ANGUILLA NATIONAL ELECTIONS FLEA-MARKET 2015

“Little Black Books … Big White Lies”

Mr. Victor Banks

It seems that the remainder of this year will be filled with political maneuvering, posturing, promises and an assortment of lies. In a strange way I have a great sense of sympathy for the voters. Aspiring politicians are already jockeying for position in the race and I am certain that the question that will arise in the minds of many persons is: “What is the prize?” I am not certain whether some of the latest politicians are aware of the hazards of the vocation, and the stress it places on an individual, his family and friends when he/she decides to take that path. In many ways it is not a calling for the faint of heart or persons who are averse to criticism and slanderous personal attacks.

You become fair game for anyone desirous of “putting your business in the street” or “dragging your name through the mud” once you decide “to throw your towel” in a political race. In fact, persons who hitherto fore may have been almost anonymous — become the targets of the most vicious and hostile commentary much of which may be totally untrue. In fact, the statements from such detractors go back several generations, exhuming dead stories that have absolutely nothing to do with the candidate or the office for which he is running. Indeed, the circumstances of one’s birth, and the manner of the same, may become the subject of many debates and discussions throughout the campaign. Anything and everything goes.

It is the right of any citizen if he/she so wishes to run for political office — so my comments are not by way of discouraging anyone from so doing but rather of sharing my experience. I believe that prospective candidates should have a clear idea of what they are getting into. And, as a politician for more than thirty years, I feel duty bound to let them know that it is not a “bed of roses”. It is also a fair question to ask: “If it is such a nasty job — why do so many of you guys continue to go on?” I am certain that the answer, even if not expressed, includes a bit of arrogance. However, there are several politicians who genuinely relish the opportunity to serve and get great personal satisfaction from doing so. I would not therefore take the liberty of suggesting what any politician’s motives are but I am certain that in every case there is a motive. The voter can only hope that that motive is in the best interest of Anguilla and its people. As a good friend once said: “It is a dirty job — but somebody has to do it!”

Herein lies the dilemma for voters. They are at best confused and this is why, as I indicated earlier, I have great sympathy for them. There is so much false information around them that they do not know what to believe. There are so many different candidates running in the various constituencies that they do not know which to choose. There are so many new parties coming into the fray that they can’t determine what ideas, policies or ideologies the various platforms represent. There are so many talk show hosts turning into candidates that they can’t tell the difference between journalism and political hype. There are so many incestuous relationships between the church and the state that they don’t know whether they are hearing the word of God or the political rhetoric of ambitious mortals. There are so many promises flying about that they don’t know what to believe. There are so many rumours bandied about in the social media and via traditional grapevine that they can’t distinguish between gossip and “serious talk.”

If the political soundstage in 2010 can be likened to a few amateur performances in a village theater, 2014/2015 promises to be a professional production streamed internationally — since everyone will be using the latest communication technology. So instead of confusing just a few voters in Anguilla — overseas voters; the international media; tourists; potential investors; and friends of Anguilla will also be swamped with lies and misinformation. Who will prevail in such a politically charged environment will depend on the way in which the voters process this mass of information; their assessment of the performance of the Government over the last four years; and their determination not to be fooled again.

My sympathy for the voters in this confused state has led me to put together a list of some “dos and don’ts” as a guide for managing through this maze of political posturing, rhetoric and lies. 

LETS START WITH THE “DON'TS”: -

• Do not pay attention to any document being circulated that does not clearly identify the author or authors responsible.

• Do not accept any statements of a libelous nature uttered in the House of Assembly where Elected Representatives can abuse and defame their political opponents without being sued.

• Do not pay any attention to any statement that begins with the words: “Dem say!”

• Do not decide to vote for anyone or party that tells you that they have a plan that they will reveal after election.

• Do not accept any information as valid that cannot be spoken on a public platform. In other words, beware of the whispering campaign.

• Do not accept bribes for your vote.

• Do not take any politician serious who tells you that while in Government “his/her hands were tied”.

• Denounce anyone who tells you that God will punish you if you do not vote for his/her party.

• Be suspicious of any conversation with a candidate or his/her surrogate that begins: “We are one family!”

• Do not vote for anyone simply on the basis of something you expect them to do for you personally. Let them tell you what they will do for the island.

• Be wary of candidates who agree with everything you say.

• Be wary of candidates who talk too much about themselves.

• Do not take for granted anything you read on political blogs.

• Beware of any politician who finds it necessary to declare: “I am clean!” Make your own judgments based on the record.

• Beware of any candidate who can only advance him/herself by calling down other people.

• Beware of candidates or platform speakers with “little black books”. They are usually black with lies.

• Beware of candidates and platform speakers spouting conspiracy theories. It is usually a means of making excuses for their own incompetence.

• Do not be fooled by fear tactics. Denounce the politics of fear.

• Do not condone abusive politics and threats from political “loudmouths”.

AND HERE ARE SOME “DOs”:-

• Read things for yourself. Don’t simply accept what others tell you.

• Ask specific questions of your candidate as to how he/she will represent Anguilla at home and abroad once elected.

• Support candidates on the basis of what you believe they are capable of doing for the country.

• Read the Manifestos presented by each party so as to understand what they stand for and hold them to it.

• Listen to the presentations by every candidate in your district and try to learn more about their background, experience and preparation for the job.

• Form your own opinions on issues based on facts not hearsay.

• Get a copy of the Constitution so as to understand the separations of powers and the responsibility of the various actors and agencies of the Government.

• Make an effort to understand the voting system so that no one can fool you as to your rights as a voter and how to cast your ballot.

• Read and listen to only official presentations on the electoral process.

• Find out from creditable sources how Government works so that no one can mislead you about the Governance process.

• Report any incidence of voter intimidation to the relevant authorities.

• Make sure that you are registered in the correct constituency.

• Know your candidate.

• Vote wisely.

This checklist may not be exhaustive but I am sure that if you follow most of the items you will be able to avoid the confusion and silliness that will attend the days ahead. Hopefully, we all will be able to survive this period unscathed by the ruthless attacks of desperate politicians, and the pungent odor from little black books with big white lies!

