!” “Oh!” he replied, “Now I know exactly who you talking about! He does sing extremely well!” If he was given an award for his voice I might even had say patience! But I really don’t know what he does in the Police Force! Sorry!”

Speaking of decorations there are some people who treasure them highly and if they deserve them we must celebrate them without question. Frank Sinatra sang a famous ballad entitled: “Bubbles, bangles and beads!” “They glitter and gleam so!” Let us put a gleam in the eye of some dedicated servant of our country who will really treasure such an expression of gratitude and appreciation. Let me again congratulate the Inspector Arsenault on his Award --- Just to be nominated is an honour indeed. You were noticed in Anguilla and I am sure we will always have a special in your heart for our people. Maybe you will sing “Bubbles, bangles and beads” for us at the next Police Concert. Just to show your appreciation! “Hear how they jing jing a linga!”

Victor F. Banks
Sachasses Estate
June 22, 2011

Address to the Nation - June 20, 2011

Fellow Anguillians, you are aware that from the onset of the introduction of the Interim Stabilisation Levy Bill in the House of Assembly in April 2011, my colleague the Hon, Othlyn Vanterpool, the leadership of the AUF ,myself --- and in fact the entire AUF organization have voiced objection to it. We see it as a BAD TAX that is unfair and inequitable and should be repealed. In light of this, on April 14, 2011, I requested of the Speaker through the Clerk of the HOA to convene an urgent meeting to debate a motion to repeal the ACT.

In my letter, I presented the strongly held position by the Anguilla United Front that it was “impossible to implement the Levy in a manner that would be fair to all concerned”. It was our position then, that with two weeks remaining it would be possible to begin a process for repealing the Levy by first presenting a motion in the House of Assembly to debate the merits of such an action. It was our hope that such a process could provide the Government with an opportunity to get the full backing of the House to make the case with the British Government that the implementation of the Levy was creating issues of unfairness and inequity and should be repealed. The motion also included a resolution to establish a broad- based Tax Commission “to undertake a comprehensive review of Anguilla’s Tax regime by the end of June 2011.”

The Speaker did not respond to my request. However, the Chief Minister made some unfortunate statements in an interview with Radio Anguilla regarding my letter. Mr Hughes’ statements in this interview as well as on a broadcast I heard on Klass fm on April 28, were misleading to say the least. But perhaps, can be more accurately described as outright lies.

The Chief Minister in his interview made a number of statements that prove that he is either the recipient of bad advice or that he is not using his legal advisors effectively.... His comments suggest that he does not understand the Constitution under which he is operating neither does he understand his role as an elected official and a member of the Anguilla House of Assembly.

Fellow Anguillains, after failing to get the Speaker to call an urgent meeting of the House to debate the Repeal of the Interim Stabilisation Act, I wrote directly to the Chief Minister as leader of Government business on May 4th 2011, requesting that he takes all necessary steps to repeal the Levy as a matter of priority and urgency. He replied to my letter on the same day... A reply that was nothing short of a disgrace and an insult to the people of Anguilla, coming from the leader of government business. His reply was two lines and read as follows, and I quote:

“Your letter of today's date has just been referred to me and I have read it with interest.

As you should be well aware, your letter should be addressed to His Excellency, the Governor.”

This response from Mr Hughes is a clear indication that he is a leader who has abdicated his responsibilities as Chief Minister to the Governor and/or Secretary of State. It is interesting how, Mr Hughes, a leader who for more than forty years has spoken about championing the cause of ordinary Anguillians, is now refusing to support an important initiative to represent the same Anguillians he claims to love so much.

It must be pointed out -- that the Chief Minister has lost an opportunity to prove his claim that the Levy is a British Tax...... If he had joined with us to make the case for its repeal and the Secretary of State then decided not to give it his approval or assent he would have been in a very strong position to make the statements that he is now making.

