One of the campaign promises made by our new Anguilla United Front Government was the provision of a reliable source of running water. Indeed, this was one of the main frustrations expressed by Anguillians during the months leading up to the general election. To many people, the fact that they did not have access to running water meant that Anguilla had taken several steps backward in its development. This is understandable, as it was the lack of basic amenities such as running water that would have triggered the Anguilla Revolution. Yet, almost five decades later, water is still being rationed. I recall shortly after the election, the Honourable Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure, telling us that Government should be able in short order to come up with a resolution to the water crisis. Mr Richardson’s comments made it seem that this water situation was an easy fix. However, we have heard nothing further and to my knowledge the situation remains the same.
While I agree that we must give the new Government time to settle in and have a full grasp of all the issues that it will have to tackle, I want to urge its members not to forget the water situation. Many persons across Anguilla still struggle on a daily basis because they do not have access to running water. It does not help that the island is currently experiencing a severe drought which has resulted in even further rationing of water. Those without the means are unable to purchase water and others do not have anywhere to store it even if they can purchase it. The situation is dire. In the Chief Minister’s state of the nation’s address he indicated that the most critical issue facing his Government was the banking crisis. I agree that from a national standpoint, he is correct. There is a lot at stake in relation to the banking situation and whatever decision is made will have long term positive or negative effects. However, the issue that touches the people most from a practical standpoint is the issue of running water. I would therefore urge our Government not to let this issue be overshadowed by the larger national issue of the banking sector. Please keep the water situation on the front burner so that people can get some real relief – and not lose hope in their new Government to bring about the change they so desperately want.
Since I am on this issue, allow me to use this opportunity to remind our Government that not only do many Anguillians not have a reliable supply of running water, but many more do not have a reliable source of income. Unemployment is still a very real issue in Anguilla and since hospitality is our main industry, seasonal employment is also an issue. A prime example is the situation a few weeks ago when many workers at Viceroy were laid off at the end of peak season. In the Anguilla of the not too distant past, where income sources/jobs were abundant, this may not have been an issue, but in these lean years the effects can be debilitating for some families. There was a time when Anguilla was like a land overflowing with milk and honey. But the milk and honey have since dried up and they will not return automatically with the swearing in of a new Government. It requires considerable time and effort to get Anguilla back to a point where people could earn decent, consistent remuneration, take care of their families and enjoy a good quality of life. It will take even more effort to achieve the further advances necessary to build a sustainable economy that can take us safely through any future global shocks.
When the well runs dry, I do not believe it is prudent to sit back and wait for the water to return. Given the needs of our people, our Government has a responsibility to lead the efforts in finding new wells – new sources of water, new revenue streams, economic drivers and investments. There is a need to move forward swiftly on these issues so that our people can progress and attain a decent standard of living right here in Anguilla. I must encourage our new Government to tackle these issues with the great urgency they deserve.
