FUNDAMENTALS!!!

Elliot Harrigan is an Anguillian Free-Lance Writer / Political 

Observer & Analyses and an Entrepreneur 

No questions should be asked, no ifs no buts, it is fundamental; Government must respect its people! Even in worst cases of disdain or malice, Government must be the very last to show intolerance. Government is not an invisible structure, but actual people, and is able to carefully analyze and interpret the language of the citizenry, but must show unlimited respect for all. In actual governance, opposing tendencies are played out at the expense of average people, as such a way is always found to diminish the foot print of excellence to validate the extremity of power in the name of government. Society is the bedrock of civilization and not to be governed! Government manages the business of the people, to ensure order and sustainability, which is to guarantee continuity of the structure and to maintain an orderly system through which people can function and co exist by peaceful and just means. With very good intentions bad practices are perpetuated and utilized to divide and conquer because our political system provides for clear disagreement in any course of action in the name of the people.

Events of the past week gave us all clear insight into the misappropriation of intent, the attempt to dishonor and disgrace the teaching profession from the annals of power displayed from the very “House” of the people was dishonorable and showed great disrespect for basic society, even though clearly aimed at the teaching profession. Teaching and learning are fundamental; it carves a pathway into the future, and is deep-seated. The fundamentals of every society are those rights and privileges that are applied to our well-being base on the inherent values of its people and no government should stand in the way of this. Everything beneath "Country" becomes systematic and is subject to modification. The actions of the teachers were symptomatic, but this condition was caused; any government seeking to fundamentally depreciate the values system of its people must be looked at keenly as autocratic and threatening, threatening the social-well-being of the masses, their rights and privileges. “Fundamentally” the rights of the people are preserved and must be guaranteed, by no means is government allowed to change or transform society to any concept they might imagine, and if so should be held in contempt of the people.

The tax structure recently introduced and implemented on our grass root, simple society is an infringement and does tamper with those basic fundamentals. This is the cause of current action and may eventually escalate into other areas. Change to such dimension goes beyond the scope of our intent and it is appropriate for the governed to react. Such change is not far-fetched but deserves, and requires the undisputed approval of the majority of the people, otherwise does not have to be tolerated. Such action by government can trigger eruption in society and cause all kinds of disorder and civil disobedience. We have always known an indirect approach to taxation on the island, we are now asked to concede to both a direct and indirect tax burden, this is beyond the imaginary scope. Thanks to government (the system) for containing disorder, thanks to the teachers for their tolerance and good will, not allowing intolerance to reign down on the movement, instead exhibiting that same character they teach, whereby disorder was averted. It must be noted that Anguilla, being a state in submission, the British are well within their rights to suggest or proposed any changes they wish to see, it is our Government’s responsibility to follow process and chose the appropriate means of applying this change without fundamentally changing society. If this can’t be done without infringement on the norms we know, then it is appropriate for a government to forgo this demand and resign in protest. But if you take the responsibility to ascend to this order you must be held fully responsible.

There is much talk of how we got here, who is responsible and which government should take blame. No government of the past can be judged by its intent. It might have been the intent of an AUF administration to implement measures, or perhaps these measures; there is no AUF administration now, and as such cannot be held responsibility for actions not taken. In fact, the AUF government of the past should come in for high praise, not taking a decision in the absence of a well designed and thought-out process, refraining from imposing heavy taxation on the people of Anguilla. What AUF did in their good judgment was to apply a change of policy to counter the required change in the financial structure of government and its intake capacity. The difference between AUF and AUM in the matter is that “action was taken.” And that action interfered with those fundamentals we know as a small society.

There are many opinions as to what is the real objective of the British in its oversight of Anguilla, there are silly ideas like Anguilla has oil and the British are jealous and want to own us. It appears that the British feels that Anguillians are a privileged people. WE own our own land, live in our own homes, not taxed burdened, live very comfortably; and the rich and famous loves the island. Here are significant reasons why our risks should not rest with them. Anguilla was always a privileged society, because we were never dependent on extremities such as commercial excesses or a massive taxation structure, we always lived in modesty. In recent times we have evolved to more economic demands but, still far from countries that thrive only on these excesses. The fundamentals of our well being were always mostly self sufficiency. As a society of little means, by little means we survived!

By: Eliott J. Harrigan 

ANGUILLA: A SOCIETY AT RISK

Anguilla is no longer the small homogenous society populated by the grand children of slaves who suffered centuries of famine, drought and political neglect on a barren rock in the Caribbean Sea. Anguilla very claim to island status probably depends directly on its people and its exceptional white sand beaches. Anguilla is no longer the backward impoverished island not in terms of its GDP per capita or its crime rate. Anguilla has changed rapidly over the last four decades and such rapid social, political or economic change often lead to crisis and Anguilla as turned out to be no exception.

Today we have people who can remember cooking meals on three rocks with firewood, drank water from holes in the ground, grocery shopping consisted of buying three basic items, rice, flour, sugar. These people live in households with children who have never seen a phone that actually dialed the number. Yet many of the old customs remain, we still keep dark secrets of friends and family, causing us to ignore social issues that should be openly discussed with the intent to eradicate the behaviour. The only people who routinely gets their dirty laundry aired in public are the politicians but even then the issues are not addressed, those who oppose believe, those who support deny.

The Church as an institution of moral standing is as guilty as the secular society in covering up major social transgressions. Preachers/Pastors/Ministers/Priests whatever they are called are in several cases guilty of abuses, hides abuse or show no interest in investigating claims of abuse even when the claims are commonly held in the society. 

In the end we have a vicious cycle of rumour and back yard chatter and recently lawsuits and threats of lawsuits intended to silence discussion. We have selective passing of laws and policies against political abuse or corruption out of fear of possible entrapment of self, friends or family. Anguillians cannot claim to live by the morals of a Christian society or the laws of a modern society if they continue to allow such behaviour.

