Governor Alistair Harrison gave his last press conference in Anguilla on Wednesday this week during which, among other matters, he reflected on his four-year appointment which ends on Thursday, July 18, when he leaves the island.
He took the opportunity to relate some of the challenges he met and how he, as Chairman of the Executive Council,in collaboration with the Government and other members, had worked towards finding solutions.
“There was a lot on the agenda when I arrived, and there is a lot on the agenda as I leave, but I think on most issues things have moved forward,” Governor Harrison stated. “When I arrived the golf course was closed, the Temenos Resort was closed and there didn’t seem to be any immediate prospect of reopening. There were challenges facing Viceroy which at that point had opened; challenges facing Malliouhana and the beginnings of problems with Cap Juluca…
“Now, thanks to some very good work by the elected Government – and I tried to play my part as Chairman of EXCO – I think things at most of those resorts are much more secure. The golf course has re-opened; the remains of the Temenos Resort have been rebuilt as part of CuisinArt; Viceroy has a much more secure future; Malliouhana is set to be re-opened early next year. The only big resort, where there are still challenges, is Cap Juluca. But I would say that the Chief Minister and I, and all the elected and appointed members of EXCO, agree that the objective is to find a secure future for Cap Juluca. It is one which solves the legal problems that have dogged it for the last quarter century; [that] solves the problems of fractional ownership; and brings in the finances that are needed to restore the resort to its five-star glory as the iconic and brand leader in Anguilla. Obviously, the way to get there is still unclear.”
The Governor continued: “Another area, where I think things are looking a lot better, is the financial services industry. Quite earlier on in my time, we had the Foot Review which questioned whether Anguilla had a sustainable business model for the future of the financial services industry. I think by strengthening the regulation of the industry, and the industry itself, we have been able to ensure that there is a sustainable future for the financial services industry here in Anguilla.”
Mr Harrison was aware, however, that there would be a lot of continued challenges in terms of regulation, growing the industry and developing the talent pool necessary to underpin the industry. “I think the initiative that Professor Louden and the Anguilla Community College have taken to introduce courses to develop local talent in the financial services industry is very good in that respect,” he observed.
The Governor said although he was not directly involved, he regretted that he was unable to see the completion of a revised Anguilla Constitution. “It does surprise me that Anguilla still isn’t ready to start those discussions,” he stated. “That’s not a criticism of the present government because that has been a stalemate that existed under the present government and also under previous governments. I have seen some of the draft constitutions, but I think that one of the problems is that, although everybody agrees that the present constitution is in need of modernisation, some of the drafts are actually disguised drafts of an independence constitution without actually quite saying so.”
On the question of independence, Governor Harrison said none of the Overseas Territories was being pushed towards independence but, equally, if the people of any territory wanted independence the British Government would respect their wishes.
As regards the end of his appointment, the Governor had this comment: “Sarah and I and our children are very sad to be leaving. We very much enjoyed our time here in Anguilla. It seems to have passed extremely quickly so we are very sad to go, although we will be reconnecting with our friends and families in the United Kingdom.
“It is very difficult to sum up my time in Anguilla in a few sentences, but I would like to say – firstly, it has been a very satisfying and rewarding job for me. It has been easily the best job I have had in the Foreign Service, and one in which I think I have been able to make the most difference. It also has been a very satisfying and extremely challenging job, and I think that has also made it very worthwhile. I greatly enjoyed every aspect of the job and all of my time here, and I look back with very fond memories.”
Governor Harrison and his family will quietly leave Anguilla via Blowing Point next Thursday afternoon with no Police Guard of Honour or other formal farewell. (He and his family were guests at a Police luncheon at La Vue on Wednesday.)
His successor, Ms Christena Scott, who was recently on the island for a familiarisation visit, will arrive in Anguilla on Friday, July 19. She is expected to be sworn into office on Tuesday, July 23.