Fellow Anguillians instead of this, Mr Hughes continues to speak about three things in relation to the levy. He is doing so in a deliberate attempt to mislead the people of Anguilla........ I will now address what he has being saying and take you through evidence that reinforces the point that Mr. Hughes should not be taken at his word and that we should not allow ourselves to be fooled by him again. Firstly, ,,,Mr Hughes continues to lie that it was the British who set the time frame to balance the budget and that it was non-negotiable. The truth is, it was Mr Hughes and his AUM/APP government who set the time to three years. In a letter dated January 19, 2011, to the Hon. Henry Bellingham, Minister for Overseas Territories, Mr Hughes stated on three occasions that he wanted three years, 2010 -2012 to balance the budget. On page 3 of the letter Mr Hughes writes: “My Administration came to the viewpoint that given the recurrent deficit of approximately EC$70 million recorded in 2009, and mindful of the Anguillian context, as a small open and highly vulnerable economy with little or no social safety nets, it would be more efficacious to restore fiscal balance, defined as "restoring balance on the recurrent account", over the three year period 2010 -2012...... On page 5 of the letter he writes “Minister Bellingham, I have been adamant and on record as stating that you cannot tax a dead economy and that is why my Delegation pushed for approval to balance Anguilla's recurrent deficit over the three year period 2010 -2012.”

Fellow Anguillians these two statements clearly show that it was Mr Hughes and his AUM/APP government that asked for three years to balance the budget. The British agreed with his request back in March 2010…. According to Mr Hughes in the same letter on page 4, he states to Minister Bellingham: “On the basis of the green light from the FCO to restore balance on the recurrent account over three years, the Ministry of Finance technical staff prepared the 2010 Budget Estimates (which had to be approved by April 30 at the latest to comply with provisions of the Finance and Audit Administration (FAA) Act as regard Provisional Budgets) and within a three-year fiscal framework covering the period 2010 -2012.”

These three statements make it clear as to how the three year period came about. Fellow Anguillians, I ask you not to allow yourself to be Duped. We all need to demand the truth from Mr Hughes…..who continues to play the blame game for everything that takes place in Anguilla and does so by openly lying to us.

My Fellow Anguillians, the second thing Mr Hughes is lying about is that the stabilisation levy is not his tax but rather a British tax forced on him to implement. You will recall that on March 16 2011, Mr. Hughes admitted in the HOA that the budget is his budget. Well, it is the same budget which contains the stabilization Levy. On page 15 of his budget address it states that an Interim stabilization Levy will be introduced in 2011. His budget, his Taxes! !!!! do not --allow Mr Hughes and the AUM/APP Government to mislead you.

Further proof of the fact that the Stabilization Levy is the choice of the AUM/APP Government is found on page 8 of Mr Hughes letter of January 19th 2011 to Minister Bellingham... He said to Minister Bellingham that his government was taking measures to balance the budget in three years as was agreed, Mr Hughes wrote and I quote:

“GoA identified new revenue measures for implementation in 2011 as approved by Executive Council in June 2010 Fiscal Discussions with FCO OTD technical officials and/or subsequently amended by Executive Council. These included, among others:

• Increase in Property Tax rate by 150%
• Increase in Customs Surcharge from 1% to 3%
• Introduction of new 7% Petroleum Tax
• Introduction of Interim Stabilization levy on Income of 6%

(split equally between employees and employers with caps)”

Fellow Anguillians, I am giving you verifiable and documented facts of the actions of Mr. Hughes. Yet, he will say things contrary- to what he has done, to deliberately mislead you into believing it was not him --- but the British. The fact that the Stabilization Levy is solely a product of this AUM/APP government is found in the Government of Anguilla, Medium Term Economic Strategy (August 19 2010). On page 33 of this document under the heading Revenue Measures it is stated and I quote “as part of the medium term fiscal reform programme, the following revenue measures have also been approved:

• 7% communications levy – effective September 2010;
• Temporary 5% stabilization Levy on all salaries – effective January 2011
• Increase in customs surcharge from 1-3% effective January 2011.

“We know that in fact the customs surcharge is 6%.

As such the evidence shows that as early June 2010 the GOA had intended to impose the stabilization Levy. Fellow Anguillians this calls into question the transparency and openness of the AUM government. This government continues to speak about openness and transparency and yet taxes like the Stabilisation levy which will adversely affect our lives do not receive adequate public consultation… Today we are hearing about a Ghandi/Wiggins Report, a report which supposedly addresses further tax measures to be placed on us. But yet the report has still not been made public.

