WE SHALL OVERCOME... SOME DAY.

How are we as a people going to cope with the most challenging economic changes any of us have seen in our lifetime? What are the top trends our business and political leaders must know about today? How can we better plan for the future? Anguillians need to analyze the top trends, scenarios and strategies that will shape the future of its society in the coming years. If should matter little if what we call the future is one minute or one year from today we need to be prepared to face the future challenges and risks. 

Business leaders and Politicians today need critical knowledge about emerging trends. They must learn to navigate real-time change – whether that change comes from the effects of terrorism on travel, the competition from other markets, the peculiarities of visitors, changes in technology or global economic or political factors. An essential part of leading is the ability to develop the capacity to anticipate the future in the face of growing uncertainty, disruptions or chaos. The 21st century will continue to be a period of great uncertainty, it will be complex and fast changing and all of these factors must be integrated into our economic strategy.

It is this understanding of future trends will drive opportunities for Anguillians to take their place in a complex global society. The key questions that need to be integrated into our future economic strategy are: How will changing global demographics, financial considerations and varied choices affect our economic strategy? How will workforce shifts and need to attract the best talent affect small islands? What are the top technologies and business processes Anguillians must master in order to develop a competitive advantage? How will future economic trends like “geo local” tourism where people travel closer to home affect fragile markets like Anguilla? What new opportunities does science offer in terms of health, education or food security? What further dislocations can we expect from globalization in general and trade relationships in particular? What are the essential strategies to building a society capable of responding and navigating changes in a period great uncertainty? 

Understanding future trends will have an impact on our society, the economy we build will determine our future success.

By: Statchel Warner

ANGUILLA.. THE ISLE OF BROKEN PROMISES?

TOURIST ARRIVALS CONTINUE TO BE SLOW.

I see the following two main reasons:

1. Getting to Anguilla is difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Shortly after the election, tourism genius Haydn announced that very shortly, we would soon have an Anguilla desk in the arrival hall in the St. Maarten airport, integrated Anguillian Immigration and Customs inspection across the road at Simpson Bay, and night ferry service. Nothing happened except for a near-riot at a meeting of government union workers in St. Maarten, who Haydn had neglected to tell that he intended to have Anguillian officials working in their country. 

Haydn then announced that he was "negotiating" for services that he'd previously announced were a done deal and would be commencing very shortly. Failing to explain this obvious failure, he then fell silent about the matter for over two years.

We spent nearly US$1 million on a pier and ugly, cheap-looking building, intended to be the new main gateway that provides a first impression to our supposedly five star island. Service was quietly started, but you had to be a member of some in-group to even know about it. It ran for 6 weeks before Tourism bothered to announce anything about it or its schedule. The cost of this "regularised" service remains at whatever each different company wants to charge, the schedule is a State Secret, the night ferry service turned out to be for only three nights, all mention of the Anguilla desk at the airport has gone silent, there are no Anguillian port officials in St. Maarten, the water is too shallow for our largest boats, and Funtime and GB Express have chosen not to use this wonderful new facility. The ongoing monthly costs to us are another State Secret, so is the amount of money paid to former Anguillian business owner Lesley Lloyd for "managing" this mess, and the sole benefit I can see is the elimination of the immigration check point at the Simpson Bay Bridge. Unless you're Lesley Lloyd...

Haydn commented on this sorry situation during the debate on the Budget. I missed it and Nat Hodge failed to report it, so this is all I know, sorry. I don't know who deserves to be thrown under the bus. Perhaps the whole bunch.

I await the blessing by some select representative of God, and the naming ceremony of the new facility. Will anyone consent to having their name on this gateway to The Isle of Broken Promises or do we have to find some dead person to call if after?

2. Anguilla tourism is not promoted effectively. ATB and Tourism have a budget of EC$8 million a year. How they spend it is a State Secret. Their annual financial report is a State Secret. Their meeting agendas, minutes and what they do are all State Secrets. Tourism has an additional staff of 8. What they do is a State Secret. There are three popular Anguilla tourist forums on the internet, where Tourism could answer questions and provide information. They ignore these three free media outlets. Maybe they're too busy spending their $8 million to be bothered with the internet. Or perhaps I'm lacking in respect. After all, these are busy and important people.