By: Victor F. Banks

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

ANGUILLA DAYS UNTIL ELECTION

Ms. Aurjul Wilson

Anguilla’s Supervisor of Elections

Fellow Anguillians, as you know our national election is exactly one year ahead. And as we know on Anguilla everything that seems simple… is difficult, every inch could become a mile and minutes become literally years, I am urging you to make sure that you are registered to vote. For some reason, Anguilla is one of the countries where every fives years something majestic always happens with your right to vote – names disappeared off voters’ lists, candidates not registered, and deceased eligibility to vote... and voting. In the real world this is ground for “electoral fraud” or “vote rigging” - an illegal interference with the process of an election… but as we say, “only on Anguilla”, where unaddressed criminal activities become the norm.

So… if you're unelectable and looking for a way to make a difference in your community, and correct a perpetual wrong… register your son and daughter, their friends and yours, encourage them to do likewise, and make sure that your name is still registered. Next election might be the most significant of yours and generations’ lives.

Oh… for next election I am open to all opinions… and still to be convinced not to support the Anguilla United Front (AUF) and Mr. Edison Baird (SmartArse).

GET REGISTERED TODAY!

By: Wilful

ANGUILLA CHIEF MINISTER SETTLED POLITICAL SCORES BY CRUCIFYING HIS PEOPLE

After due consultation with the Monetary Council, the 

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) [above] has been 

directed by the Monetary Council to exercise the powers 

conferred on it by Part II A, Article 5B of the ECCB 

Agreement Act 1983 and assumed control of the Caribbean

 Commercial Bank (Anguilla) Limited (CCB) and the National 

Bank of Anguilla Limited (NBA),” said Chairman of the 

ECCB Monetary Council, 

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, 

the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

I was waiting for the next two or three weeks to hear the faith of the local banks but I understand that since NBA books close at the end of March, the fabled ECCB Chief might not make an announcement until sometime in April or May 2014.

This is interesting because our Chief Minister in and effort to settle political scores and punish some less than honest Directors on the bank boards has apparently agreed to not only surrender control of the local banks but have also surrendered ownership rights. Banks in Antigua was taken over restructured and returned to the people of Antigua, however in Anguilla our fabled anti colonial champion and Savior to many not only agreed for our local banks to be taken over by the ECCB but also agreed for the two local banks to be merged, then for the single local bank to be merged into the St Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank (SKNANB). 

Over the last few months the ECCB have been busy deconstructions the local banks, breaking them into pieces, seeking to sell the pieces SKNANB either cant handle or don't want while the people of Anguilla have been sitting quiet listening to the Chief Minister blaming the local Directors for the Crisis. The local staff at the banks sees a dark future but is scared to say anything because they are all worried about their jobs.

By: Statchel Warner

Mr. Statchel Warner studied BSc International Relations, Cert. Social Services at University of the West Indies. He is a Thinker, Writer, Activist, Politician (former Anguillian National Alliance (ANA) Candidate), Entrepreneur, and a possible candidate for the Road South Constituency in the next General Election on Anguilla in 2015.

ANGUILLA TODAY IS IN THE HANDS OF AN IRRESPONSIBLE EVIL, A BUNCH OF LOOTERS, AND THE COUNTRY IS COLLAPSING.

EVIL LEADING TO DESTRUCTION

Mr. Statchel Warner 

The present government by all accounts seems to have depravity as it motive, economic plunder as its goal, lies, fraud, force and economic manipulation as it method and the economic destruction of Anguilla as its only result. Those persons that dare mention what is happening on the island are denounced by persons with varying agendas as reactionaries who oppose everything and refuse to support the lesser of evils. Personally I have been told that I oppose every step, measure, slogan or premise of this government and of the past administration but I am proud of my stance.

Anguillians are living under fear, fear to react, fear of victimization, fear of further economic ruin. Even those who a few years ago believed that their wealth would have protected them from political victimization and economic ruin, now realize that both action and inaction by the Government can be detrimental to everyone.

Anguilla today is in the hands of an irresponsible evil, a bunch of looters, the country is collapsing and we will soon be left to starve. Over the years we have watched, the health and education system collapsed, the financial system have collapsed, the energy sector that revolves around Anglec is in ever growing chaos. The social fabric that have allowed this country to survive for hundreds of year are torn. Youth on youth violence has reached an alarming level, yet we have leaders and influential people that are willing to declare all is well.

Leaders who rather than accept responsibility for their actions or inaction prefer to blame the past government, foreigners or the British for the social ills. Leaders that lost their moral compass and only incentives are the economic incentives and benefits they currently receive from a decaying system.

The belief that is propagated within the society that no matter how bad we are doing the other islands are doing worse is flawed and when coupled with government policies and a populace that is increasingly semi-skilled and under educated are leading to economic enslavement, social destruction and political chaos.

The question is where do we go from here? Where is the next generation of leaders?

By: Statchel Warner

Mr. Statchel Warner studied BSc International Relations, Cert. Social Services at University of the West Indies. He is a Thinker, Writer, Activist, Politician (former Anguillian National Alliance (ANA) Candidate), Entrepreneur, and a possible candidate for the Road South Constituency in the next General Election on Anguilla in 2015.

WHY REALIST SPIKENICE IS “NOT GOOD FOR ANGUILLA POLITICS”... AND HIS MANIFESTO.

My Fellow Anguillians, Brothers and Sisters

You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger that have consumed us here on Anguilla. In the eloquence of President Kennedy, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” The nation of Anguilla now begs the question, “What have you done for me lately?”, a people crying out,“It aint nothing going on but the rent” – food and water shortage, no electricity, no jobs, extremely high healthcare cost, no help… the sanctity of my people has been diminished to the lowest of lows.

We are one people. And our time for real change has come. You want this because you believed so deeply that in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it. Love for country must have a defined meaning, and it's not hiding, it's not self, it's not family and it's not friends… and it matters not who make that commitment, once it has been done to benefit all of us as one people. 

This is why under my Administration after winning in 2015, come 2020 elections, I would have legislated that parties and/or candidates considering running in general elections on Anguilla must present a written and electronic manifesto to the Supervisor of Elections and the electorate 6 months to the date of the next general election, as a prerequisite for such candidacy, or have such candidacy null and void.

This will be the moment we will tore down barriers that have divided us for too long; an end to that last minute say-anything-to-win hidden agendas; when we can rally as a people, of all parties and ages to a common cause; when we finally gave Aguillians who have never participated in politics a reason to stand up and be counted.

