Dear Editor, A. Nat Hodge,
Recently, I visited Anguilla surveying the residual damage from last year’s hurricane season. As a homeowner on the island, visiting almost annually in the last two decades, I have noticed the worthy construction of what used to be the former Cinnamon Reef Hotel and surrounding villas. I consider that group to be one of the most solidly-constructed set of buildings on the island. It seems an incredible waste that it remains empty after so many years. It’s not simply that it is in disrepair, but also that it adds to the growing roster of empty buildings on the island.
I would like to suggest that a deal be made where the complex can be rented out to an artist of modest renown who can use the space to give week- or month-long classes to thirty or forty people. I could imagine a painter, sculptor, poetry or language instructor, for example, giving a workshop in the main building and housing three to four guests to share each of the surrounding villas. To start such an initiative rolling, I think a minimum of comfort would suffice. I do not believe that the type of scholarly persons who would participate in such an educational course, offered at a modest price, would do detriment to the island’s tourism industry. On the contrary, I think such folks could bring life back to the languishing Little Harbour area and increase the traffic at Anguilla’s modestly-priced restaurants.
This type of arrangement works very well in the Greek Isles. I personally know a group of artists that have been returning to the same island for nearly twenty years to give month-long classes each summer. Both teachers and students love it because it gives them a chance to experience another country in more than a superficial or touristic way. But coming back to Anguilla, I see two possibilities: winter courses would be a great way to attract pensioners who wish to escape the North American winter. And in the summer, a younger crowd of high school or college students could be targeted to study there during their school holiday.
In closing, I hope you will consider my suggestion. If I can be of further assistance, with this proposed venture, please let me know.
Respectfully,
Jacqueline C. Hodge
