One of the biggest public sector projects to be funded from the 60 million pounds provided in humanitarian aid to Anguilla by the UK Government, following the devastation by Hurricane Irma, in September 2017, is the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal.
It is to replace the former terminal building which was substantially damaged by the hurricane – and was eventually demolished to make way for a new and modern structure.
In the meantime, the Government of Anguilla undertook a considerable amount of refurbishing work on the nearby Big Jim building, including the construction of an additional structure. The work includes space for Customs and Immigration officers and ferryboat personnel. This is all a temporary provision pending the new terminal building.
On June 14, 2019, the first images of that building appeared on the Governor’s Facebook page. According to the update, “the design consultants (WYG) briefed the key Government of Anguilla stakeholders on the latest architectural designs for the new Terminal Building and search and rescue facilities at Blowing Point.”
The update continued: “The stakeholders provided feedback on the current designs. Tenders are scheduled to be issued in July 2019, planning consultations will take place over the summer with construction to start in September 2019.
“Deputy Governor Perin Bradley said he was excited that the project was taking shape and that a lot of effort had gone into the complex designs to ensure it meets the relevant International Maritime codes and standards. He also thanked the design consultants, WYG, AASPA, MICUH and all the stakeholders at the port for their work on the project.”
That was the update on the Governor’s Facebook page. Since then, there have been an increasing number of negative comments, regarding the appearance of the architectural designs, from a wide cross-section of the public.