This will be the moment when we can finally beat back the policies of fear and doubts and cynicism, the politics where we tear each other down instead of lifting this country up. This will be that moment.. the moment for our Head-of-State to be honest about the choices and the challenges we face, who will listen to us and learn from us, even when we disagree, who won't just tell us what we want to hear, but what we need to know.

I'll be that leader who will finally makes healthcare affordable and available to every single Aguillian, that ends investors abuses, that introduces a National Minimum Wage. I'll be a leader who harnesses the ingenuity of farmers, and entrepreneurs, free this nation from the tyranny of insurance companies and oil once and for all. And I'll be that leader who will restores our moral standing as Anguillians.

Hope is what I saw in the eyes of the young woman and men trying to survive on Anguilla. Hope in the eyes of frustrated youth who resorted to gun violence, not because he/she can't do better, but because they don't see better, don't know better, lack mentorship, lacks recreational facilities... and where possible too costly to partake. So they live out an illusion, and we mourn and pick up the pieces of their destruction. Hope is what lead many Anguillians to brave the many electrical and water shortages that plaques them day-in-and-day-out. Hope is what I hear in the many Anguillians voices in chat-rooms and forums. Hope is that fresh new blood – those ordinary people who are willing to do the extraordinary things..

Hope is what led me here today to announce my candidacy for the 2015 General elections on Anguilla, and to present to you my Manifesto from 2015 and beyond. And if you give me that chance in 2015, I promise you to bring all your hopes to reality, and that I will be that leader you've long hoped for on Anguilla.

My fellow Anguillians, let Hubertism, this Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM) be the last political disaster you've experienced on Anguilla. 

REALIST SPIKENICE “NOT GOOD FOR ANGUILLA POLITICS” 2015 MANIFESTO

• As a sovereignty of Britain, Anguilla future Constitution must be Written and Unwritten, and where written, must be compatible with International Laws, Conventions, Treaties, Human Rights Conventions, and any other signatory the British Government is party to, and in cases of a conflict, the latter supersedes.

• Parliament remains supreme.

• Laws will be enforced, and serious consequences for omissions.

• Any one interested in running for Parliament on Anguilla “must” disclose all interest 6 months prior to registering his/her candidacy, together with a written and electronic manifesto to the Supervisor of Elections and the Electorate, or such candidacy will be null an void.

• Electoral Reform, to a single Head-of-State through a Single Transferable Vote/Alternative Vote system.

• Number of Parliamentarians decreased to Three (3), maximum five (5), through a First Past The Post System.

• Each Executive member of government, in his/her constituency, to have a fully functioning Office,with at least 1 Adviser, 1 Secretary, and 1 Treasurer – to be further debated and determined by Parliament.

• Overseas voting to be introduced.

• New registration computerized voting system to be introduced.

• Every Anguillian (home and abroad) will have the right and privilege to vote in general elections on Anguilla. The said will be registered to vote in the 2020 general elections equipped with a computerized generated Registration Card and Number. Any voter refusing such right and privilege, the said shall be charged, not less than US$100.00, to be determined by The Supervisor of Elections, and accrued for each election thereafter refused. Such cost must be paid before eligibility to vote in any subsequent General Elections on Anguilla.

• The Electorate to trigger referendums on "issues of importance" by amassing petitions signed by 5% of voters over a six-month period.

• Voters to force a By-Election for any Parliamentarian found responsible for “serious wrongdoing”.

• Government Ministers will be found accountable for actions of “serious misconduct” by their Departments.

• The electorate to force Parliament to move a Motion or Bill if 250 or more voters petition for it.

• An immediate end to the powers of micro-management by government ministers.

• A comprehensive salaries review, and the introduction of an Independent Salaries and Means Commission to deal with salaries for Government Ministers and Civil Servants, and Civil Service Reform, by the end of 2015. 

• A freeze on Public Sector pay pending review and recommendations by the Salaries And Means Commission. 

• Civil Servants to receive Fifty percent (50%) of outstanding salaries owed to them by Government by the end of 2015. 

• Cut Ministers of Government pay by 33 percent (33%), followed by a freeze, pending review and recommendations by the Salaries And Means Commission. 

• A Bill to approve the “necessity of travel”, “and cost”, for Government Ministers, to be debated and approved by Parliament, by the end of 2015.

• Spending cuts up to a third (33%) in all other ministries apart from Health and Education period.

• A team of British medical experts to work with the government of Anguilla on the introduction of the long awaited National Healthcare Scheme within the first year in government, with an immediate free health checks for all concerned nationals on day-1 in Office. Older persons benefiting through such a scheme, and where that said person has not made certain contributions, but are entitled to real assets,  the said assets may be bonded by such scheme. 

• The Ambulance services to be properly regulated and privatized under the National Health Scheme for Anguilla.

• The relocation and development of a new Education Department and facilities.

• A new Comprehensive Secondary School with auditorium, museum (with the aim to incorporate The National Trust, the Heritage Collection Museum, Anguilla’ history, and the teaching of local history as a core-subject of the curriculum), gym, conference rooms, research labs, library, and computer rooms - complete with security and full parking space. 

• A complete state-of-the-art Six Form in same locality. 

• Introduction of Child Tax Credit for working parents with child between 3 months (where no such Paternity Law sanctioned) and Kindergarten age. Under such scheme, parents must be in fulltime employment, child must be in care, and parents combined earnings total less that $24,000.00. 

• Enforcement of laws to hold parents accountable for child school attendance with sanction penalties, and to ensure guaranteed place in education or training for all 16 and 17 year olds. Guarantee people aged 18-24 a job, work experience or training place if they are unemployed for more than six months after school leaving age. 

• Home schooled kids must be monitored, and standard public school curriculum examination be given randomly, with shortcomings to be addressed and necessary immediate action taken. Home-schooled kids are not to be seen in public without a guardian, during school hours. The Consequence is to lose such privilege to Home-school. 

• Provide university and further education scholarships for the top 5 Secondary School “achievers” leaving ALHCS annually to attend a "United Kingdom University".

• An immediate lifting of all Immigration illegal restrictions, as it relates to British/EU citizenship.

• An immediate and total banning of all illegal restrictions on movements of goods, labour, and nationals of French and Dutch St.Martin/St. Marteen, including vehicular moments. Registered vehicles in either territory will be free to drive in any of the three territories. 

• Joint border surveillance and security controls with English/French/Dutch Immigration,Customs and Police forces at borders and exclusive seas.

