Greetings fellow Anguillians, it is just over 3 years since the last general election when the people of district 7 showed faith and confidence in me when they voted me to be their representative in the Anguilla House of Assembly. This is an honour I hold dear to my heart.
Over the past 3 years there have been many challenges faced by this administration and by extension the people of Anguilla. But through it all your Government has stayed committed to the cause.
On behalf of my colleagues in Government, I say thank you all for your unwavering support during these challenging times.
For the first half of 2017 our Island’s main source of income, Tourism, was showing the highest Visitor and Tourist arrivals figures since records began back in 1993.
In July Anguilla was named “Best Island in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda’ in Travel and Leisure World’s Best Awards for 2017, a first for Anguilla.
Two Iconic Anguillan properties also featured in the “Top 25 Resort Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda” category- with Zemi Beach House at #10 and Malliouhana, Auberge Resort at # 19.
Much credit must be given to the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Donna Banks Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board and Tourist Board members, Anguilla Tourism representatives in North and South America, as well as The UK and Europe.
There was great optimism as bookings for the Winter season of 2017/18 was at an all-time high. But on September 6th Hurricane Irma was an uninvited guest that truly tested the faith of our people. Our island home was devastated with serious damages to the Tourism, Government and Private sector.
I am truly grateful to the many organizations, and friends of Anguilla who came to the aid of our people in our time of need.
Fellow Anguillians, the future of any nation can be judged on the Drive, Commitment and Passion of its youth. With that as an indicator the future of Anguilla looks very promising as our young men and young women continue to excel on the stage of performing arts, on playing fields and in classrooms in colleges and universities around the globe.
To my people of District 7, during the campaign I made certain commitments to further improve the quality and standards of your lives.
To date; Judging by the success of August Thursday at Meads Bay 2017 I believe that we are well on our way to bringing those glory days. Thanks for the support of West Fest and Festival Committees as well as Oleary and the Eyes wide shut Team whose initiative adds to the Summer festival’s success.
I am grateful to the Business and Villa owners who have contributed to make it possible to have The Royal Anguilla Police Force patrol the District so that the wellbeing of our citizens, guests and business are protected.
For our athletes, I have been able to secure 2 Sports scholarships one in track and field in the US and the other in Cricket in England.
For the past 2 years The West End Youth Community Center has been offering after school programs to the youth of the district.
The Upgrading and renaming of the West End Clinic to “The Agnes Agatha Richardson Clinic” is in honour of a midwife who dedicated over 50 years of midwifery to the district dating back to the early 1900s.
I am continuing to work with the land owners whose property lies west of the Alwyn Alison Richardson School in order that a proper playing field is available to the students and citizens of District 7.
The Ministry of Tourism is working on a project to have village signs displayed throughout Anguilla.
Fellow Anguillians, Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, and working together will bring us all success.
May God continue to bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