The third lie that Mr Hughes continues to speak about is that he cannot repeal the ACT, only the Secretary of State can do so. This is strange and perhaps his greatest contradiction yet. In his 2011 budget address in December 2010, on page 14 Mr.Hughes stated and I quote “Madam Speaker, it must be reiterated that the new tax measures being implemented for 2011, though necessary to lessen the financial gap, is also a step towards ensuring that our revenues are derived from more sustainable sources and towards a future of fiscal stability. He continued “ indeed the intention is to review the revenue base as early as possible in 2011, so there will be more certainty in terms of revenue collection and THE REPEAL OF NUISANCE REVENUE MEASURES” .

Yes!!! you heard me correctly,,,,, it was just this past December that the CM Hubert Hughes was advancing his Government’s plan to repeal nuisance revenue measures,,,, and yet in response to the Opposition’s motion to repeal the biggest nuisance revenue measure, namely, the Stabilization Levy, Mr Hughes continues to say he cannot do it --- only the Secretary of State can. Again I am begging all Anguillians to reject Mr Hughes’ lies.

Fellow Anguillians, the Chief Minister is totally wrong in his interpretation of the Anguilla Constitution as it refers to the repeal of bad law… Sections 47, 55 (1) and 59(1) of the Constitution read together provide that it is the HOA that approves laws and the HOA that repeals law. The dis-allowance of laws happens after the legislative process. The Secretary of State’s involvement comes at the end not at the beginning…. That is the elected Government’s role through Executive Council and the House of Assembly…. That is why the Chief Minister and his Colleagues were elected and that is why he is called “The Leader of Government Business in the Anguilla House of Assembly”. The Chief Minister seems to be seeking leadership from the Secretary of State rather than taking the initiative himself to relieve the burden of a “bad tax” on the people he was elected to serve even if he has to do so with the support of an Opposition motion.

Fellow Anguillians, I have demonstrated to you that Mr. Hughes is trying to mislead the society with his lies. He can, but refuses to seek to repeal the Stabilization Levy. You must now question why is he doing this? Ask yourself if this is consistent with a man who claims to be the champion for the causes of the lesser fortunate in Anguilla….. Is this the same man who has introduced a BAD TAX that brings the biggest burden on the lower to middle income earners….. while the higher income earners get the biggest break including all the members of the AUM/APP Government? According to Mr. Franklin Connor and I quote “this is a classic case of the poor paying for the rich in society”.

Despite all this we have not stopped in our efforts to get this Bad Tax repealed. On May 10th 2011, after being disappointed by our Government’s refusal to begin the repeal process of the Bad Tax, my colleague and I wrote to Minister Bellingham on the matter. In our letter, we wrote in part:

“In the context of the Levy being proposed in Anguilla we appeal to your Government’s commitment to fairness particularly in its taxation system as outlined in your budget report and point out the following issues of concern with that tax measure:

• The Levy is applied only on income earned under $12,000 Eastern Caribbean Dollars or approximately 2,200 pounds sterling.
• The law will also increase the hardship on businesses at a time when many are struggling merely to keep their doors open. Small businesses in particular will be badly affected.
• The Levy is also grossly unfair to the self-employed who are being taxed at 6% of their income, double the rate at which employed persons are being taxed and twice the rate at which businesses are taxed to match the tax paid by their employees.
• The principles on which the law is based are inappropriate to the purposes that the tax is intended to achieve and will cause harmful effects in the economy and the Anguillian community generally that will be felt for years to come.
• The Interim Stabilization Levy Act is a bad law that will be enforced by draconian measures in the form of high penalties and lengthy imprisonment terms.
• Employers are being required to pay 50% of the Levy on behalf of their employees.
• No proper provisions have been made to assess the self-employed.
• Persons having more than one employer cannot be fairly administered for purposes of taxation.
• The burden of proof as to an assessment is placed on the self-employed.
• There was not sufficient public consultation in the management and control of the tax measure that can result in the criminalization of taxpayers based on the extremely high and inflexible penalties.
• There are categories of taxpayers who will not be adequately monitored.