• Authorities with or without consent may, in cases of high security operations, be given rights to enter each other’ territorial waters and air spaces – the territorial authorities must be subsequently notified and criminal processed in that territory before extradition. 

• Strict Immigration controls, ensuring only economic migrants who will bring the most value to the economy are admitted, and establish an annual limit for non-EU economic migrants.

• An immediate break to the automatic link between staying in Anguilla for a period of five years and being able to settle or gain British Citizenship.

• New legislation confirming all births on Anguilla, its Keyes, and territorial sea and airspace, irrespective to circumstance, will be deemed Anguillian with full rights and privileges, if apply objectively, within 6 month.

• A new state-of-the-art main Customs facility.

• A new Customs’ vehicle assigned to each Customs port. 

• 10 New Police surveillance vehicles and a number of bicycles added to the fleet.

• Increased front line police in various towns patrolling on foot and bicycles.

• A fully established Community Police Force with effective powers.

• Expert police from the UK and/or Caricum, to join the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) at various seniority or levels.

• When vacant, the position of Commissioner of Police to be advertised, and selection to be broad, from throughout the United Kingdom and its territories, and Caricom, including any Anguillian senior police officer serving any part of the globe that meets the qualification.

• Immediate new breathalysing legislation and polices powers to breathalyse suspects believe to be driving a vehicle under the influence of Alcohol. 

• New DUI legislation, and the selling to a minor cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

• New police powers to fine and/or shut down businesses that contravene the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to a minor.

• Allow the police to use approved measures to deal with anti-social behaviours, without criminalizing young people unnecessarily, and allow/support concerned individuals or groups to improve the rehabilitation of offenders, and pay providers for results.

• The decriminalization of Marihuana possession on quantity. Persons in possession of up to two (2) spiffs/joints shall not be criminalized or charged.

• Value Added Tax V.A.T. introduced.

• The Levy will be repealed at the first session of Parliament.

• Immediate Introduction of the National Insurance Scheme.

• Revamp Social Security Scheme to maximize contributors’ benefits, and to coincide with the introduction of National Insurance and National Health Services.

• Directorship of any statutory body to be by tenure, to not exceed a defined time.

• Immediate lifting of illegal Customs Duties on all foods bought VAT and shipped directly out of the EU, bounded for Anguilla.

• Immediate lifting of Customs Duties, and the Price control on basic foods (flour, sugar, rice, milk,water, salt, raw meats and vegetables, plants, agriculture seeds, etc.)

• The introduction of Income Tax at a threshold at which people start paying income tax at $12,000 by 1 January 2016.

• The introduction of Inheritance Tax at a threshold at which people start paying Inheritance Tax at $12,000.00.

• By Order-in-Council, new Planning Legislation to be introduced.

• By Order-in-Council, new Land-Tax Legislation to be introduced.

• Impose further introduction of "Accommodation Tax" on the value of all properties (single or combine, whether or not occupied by paying tenants, and at standard basic rate if unoccupied) over $1m, and the prospects of introducing Capital Gains Tax to bring it into line with Income Tax in the future.

• Scrap Stamp Duty for the purchase of homes $1m and under. 

• Vehicular Third Party Insurance to be incorporated in Driving Licenses. This ensures that all cars will be insured to drive on the roads of Anguilla pre-insured. Owners of vehicles may further comprehensively insured where necessary. 

• Vehicular Road Tax to be incorporated in fuel charges. This is simple commonsense – if you don’t have fuel, your vehicle cannot drive. This will also diminish, or ease the burden on your electricity bills by spreading the cost across the full spectrum of buying fuel at the pumps on Anguilla, and this will also benefit our environment.  

• Improved legislation on Road traffic Negligence/Recklessness at a lower threshold, higher cost, leading to criminalisation. And where the guilty dies, his/her property will be addressed, if not comprehensively insured.

• Full Labour Legislation, given full consideration to EU Regulations.

• National Minimum Wage in line with average earnings, taking in consideration recommendations from the Independent Salaries and Means Commission, to be introduced within the first 100 days in government.

• Anguillians overseas to receive same incentive packages for jobs on Anguilla as their overseas counterparts, in any area qualified, for up to a maximum of three (3) years.

• Investors who received incentives from the people of Anguilla, through their government, to invest on Anguilla, must be in financial standing at all times, or risk closure. Under any such circumstance, incentives will be calculated as government shares. 

• In every area of opportunity, understudies “MUST” be Anguillian and/or British, and made permanent within 5 years, sanctioned in law, and agreed upon in all future Memorandums of Understandings. Any such further educational/developmental etc. of such individual understudying during this period, must be met in partnership with The Developer, The Government of Anguilla, The Government of the United Kingdom and/or through the European Union (EU) Overseas Territories Financial Assistance Schemes.

• An immediate partnership viability of our untapped resources, including Fishing and Salt - whether with Britain, the EU, Japanese, or Chinese. 

• New farm lands allocated, and tax-free concessions on all forms of agriculture seeds, plants, machinery, furniture and vehicles. 

• Restore State ownership of the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). We will explore alternative sources of energy, wind, solar and solar thermal etc.

• Restore State ownership of Water Supply. 

• A comprehensive long-term systematic infrastructure development scheme, with an immediate study to be carried out, and Bill taken to Parliament immediately there after. EU founding will be guaranteed for any such study.

• Publish online all items of government spending over $10,000.00.

• Work with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on the amalgamation of the two indigenous banks on Anguilla, and its future branding.

• New Consumer Protection Legislation and Agency to be introduced.

• The amalgamation of Anguilla Tourism Board and the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association as one Board. The Tourism Department will be a fully run government regulatory Office (watch dog).

• An immediate review of the rules governing the Anguilla Taxi Association, with a view to introduce highly regulated private hired radio vehicles. Operators to have five or more vehicles, with drivers.

• A comprehensive study on the strength of the Radio Waves of the Caribbean Beacon, and the effects it has on the people of Anguilla, with a view to regulate and standardize. With such modern technology hovering, the need for such Radio Waves strength just maybe outdated and cause more health risk than usefulness.

• With assistance from the the UK Government and/or the EU, build a high security Goal to house not less than 500 inmates!
  

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA GLOOM AND DOOM ECONOMY PAYS MOST FOR INCOMPETENCE?