We may ask what are some of these social ills:

• Preachers involved in domestic violence against their spouse.
• Ministers of religion that live a moral life in total opposition to what they preach.
• Pastors who use their position to enrich themselves.
• Priests who molest children and go unchallenged.
• Accused and known child molesters becoming teachers, politicians, guidance counselors, social workers and various other positions.
• Politicians, Police officers and their children who facilitate the illegal sale of weapons.
• Drug crimes of a selected few never brought to trial while the prison over flow with the children of the politically unconnected.
• Potential criminals that are fore warned about possible police raids.
• Politicians, Permanent Secretaries and prominent Businessmen fathering and neglecting children around the island, sometimes by adolescent girls.
• Public and private sector managers who control employees and delegate authority through sexual favours.
• Insider trading by officials that develop unhealthy relationships and trade favours with investors and businessmen.
• People who assets exceed their known income.
• An administering power that turn a blind eye to issues of possible corruption.
• Foreign Administrators who develop unhealthy relationships with selected politicians and investors.
• Politically connected people sitting on various boards to provide political cover for otherwise illegal acts.
• High paying positions on boards granted as political reward.
• Politicians who openly work for both the Government and the private investor.
• Project funds wasted on political patronage.
• Politicians and senior civil servants with undeclared interests in companies they regulate.
• Ministers selectively overriding policy on planning, lands, labour, immigration etc.
• Contracts and public tenders designed for special friends or family.
• Politically connected contractors allowed remove merchandise.
• Investors guided to use particular contractors or trucking companies.
• Buildings rented for office space by the Govt. because of political or banking connections.

To be continued in your mind ………………………………..

By: Statchel Warner 

MEDIATION REWARDS ESTRANGED WIFE WITH ISLAND PARADISE - ANGUILLA, A DEN OF CHAUVINIST - WILL SHE SURVIVE?

Well, that's one way of avoiding your ex: Civil servant lands plum Caribbean job 4,000 miles from estranged husband... who happens to be PM's aide

• Christina Scott will take over as British Governor on island of Anguilla
• Posting includes a Governor's Residence and a salary nudging six figures
• In her current job, she is in contact with estranged husband Chris Martin
• Sources say personal circumstances were not relevant to her appointment

Christina Scott will take over as British Governor
in Anguilla this summer. 

When it was announced that Whitehall mandarin Christina Scott will take over as British Governor in the tiny paradise isle of Anguilla this summer, eyebrows were raised in the Foreign Office.

The plum Caribbean posting – which includes the picture-postcard Governor’s Residence ‘Old Ta’ and a salary ‘nudging six figures’ – was expected to go to someone with a background in foreign affairs.

Yet all Ms Scott’s experience over the past 12 years has been at the Treasury, Transport Department and Cabinet Office.

Paradise found: Miss Scott made her delight clear when her appointment in Anguilla was announced in October

However, one consequence of her surprise move is that she will no longer risk bumping into her estranged husband Chris Martin in Downing Street. He is Principal Private Secretary to David Cameron, the second most powerful official in No  10, and deputy to Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood.

The current Governor of Anguilla is lifelong envoy William Harrison.And of the ten British Overseas Territories with Governors – including Montserrat, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands – seven appointments went to career diplomats, one to a senior official at the Department for International Development and one to a former naval officer.

By contrast, Ms Scott, 38, runs the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, which is in charge of responding to UK crises such as natural disasters or terrorism. She has never worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), which customarily protects such appointments with jealousy.

Christina Scott runs the Civil Contingencies 

Secretariat which is in charge of responding 

to UK crises

Ms Scott fell in love with Mr Martin, 39, when they worked for the last Labour administration. They married in 2005 but friends were dismayed to learn over a year ago that the couple had separated. Their paths crossed again at work when Treasury official Mr Martin was promoted to his current No  10 post. It meant working alongside Ms Scott, who is based in the Cabinet Office, which is connected to No  10 by an internal passage.

The high-powered and sensitive nature of Ms Scott’s work as the civil servant in charge of COBRA – the Cabinet committee that deals with national emergencies – means she comes into close contact with Mr Cameron and his senior aides such as Mr Martin. Last night, both Downing Street and the FCO denied any impropriety in the appointment process or that it had been influenced by a desire to keep the couple apart, saying her personal circumstances were not relevant. They added that it was ‘not unusual’ to be appointed to a Governorship without a background at the FCO.

Ms Scott made her delight clear when her little-noticed appointment was announced in October, saying: ‘It is a great honour to be appointed as Governor. I very much look forward to working with the people of Anguilla and their elected representatives as they build a vibrant, successful and resilient future.’

Prime mover: Chris Martin, David Cameron's Principal
Private Secretary is Miss Scott's estranged husband

Mr Martin advised Mr Cameron before his appearance at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics and accompanied him when he gave evidence. He was also involved in the investigation into claims that ex-Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell swore at a policeman at Downing Street’s gates.

Ms Scott, who will be known by the grand title of ‘Her Excellency The Governor’, can expect less stress and improved working conditions, 4,000 miles away in Anguilla.

Old Ta, near the capital, The Valley, is an idyllic location and has hosted the Queen on official visits. At weekends Ms Scott will be able to relax on its palm-fringed beaches. Anguilla’s large measure of internal self-government means the Governor’s role, which includes dealing with policing and the remote prospect of invasion, is mainly ceremonial. Anguilla has a population of just 13,500, the same as a small English town, and is 16 miles long by three miles across at its widest point.

According to legend, Anguilla was first sighted and named by Christopher Columbus and colonised by English settlers in the 1600s. It is a tax haven and, until last year, had no income tax. Not surprisingly, it is now an upmarket tourist destination.

Last night, an FCO spokesman said: ‘It is standard practice for the FCO to advertise all senior positions across Whitehall. It opens up the field of competition and helps us attract the most talented candidates. Christina Scott was appointed to this role from a strong field of candidates after a successful interview in which she was assessed to be the best person for the job. The competition was open and fair. 

‘Christina has relevant experience drawn from a range of roles from across Whitehall, as well as extensive domestic policy experience, which will make her an asset to the FCO and the Government of Anguilla.’

An FCO source added: ‘The job of a Governor is like no other in the FCO... it is not about the diplomatic influencing of another country’s government, it is more about being a part of that executive. It means understanding how public policy is delivered, and how to work through the machinations of politics.’