We asked Minister Bellingham for his views and comments on these matters. On June 8th 2011, I received a response from the Minister to our letter. The Minister’s response reads in part, and I quote:

Dear Minister Rogers

Thank you for your letter of 10th May about the Interim Stabilisation Levy Act.

As you note in your letter, economic and fiscal issues are the responsibility of the elected Government of Anguilla. It is therefore for the elected Government of Anguilla to decide the most appropriate mix of revenue and expenditure measures to meet the Chief Ministers commitment to balancing the overall budget by 2013.

The British Government, as you know was concerned that the draft 2011 budget originally put forward by the GOA in December last year was not going to maintain Anguilla on a path to meet that commitment. But we have never sought to determine what particular revenues measures the GOA should introduce, or whether some other mix of revenue and expenditure measures was more appropriate. YOU SHOULD THEREFORE TAKE UP THIS ISSUE WITH THE GOA.”

My Fellow Anguillians, you heard me correctly, the UK Minister confirmed what we have being telling you all along and he clearly confirms what I said earlier, that our Chief Minister is seeking to mislead us. It is obvious that the imposition of the stabilisation levy and the three year time frame to balance the budget were imposed on us by this AUM/APP Government --- and are under the control of the Government of Anguilla lead by the Hon. Hubert Hughes... Clearly, the Repeal of the Bad tax is in fact a matter for the AUM/APP Government, Not the Governor! Not the Secretary of State! Not the British Government.

The AUM/APP Government has no intentions of initiating the repeal this Bad Tax Act. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to continue to agitate for its repeal. I am therefore calling on all Anguillians to take a stand against this Bad Tax. Insist to your representative that he must support the Repeal of the Interim Stabilization Levy Act. Let him know the hardship you are facing because of the same Tax, that will never realise revenue projected.

Based on our call to action, a number of citizens have asked us to launch an additional measure to seek to get this Act repealed. As a consequence, we will be circulating a petition calling for its repeal. To this end, I am asking that you stand up and be counted among those who oppose this BAD, UNFAIR AND INEQUITABLE TAX. You can do so by signing the petition. This petition will be handed to the Chief Minister. The aim is to give him and his AUM/APP government and the British Government, an indication of the extent of the opposition to this TAX.

If there is ever a time that Anguilla needs you it is now…. To sign the petition is not an indication that you are supporting the AUF and opposing the AUM/APP government, it is simply a show of your objection the Stabilisation levy. Stand and be counted. This is non-partisan…... AUM, AUF, APP and Independent Candidates supporters are all affected. It is a national initiative to have this BAD, UNFAIR AND INEQUITABLE TAX REPEALED . God bless you all and God Bless Anguilla!

Anguilla Parliamentary Opposition Leader: Hon. Evans Mcniel Rogers

OUR ECONOMIC STRENGTH continued…………

Sustainability       

Anguilla and St. Maarten / St. Martin’s indigenous population are mostly heritage of the same families. Our historic mutual economic relations should be strengthened on the basis of the economic well being and viability of both islands, but never on the basis of subservience. St. Maarten is the stronger of the two economies, but Anguilla has always traded with St Maarten in the areas of its strength. We’ve exported our fish and lobster, agricultural goods, and sold our animals and poultry. Our people purchase more from SXM than from our own commercial sector. The piling on of requests to SXM to come to our assistance could in-fact change the nature of our relationship and put one in control of the other. St Maarten’s immigration service is an arm of Dutch law which makes any officer stationed there subject and compliant; to accommodate Anguilla in stationing its immigration service there, perhaps is asking too much, but all based on the economic policy of this government.

St. Maarten / St. Martin’s economic strength came from exactly those areas that Anguilla has always rejected. In addition to a vibrant commerce sector, a major international airport and harbor, St Maarten has a marine sector and cruise tourist port that caters to some of the largest and most expensive yachts, and handles the largest and most modern tourist ships in the world, disembarking millions of visitors on its shores annually, not mentioning the extraordinary diversity in its commerce sector on a whole, all being pillars of economic strength. SXM’s economic make up has been the subject of serious debate for Anguilla for many years in our pursuit for economic sustainability; we opted for small scale, slow, measured growth.