Why is Anguilla's Government paid more than the Broader and Bigger Caribbean?

 A NECESSARY OBJECTION!!!!

HM Governor of Anguilla Christine Stott... Is the UK

Government concern? Does this contravenes good 

government policy? Does The Framework for Fiscal

 Responsibility applies to Ministers of Government

salaries as it relates to Value For Money?

It was actually one of the corner-stones of the demise of AUF and their rule which started in the year 2000. The campaign was gaining momentum, in fact the 2010 elections was a predetermined win for AUF according to supporter’s analysis; they thought they had it wrapped up by the record only until news break of the outrageous salary increases the Government paid itself. The civil service core was also partner in the very large increase in salaries. It became an outrage! It was Mr. Joe Hodge who took particular interest in the story, he broke down the figures to decimal configuration and compared the salary scale of the government of Anguilla to that of the rest of the region and the general Eastern Caribbean. It was an outrage with intensity as Mr. Hodge passionately disagreed and stood in opposition. It was termed an abuse of power, enforcing such an exorbitant increase in their incomes with associated perks. Anguillians played a deaf ear and did not react in like kind, but issued a stunning defeat at the polls, a language understood very well by politicians. The issue hit home at a most undesirable time for AUF; but the people spoke with a stinging rebuke of no confidence, emphasizing a clear lack of judgment and judicial prudence in the affairs of the people.“It was a necessary objection!”

VFM: Value For Money - The Framework for Fiscal 

Responsibility. Anguilla: a dead economy, produces

nothing, one Industry, 14000 people, a British liability - 

and yet the Highest paid Head of Government in the

world compared with GDPs

In spite of the objection and grave concern, that subject was not a hard hitting issue on the platform of AUM because opposition members also got favorable increases in their salaries; more-over they were eying the desirable sums if they were to be elected to office. And, indeed AUM did become the government. The issue became an issue in the budget going forward and AUM was forced to deal with it. In great deceit, the AUM government impressed upon the people the need for them (the government) to reduce their afforded salaries considering budget requirements, so they claimed to reduce their incomes by 20% and that of the civil service. Word came later, that of the grave deceit and the word in contention was “deferment!” Meaning that 20% of salaries was set aside to be paid later at a more favorable time; but certainly salaries would be paid in full in due time. As the debate lingered on, the honorable Chief Minister tacked on a bill of $40,000 of yester year, claiming payment due to him for government business done at his home, he paid himself the full amount. It is an outrage when we equate average income by heads of state of the region with several times the population of Anguilla, what they are being paid per month. Just for reference; according to the information at hand our Chief Minister earns a monthly salary, approximately EC$33,700.00 while the Prime Minister of Jamaica earns approximately EC$16,000.00 and Trinidad approximately EC$18.000.00. These amounts are reported according to regional information.

AUM "BEFORE" Feb 2010: "... there is no regulation on government
salaries - we need forensic accounting - corruption!" AUM "AFTER"
Feb 2010: "Oh how sweet it is!"

Now that, “we the people” of Anguilla know the gravity of the peril we face, with no improvement in the economy the situation is impacting every person on the island, the issue of how much our ministers in government are paid must be termed a “Necessary Objection” and the people must seek to have their voices heard on this important issue. Our state of affairs cannot afford these salaries and we will stand with honest leaders; this “must” be emphasized in the upcoming campaign and become a platform issue in the next election. It is said that because of our geographic location to the US, we must align ourselves with the thinking of the United States and its currency and as such, salary comparison of the broader Caribbean cannot be configured in our interest. It is also said that our Parliamentarians and Ministers are paid comparatively with those of St. Maarten’s; another “necessary objection!” ST. Maarten in particular, has in excess of 100,000 people trampling the streets of the French / Dutch sides every day, and St. Maarten is in fact a very productive little island, bringing in an excess of two million tourist per year at their ports, our comparison, a bare 60 to 65,000 annually. There is also a vast disparity in work load between the two territories which must have a definite bearing on the earning capacity in government. There is no rational or justifiable reason why Anguilla, being in such chronic negativity economically, should be burdened with such high salaries for such less effective functioning of government. Until Anguilla positions itself stronger economically, the present salaries of government must be a “necessary objection”. And to be using the averages as identified, there is “No comparison!”

By: Elliot J. Harrigan

DAME DR. BERNICE LAKE'S VISIT AT PEARLY GATES

Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC

Anguilla’s celebrated and eminent jurist, an exemplary legal luminary who courageously challenged wrongdoings and bravely stood for righteousness - Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC, deservingly taken up her place in Heaven. As she stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind her.

She asked, "What are all those clocks?"

St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move."

"Oh," said Dame Bernice Lake, a lawyer who desired a more just society, with that distinctive smile, "they must be lawyers, whose clock is that, Mr. Thomas Astaphan?"

"That's Judge Gumbs’ (Brother George Gumbs), the Prophet. The hands have never moved, indicating that he never told a lie."

"Incredible," said Dame Bernice, a noble lady who has done so many good deeds that she was deeply revered by people from all walks of life, humble, accolades of a saint. "And I am sure that other one is mine?"

St. Peter responded, "That's Dr. Pastor Cecil Richardson’s clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Pastor Cecil Richardson told only two lies in his entire life so far."

An academic who was admired by all academics - pros and cons, a human being who had no greed, no delusion, and never displayed disdain for the oppressed. A true believer of democracy with all her soul and conducts, "Where're the Anguilla Politicians’ clocks?" asked Dame Bernice.

"They are used as turbines, generating electricity" said St. Peter.

An intellectual giant, a masterful advocate, a lady of full integrity, a lawyer who have always desired a more just society, "Good for continued Renewable Energy on Anguilla", she chuckled.

May her soul continue to rest in perpetual peace. 

THE CARIBBEAN TREASURE ISLANDS IN TROUBLE

Britain’s Caribbean dependencies have been hurt by economic stagnation, the war on tax havens and their own fiscal recklessness and corruption

LAST month McKeeva Bush, the ousted premier of the Cayman Islands, appeared in court to contest a string of charges, some stemming from alleged use of his government credit card in American casinos. His next date with the judge is in June. But in a general election on May 22nd voters delivered their own verdict: with most votes counted, it seemed they had re-elected Mr Bush to the West Bay seat he has held since 1984.