A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘She was a strong candidate.’

By SIMON WALTERS and GLEN OWEN
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2257692/Well-thats-way-avoiding-ex-Civil-servant-lands-plum-Caribbean-job-4-000-miles-estranged-husband--happens-PMs-aide.html#ixzz2IXlpBckD
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“…..AND BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW!”

Hon. Victor Banks - former Minister of Finance, 

Economic Development, Commerce and Tourism .

We've closed out 2012 and swiftly entering into 2013. But the New Year is like tomorrow — it is another day. In fact, we will merely be continuing with all the things that we were doing yesterday. There will be no discernable changes in the world around us today as compared to yesterday. And most likely we will be facing the same challenges. So Tuesday, January 1, 2013, is really a punctuation mark in our lives. Figuratively speaking, it may be a “comma”, “semi-colon” or a “full-stop” in the course of our development as a nation. However, the New Year gives us an excellent opportunity to reflect on the past, revise our strategies if necessary, and re-position ourselves to manage the many issues that will confront us as we progress through the times ahead. And if we use this opportunity effectively we can bring about a positive turnaround in our situation and our fortunes.

As the Leader of the Anguilla United Front, my party has asked me to deliver a message of encouragement to our fellow citizens by applying these very effective tools, namely, “reflection, revision and re-positioning. In my reflection I must focus my attention on some of the negative issues in 2012 — but only so as to describe the nature of the task ahead of us, that is, to create a favourable environment for change. The prevalence of gun violence, murder and other serious crimes featured highly in this catalogue of negatives — but equally the general increase in the level of incivility, or more plainly speaking, “rudeness”, even in high places, also had a causal effect on the quality of our social environment over the past twelve months.

Several young Anguillian men, in particular, lost their lives to senseless acts of violence — while others are facing the possibility of permanent disabilities. Our prison is overcrowded with young men who have been charged or convicted of serious crimes, including murder. And the prognosis for their total rehabilitation seems doubtful at best. The situation is worsened by the proliferation of drugs and the abundance of guns in the hands of angry youth who seem to have little regard for our security and judicial systems. There was indeed a lot to be desired in 2012 as far as the social sector is concerned.

On the positive side of the social sector, we have had a number of encouraging achievements from our young people. The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School showed a marked improvement in the examination results with two extraordinary young men, Jose Vanterpool and Cordane Richardson, leading the pack with 15 Grade One CSEC passes each.

In Sports and Athletics two young Anguillians have made us exceptionally proud, namely, Miss Shara Proctor and Mr. Zharnel Hughes. Miss Proctor is our second Olympian in twenty-eight yearsand the first female. Our pride in Mr. Hughes is for his regional and international performance as a young sprinter. Miss Nzingha Banks was rewarded through her prowess in Tennis with a full academic scholarship for tertiary training at a University in the United States. Miss Proctor has also been the recipient of scholarships based on her talent in Women’s Long Jump, and Mr. Zharnel Hughes is off to the International Amateur Athletics Federation’s Regional High Performance Centre in Jamaica for a period of study and training.

In Music and the Performing Arts I can also speak of the achievements in recent times of Roxanne “Roxxy” Webster, Jaine Rogers; Amalia Alberto Watty; Nyne; Shara Hodge; Fedalia “Shea Shea” Richardson; Omari Banks; R & R Productions; Crispin Brooks of Blu Symphony Entertainment; as well as all the Musical Bands to name a few — because even though a seemingly more difficult road — some real successes were realized.

In the wider economy, we struggled with the effects of the global financial situation on our community. Widespread unemployment; bank foreclosures on homes, property and transportation; failed businesses and general bankruptcies were the order of the day in 2012. Foreign direct investment was at an all time low and both local and expatriate investors were particularly cautious about making new investments in the private sector. In the public sector, major capital investment projects were practically non-existent.

The Government of Anguilla continued to struggle to increase revenue to meet recurrent expenditure and implemented new and increased tax measures to do so. In the meantime, negative growth in the overall economy persisted in 2012 placing more pressure on an already dwindling tax base. And to further exacerbate the problem the cost of fuel and electricity continued to rise.

On the positive side, in 2012 a number of investors must be commended for their achievements for without their contribution the situation would have been even worse. In the expatriate sector, we commend Mr. Lee Rizutto and his Cuisinart Group of Companies for the acquisition and development of the Temenos Golf Course and Resort; Charles and Linda Hickox for their tenacious efforts at Cap Juluca; and Ce Bleu Resort of the Crocus Bay Development Consortium that opened its doors just over a week ago.

In the local sector, I would like to commend Mr. Kirk Hughes for the brilliant expansion of his La Vue Resort, as well as Mr. Applewaite “Rayme” Lake for introducing a “state of the art” Automotive Services and Maintenance facility and an Oxygen manufacturing plant. And I would like to make special mention of Mr. Kyle Hodge as one of our youngest entrepreneurs for his new Ice Cream production, services and sales business; as well as Mr. Ian “Sugar George” Edwards, of Sunset Homes, who recently received five prestigious International awards for Architecture and Property Development thereby“positioning the island (Anguilla) as an attractive investment destination, offering first class services in Architecture, Construction and Property Development.”

Politically, over the last year, the Government seems to have been fighting imaginary enemies as well as among themselves — but I have no intention to get into the sordid details of those battles since it is my task to look to the future. However, as an aspect of my reflection here today, I must question whether the Government will continue into the New Year in the same vein as in the last twelve months? Will we continue to hear the blame game being played out? Will they still not take responsibility for their actions? Will they continue to destroy the investment climate with loose talk from the Leader of Government business? Will we continue to be told that Independence is the panacea for all the challenges we face? Can we survive another year of this style, attitude and approach? And the key question: “Are you my people satisfied with the performance of the Government over the past year?”

