Moving Anguilla Forward
I read, with interest, your recent editorial titled “We’re Neither Going nor Coming”. Having had some of the same thoughts recently, I found it to be quite timely.
The vibrance of the current tourist season is evident everywhere as is the euphoria amongst the benefitting businessmen. It should be one of the best seasons Anguilla has had in recent memory. Good news. However, I can’t help but wonder if this is a flash in the pan or hopefully something more sustainable – after all, the island has seen this before. All of the positive press Anguilla has received this year certainly has helped stimulate this activity but can the island count on that for the future? Is everything we can do being done on our part to ensure that the influx of new visitors we are experiencing is encouraged to return? I cite recent comments made by both Timothy Hodge and Josveek Huligar about the litter and condition of our roadsides. How many years do we have to discuss this? A small but simple example of helping ourselves and the lack of direction necessary for our advancement.
I recently attended the public comment session conducted by the Ministry of Lands regarding the floating bar and restaurant proposed for Rendezvous Bay. As a property owner on the shores of Rendezvous, I was quite interested in this proposal and attended hoping to hear a comprehensive discussion of the plans. Most of those attending were not against the idea but had questions as to the location with Rendezvous having the quiet and serene reputation that it has. The session began with a plea for a civil discussion followed by a general brief by the developers absent any real specifics. When the Q&A began, any perceived “critical” questions were met with confrontational pushback largely resulting in the elimination of any meaningful discussion of the issues or opportunity to address valid concerns – the stated intention of this hearing. The mistaken assumption by the developers was that any criticism offered was an attempt to prevent the project. Not so. Those in attendance were fully supportive of Anguillian business development. The questions were not intended to put a stop to the project but as to whether the location at Rendezvous was appropriate, and the resulting impact on the bay. Some suggested that the concept of a floating beach bar was not consistent with the perception of Rendezvous Bay and questioned the ecological impact. The term “Guests” was used with a negative tone to describe anyone in the room who was not born here. Several prominent figures provided lengthy philosophical speeches directed at the Expat community to the point of being uncomfortable. The level of resentment portrayed there was nothing short of disappointing and awkward for those of us who love Anguilla and have nothing but the highest regard for its people. Nationalism is normal and a good thing if expressed correctly. National pride is admirable. Sadly, it can easily become a source of paranoia and resentment. Recent developments regarding the business license moratorium could easily be seen as similar.
I offer this recount of events only to bolster the idea that, to see the island advance, Anguilla must entertain all of the resources available to help channel ideas that will move the island forward. Our Expat and long-term visitor community not only provide an incredibly generous influx of necessary capital but hold a significant amount of valuable expertise, most having held responsible positions in business and society elsewhere. Should their opinions not be heard at such meetings? No one in the room thought that Anguillians should not operate their own businesses, or have first shot at anything that goes on here – only that everyone should be allowed to participate in the society we all hold dear to our hearts. In fact, we were surprised to hear Mr. Lake’s comments regarding the Aqua Park on Cove Bay that an Anguillian also applied for a similar project and was denied. Simply put, my warm feelings about the special place I’ve considered Anguilla to be, were seriously impacted by this experience. I’ve never felt unwelcome here before. I urge the leaders of this country to take heed of this experience and consider the impact on the future advancement of this country. Anguilla has the opportunity to be that special place we all envision but it will never happen until we embrace everyone with a stake in that success. Anyone interested in the hearing can find it recorded on Lloyd Gumbs’ Facebook page.
An Anguillian Belonger
Name withheld at writer’s request
