THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA 22 January 2020 (Public Relations Officer Premier’s Office).
The Government of Anguilla had a phenomenal performance for 2019 recording a current account surplus of EC$25m, a huge turnaround in fortunes as the recurrent budget had estimated a deficit of EC$5.1m. The performance heralded a period of economic growth of 6.3% as predicted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Recurrent revenue was EC$234m yielding a positive variance of EC$26m against the budget of EC$208m whilst recurrent expenditure was EC$209m, against a budget of EC$213m, a savings of EC$4m. According to PS Finance Dr. Aidan Harrigan, “the EC$234m in recurrent revenue collections is an outstanding achievement. Recognition is given to colleagues in HM Customs, Inland Revenue and others within the Anguilla Public Service who have worked diligently to making that possible including efforts by the Anguilla Tourist Board in marketing and promoting Anguilla in challenging circumstances.” He further noted, “the possibility of collecting in excess of EC$225m for 2019 was first flagged in April following, the first quarter outturn. Going from the possible to the actual required much faith and hard work.
The Hon. Premier and Minister of Finance Mr. Victor Banks noted, “but for the Grace of God we go and I thank all members of the public service and our partners in the private sector for the part they played, it could not be possible without all of you! We are happy to tell you that this performance helps us to reduce the level of our longer term commitments and other debt obligations. In 2020, there will be more to be thankful for as well — let us not allow any small differences to crowd out the goal of our service to Anguilla! It is the greater good we serve!”
– Press Release