In light of the foregoing reflections of 2012, what kind of revision needs to take place to make 2013 a more positive year? Based on the state of our economy, and the apparent frustration of the present Government as expressed in the Chief Minister Christmas Message, it is fair to say that the message in his message is that he is totally helpless to achieve anything positive for Anguilla because of all the conspirators and purveyors of evil deeds he perceives to be round about him. It is a message that is standing in the way of progress because the Government seems to be preoccupied with fighting, and that willnot bring any solution to our immediate problems. In essence, the very parties against whom it seems to be waging battles are the very ones whose support it needs to assist us in these challenging times. It is a strategy that needs to be revised because the way forward requires cooperation and negotiation — not confrontation and rebellion; it demands that we build alliances and goodwill with the private sector — not conflict and destabilization; and it means that we must present our positions on issues with rational arguments and calm reasoning — not abusive language and boisterousness. As I said last week, the logic of this Government’s approach could be challenging for even the smallest child to understand.

There is a historical basis to revise the present strategy because while over the years we have heard many of the Chief Minister’s supporters making the claim that “we need Hubert to deal with the British” — the record and history have proven, irrefutably, that Mr. Hughes has never, I repeat never, gotten anything positive out of the British with his approach — except of course his own political demise. On the other hand the record of our AUF Government, in terms of its relationship with the British, has been one of mutual respect and partnership in the governance process and it led to many positive and constructive outcomes. Furthermore, the Chief Minister’s abuse of developers in the public media has historically slowed down and/or stalled the progress of developments at critical junctures when our economy needed to build more cooperative relationships.

The record speaks for itself. Before this economic downturn our Government was able to deliver EC$ 70 million in road construction; 9 million in school construction; 13 million in seaport development; 50 million in training; 20 million in land acquisition for the future; 70 million in airport expansion and relocation; and 65 million in reserves, just to name a few areas. That is a total of almost EC$300 million in direct public sector development. But, in addition, we were able to attract almost a billion US dollars in foreign direct investment. All this was not achieved by accident. It was by a studied approach designed to make our island the best that it could be with the resources with which God has blessed us. It was achieved on the solid foundation of the values of industry, ingenuity, civility and pride that has brought us respect as a people at home and abroad over the years. The Government’s strategy must be revised to incorporate the approach, style and attitude that brought about the successful relationships with the British Government; local and foreign developers; the public service and the private sector so as to make a difference in the next twelve months of 2013.

So how does the Government reposition itself in 2013 to meet the challenges ahead? Firstly, it is high time that the Government relinquishes its campaign mode. The election ended three years ago so political responses are no longer helpful when dealing with technical issues. For example, taxpayers are no longer concerned about what tax measures the Opposition contemplated when it was in Office — that does not ease their burden. Their concern, Chief Minister, is whether the taxes you are now implementing/imposing are fair or necessary. You are now in charge of formulating the budget — not the Opposition.

Secondly, the Government needs to demonstrate that it has the ability to get things done. For example, the Chief Minister must not believe that he can build confidence in his leadership by blaming other groups and individuals for his inability to do the job for which he was elected. He campaigned on the platform that he was the best man for the job and that his party could deliver on its promises. A part of that job is to deal with the ordinary elements of the democratic process that may include an active Opposition as well as any other long standing economic and/or political arrangements in the system. In short, the Government must put an end to the blame game and establish itself as a Government that can and does deliver, and must adopt a more tolerant approach to criticism.

Thirdly, the Government needs to shelve the Independence issue for a period. It is a fantasy issue in the manner in which it is being presented, because it is based on the false premise that going into Independence will be a panacea for all our ills. The Government should therefore focus on creating the conditions for self-reliance that could include an educational process that promotes a proper understanding of the concept of political independence.

Fourthly, the Government should negotiate and agree suitable amendments with the British Government and sign the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility (FFR) Agreement. Our “olive branch” to assist the Government in this enterprise, even in the face of the CM’s demeaning refusal, still stands. It is an agreement that has the clear objective of establishing and institutionalizing a system of transparency and accountability. It is intended to be best practice for a modern democracy that is seeking to strengthen good governance and develop objective decision-making procedures. Getting consensus on the few remaining issues that have not yet been agreed is, in my view, a relatively easy undertaking — but if resolved can place Anguilla in a more favourable light with regional and international agencies from whom it may seek assistance. It could also improve our investment climate.

Fifthly, the Government must show that it is unified. This can be achieved by dealing with its internal differences away from the public media. To go into 2013 with internal wrangling, of the kind exhibited over the last twelve months, will continue to poison the political environment and hurt the investment climate that Anguilla has developed over the years. It can also cause delay in critical pieces of legislation required to advance Anguilla’s development and standards of living.

Sixthly, the Government should live up to its promise of openness and transparency; comply with the rules and procedures established to ensure good governance; and stop acting as if the rules apply to everyone else except the members, advisors and supporters of the AUM/APP Government. There is general feeling among that group that freedom of expression is a right reserved only for them. This attitude will inevitably lead to tensions among other Anguillians as financial and economic challenges increase.

And finally, but not exhaustively, the Government needs to remember that Anguilla is for all Anguillians. In this regard, it must ensure that every Anguillian has equal access to employment and business opportunities regardless of family connections and party affiliations.

So if we are to change our situation for the better, in 2013, it is my view that the Government of Anguilla must re-position itself to deal with the issues that confront us in an effective manner as we suggest. We the members of the Anguilla United Front, as the Loyal Opposition, also have a role to play in the democratic process and ought to be held equally responsible as the Government if we fail meet our responsibility to hold them to account. In this regard we remain united — both to serve and to lead. It is a responsibility from which we will not retreat even in the face of fierce criticism. As we enter into this New Year, may we all remain obedient to his Great Faithfulness and, even in these challenges times, accept the assurance of strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. May God Bless us all, and May God Bless Anguilla!

By: Victor F. Banks:

Mr. Victor Banks is a former Finance, Economics, Commerce and Tourism Minister on Anguilla. He is presently the leader of the Opposition Anguilla United Front Party, writer and author of a weekly political article for The Anguillian News Paper, lyricist, and a self-employed entrepreneur.

"PROPERTY CHEATING"... A GOVERNMENT CONDONED SCAM?

The government press release quoted at http://travelaol.yuku.com/topic/2518/GOVERNMENT-SIGNS-MOU-FOR-MANOAH-HOTEL says "The Developer will retain and own one hundred (100) percent of the total hotel rooms".

