As unbelievable as it maybe to some, fooled by the rapid passing of time, another year, 2019, is ending and a New Year, 2020, is being ushered in. All over the Christian world, the highpoint of 2019 is the Christmas Season which is nonetheless scarred by some events, and other circumstances, which did not go too well for many over the past twelve months – and have left them in a state of perplexity and anxiety.
Here in Anguilla we have been saddened by the loss of loved ones and other disappointments, and the void and trauma that all of this has caused us – but Christmas is a time for hope and even merriment regardless of the difficulties that assailed us.
In other matters, our situation is not too bad when we reflect on how Anguilla has made a remarkable recovery from the destruction we experienced by Hurricane Irma two years ago. It was no mean feat that, after our terrible ordeal, Anguilla went on to capture the enviable title of “Best Island in the Caribbean” (Bahamas and Bermuda) as adjudged by the readers of Travel & Leisure for a third consecutive year. While access to the island continued to be a serious challenge, affecting tourist arrivals as well as resulting in loss of revenue, most properties have reportedly fared better than others. The all-round goal is now to substantially increase our arrivals next year with the hopeful direct flights from the US mainland.
The employment sector has not been very vibrant for most of 2019 but, as the year galloped to a close, we are seeing a plethora of projects under construction – funded by the British Government following and arising from the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Irma. The projects have been long in coming but it is now a unique case where, for the first time in the history of Anguilla, the public sector has outdone the private sector in the construction industry and is now, in fact, the driver of both the economy and employment in the building sector.
For the first time, in some twenty years, we have made some forward movement in constitutional and electoral reform – setting the pace, to some extent, for the ensuing New Year. There is yet a considerable distance to cross in this area of national development but, at least, an effort – plausible or not so plausible – has been made. The rest is hopefully to come later. Despite the fact that not much benefit appears to have filtered down to the ordinary citizenry, the financial position of the Government seems to have fared well, with Premier Victor Banks announcing last week that, surprisingly, a surplus of 30.73 million dollars had sprung from the 2019 budget. This has enabled the Government to have a substantial amount of well-needed money, in a Supplementary Budget, to refinance a range of public services across the various ministries and departments.
A matter that came up during the year was the Government’s decision to work towards the implementation of a Goods and Services Tax. In fact, some three pieces of legislation in the run-up to that tax have already been passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly. Taxation has continued to be a bedevilling factor in the social development of the island, and the Anguilla Progressive Movement has come out strongly against increased taxes. One thing the Movement has decided to leave untouched, is the Interim Stabilisation Levy. The APM appears to have realised that this measure accounts for some 13 million dollars – a hefty support for the budget, and that it is best to leave it alone for the time being. The governing Anguilla United Front has long recognised this as well, having moved away from its previous stance and promise to do away with the levy. The AUF Government has just extended the levy for another year – but with some amendments to improve its fairness. In addition, the Premier has stressed that no new taxes would be introduced in the New Year in the 2020 budget, now being prepared – a solace to the cries of the people.
With the fast approaching end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, despite the joy and hope of Christmas – and the excitement of the New Year – Anguilla stands at the crossroads waiting to see what direction awaits it and its people. Looking towards the hills from where we derive our strength, we take this opportunity, nonetheless, to wish everyone the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
