Anguilla like many Caribbean economies are single product economies mainly, dependent upon one source of income- which is today tourism- for their livelihoods and existence: GDP. This is a mono-economy, with a dependency on a single fragile industry and market. Homes for first time home buyers will be built by local indigenous contractors to create expanded opportunities for local Anguillans. Builders, plumbers, electricians, loan officers and new home owners will under benefit under this home building plan. Anguilla needs to diversify its tourism product to include cultural heritage tours.
It is proposed that locally operated tours that will owned, managed and marketed by local indigenous Anguillans. The heritage sites such as Gavannah Cave, Fountain Cave, Crocus Hill, Roaches Hill, Shoal Bay Beach, Big Spring, the mini Golf course, and sea salt processing plant, Sile Bay, the Old East End School are the suggested sites that can be developed for a Cultural Heritage-Historical tour. This branch of tours will work in conjunction with the Deep Sea Fishing and Sports Fishing development plan.
Economic empowerment of local indigenous Anguillans, workers’ rights, environmental conservation, along with enhanced social insurance including the State pension for all citizens, National Health Insurance, unemployment insurance, a “truly social” Social Security insurance program with a Cost of Living Adjustment, that ensures that 90% of the fund is spent on social insurance payouts. Enhanced disability, medical and pregnancy leave, sickness benefit. and the elimination of independent contractor status,a long with a starting minimum wage of $7.75 US per hour will form a core part of Social Democratic/Democratic Socialism philosophy. Guided by the principles of the Republic of Anguilla, and the philosophy of Black nationalism, the history of the Anguilla revolution and the Anguilla Indigenous culture including Herbal medicine where local fruits,foods, herbs (including Marijuana), and vegetables will be promoted, marketed and sold. Anguillan farmers and fishermen will have their products showcased, at the Gift Shops on the Cultural Heritage tours.
Anguilla has an estimated population of 13,534 (est. December 2011). It is a middle income island with a gross domestic product (GDP) of about US$ 319.75 million in 2015. It has the second smallest economy in the OECS, and is part of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. The economy depends heavily on tourism, offshore banking, fishing, construction and remittances from emigrants. Tourism, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, is the main contributor to economic growth and is also the main source of employment. The fisheries sector is also an important contributor to livelihoods and the economy. It is valued at US$ 9.4 million, contributing about 2.26% of Anguilla’s GDP in 2014.
Traditionally local fishermen fish out to 40 miles, and with this proposal the waters that are greater than 40 miles from the shore will be used for Sports Fishing and other forms of Deep Sea Fishing, possibly including trawlers, long line, and other methods. The licensing regime and the operation of deep sea fishing boats will be conducted by Indigenous Anguillans who have parental heritage traced to 1967 and earlier. Conservation will form an integral part of the Anguilla Deep Sea Fishing and Sports Fishing Economic Zone proposal. The Deep Sea Fishing sector can be segregated out from Sports Fishing where catch and release programs involving large fish such as Maui Maui, Tuna, Blue Marlin will be encouraged. Safety will be of paramount importance with life vests, GPS, VMS, AIS, cell phones, life rafts, emergency telecoms, flare guns will all be mandatory for safe operating in both the Deep Sea and Sports Fishing sectors.
Offshore boat fishing, sometimes called deep sea or open water fishing, is fishing in deep water (more than 30 metres) and at some distance from land. It is dangerous compared to shallow water or lake fishing. More knowledge is needed about weather patterns, navigation and safety precautions, and this is not an activity for beginners. Anguilla has an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 92,000 km2 , which includes a common submarine shelf with St. Martin to the south. There are extensive reefs off the north coast and fringing reefs along most of the south coast. The 17 km long reef along the north east coast is considered to be one of the most important largely unbroken reefs in the Eastern Caribbean.
There are over 40 white sandy beaches around the island, which are comprised mainly of calcareous algal sands, coral and shell fragments, and small areas of mangroves. Offshore boats are generally much larger than inshore boats, and may need to be moored in a marina. Offshore boats are generally much larger than inshore boats, and may need to be moored in a marina. They are sturdily constructed so they can brave the weather and water conditions encountered in open waters. Boats will be procured by Anguillians to service the needs of Deep Sea Fishing/Sports Fishing. Most offshore recreational fishermen charter boats rather than own them. It is often a pastime of the affluent, and there is a demand for charter boats equipped and catered to luxurious excess. This will tie-in neatly with the marketing of Anguilla as a 5 star up market tourist destination.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
