Blowing Point’s Time for a
Marina Project
Dear Editor,
Having had the opportunity to attend and participate in the public discussions held on marina development in Anguilla I write to voice my opinions and encourage others to do so as well.
Overall the idea of marina development in Anguilla has high potential for benefitting us and is worthy of further research and investment. Five viable options were researched and presented at the meetings. However, I believe wisdom would suggest that focus be placed on one option. One young port official called it ‘phased development’. Phased development is prudent for several reasons, among which are:
• It would allow lessons learnt from one project to be applied to the next.
• It would allow for more effective management of projects by GoA officials.
• It would prevent our society from being over burdened in critical areas by an influx of people, etc.
• It would provide time for Anguillians to evaluate whether further marinas are worth the various costs and results.
With regards to the one option, I believe should be selected first, my vote goes to Blowing Point, and for several reasons:
• Blowing Point deserves an upgrade. It has been faithful – not only with respect to passenger traffic but lest we forget – the Blowing Point port handled lots of cargo traffic for many, many years.
• It is our main port of entry and should be a beautiful jaw dropping spectacle. And I am not even referencing for the enjoyment of visitors at this time. First and foremost Blowing Point is ours and an upgrade is needed for us, Anguillians. We ought to do it for ourselves.
• In contrast to the other options, the proposed Blowing Point marina is neither at the top end not at the low end financially. This makes it ideal as a first project.
• In direct contrast to the proposed Sandy Ground marina, the proposed Blowing Point Marina firstly offers less contention. Secondly, it gives GoA more time to ponder whether or not enough time and ‘think tanking’ has gone into options for the Road Salt Pond that could be iconic in Anguilla and speak to the diversification of the desires of our tourists . For example, a segment of our tourists are desiring more ‘adventure experiences’. An idea such as a half way bridge extending over the pond, and at the end in mid-air (because the bridge would end there) persons would either have to climb down by rope or go through a shoot and then be plunged all the way over into the sea! Coupled together, a few innovative and creative ideas, that do not destroy our ‘Tranquility Wrapped in Blue” but rather enhance it, would make the pond in Sandy Ground well known in the region and internationally.
• Lastly, in contrast to all the proposed options, the Blowing Point option appears to be the one that would have the greatest positive impact on a specific village. Including that the financial returns will have a greater reach on more villagers and psychologically the concrete action will provide a big esteem boost for the village.
I pray that the proposed marina be realized in Blowing Point, and by extension Anguilla. It is Blowing Point’s time.
Loving Anguilla,
Avenella Griffith