Twice in recent memory ATB have breathlessly announced the start of wonderful new websites. What they concealed was that these websites were at new web addresses. All information on the old websites was lost forever. People following the old websites were simply abandoned. This happened because ATB or Tourism or Haydn allowed outside contractors to own the domain names, never bothered to transfer these valuable assets and expensive content to government and were too arrogant to use gov.ai like everyone else. When they changed contractors, the contractors walked with the domain names. The same exact thing happened to The "Anguillian". The reasons are easy to understand: negligence and laziness.

 Dale Pusching and Martha Chapman of “Team Anguilla” 

in Canada with Marie Walker of the New York office

Our public relations in the US is in the hands of Marie Walker, whose tired promotion has recently been enhanced by the addition of Marvet Britto, who has great breasts and has brought Real Housewives of Atlanta to our shores. While many believe the Housewives are common trash, Marvet sees "cast members who are most notable for their discerning tastes." Not only that, "The excitement soared as they reached the infamous On Da Rocks Restaurant, known for its exotic drink selection that heightens the already uninhibited personalities of the Housewives."

This has attracted a record 30 comments on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, including:

"Couldn't help but notice the irony on Marvet Britto's website that she can promote such filth as The Real Housewives of Atlanta but her favorite book is the Bible."

The 29 other comments can be seen at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147238-i388-k5953853-Anguilla_on_Bravo_tonight-Anguilla.html

The consensus among our loyal, repeat visitors seems to be that if these are the kind of people who infest Anguilla, a lot of potential new visitors will be going to TCI or Antigua next year. What it cost ATB to do this to Anguilla is unclear. 

The publicists' contract is coming up for renewal. Leaked information is that ATB members are divided. There have been some outstanding applicants, but the comfort of doing things the same old way is safer than taking a chance on exciting new innovation.

Another lost opportunity. How sad.

By: The Real Patty

ANGUILLA INSTITUTIONALIZED INCOMPETENCE & CORRUPTION... IT'S GOVERNMENT MAIN IMPORT/EXPORT - A TAXPAYERS' BURDEN.

... IT'S JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

The Parliamentary Secretary took to the floor of the “House of Assembly” this week and disputed allegation of “Questionable Governance.” The Secretary’s demeanor appeared defensive as he tried to explain away speculation on how the Ministry of Tourism is handling business on behalf of the people of Anguilla, appearing to be dancing a waltz but not having the band in tuned it turned out more like a wriggle. Dealing with the issue of the pier in St. Maarten and attempting to dismiss assertions, the Secretary washed his hands, claiming that he too has been asking questions. He railed on endeavoring to put into perspective what now appears to be a chaotic undertaking which could emerge as a major scandal. Trying to separate the role of government from that of the Tourist Board he claims is directly responsible for this project, he fell short of explaining the function of that Board, and its relation to Government. How does the Tourist Board acquire funding, and if by means of subsidy? Now, that questions are raised, the Secretary seems to be aware that there are plans by Juliana Airport to extend its development, to which the area in question, being in very close proximity will be affected, he still seem to want to justify expenditures in excess of $300.000.00 in a project that most certainly will be short lived. 

It is not enough just to be defensive, or to be grandstanding in the public arena with issues of serious importance to the people. Besides all that is now known, there is much more not revealed, and if all is known, there would be no need for speculation. The strange twist to this matter is that the Secretary appeared to have had all the answers, and appeared adamant that stories being told do not conform to the truth. In that same breath he appeared to have ordered an investigation into the matter. What is the Secretary investigating? On a point of clarification, The Secretary must give reason, to why he continues to be paraded erroneously as a Minister of government; and explain the people of Anguilla by what process of confirmation has the honorable title of Tourism Minister been bestowed on him? This is a false pronunciation of duties that are without legal or legislative merit. Parliamentary Secretary is not a Ministry; it is an administrative function, and to continue this false premise, is certainly of great offense to the people of Anguilla. Further in perspective, it might rise to the abdication of duty of the Opposition Members in the House of Assembly to allow this to continue without reprimand and correction. 