Another version of this press release, found at

http://www.anguillanews.com/enews/index.php/permalink/4475.html

says it "will not involve the sale of condominium units".

But an article in The Daily Herald:
http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/34686-government-signs-mou-for-new-hotel-.html says "The 34-room hotel property will also provide for other commercial activities such as boutiques, restaurants and the sale of condominium units. The developer will retain and own 100 per cent of the hotel rooms and all related facilities."

So they're going to sell units while they retain and own all of them. Hello? 

Our Chief Minister attacked the previous government for allowing condo sales at Viceroy, Temenos and the proposed Conch BayJumeirah and Rendezvous Hotel projects. He claimed these places were "real estate projects for rich foreigners" that required hardly any of the usual hotel staff, and thus that they were no longer hotels. 

In reality, most condo projects are like the successful, long-established one at Carimar, where the owners use their own unit for a month or two each year and it's rented to others at other times. These owners act and spend their money much like other repeat visitors, except they have a proprietary interest in ensuring that their units are properly maintained. It's unclear to me why Hubert sees this as some evil plot against Anguillian workers. He promised to "take back" some or all of these properties, apparently in violation of the legal rights of the owners.

He has, of course, done none of these things. He asked the British government to lend him some huge amount of money so the Government of Anguilla could acquire Cap Juluca by compulsory acquisition, which I believe would involve our government in years of litigation and enormous legal costs. His intention was to acquire the hotel and resell it to a "qualified buyer". This seems to me to mean that the Brilla group (with its condo proposal) is qualified and the Hickoxes are not. 

Fortunately, HMG refused to give Hubert the money and refused to allow him to borrow it elsewhere, since the UK has contingent liability for the loans and debts of its Overseas Territories. This caused Hubert to accuse the evil British of intentionally destroying the economy of Anguilla and driving all of us back into poverty and slavery by taking our homes, lands and jobs and killing us with taxes. Then last week he led the House of Assembly into raising property tax by 150%.

Since 2010, his government has approved projects at the Zemi Beach property at Shoal Bay East and the former Temenos project, more recently acquired by CuisinArt. And signed revised MOUs for Cap Juluca and Conch Bay. Perhaps he's been hoping no one would notice that all of these are condo projects.

It is all rather confusing.

By: The Real Patty

THE REAL PATTY CONFIRMS WHO IS THE BLASTED LIAR ON ANGUILLA.

PRESS STATEMENT:  

By Anguilla's Chief Minister in response to allegations of a 'breach of protocol'

1 January 2013

On December 9th, 2012, Mr. Elliott Harrigan writing under the name, Ej Harri Sxm posted an article on the social media site, Facebook. In this article, he made a number of false claims and other allegations which had to be addressed as they pertain to the Ministry which both a close relative of his and me are co-workers, as team players.

NOTE by The Real Patty: Hubert's Ministry, other than being Chief Minister, includes Finance, Economic Development and Tourism. I don't know who this close relative is, but it's unclear to me why this should motivate Hubert to respond to Elliot's allegations when he's ignored so many allegations and questions from others. Do I have to have a close relative on the inside to get my questions asked?

In his opening paragraph, Mr. Harrigan wrote that the Government of Anguilla failed to comply with its contractual obligations by renewing the representative in New York’s contract according to the stipulated terms. This he claimed cost the people of Anguilla in excess of US$350,000 which he ascribed to as a matter of fact. The contract for the North American representative did expire and the moneys paid to the representative were back payments due in the normal course of doing business, quite contrary to the outlandish and falsified claims of Mr. Harrigan.

To lend some clarity, the Ministry of Tourism embarked on a Caribbean Development Bank financed, Sustainable Tourism Master Plan in 2010 that would map out the development of Anguilla through its tourism industry over the period, 2010 to 2020. This Master plan was endorsed by the people of Anguilla, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through, His Excellency the Governor, the Government of Anguilla and the Caribbean Development Bank. It was handed over to the Governor and Chief Minister on October 1, 2011 by Halcrow Consultancy in the Executive Council Chambers and was approved in EXCO as the official Tourism Master Plan for Anguilla. Working groups were put together and a number of staff in the Ministry has been working on the same ever since then.

A request for proposal was sent out to companies desirous of representing Anguilla in this important North American market. Forty seven responses came to the Ministry. All responses were sent to the technical staff in the Ministry of Tourism. None were sent or copied to any members of the political directorate as to protect the integrity of the process. On December 4, 2012, the Parliamentary Secretary was informed by way of email that four companies were shortlisted for interviewing on December 12, 2012, one of which is the present North American Representative. The contract for the North American Representative was extended to ensure that during the period of selection, Anguilla will have a presence in the USA. It is a fallacy to suggest that there were major liabilities, or any liabilities for that matter, regarding this matter and more so, that the Government was forced to extend the existing contract for a period of three months because as Mr. Harrigan claimed, “negotiations to recruit new representatives to manage this office had not been even initiated”. We must also note that during the time of the interviewing, members of the political directorate were at Parliament debating the budget for 2013.

NOTE: While explaining the use of the $350,000, Hubert reveals that insufficient action was taken to ensure that this very important contract was renewed or replaced when it expired. Why was this so mishandled? They don't have a calendar? Or they have one but don't know how to use it? Or maybe it was in the shop for service.

MORE NOTE: This reminds me of the Corito landfill management contract that was mishandled in a similar way. No renewal contract or new contract was in place when the old one ended, Eddie's Ministry refused to extend the contract on a temporary basis, the contractor went home, garbage piled up and flies covered the earth like The End Times were upon us. Perhaps Eddie's calendar was mashup, I don't know.

FURTHER NOTE: What the North American tourism office contract has to do with the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, or how this "lends some clarity" to ATB's mismanagement, is unclear to me. I rather think it's included just to confuse and distract us. 

In his article, Mr. Harrigan claimed a second report. In this report, Mr. Harrigan made even more ridiculous claims that are void of any semblance of facts. To that end, we have copied Mr. Harrigan’s article to the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism through the policy advisor in the Ministry of Justice in St. Maarten.