 

With or without the Bush affair, corruption would have been high on the list of election issues in a society where “everybody expects that you are going into politics to make your money”, as a former auditor-general recently put it. But there is plenty more to worry Caymanians and the inhabitants of Britain’s other remaining scraps of empire in the Caribbean: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tourism and international finance have brought prosperity but the “twin pillars” are showing cracks. Fiscal fumbling has compounded the problem and has strained relations with Britain, which has long provided an economic backstop. The region’s two big tax havens, Cayman and the BVI, are under attack as never before.

The world economic slowdown hit these small, open economies hard. Tourism, the biggest employer, has rebounded but remains below its peak in some places. Arrivals by sea in the BVI were 667,000 last year, down from 802,000 in 2008. (A new dock capable of handling the largest cruise ships is expected next year and there are plans to upgrade the airport.) Finance, the biggest earner, is a mixed bag. Offshore shell-company registrations (a BVI speciality) are back near record levels. Hedge funds and banking (mostly Cayman) are down by 10-20%.

The real problem is not sagging revenues but public-sector profligacy, argues Gordon Barlow, a former head of the Cayman chamber of commerce. In 2005-09 growth in government spending averaged 12% a year as the civil service ballooned. The loss-making state-owned airline has sucked in subsidies equal to Cayman’s entire public debt, Mr Barlow estimates.

The Overseas Territories’ economic problems are not as severe as those of independent Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis, which have had to restructure their debts. But the depletion of their reserve funds spooked Britain into imposing fiscal plans with borrowing limits last year. Negotiations have been difficult. Anguilla’s chief minister, Hubert Hughes, signed a pact last month, but not before accusing Britain of being “hell-bent on destroying the livelihood of the people”. He has called for an independence referendum.

In some cases Britain has pushed for income taxes to supplement the fees and indirect taxes that the territories rely on. But these do not go down well with footloose offshore types. Under pressure from the Foreign Office, Cayman’s government last year proposed a 10% levy for foreigners, who make up half the 38,000 workforce. This was scrapped when businesses squealed. Wary of scaring away business, the BVI has not raised the $350 fee for incorporation since 2004.

Avoiding fee rises is seen as important at a time when tax havens are under bombardment, especially from Europe. The five territories, Bermuda and others have been arm-twisted into backing a multilateral scheme for the automatic exchange of tax information. A longer-term threat is the growing international call for public registration of the “beneficial” (ie real) owners of companies and trusts. Standards must be applied evenly, says Orlando Smith, premier of the BVI, “otherwise, businesses will simply go to other jurisdictions.”

Offshore optimists note that China and Russia, whose citizens are big users of Caribbean havens, have not signed up to the information-sharing pact. But remaining attractive to clients while complying with ever more stringent international rules is “an increasingly difficult needle to thread”, says Andrew Morriss of the University of Alabama. No wonder the territories are trying to diversify away from finance, which in the BVI’s case accounts for 60% of government revenues. Anguilla is looking at fishing, Cayman toying with medical tourism. But hip replacements will not be as lucrative as hedge funds.

Britain is gently encouraging these efforts, while recognising that, as an official puts it, “There isn’t a long list of options.” It is trying to improve governance, too. After it threatened to veto a Cayman port project which had been awarded to a Chinese company without an open tender, bidding was restarted. Britain retains the power to block laws, suspend constitutions and dismiss governments. The Turks and Caicos constitution has been suspended twice, most recently in 2009 after an inquiry found “a high probability of systemic corruption”. This led to three years of direct rule by the British-appointed governor.

Putting your man in charge is one thing, putting money on the table quite another. To avoid it, Britain will have to play its hand carefully. It has to be seen to join the likes of France and Germany in taking a firm stand against offshore financial shenanigans, especially now that the prime minister, David Cameron, has made tax and transparency themes of this year’s G8 agenda. On May 20th he told Britain’s dependencies to “get [their] houses in order”. But if the havens lose their cash cow, they might have to go cap-in-hand to London. “Taxpayers Bail Out Tax Havens” is the last headline Mr Cameron wants to see.

 

By: The Economist

THEM LUNATICS AND JACKASSES DEBATE HOMOGENEOUS LEADERSHIP ON ANGUILLA

THE Anguilla Christian Council (acc) 

STATEMENT:

The Evangelical Association and the Anguilla Christian Council condemn the disrespectful statements that were made about the Hon. Chief Minister of Anguilla Mr. Hubert Hughes at a public meeting over the weekend.

The Chief Minister was referred to as “a lunatic” at a meeting of the Anguilla United Front which was held in the vicinity of the Tyre Shop in George Hill on Saturday evening, 4th May 2013. The word “lunatic” was used several times by Mr. Curtis Richardson in reference to the Hon. Chief Minister. At another meeting held by the Anguilla United Front some months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Evan McNeil Rogers referred to the Hon. Chief Minister as a “Jack Donkey”. We, the members of the clergy, find this type of language distasteful and disrespectful.

Let there be no doubt that we are also concerned about outrageous and unbecoming language directed at persons by the Hon. Chief Minister and Members of his Cabinet. We would like for all disrespectful language and rhetoric to be discontinued. We are not partisan and will not take a partisan position. As clergy in this Christian society, we expect better behaviour of our citizens generally, especially citizens who offer themselves for political leadership.

At a time when many of us are very concerned about lawlessness and general disrespect in our society, better behavior is expected of our politicians and political aspirants. Society, in general, and our youth, in particular, are looking to our leaders to set the moral and ethical tone for our island. Hence, we condemn this behavior by our politicians and political aspirants.

May God continue to guide us as we aspire to higher moral and ethical standards on Anguilla.

THE ANGUILLA UNITED FRONT (AUF)

PRESS RELEASE:

On Saturday 4th May 2013 the Anguilla United Front held a public meeting in George Hill, which outlined the many issues facing Anguillians today. The members of the AUF received generally positive feedback from Anguillians about this meeting. The meeting also generated negative comments from some talk shows and generally in the media. The Anguilla Christian Council (ACC) and the Evangelical Association (EA) also issued a joint statement with respect to the public meeting after being contacted by some persons in the community.

Firstly, let it be known that the AUF has always maintained and will continue to maintain an excellent relationship with the ACC and the EA. The statement issued by the ACC and the EA was in reference to two (2) specific words used by two (2) members of the AUF, the Hon Evans McNiel Rogers and Mr. Curtis Richardson in reference to the Chief Minister. The members of the AUF take on board the comments in the Press Release.