Anguilla corruption index since Feb 15, 2010. 

The direction of our tourism is of serious concern to everyone. This team has not done much so far in revitalized the industry. Our numbers are very insignificant, while St. Marten continues to be an extraordinary destination, in excess of two million visitors per year. The obvious remark would be, Anguilla can’t be compared to St. Maarten! Well why not? The land mass of Dutch St. Maarten is half the size of Anguilla, which means that our planning mechanism in tourism, and general economic affairs may need a systematic review. But we cannot continue to view St. Maarten as our adapted parent. There may be no easy way to develop a vital resource as tourism to spur economic growth, and dealing with these issues on a daily basis may indeed be a task for any government. If so, then this government should apologize for their relentless criticism of the former government. Be that as it may, the country simply cannot afford incidentals or blunders with extraordinary cost to the people. Projects like these must fit in a larger picture of tourism planning and development. It is known that Government recently approved a Tourism Master Plan for the island; it should be inquired if the development and establishing of a facility like this in a secondary, foreign country is part of that plan, and will such an experiment work in our primary interest, having a daily operating expense with larger obligations.

We have an already established ferry service that needs extensive revitalization and management to service the industry better. A service that experienced extraordinary growth from the time of captain Mussington and one vessel, today having more than enough vessels to service the trade, so we compete against ourself. Scrutiny of government and its activities is becoming a prime concern under present conditions of the country; the Secretary must understand, and humbly accept that he occupies public space for one reason; that is, in the interest of the public. His extended remarks on “Questionable Governance” expressed outrage, claiming that such questions border on slander and warrants legal review, which I adamantly disagree, current economic conditions of the island has made it the duty of every Anguillian to understand their government, and agree when, and where necessary, but insist that adequate governance is a demand.

By: Elliot J. Harrigan 

CORRUPTION ABOUND, AS THE GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA SADDLED INCOMPETENCE... WHO IS TO BLAME?

QUESTIONABLE GOVERNANCE: WHY IS THE NEWS NOT REPORTED?

It is being alleged and reported by reliable sources that there has been a major breach of protocol by the government of Anguilla in regards to the Tourist Office Representative in New York. All of the details are not fully known but from what is reported, the Government of Anguilla failed to comply with its contractual obligations by renewing the representative's contract according to the stipulated terms, prior to the contract expiring. Consequently invoking major liabilities built in said contract, costing the people of Anguilla in excess of ($350.000.00) US dollars. Meanwhile, because negations to recruit new representatives to manage this office had not been even initiated the Government was forced to extend the existing contract of said representative for an interim period of three months. The issue began to surface earlier during the week, when callers to several of the weekly talk shows asked questioned on this matter and several of these hosts tried to shield the government, indicating, they had no knowledge of any such reports, in some instances there were violent exchanges on radio between the various hosts and callers.

A second report on the Government of Anguilla is questioning the viability of an investment in excess of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) in St. Maarten in a private pier, transporting tourists to Anguilla. Reports surfaced previously of talks with the St. Maarten’s Government on establishing an Anguillian immigration service at Juliana Airport. This proposal apparently ran into difficulty in the Parliament of St. Maarten and was not entertained by the government of St. Maarten. Indications are, the Anguilla Government linked up with a private family and supporting, diehard supporters of the Government residing in St. Maarten and made a large investment on the island. Besides the investment on the private pier, the government of Anguilla is responsible for an ongoing lease of the acquired property and cost of operating the facility, amounting to at least $16.000.00 US dollars per month, including standard taxes and fees to St. Maarten’s Government. There are also reports that St. Maarten has just signed a Naf.16.000.000.00 contract to further develop Juliana Airport, which includes the area in question.