NOTE: It's unclear to me why these St. Maarten agencies care what a St. Maarten resident thinks or says about Anguilla governance matters. Is there some reasonable purpose in trying to involve their Ministry of Justice? I take this to actually mean the Dutch side police, prosecutors or immigration.

Mr. Harrigan made a claim that the Anguilla docking facility was developed due to the failed talks with the St. Maarten Government to establish an Anguillian Immigration service at Juliana Airport. This is a total untruth, to put it mildly, and a miscarriage of the facts. 

NOTE: Someone is definitely lying to us. See the Daily Herald article below.

The discussion that was initiated between the Anguilla Tourist Board and representatives from the Government of Anguilla with the Government of St. Maarten after consultation with the Executive Council which gave the initiative its full blessings. The discussions were related to consolidation of St. Maarten Immigration and the port facility to reduce or remove the prolong delays and complaints from our visitors to Anguilla.

One of the areas the Ministry was also keen to reinstate was a late ferry service to capture the Tourists who would have been too late to make the connecting service to their final destination. This situation caused both the visitor and hotel to lose at least one room night with staff losing service charge and Government of Anguilla losing accommodation tax. All of this was agreed upon. Neither the Government representatives in the meeting nor those representing the Anguilla Tourist board ever requested Anguillian Immigration to be established in St. Maarten. The Government of St. Maarten and the Manager of Princess Julianna International Airport also indicated that they will eventually take over the entire area inclusive of the area where the ‘Anguilla dock’ is located but they will ensure that Anguilla is included in whatever development is to be done.

Mr. Harrigan’s claims did not take into account the Anguilla Tourist Board Act which gives the Board the authority and freedom to enter into contracts and make decisions and is no different to any of the many other Government statutory boards such as the Health Authority, the Port Authority, the water authority, the Social Security Board or any other agency. The Government of Anguilla have never micro managed these boards and the various acts gives them the authority to run their day to day affairs although there is a fiduciary responsibility to Government. This is why audits are taken seriously.

NOTE: I'm glad to know this. How can a member of the public get to see these annual audit reports? Why is the most recent Financial Statement for Social Security for the year 2005? http://www.ssbai.com/Reports/ASSB05FS%5B1%5D.pdf

Why has Hubert's Ministry denied us access to the annual reports of the Chief Auditor?

In his conclusion, Mr. Harrigan made the claim that there are no checks and balances. This claim does not take into account the Public Accounts Committee, the Permanent Secretary Finance and his team that monitors the financial position of Government on a daily basis and conducts weekly financial meetings, budgeting and the fact that for the past two years, Government of Anguilla has recorded budgetary surpluses. 

NOTE: When did the Public Accounts Committee last meet? What did it do and where can we read its agendas and minutes?

Will the PS Finance assist us in getting access to the reports of the Chief Auditor?

Government of Anguilla now has in excess of EC$28 million in reserves, a feat of which only came during the boom years and were exhausted by end of 2008.

NOTE: Victor claims the reserve fund wasn't exhausted until after the 2010 election. Both of these conflicting stories can't be true.

To claim that this was done in secret is outlandish and does not take into account the many press releases regarding the same, the pronouncements by the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Parliamentary Secretary and His Excellency the Governor. 

NOTE: Good. Where can we see the Minutes of the secret ATB meetings, their Annual Reports and their detailed annual Financial Statements?

The cost and decision behind this initiative was discussed with the Parliamentary Secretary on a radio and TV program hosted by former Permanent Secretary Marcel Fahie and Miss Deane Rogers. This in itself demonstrates transparency and to claim that the Government did not want the people to know is most ridiculous.

NOTE: So those of us who missed that radio programme are outa luck?

His claims that these decisions of the Anguilla Tourist Board, endorsed by Executive Council is callus and unscrupulous is most unfortunate. This decision was made by the professionals in the Anguilla Tourist Board many of them, have long standing stature in the industry. This decision was also endorsed by the AHTA which represents over 100 owners of restaurants, Villas and Hotels on island and it was made in the open. 

NOTE: So AHTA has all the numbers and Hubert is now authorising them to make all this detail public?

On the same social media, the Permanent Secretary Tourism and the Parliamentary Secretary can be heard speaking of the St. Maarten dock on a recent trip to the same. The Ministry has also asked for a full accounting of the money spent on the dock and this in itself shows the level of scrutiny and accountability regarding financial matters. 

NOTE: My concern is not that the Ministry have these numbers, but that the people does.

This is extremely opposite to the culture where no such scrutiny or accountability can be stated regarding the airport expansion.

NOTE: That's true. And neither the AUF nor the AUM will make these numbers public. Eddie made a big deal about these costs before the election, but suddenly seemed to have lost all interest on Election Day and has gone silent.

It must be noted that 13% of our travelers enter and Government spent in excess of eighty million ($80 million) dollars.

NOTE: Could you repeat that please in English?

It is most unfortunate that Mr. Harrigan would use the democratic process to pen so much deliberate misleading and misconstrued immaterial, irrelevant and incompetent melee. One must question if this is just partisan politics or serious concerns. Whatever it is, the Government of Anguilla and the Anguilla Tourist Board have operated within the law and have been totally open and transparent on this and other matters of state affairs.

NOTE: Glad to know of this sudden reversal in policy. What time tomorrow can I pick up the Chief Auditor's reports?

Thank you

Hubert Hughes

Chief Minister and Minister of Finance & Tourism 

The Daily Herald

St. Maarten

Reed against immigration from St. Barths, Anguilla at airport

Tuesday, 15 March 2011 00:43

~ Sees idea as Duncan's 'declaration of incompetence'

AIRPORT--Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) President William Reed has expressed shock and dismay at Justice Minister Roland Duncan's support for placing Immigration officers from Anguilla and St. Barths at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).

Reed, whose union represents local Immigration officers, told The Daily Herald on Monday that placing foreign officers at PJIA would be irresponsible and a slap in the face of local Immigration officers.