Sustainability is the inference used by all successive governments to describe the prospect in our economic survival. I am a born Anguillian and lives on St. Martin; fortunate to operate on both sides of the island, and shuffle to Anguilla steadily. During the end of the political campaign I was bombarded, when political operatives and critics who claimed that I want Anguilla to look, and be like St. Maarten, specifically declaring that St. Maarten is not the model that Anguilla aspires to, but it actually amuses me to see these same group now literally begging St. SXM for assistance to improve the image of the government. As I said earlier, our economic model is too dependent on elements out of our control. Salamander did not meet expectations of our government, while the country suffers immensely with a heavy cost for gross inaction. The recent sale of Flags has brought renewed hope, but our people have been well taught not to be fooled twice.

Our economic strength is very much an anecdote of irony. An island emerging from the bottom of the economic ladder, we market our self as a high end, a choice with high demands. The natural elements of our destination are our better resource; our relatively clean atmosphere, quiet and serene surroundings, in-congestion and accommodation too, do the destination justice. But the island it’s self lacks affluence and infrastructure that contributes to added pleasure and entertainment in the industry. This is Anguilla, and we must ask; what is it we offer that makes us this grand high quality destination? The product its self thrives on the very best and our services must be impeccably suitable. The story is told of a millionaire couple repeat visitors to the island, who said that after landing on Anguilla they sleep all the way to their hotel, because there is nothing to see. We must own this market in this region and must show that we have the ability to sustain the brand. We must increase our numbers; this means that Anguilla must be prepared to invest in key areas of the island that would add attraction to the destination. Then perhaps we might dominate this grand market place, increase our occupancy and defer our boom and bust predicament adding positive growth to the country.

We have no economic strength! In reply to the topic; this is true, simply because we have no strong economic pillars and therefore our foundation is very shaky and we simply cannot withstand the most minimum economic shuddering. I was present in the early process of the structuring of our tourism model, perhaps 1992; when a British Technical Assistance team of experts advised, that high end tourism will not be sustainable for Anguilla and there should be some diversification in the model it’s self, meaning we should low our profile and look at the more general market; stating that Anguilla will not be able to maximize its benefits, partly because of our deficiency in infrastructure and accessories imperative to maintain this market. They warned that our occupancy will be minimal as a consequence. Comparison was drawn with St. Maarten being able to consistently realize growth in its market and a much higher occupancy because it caters for the all inclusive general market. I am sure, reference to such a report can be easily found in government’s archives.

We are a people of great dreams and wild expectations, in particular we aspire for the very best, this is commendable, but realistically, we have failed desperately to deliver a stable growth to the island which has impacted our people severely and repeatedly. There is no stability in our economic model and it is time that we attract the services of serious economists to structure an economic profile of steady and progressive growth for the island. Because we are an ambitious people, we continue to incur major losses by our initiatives at rapid intervals because of the lack of an untenable economic situation on the island.

This article will continue with a perspective on our airport, our tourist port, Blowing Point and our town center, The Valley; how minor discretionary improvements can offer our guests and in particular our repeat guests an improved image of the island on an annual basis!!!!”

By: Elliot J. Harrigan 

“…. AND WID A LOTTA SAUCE!”

This week most employers were probably upset about the four-day weekend and the costs that placed on their already strained budgets. On the other hand, employees may have been disappointed that they could not afford to celebrate the holidays in the lavish manner they were accustomed to over the past years. This four-day weekend for the Welches Community afforded them a day to recuperate after the hard effort they put into the Annual Fest. The venue is just a mere two miles from that of Festival del Mar but whereas the focus there was on food from the sea --- the Welches Fest was about cooking for survival. The focus being on food from whatever source and in whatever manner required to feed a struggling community. With but a few exceptions the Welches Fest captured the essence of that period of our history when “jollification” was the order of the day. And it showed how people got together to help each other meet the harsh requirements for survival in an atmosphere of merriment and contentment.

This year the Fest was by far the biggest ever. Someone commented that perhaps people were looking for ideas on how to survive in these challenging times. Unfortunately, it would also require that we return to subsistence farming, livestock rearing and fishing because all the elements/ingredients for those lovely dishes were probably the most expensive items on the grocery shelves --- and even if one chose to cook on coals that could also work out more expensive than cooking gas in the long run. The good news is that most of the food and the coal does not need to be imported --- it is all available right here should we hit tough times.

