Finally! At long last, there seem to be some real plans for the development of a marina in Anguilla. These have been a long time in coming. I have often wondered why a country with a rich maritime heritage and a thriving boating culture does not have a single marina. It is indeed welcome news that a feasibility study has been completed and that there are some options on the table for Government’s consideration.
It is always a delicate balance when any Government has to consider how to bring progress and prosperity to Anguilla and at the same time preserve our traditions, environment and the unique features that make Anguilla, Anguilla. Sometimes it seems that one interest always prevails over the other. Very seldom do they peacefully coexist. I am one of those persons who is always concerned about the impact of any project on our environment and our way of life as a people. However, I also appreciate that unless we bring diversity to our tourism product, and economic base, we will stagnate.
There seem to be five options for a site for the proposed marina – each with its advantages and disadvantages, but also each with different potential environmental and cultural impacts. The question for us as a people is how much and to what extent are we willing to sacrifice to ensure progress.
I believe one of the favoured sites may be the Road Bay Salt Pond, simply because it naturally lends itself to this type of development and because it has been the subject of similar discussion for several years. However, given the fact that the pond is also a part of the Sandy Ground community, it is important that whatever development takes place there, takes the residents’ environmental vulnerabilities into consideration and is respectful of the lives that they have created on what is literally a strip of sand. The fact that Sandy Ground is already a hotspot for restaurants and nightlife also means that the community may already be, to some extent, sensitized to existing in a business and entertainment hub.
That said, I would still be surprised if the Sandy Ground community embraces the idea of a marina immediately as it would mean some disruption to their current existence. Of all the potential locations, this is probably the only one where the marina would be in the middle of an established community. However, the upshot is that a marina has the potential to bring additional business to the community which will have positive spinoff effects for the residents. This could therefore be a win for the community and for Anguilla as whole.
Additionally, while I stand to be corrected, I am of the view as well that marina development will probably mean that there will be an increase in water pollution in whichever location is selected. The fact that Road Bay is already the main cargo port, and port for pleasure vessels, means that it is probably one of our more polluted bays. As such, the addition of a marina to this area should not significantly impact the quality of the marine environment when compared to other potential sites such as Rendezvous Bay etc. which are currently favourites for quiet relaxation, swimming, picnics etc. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating for any increase in pollution in any area, but frankly I am more concerned about the pollution we are doing on land with our use of plastics and our practice of disposing of our rubbish and old vehicles anywhere and everywhere.
While I am obviously a proponent of the Road Bay option for the marina, I think we must remain open to other options as well – as the key here is to ensure that there is some diversity in what we are able to offer discerning travellers, and to open new markets for us. It is becoming increasingly clear that our current mode of tourism development cannot take us where we need to go if we want prosperity for our people. We must broaden our scope and grasp new opportunities. It is the only way we can compete regionally and internationally. Let’s face it: we are not as unique as we think. While many people still come to Anguilla for its exclusivity, laid back and peaceful atmosphere, these are not enough to keep our economy afloat. We need to reach new clientele – and the same modes of operation cannot get us there. I just have one question for Government: How soon can we get the marina project done?