"WICSU/PSU sees this announcement by the Justice Minister as a declaration of incompetence on his behalf," Reed said, asking whether Duncan would have a Justice Minister from another country sit beside him to execute his duties.

"What you don't want for yourself you don't get for yourself. This is not a Mickey Mouse country that everyone can go to the Minister of Justice and he jumps up. We will either deal with the country in a serious manner or the chips may fall where they may. If he has a department and he can't handle it, then he is incompetent."

Duncan said recently that Anguilla and St. Barths authorities had requested government's permission to place their Immigration officers at PJIA, a cooperation he said he supported 100 per cent, as it was in keeping with St. Maarten position as a hub destination.

Reed said supporting such a position because St. Maarten was a hub was "hogwash." He continued: "Puerto Rico is a hub, but they don't bring in Immigration from all over the place. Barbados is also a hub, but you don't see them bringing in Immigration officers from all over. The Minister has to take care of his departments in a rational manner and stop playing Heckle and Jeckle from here to there.

"The Justice Department is not the property of the Minister of Justice. He is there to manage it and I think when these sensitive requests are made they should be handled more discreetly to give all players the opportunity to look at these demands and look at the situation in a more rational manner, instead of going and making it public and immediately endorsing it.

"Accepting or making this declaration that he endorses the request from St. Barths and Anguilla is a declaration of incompetence, because he should ensure that he can bring his department up to par to handle the situation, instead of outsourcing to third parties."

[Several paragraphs of unrelated stuff about PJIA operations deleted]

Duncan had said last week Wednesday and again on Radio Soualiga 99.9FM over the weekend that Anguilla's Minister of Infrastructure and Home Affairs and a delegation had met with him earlier in the week with the request, and St. Barths had made its request earlier. He said he would be taking the proposal to the Council of Ministers this week.

Duncan had said the Anguillian authorities had identified several "problem" areas such as the "lack of full service" to the people who pass through St. Maarten en route to Anguilla. In outlining the tedious process these travellers face, Duncan had said the visitors were subjected to multiple Immigration checks. He said St. Maarten was a tourist island and it needed to be able to take measures.

He said he had started discussions for the expansion of the Immigration area at the airport to accommodate the additional Immigration officers. "We are looking at a situation where we may even end up having three sets of Immigration at the airport. It may sound big, but [it is, ed.] in keeping with [our, ed.] role as a hub," he had said last week Wednesday in the meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament.

By: The Real Patty

ANGUILLA'S CHIEF MINISTER TWEETS: "LIAR! LIAR! DAMN BLASTED LIAR!"

PRESS STATEMENT

From: Office of the Honorable Chief Minister

Date: Tues, 1, January, 2013

Anguilla's Honorable Chief Minister
Hubert Benjamin Hughes 

On December 9th, 2012, Mr. Elliott Harrigan writing under the name, Ej Harri Sxm posted an article on the social media site, Facebook. In this article, he made a number of false claims and other allegations which had to be addressed as they pertain to the Ministry which both a close relative of his and me are co-workers, as team players.

In his opening paragraph, Mr. Harrigan wrote that the Government of Anguilla failed to comply with its contractual obligations by renewing the representative in New York’s contract according to the stipulated terms. This he claimed cost the people of Anguilla in excess of US$350,000 which he ascribed to as a matter of fact. The contract for the North American representative did expire and the moneys paid to the representative were back payments due in the normal course of doing business, quite contrary to the outlandish and falsified claims of Mr. Harrigan.

To lend some clarity, the Ministry of Tourism embarked on a Caribbean Development Bank financed, Sustainable Tourism Master Plan in 2010 that would map out the development of Anguilla through its tourism industry over the period, 2010 to 2020. This Master plan was endorsed by the people of Anguilla, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through, His Excellency the Governor, the Government of Anguilla and the Caribbean Development Bank. It was handed over to the Governor and Chief Minister on October 1, 2011 by Halcrow Consultancy in the Executive Council Chambers and was approved in EXCO as the official Tourism Master Plan for Anguilla. Working groups were put together and a number of staff in the Ministry has been working on the same ever since then.

A request for proposal was sent out to companies desirous of representing Anguilla in this important North American market. Forty seven responses came to the Ministry. All responses were sent to the technical staff in the Ministry of Tourism. None were sent or copied to any members of the political directorate as to protect the integrity of the process. On December 4, 2012, the Parliamentary Secretary was informed by way of email that four companies were shortlisted for interviewing on December 12, 2012, one of which is the present North American Representative. The contract for the North American Representative was extended to ensure that during the period of selection, Anguilla will have a presence in the USA. It is a fallacy to suggest that there were major liabilities, or any liabilities for that matter, regarding this matter and more so, that the Government was forced to extend the existing contract for a period of three months because as Mr. Harrigan claimed, “negotiations to recruit new representatives to manage this office had not been even initiated”. We must also note that during the time of the interviewing, members of the political directorate were at Parliament debating the budget for 2013.

Mr. E. J. Harrrigan:... "only truth I delivers!"

In his article, Mr. Harrigan claimed a second report. In this report, Mr. Harrigan made even more ridiculous claims that are void of any semblance of facts. To that end, we have copied Mr. Harrigan’s article to the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism through the policy advisor in the Ministry of Justice in St. Maarten.

Mr. Harrigan made a claim that the Anguilla docking facility was developed due to the failed talks with the St. Maarten Government to establish an Anguillian Immigration service at Juliana Airport. This is a total untruth, to put it mildly, and a miscarriage of the facts. The discussion that was initiated between the Anguilla Tourist Board and representatives from the Government of Anguilla with the Government of St. Maarten after consultation with the Executive Council which gave the initiative its full blessings. The discussions were related to consolidation of St. Maarten Immigration and the port facility to reduce or remove the prolong delays and complaints from our visitors to Anguilla.

One of the areas the Ministry was also keen to reinstate was a late ferry service to capture the Tourists who would have been too late to make the connecting service to their final destination. This situation caused both the visitor and hotel to lose at least one room night with staff losing service charge and Government of Anguilla losing accommodation tax. All of this was agreed upon. Neither the Government representatives in the meeting nor those representing the Anguilla Tourist board ever requested Anguillian Immigration to be established in St. Maarten. The Government of St. Maarten and the Manager of Princess Julianna International Airport also indicated that they will eventually take over the entire area inclusive of the area where the ‘Anguilla dock’ is located but they will ensure that Anguilla is included in whatever development is to be done.