A large team of volunteers (young and old) worked with a great sense of pride and an infectious enthusiasm to make the entire event a wholesome family experience. Of course one cannot forget the fun day atmosphere, the impromptu skits and the comical yet sensuous thrusts of the “hokey pokey” dancers. “Miss Maude” was still in good form! And a number of young people of all ages and genders got into the act as naturally as if they had been raised in that era.

Speaking about young people --- this weekend the second “shoot out” of young men was recorded in less than two weeks. Fortunately, none of the victims seem to have suffered any fatal wounds. With our Summer Festival just around the corner I am certain that there is real concern about how such violence might escalate. However, unlike other venues where such senseless acts have taken place, by contrast, it was noticeable that the atmosphere at the Welches Fest did not engender any such concerns. The large crowd of tourists, visitors and residents alike seemed both unworried and unhurried. Such that even the senior citizens from the care facilities looked quite at home and relaxed.

The younger children also had a chance to encourage their parents to purchase a number of traditional toys made in Anguilla. I witnessed a “not too young” lady almost being run over by an excited youngster pushing his newly acquired board wheel roller.  It was an interesting display of toys from the past --- but perhaps a business opportunity for entrepreneurs of the future as well.

The day lingered on into evening without any sign of letting up. In fact, the crowd held steady for the entire day. The music, the food, the drinks, the conversation --- all was reminiscent of the “innocent” days of traditional Anguilla. I am certain that it crossed the mind of a number of persons at the Fest that we have come a long way since the days of the “jollifications”.  While we must remain grateful for the modern amenities and conveniences that make living easier --- the question may arise as to what was lost or sacrificed in process. Having posed that question there are those who would then ask the natural follow-up: “Was it worth it?” But this is what our forebears struggled to achieve!  Not that we should remain in a constant state of hardship but that we should become a prosperous people. It means therefore that we ought not to lose any of what is virtuous and salutary from our past, while we strive for what will make our lives better. And we should always remember that sacrifices must be made for anything that is desirable. As the old adage goes: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too!” I proved that when the Johnny Cakes ran out! Correction! Dey didn’t finish bake!

It was quite natural in the midst of the merriment and the music, for topical issues to be raised. Indeed, I am certain that such was also the case in the “jollifications” of yesteryear --- particularly among the men folk after a “swig” or two from the “demijohn”, an item that was conspicuously missing from the festivities this year. Maybe the women folk did not condone its presence, especially after some of the youngsters tried to suggest that participation in the “swigging” was a “rite of passage” to “cultural manhood” --- whatever that means. Needless to say, “Paper’s” Bar was sufficiently stocked and ready to withstand any such embargo.

In those circumstances, however, with glasses fully charged and a toast to the Queen offered by an elderly gentleman from the village brandishing a metal cane --- one of the “usual customers”, upon seeing the Chief Minister entering the grounds shouted “at full voice”: “Banks ti true Hubert en the Cuisinart man buy de Gulf for fifteen million dollars?” Upon recovering from an episode of choking on my drink, some of which found itself on the shirt of a real nice guy standing next to me, I said: “Not Mr. Hughes! Mr. Rizzuto bought the Golf Course Project in a Public Auction!” Who tell me say that? It’s then the jollification start up!  You never hear more!

I will not relate the turnout of that conversation in this column --- but I feel duty bound, because of the level of skepticism and cynicism that seems to attend the last fifteen months of the AUM Government, to make a few comments and raise a few questions about the auction sale of Tenemos Golf Course Project. First of all I believe that it is a good thing that some closure seems in sight for what has been a major financial fiasco ushered in by a number of factors not the least among which is the economic downturn of 2008. Hopefully, it has now come home to members of the Government that the world of big finance operates on a different level to the sale of “oranges and apples” at Lakes Supermarket.  And the quick and ready fixes that they were proposing during the election campaign and the early months of their term were both illegal and naïve. Taking nothing away from the Salamander Group it was obvious that the Government did not understand the arms length relationship that was required to legally execute the compulsory acquisition of the property and continued to be tainted by their open involvement in memoranda of understandings in advance of the legal proceedings. There were indeed heading for a major civil suit that may have conceivably destroyed our economy. Fortunately, at least one Minister of Government withheld his consent long enough for the proper process to take its course.