The AUF also remains firm in its belief that the office of the Chief Minister must not only be respected by citizens and everyone else, but likewise by each holder of that said office in what he/she says or does. The question we pose is: Does our current Chief Minister, Hon. Hubert Hughes, respect the high office which he now holds? We also ask the question: Does the Chief Minister have respect and show respect for the people of Anguilla in general and to public and private sector officials with whom he has to interact and undertake various transactions in discharging the functions and duties?

Over the last 3 ¼ years, all of Anguilla has been bombarded with demeaning, derogatory, insulting and offensive statements made by the Chief Minister, his members of Government and his key supporters against senior civil servants, the Governor, the Attorney General, the Deputy Governor, investors, teachers, ordinary citizens and certainly not least of all, the members of the Anguilla United Front. Many such statements were made in the House of Assembly (in which there is immunity from prosecution for statements made) and in the general media.

Specific examples include the attack on teachers in the House of Assembly and many references to our Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, Hon. Evans Rogers, being imbibed, many references to the AUF Party Leader Victor Banks as being corrupt, and derogatory statements about developers . Such statements as far as the AUF can ascertain have not been met with any outcry from non-political and neutral organizations, whose purposes are the uplifting of the Anguillian community. What the members of the AUF would like to see is a greater degree of evenhandedness from the ACC and the EA in matters such as this.

No derogatory statement should be acceptable, whether it is against the Chief Minister, a member of the Anguilla United Movement, a member of the Anguilla United Front or the ordinary man and woman in Anguilla. Respect must be due all persons, regardless of who they are and where they come from. We have a choice always to vigourously disagree on issues. Demeaning, unfair, excessive and false verbal attacks should be condemned consistently and without bias and with even-handedness.

The attack on the teachers should have been condemned. The personal attacks on Mr. Rogers should have
been condemned, as well as many other statements made by members of the AUM/APP Government over the last few years.

What we in the AUF would like to pursue is the opportunity to usher in a new era, a new age where offensive, derogatory statements about people, their characters and family members are a thing of the past. Our focus should be on the actions and/or inactions of our Government of the day and other persons; their abilities, strengths and weaknesses. The AUF has requested a meeting with both the ACC and the EA to discuss these matters in greater detail.

Until we, as the Anguillian community, achieve the goal of a more civil discourse in our politics and in our interactions with each other in the normal activities of the Anguillian community, the AUF hopes and expects that the ACC and the EA will continue to be outspoken and assertive in an even handed and timely manner.

God Bless You and God Bless Anguilla.

WAR ON ANGUILLA NOW IN ITS 4TH DAY, REPORTS NO CASUALTIES, AS BRITISH FORCES MET SMALL POCKET RESISTANCE OF GOATS AND SHEEP

Top British commander concluded that lack of cattle producing
fertilizer reduces Anguilla's military arsenal...    

"We are at War" One must ask why is the government of Anguilla this dysfunctional and not in sync with reality. What is going on in government chambers? "We are at war!" Is the most recent statement coming from Chief Minister Hughes in this week’s printing of the Anguillian; such inflammatory remarks are not helpful to the dialogue. The people of Anguilla want to know where the battleground is, because every Anguillian wants to continue the battle for “the cause!” Then we must know whose battle is Hughes really fighting? 

The Chief Minister accuses the British Government of sabotaging the Anguillian economy in their lack of responsibility for not cooperating with them, (us) and complains how the British is spending heavily in some of the other territories and deliberately destroying Anguilla, but admits this is opinion. It is hard to understand how Mr. Hughes intends to reach any level of cooperation with such rhetoric, and being in a consistent battle with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. If one follows the line of communication on the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility it would appear that this is a proposal that has been in the making for some time and should have been in acted into law since June 2012. Mr. Hughes is obviously very late with his final assessment but still finds it fitting to accuse the British of being irresponsible, even with the Budget of the island being mingled in the debate, there is no objective approach coming from the Anguillian Government. All good things come to an end and this quarrel should have taken place some time ago. Apparently all of the other territories have already signed, sealed and deliver their version of said document and they are the ones getting the cooperation of the British, while Anguilla is playing the spoil child in the grouping with its own demands, and the British is saying; “ talk’s over.” 

British Prime Minister: "We are in this together!"

It is now in excess of three years since this government has taken office and has not been able to forge a mutual exchange with the British Government on anything, and has been forced to cooperate in most instances. Mr. Hughes’s interview with the Anguillian is very much the same as all his interaction with the press on issues with the British government. At some point Mr. Hughes must be told to get matters of the country on his priority agenda and he can schedule his battles with the British later on. 

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Hughes’s issues with the British Government might not necessarily be those of the people of Anguilla, a tirade of unscrupulous remarks and unnecessary unresolved interventions are actually hurting the country, and people are becoming victims of curious government. The economic conditions on Anguilla is dismal and it is no doubt that this is not felt by our government, they being in their zone of comfort, refusing to embrace responsibility in governing for the future of the country. It is now becoming unbearable for us who seem to be in the middle of the road, with no political agenda and no axes to grind to stand back and look on, as a government brings the country to its knees because of the lack of civil conduct. At some point the country must hold them all responsible, together with those closely associated rendering advice that apparently dooms the good character of the island and its people. Nothing has been achieved in three years, which reflects quite negatively on this administration, and Mr. Hughes’s ability to govern. It also diminishes our Honorable Chief Minister to the laughing stock of the region and all of the British Kingdom. 

British Army scared-off by herds of goats and sheep as
they advance District-6, Anguilla's Chief Minister stronghold. 

