Although very short, this has been a very useful visit. I have enjoyed wide-ranging, productive and valuable discussions with the Chief minister and Executive council. I have seen some of the delights of Anguilla and it s tourist resorts. I have met a large number of people and been have been impressed by the warm welcome I have received.
Britain’s vision for the Overseas Territories
The government I represent is absolutely committed to supporting theOverseasTerritoriesincluding Anguilla and we are opening a new chapter inBritain’s relationship with them in the form of partnership.
We want the Territories to be flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of their British identity and creating new opportunities for young and future generations. We want their natural environments to be protected and managed to the highest international standards.
Our strategy to achieve this is set out in a White Paper we published in June. And as the Foreign Office Minister responsible for the territories, I am determined to do all I can to implement it in partnership with the priorities ofAnguilla.
With that in mind I want to focus today on four issues that we believe are a priority:
• First creating jobs and economic growth.
• Second, building stronger links with theUK, for example possibly assisting with developing renewable energy to reduce energy costs and therefore drive economic growth.
• Third, working together on good governance, financial management and economic planning; and
• Fourth getting the support the Territories need.
Jobs and Growth
On the first of these, theUKgovernment is clear we need to respond to the huge economic challenges we are facing globally. An important element of this, of course is making the tough decisions we have taken on public expenditure to reduce the deficit and bring debt under control. I know from my discussion with the chief Minister that he too is focused on addressing the economic challengesAnguillafaces. Soon after his election, the Chief Minister set a clear direction by making a commitment to balance the overall budget by the beginning of 2013. We all know that sound and prudent financial management is a pre-requisite for inward investment, economic growth and job creation. I am confident that the Government of Anguilla will do everything within its power to deliver that commitment, and I am pleased that the UK Government has been able to provide practical help in the form of technical assistance. I believe it would send a strong signal to potential investors were Anguilla to set out its long-term commitment to sound finance and sound public financial management in an agreement with theUK. Other Territories have already taken this step. BVI just enacted in law such an agreement. I hope that the proposed Framework for Fiscal Responsibility can be agreed. TheUKandAnguillagovernments should work together on jobs and growth. I have been struck during my short time here by the opportunity for more investment inAnguilla. I asked the Chief Minister how theUKcould help with inward investment. At the same time, I also want to support Anguillian businesses here to enable them to be successful in the wider international arena.
Building stronger links with the UK
But this isn’t just about economics. We want to see more engagement between theUKand the Territories across the board. We want to support partnerships betweenUKlocal government and the Territories. A number of Territories have established such partnerships: the British Virgin Islands with Hertfordshire; the Turks and Caicos Islands withNorfolk. I hope Anguilla will take up our offer to facilitate links with aUKlocal authority. Through the White Paper, we have changed the way theUKgovernment approached the Territories. We are working actively across all Government Departments to support the Territories, in particular to provide access to technical expertise. I am pleased that funding has been made available through the Jubilee Fund to help with this. The proposal is to support the exchange of expertise between public servants in the Territories and theUKthrough a programme of secondments providing Territory officials with opportunities to train and work in the Territories.
Working together on good governance, financial management and economic planning
The White Paper explains the importance of good government in theOverseasTerritoriesand that we support the Constitutional devolution of responsibilities to elected governments to the greatest extent possible. This is why it is important that we work together on good governance, financial management and economic planning. I believe that we share a commitment to the same basic standards of good governance.Anguillais blessed with some outstanding public servants. We want to help them by providing more support, where appropriate, fromBritain’s much larger public service. Last week I met most of the heads of the public service from the Territories who were in theUKto meet the head of theUKpublic service – Sir Bob Kerslake – and to build links with civil servants.
Appointment of next Governor
I am delighted that the appointment of the next Governor, Christina Scott, was announced this week. I am sure she will continue the excellent work that Alistair Harrison has been doing for the past three and a half years, and will continue to until he leaves.
Conclusion
I am delighted to be in Anguilla, I have been impressed with the people I have seen and the people I have met, and I am looking forward to completing my programme tomorrow. I would like to wish the government and people of Anguilla all the best in facing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I can assure you that I will do my utmost to build on our historic and important ties between our two countries to work together in partnership for greater prosperity for the people of Anguilla.