Mr. Harrigan’s claims did not take into account the Anguilla Tourist Board Act which gives the Board the authority and freedom to enter into contracts and make decisions and is no different to any of the many other Government statutory boards such as the Health Authority, the Port Authority, the water authority, the Social Security Board or any other agency. The Government of Anguilla have never micro managed these boards and the various acts gives them the authority to run their day to day affairs although there is a fiduciary responsibility to Government. This is why audits are taken seriously.

In his conclusion, Mr. Harrigan made the claim that there are no checks and balances. This claim does not take into account the Public Accounts Committee, the Permanent Secretary Finance and his team that monitors the financial position of Government on a daily basis and conducts weekly financial meetings, budgeting and the fact that for the past two years, Government of Anguilla has recorded budgetary surpluses. Government of Anguilla now has in excess of EC$28 million in reserves, a feat of which only came during the boom years and were exhausted by end of 2008.

To claim that this was done in secret is outlandish and does not take into account the many press releases regarding the same, the pronouncements by the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Parliamentary Secretary and His Excellency the Governor. The cost and decision behind this initiative was discussed with the Parliamentary Secretary on a radio and TV program hosted by former Permanent Secretary Marcel Fahie and Miss Deane Rogers. This in itself demonstrates transparency and to claim that the Government did not want the people to know is most ridiculous.

His claims that these decisions of the Anguilla Tourist Board, endorsed by Executive Council is callus and unscrupulous is most unfortunate. This decision was made by the professionals in the Anguilla Tourist Board many of them, have long standing stature in the industry. This decision was also endorsed by the AHTA which represents over 100 owners of restaurants, Villas and Hotels on island and it was made in the open. On the same social media, the Permanent Secretary Tourism and the Parliamentary Secretary can be heard speaking of the St. Maarten dock on a recent trip to the same. The Ministry has also asked for a full accounting of the money spent on the dock and this in itself shows the level of scrutiny and accountability regarding financial matters. This is extremely opposite to the culture where no such scrutiny or accountability can be stated regarding the airport expansion.

It must be noted that 13% of our travelers enter and Government spent in excess of eighty million ($80 million) dollars.

It is most unfortunate that Mr. Harrigan would use the democratic process to pen so much deliberate misleading and misconstrued immaterial, irrelevant and incompetent melee. One must question if this is just partisan politics or serious concerns. Whatever it is, the Government of Anguilla and the Anguilla Tourist Board have operated within the law and have been totally open and transparent on this and other matters of state affairs.

Thank you

By: Hubert Begamin Hughes

Chief Minister and Minister of Finance & Tourism

ANGUILLA GOVERNMENT MINISTER , HON. EDISON BAIRD, IS SAID TO BE IN A PERPETUAL LAME-DUCK STATE!

The Government of Anguilla

... IT'S PAINFUL TO WATCH!!!

Happy New Year to everyone, and as we look forward for a bright a prosperous year ahead., we must give God thanks for his grace that keeps us fulfilled and will take us through this year successfully. Keep a careful eye on what’s trending in our politics. I call myself a “keen observer”and endeavor to analyze politics on Anguilla, having a sustained interest in the overall progress of our country. So, I continue to document my observations and concerns of vital interest. We all need to be vigilant and assure ourselves that our country remains on the right track, and our government works in the interest of its people. 

It was a painful sight to watch the Honorable Chief Minister try to lift the spirits of the people this Christmas, emphasizing the difficulty he faces in trying to move the country along. The Chief Minister stands in default, default, by driving the enthusiasm of a people as he stood in what had quickly become known as “Freedom Park” immediately after our last election, he promised Anguilla that he would turn around the economy in six months and ensure prosperity for all, farfetched. This government has brought pain on its people, never seen in the history of our new found reality; our government seem helpless, having the full weight and squeeze by the British Government and its careful oversight in its demand for good governance of the country. Does this mean that our government is taken hostage? No! We need to find neutral grounds in conducting business with the UK, and resolve our issues through dialogue. We support our government and wish them well in their effort to govern effectively, but we’ve never had to deal with taxation to such a degree, when our economy is at its lowest ebb. One wonders if this is truly the state of affairs evident of worldwide effects or self inflected injuries, brought on by a fractured ensemble, less prepared and mal-equipped for the task of effective government.

The Hon. Edison Baird, Minister most capable and
 responsible for so much, yet nothing.

More-over, does it reflect an eccentric style in governing when logic points in one direction? Where compromise has no place in rational discourse? It is not how tough one may appear in the process of governing; it is how the tough stuff gets resolve that points to success. We stand amaze as an effective politician and experienced legislator as the Honorable Edison Baird is completely extricated from an effective function within government, let alone in his capacity to assist a government he accentuated through vicious rivalry. Chickens may have come home to roost, and that vicious impulse reversed its self. Can we tolerate this? Or should we demand that all, all those elected by the people perform optimally, and insist, without exception. Why would Chief Minister Hughes allow such dysfunction in his government and not speak to the issue of Minister Baird’s side lined function; that seems like immense compromise for one who won’t budge in his so called dispute with FCO and the UK. There should be no room on the front line for dissed politicians or wounded soldiers. If you’re not with us, then you are against us or to be taken off the battle field. And if the master mind politician, honorable Minister Baird can’t lend full support to a government of his peers then he should join the opposition and effectively represent all the people on the floor of the “House” because certainly, the people are not rewarded by his state of affair.

It may well do justice to the people of Anguilla if the Honorable Chief Minister in his wisdom and vast experience in government, concede that his task is much more intricate than anticipated. Return the government to the people and allow the process of wellbeing of the people to continue through persevering democratic choice; only because the government of the people has failed in its task to deliver as promised. Let integrity be the guide on this journey with no impediment to recourse, and reset the destiny of the people of Anguilla.

By: E. J. Harrigan