Commentary: 

There is much more to both of these stories. Questions must be asked as to the substance of the reports, and who is responsible for these grave decisions at a time when the island is hurting tremendously . Such daring decisions and actions of government at an unbearable cost to the country without clear indications of positive results should not go unnoticed and should be brought directly to the public arena for scrutiny, since there seems to be no checks and balances within our system of Government, and government functions without a qualified, none political advisory body, capable of weighing cost and balancing the interests of the people of Anguilla. Somewhere the code has been broken and the public is able to access some of the damming information, and get insight into the callus and unscrupulous conduct of government.

There is a larger question with much more of a consequential nature; at what point does government feels that the people are effectively the government of the country and deserve some indication as to where the country is heading? Is it at the electoral polls? Or when an angry people behave like mobsters. There are many reports of very unorthodox behavior and processes transpiring at frequent intervals, and is basically covered up from public knowledge. A recent report surfaced where the Minister of Labor refused to renew the resident or working permit of the Dean of the medical school and the Chief Minister had to intervene to bring about some order, not before hinting that the entire school or faculty should come to his office to discuss the matter.

So, the big question is; does this government understand what is required of them? Or is it that there is a grave lack of governmental astuteness and Ministerial deficiency. Where is the effective management of the Permanent Secretaries in these Ministries and what is their role in the effective running of the country?

In Anguilla, everything is speculation, simply because there is a culture of keeping the people out of the people's business. When politicians get elected they feel like they stand head and shoulders above the people and owe them nothing, not even a clear and simple explanation of their very own business. where there is smoke there is fire and certainly this should provoke some degree of truth. The people have a right to know the truth and what are the circumstances around such reports.

By: E. J. Harrigan

BRITAIN TO LEGISLATE COMMONSENSE FOR ANGUILLA

Anguilla latest hit and run victim, Mr. W. Fleming, lies almost
lifeless as he awaits Paramedics.   

Hit and Run is a 2012 American action comedy film written by Dax Shepard. The plot centered on a former getaway driver abandoning his Witness Protection Program identity in order to help his girlfriend get a job interview to Los Angeles. But on Anguilla, it’s no film, the accused is more than likely a DUI suspect. 

The latest victim was on the evening of November 22, when a popular restaurant male bartender was the victim of a serious hit and run accident in front of J & J's Pizza. The victim, W. Fleming, suffered a serious head injury after he was thrown some feet by the impact with a car that failed to stop. He has been flown overseas for medical treatment and is said to be in a critical condition.

A Ms. U Gumbs, a well-known developer and restaurant owner from a prominent local family, was identified as the driver of the hit and run vehicle. She was later arrested and bailed. 

A "hit and run" accident is breaking the law, a commission prohibited by law… it’s a crime, and can among to Manslaughter. The crime of a driver of a vehicle who is involved in a collision with another vehicle, property or human being, who "knowingly" fails to stop to give his/her name, license number, and other information as required by statute to the injured party, a witness, or law enforcement officers. If there is only property damage and no other person is present, leaving the information attached to the damaged property may be sufficient, provided the person causing the accident makes a report to the police. Statutes vary from country to country or even from state to state. The information given is a report, and not an admission of guilt, which makes it not a violation of your constitutional protection against self-incrimination. Temporarily fleeing the scene may be a defence, but permanently fleeing the scene of an accident is evident of guilt… a crime… "Intentional"… and shall be found guilty in a Court of law. 

It is sad however, that the Government of Anguilla sees it not of national interest to introduce drink driving ban legislation for Anguilla. It must be an offence to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on a road or public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in breath, blood or urine exceeds a prescribed limit. This is not a tourist attraction. 

I am again appealing to the Government of Anguilla to put public interest/safety first, by legislating Police powers use of the Breathalyzer (Portable Alcohol Breath Tester Equipment) on Anguilla. 

… an Order in Council is simply a legislation of commonsense.

By Wilful