BACK TO WORK

The 2011 Summer Festival, with all its merriment and splendor, is over. One of the pleasing features, which all of us ought to be grateful about, is the fact that there were no untoward acts of violence or other unfortunate incidents to mar the festivities or stain the good name of Anguilla. Certainly, had there been any wanton behaviour, it could have sent a wrong and negative impression to our many tourists and spoil a good promotional opportunity at a peak time on the island.

Frolic and merry-making has its place and role in community life especially when it is reflective of a people’s history and culture. When there is an observance of law, order, safety and decency issues, it lends to the importance of the occasion and is an encouragement for even greater celebrations. The Police, Summer Festival personnel and the citizenry, particularly our teeming youth, deserve highest commendation for a well-ordered series of events.

It was almost unimaginable to witness so much revelry on the streets and how so many hundreds of residents participated in what may be described as a show of ‘unbounded exuberance’ in the face of the economic difficulties that engulf the island. Yet, on the other hand, it was a welcome means of good relief, and an escape from the pressures of life and worry, to enjoy oneself and culture despite the overarching and confronting financial problems both country-wise and personal. To the revellers and various colourful troupes, also, we offer commendations for being able to lay aside their difficulties and probably inhibitions and find much enjoyment in the festival.

But all of that revelry is now behind us. The menacing reality of our painful economic and financial situation is staring us in the face again and we dare not, and cannot, turn our eyes away. We must find ways and means to approach our malady head-on. A careful analysis of Anguilla’s fiscal dilemma has been presented in a statement by the IMF team which visited the island recently. The mission has not only pinpointed the salient facts about the issues confronting Anguilla, its people and government, but has provided some insights, though perhaps veiled, about how some of our needs may be remedied.

It is for us to take the bold steps needed to attempt to reverse our situation. One of the surest ways to accomplish this is to work feverishly towards economic development. Yes, there have been some efforts in this direction in recent months, but there is a need to go beyond entering into, and signing, MOUs which have up to now failed to yield one project and provide jobs to the growing number of unemployed workers. Admittedly, this is not easy, given the global economic situation and its impacts on investors and Anguilla, but somehow we must learn to strive and live by our wits.

Luckily, as the IMF team pointed out, “the government is expected to achieve an overall surplus in 2011 taking advantage of windfall revenue from tourism projects.” The auction sale of the Viceroy development, from which a substantial sum is due from transfer taxes and other fees, is one of those sources. At the expense of being the devil’s advocate, it would be a pity if some of this money cannot be used to repay deductions from civil servants’ salaries. It would be a kind gesture to them for the good faith, sacrifice and patience they exhibited for so long. After all, the repayment was promised to them by the previous government which instituted the first pay cut. The current government undertook another salary deduction without promising any return and the civil servants have been complaining loudly. The IMF team noted, however, that while there was the windfall revenue, “capital expenditure remains low” so the government might have an excuse to use the extra money for other purposes.

Incidentally, it is now eighteen months since the new government assumed office and it is the time span that the Chief Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development said he wanted to be given “to turn around the economy.” It was in fact a reasonable commitment, but it is something which can easily be said until one gets in the hot seat of governance as the Chief Minister must now realise.

The times to which we have come are daunting; but all of us must put our hands to the plough and see what we can do collectively for the wellbeing of our island and ourselves. Certainly, now that the carnival is over, it is time to get back to work.