The following was a question and answer session in the Anguilla House of Assembly last week between the Leader of the Opposition, Evans Rogers, and Chief Minister and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Hubert Hughes:
Mr. Rogers: “The Ministry of Finance and Tourism (MOFT), through the Anguilla Tourist Board, has funded the construction of a Docking Facility in St. Maarten to facilitate the movement of persons by Charter Boats between Princess Juliana Airport and the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla. TheDocking Facility is constructed on leased property and so the MOFT must also meet the lease cost, operational cost and the management cost of this facility on a monthly basis.
“In relation to the construction, management and operation of this docking facility in St. Maarten, known as the Anguilla Ferry Terminal, could you provide this Honourable House, and by extension the people of Anguilla, with the following information:
A copy of any MOU between the Government of Anguilla and the St. Maarten Government about the operation of the facility; a copy of the lease agreement between the Anguilla Tourist Board and the landlord of the property in St. Maarten; a breakdown of the capital cost and how much it cost the government and people of Anguilla to establish the facility; how much does it cost the government and people of Anguilla to manage and operate the facility; a breakdown of the monthly projected returns which the Tourist Board/Government of Anguilla will realize from the operations of the facility. With respect to 3-5 above please provide all supporting documents relating to the same.”
The response of the Chief Minister was as follows:
“Madam Speaker: The question posed by the Member from Valley North is one that should not be considered by this Honourable House. In his question the Member himself has indicated that the Anguilla Tourist Board has constructed the Docking Facility in St. Maarten. I will refer the member to the Anguilla Tourist Board Act which sets out clearly that the operations of the Anguilla Tourist Board are clearly under the ambit of the membership of its Board and Administration.
“As such Madam Speaker I do not think it appropriate to discuss the operations of a Board which by law established by this same Honourable House set parameters under which the Board functions. It is evident that these questions must be answered by the Board itself. I am therefore not in a position to provide any further information on the matter for the Honourable Member.”