Matt Norton, a U.S based attorney who has been keeping a watching brief on investments in Anguilla for some time described the situation quite aptly in an article last month when he said: “Before the economic downturn, Anguilla was emerging as the Caribbean’s new rising star with several high profile developments announced and started. The country reached celebrity status with snapshots of Hollywood A-listers on island and Shakira featuring the island in a hit song. Now with Temenos and Viceroy about to be sold at public auction in the next few weeks and with the recent bankruptcy filing by the owners of Viceroy, the island has become a paradise for lawyers too.”  The world has been watching to see how Anguilla comes out of these financial straits.  And the heavy hitters are poised to strike if an interesting opportunity appears.  It is strictly business!

Let me take the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Rizzuto on winning the bidding at the auction sale. I concur with the Chief Minister that he is a man of substantial means and has always fulfilled his commitments and promises to successive Anguillian Governments. In fact, he has been always in the mix of the several solutions put forward to salvage the project even before the declaration of bankruptcy.  Few will recall the efforts by the past Government to forego such an eventuality even before the owner was forced to declare bankruptcy. While nothing was ever consummated the price now paid for the property as compared to the possibilities contemplated in that earlier period would generate some concern. At the time of our discussions construction on the property had stopped for less than a year. And at that time arrangements were still underway with investors and creditors before the main lender placed its lien. It was therefore a property requiring some injection of capital or deferral of costs --- but it was still a project that could be restarted with reasonable costs.  While Mr. Rizzuto has bought the property at a highly discounted rate two years later --- he has in fact bought himself a veritable “money pit” that will require substantial investment to render it a viable project. However, all charges that are subordinate to the Credit Suisse loan have now been eliminated and he now owns an asset free and clear of encumbrances.

Our Government as we searched for viable solutions had a number of concerns in mind which I outlined in a speech delivered on June 8, 2009, just over two years ago. Some of my concerns were almost prophetic as follows:

• The Golf Course is a major initiative by GOA to enhance our tourism product and must remain a critical element of our business plan and promotion strategy.
• We need to protect future jobs and business opportunities.
• We must defend the interests of local creditors, vendors and contractors who are now owed several million dollars collectively and in some cases separately. Including the GOA.

I lifted these particular concerns from my speech because they point to a number of fair questions that must be raised at this time as follows:

1. Will the Government in its negotiations ensure that the Golf Course remains a critical aspect of the GOA’s business plan and promotion strategy such that it remains a public facility to be enjoyed by visitors from all properties as well as local Anguillians?
2. Will the Government ensure that a strict timetable for the completion of the project is in place so that there will be a swift injection of jobs, business opportunities and revenue streams to Government?
3. Will Government ensure that the interests of local creditors, vendors and contractors are negotiated as an aspect of the granting of the Alien Land Holding Licence?   

The point that must be made is that the sale of the Golf Course Project at any price is just the beginning of the process. The Government must now negotiate a business plan with the developer that is contingent on the appropriate responses to the issues raised above as well as others.  It must be remembered that Mr. Rizzuto has acquired an asset legally free and clear of all encumbrances.  He is not obliged to recognize any of the other creditors. However, Government must use its leverage along with moral suasion to achieve the best outcomes for its people. The Chief Minister must adopt the “wait and see” approach that “the victory is not yet ours!”  He should be careful not to shout: “Mission accomplished!” Let the Salamander experience be his guide.  One of the “usual customers” at the Fest who was involved in the conversation put it this way: “T’aint over till ti done!”  Obviously, a well-known Yogi Berra saying in the Anguillian (maybe Welches) vernacular. 

But by this time I was hungry and we sauntered over, coupons in hand, to the long line at the Food Tent.  After some indecision I ordered for boil fish, peas fungi, breadfruit and green banana which Laurel served me with much care and attention. The correctness of my choice was confirmed when Lawlu, looking over my shoulder --- shouted to Laurel: “Gee me wah de Senator just had! Boy dah look good --- and wid a lotta sauce!” 

Victor F. Banks

Sachasses Estate

June14, 2011