Anguilla today is in a much better position that where it was in February 2010 and we can only get to better places under this young capable and energetic team. I say to you tonight backward never forward ever we are on the move fellow Anguillans.
So where are we intending to move to in 2015/20 ladies and gentlemen? Let me share with you what is required to take us to a brighter and better place in 2015/2020.
1. We have to work quickly on the construction of a new Deep Water Harbour facility
2. Airlift is critical to our Tourism product and as such the upgrading of the Airport in all areas to accommodate international long haul flight must take place
3. There is need for other forms of FDI apart from Villas, Hotels and restaurants – we have to seek to attract one or two Mariners to this Island.
4. An ongoing exercise with the view of sourcing alternative renewable energy have to be sorted
5. Our infrastructure has to be upgraded and maintained
6. Our Hospital and other Public Health Care facilities are in need of serious overhaul as well as the necessary systems and equipment to meet the needs of our people
7. I mentioned earlier in our achievements as it related to water but I wish to say here that this will be an ongoing process so as to ensure that the needs our people are properly taken care of.
8. Our Educational Facilities are in need of upgrading and this will be an area of focus (ALHCS, Campus B and our Primary schools), training of our Teachers will be high on the agenda as well.
9. We cannot continue to settle for less going forward from investors we have to raise the bar by way of social contributions to our Island development
10. Crime and Violence have to be cut tail and we are determined to work closely with the RAPF to equip them and train them to guard and protect our land.
11. A Nationalistic approach will be required as it relates to turning the economy around – we are all in this together
12. Proper accountability for the handling of the peoples purse will be maintained
13. Other forms of attractions for our tourism product will be explored going forward. There is the avenue for Sports, Education, Health, Financial etc. tourism. No longer can we survive marketing Sun, Sea and Sand fellow Anguillans
14. We have to stay connected and remain relevant on the competitive stage out there
15. Labour code and Minimum Wage will be completed and ready for the House of Assembly in 2015 addressing the needs of our employees and Employers
16. We have to be A Political in addressing the direction in which Anguilla should go during this next term by way of its governance.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)