It should have been contemplated before taking office that dealing with the British Government is a fundamental link to the governing process on Anguilla and is, “business as usual” for any of the British Territories. For Anguilla to be consistently void of contact or conclusions is inappropriate for a sitting government. It is very unusual for any few wise men not to be heard or get their point across as in the case of the government of Anguilla. If Mr. Hughes would use this energy, “being at war” in positive action, the country we would see visibly forward movement. It is said that a country gets the government of its choosing, and that is certainly the case with Anguilla today. Mr. Hughes and his Government feel exceptional and deserves special consideration in their collaboration with the British Government, who continues to show that they perhaps don’t care to do business with Hughes, and in fact don’t like his business approach and maybe, they just don’t like the man! But in keeping with the reciprocal protocol and its constitutional obligations to the country, Mr. Hughes has an open door with full access on behalf of the people of Anguilla. The British accommodated Mr. Hughes in their London House, listen to his usual rant and set perimeters for concluding the talks, but then rejects any such accommodation while on Territory Anguilla. This is beyond imagination. It would indicate that one party changed positions. If the agenda is set by the British it is appropriate for Mr. Hughes to react on their terms, and a process of hearings from both sides is quite normal. Mr. Hughes is perhaps being awkwardly advised, either from within his government or from the outside; being unable to meet practical working terms with the British. This is the best indication that nothing will be done for the rest of the term under this government, who appears beholden to a few obstinate party intractable(s) with their allegiance to disorder, not to the benefit of all. This is the few that divides the country, in the hope to restart the revolution, to rid us from the grips of the great “Evil”(Britain). It is time for our government, after in excess of three years having delivered nothing but bad news to its people; to take responsibility for the chaos and embrace responsibility for the future. 

Anguilla's Chief Minister whereabouts are unknown

To ask the question, a fight with the British benefits whom? Is worthwhile; it certainly does not help the image of Chief Minister Hughes, because he is known for whom he is, the chaotic situation now hovers over this country once again will diminish his stature, even on a local level and any positive attributes accredited from the last election. The people of Anguilla are actually losing everything they were able to achieve in better times, under a better government; when they felt improvement and their personal conditions actually changed for the better. Where is our allegiance? And whom do we answer too? The British Government still fully governs the island and holds all the cards on deck! Why does Mr. Hughes think that without an orderly process and a respectful tone, the British is subject to his directions? And whose interest is Mr. Hughes serving having a consistent battle on issues of importance to the country unresolved? Well, “being at war must be a fight for the future, and a fight we must win!”

By: Elliot J. Harrigan 

THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, WE'RE FREE AT LAST!!

Hon. Chief Minister of Anguilla: 

Hubert Benjamin Hughes

CHIEF MINISTER PRESS RELEASE

April 05, 2013

My Fellow Anguillians,

Through this medium of the Press Corp invited here this morning to witness my signing on behalf of the Government of Anguilla of the Framework for Fiscal Sustainability and Development (FFSD) with the UK Government, I would like to make the following comments.

As indicated at the most recent public forum on the matter (which was held on 18 March, 2013 at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium and carried live by several Radio Stations), the UKG in April 2011 submitted for the GoA's consideration a draft Framework termed the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility (FFR) to replace the 2003 Borrowing Guidelines which had served as the prudential guidelines concerning fiscal matters. Those Borrowing Guidelines proved to be inflexible and unable to withstand the rigours of the financial and economic crisis that rocked the World and our small nation since 2008.

It has taken some time to reach this point, but this was necessary, not only to achieve consensus with the UKG and to arrive at an arrangement that both sides can live with but also to secure what is best for you the Anguillian people. The FFR was considered within Government, taken to you the people and also shared with our regional and international development partners for their review and technical support in order to ensure that we were doing the right thing and securing what was best for Anguilla. We also discussed with our sister UK Overseas Territories that were also subject to these arrangements and carefully monitored their realities as a result of their Frameworks in operation. I take this opportunity to thank all who supported us during this process. In short, we took this very seriously.

As indicated at the public forum on 18th March, 2013, following the commencement of formal negotiations in Anguilla in September 2012 and further discussions in London in December 2012 I wrote to the UK Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories the Hon Mark Simmonds on December 14, 2012 outlining the GoA's position on the proposed FFR (it should be noted that this correspondence was considered and approved by Executive Council).

Minister Simmonds responded in correspondence dated March 6, 2013 acknowledging the progress that had been made in the negotiations between the two sides to date. He however indicated that the UKG was not prepared to agree to one of the GoA's main requests, namely that the fiscal anchor utilised during the Borrowing Guidelines regime - Debt to Recurrent Revenue - be changed to Debt to GDP.

At the public forum on 18th March, 2013 I indicated that, acting on advice of the GoA technical officials, I along with my Ministerial colleagues were prepared to continue with Debt to Recurrent Revenue fiscal anchor provided that the Framework to be agreed and the enabling legislation would be reviewed 5 years from implementation.

After further discussions in Executive Council and among UKG and GoA technical officials I can state that we have arrived at the point where the new framework, the Framework for Fiscal Sustainability and Development, FFSD, for short, can be signed. 

So my people, what are the next steps?

In Minister Simmonds' letter of 6th March 2013, he spoke to the UKG's undertaking to provide a grant of the equivalent of EC$12.5 million for 2013, demonstrating their commitment to Anguilla's economic growth and development in a bid to ensure that we can undertake crucial projects without using our fiscal reserves. It should be noted that originally we requested a grant of EC$140m over a period of 3 years to support our capital development. However, we accept this proposal and we express our thanks to the UKG. Minister Simmonds spoke to the effect of the UKG and GoA agreeing on a Framework to replace the 2003 Borrowing Guidelines (and within this the establishment of Capital Development Fund endowed with the above mentioned grant) as to, and I quote "put us in a position to move forward quickly to agreement on the 2013 Budget".

We thank Minister Simmonds for this undertaking to move ahead with UKG assent of the GoA's 2013 Budget, which normally should have taken place in December 2012.

Operating on a Provisional Budget, which the GoA has been doing since January 1, 2013, is never ideal and comes with its own set of complications, not only for our internal operations but also for our partnership with the European Union. UKG assent to the GoA's annual budget is a key supporting factor in EU financial support through the European Development Fund (EDF) programme. The 2nd tranche of EDF 10 Funds is expected shortly.

As the Anguillian public would recall, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the OECS, Mr Michael Barford, attested to this in his comments to the Press a few weeks ago in connection with his visit to attend the 3rd Annual Review of Anguilla's Medium Term Economic Strategy (MTES) covering the period 2010 - 2014.

In closing let me reiterate that we look forward to receiving UKG assent of GoA's 2013 Budget at the soonest but no later than April 30, 2013, the receipt of the EC$12.5 million grant to endow the Capital Development Fund, and we commit that with the support of the UKG in terms of legislative drafting assistance, and adherence with our legislative processes, to have passage of the associated FFSD legislation by 30th June, 2013.

May God bless you, and may God bless Anguilla.