The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to cause havoc on world economies. The movement of people continues to trickle, unemployment levels soar to record numbers, and the pressures on the state’s resources to address the ongoing crisis continue to increase. We are truly in a very difficult place in our economic development. Recently, statements forthcoming from OECS officials described COVID-19 as an external shock that has significantly disrupted advancements in poverty reduction across member states over the last 30 years. These are indeed difficult times.
Anguilla’s position in this new frontier is becoming increasingly vulnerable within the uncertainties that exist. Our unique dependency on neighbouring St. Martin/St. Maarten for movement of people, goods and services, coupled with a resurgence of active COVID-19 cases and evidence of local transmission in those countries, is indeed worrying. Moreover, the closure of our borders and the complete shutdown of our tourism sector have left many business closed and the majority of our workforce on the bread line. While we thank God for the vision of Ronald Webster, who instituted Social Security, this fund has its limitations and can only be seen as a temporary relief in the full scheme of things.
The question of when and how to open our borders must now be the focus of our decision makers. This is a serious undertaking, which must involve extensive consultations with all stakeholders. It is safe to deduce that the Ministry of Health must be the focal point of these discussions, since the capacity of our healthcare system is paramount to any objectives in relation to opening our borders and our economy. It should involve investigating several situations and scenarios on our readiness to re-open our borders safely, with stringent protocols, mechanisms to enforce those protocols and mitigation of several factors which may be beyond our full control. Such a process requires careful and consistent consultations with all stakeholders. I believe in effective consultation. Through dialogue we may be able to develop a workable solution that satisfies all concerned and minimizes the risk of importing the Coronavirus and exposing our local population. Such a task also requires our people to be fully cooperative and to adhere to the guidelines and protocols that have been issued by our local health authority. This is critical to our survival in this “new normal” in a post COVID-19 environment.
Recently, the Turks and Caicos Islands reopened their borders with a detailed plan of action which I believe can be a model for our jurisdiction. Of course, with an International Airport on Providenciales and greater air access and connectivity, direct arrivals into Turks and Caicos will prove ideal for monitoring the process. Notwithstanding, our existing relationship with St. Martin/St. Maarten, and opportunities to expand our air access with airlines seeking to expand routes, this can provide us with a point of departure to begin the process of recovery for our tourism sector. Our exclusivity and marketability as a high end tourist destination must also be leveraged to maximize our ability to attract those groups which may pose a minimum risk to our population. However, this must be done with all stakeholders, at a decision-making table that guarantees full participation.
The road ahead will be challenging. However, I believe that, with the right leadership, the openness to consult, and incorporating lessons from other countries with similar circumstances, we can develop a plan for Anguilla to safely re-open. It is important to emphasise that this is not a time to get things wrong. We must get it right the first time. Countries across the world are facing the same challenge – balancing the risk between the health and safety of the population and the need to revive struggling economies. For Anguilla’s sake, finding that balance is everything.
