What a fantastic idea to develop a marina in Anguilla! We have spoken about it for decades but the dream has yet to become real. It is so exciting to see a project of this nature – and another development project for the island. I am very attached to development of our beautiful island, but there will also be serious considerations as we proceed upfront. We must be careful to see the beautiful marina that will fit into a small yacht club.
For most of my life, I have lived in Anguilla, and during that period I have operated several businesses. Beginning in1979, I opened one of the first restaurants in Sandy Ground. After that I developed several other restaurants, boutiques, plazas, car rentals and a small ferry boat. I created the first tourist newspaper on the island and managed to bring to Anguilla the first small cruise boat with 80 passengers (vacationers) in 1983. Obviously, I am projecting an image in keeping with what we may hope to develop – a perfect vision of Anguilla.
I mentioned at the latest meeting held at Roy’s, at Sandy Ground, it is not worthy that we, as a country, see it essential for Anguilla to have this Mega Marina but, as I suggested – a small pretty marina for decent size boats – not big yachts.
Take for example the MARINA ROYALE, St Martin, – in Marigot. Isn’t it charming with restaurants, boutiques, ship-chandler around the small marina. Then within a few years how this development in Anguilla will proceed. Then we operate again another small marina.
Why so many people are worried in Sandy Ground?
1. A lot of people are comfortable like it is. They are already established. Do they think about the future?
2. I am not an engineer but I do understand the problem of removing tons of sand and mud. This had to be studied by an international advisor engineer. (It has been already done.)
3. It is no way to destroy our salt pond, but a part of it can be saved and we can organise some historic visits to Sandy Ground like the Heritage Collection Museum in East End.
4. I think that tourists are more attracted to the beaches, restaurants, luxury hotels, the sports and the very friendly people of Anguilla.
Before choosing the salt pond the engineering experts decided with the Government – after an investigation to create something in the pond. Possibility, also to the north or south of Road Bay. They visited a lot of sites: Corito, Dog Island, Scrub Island, Blowing Point, Altamer, Cap Juluca, Rendezvous Bay etc.
This building company, from Nevis and Switzerland, made the choice of Sandy Ground/Road Bay.
Forty years ago in Sandy Ground had 1 or 2 quest houses and 2 restaurants. Today it has about 5 guest houses and 1 hotel. The MARINER, unfortunately, is out of order. The new cargo pier is AWFUL, and about 12 restaurants and entertainment nearly every night. We miss PUMP House.
Sandy Ground is the only night place to live with attraction.
Do you know of anyone today who is going to pick the salt, grow corn and being farmers like our parents and grand parents?
Ask our young people!!!
We teach them tourism business. It is the easiest work in the tourism industry. We need for sure a tourism school, restaurant, hotel etc.
Look at all these foreign business stores. About 15 years ago there were about 5 Anguilla supermarkets. Today they are only 3 Anguilla supermarkets and more than 18 non-Anguillian supermarkets!!!
The most important aspect of the economy of our island is tourism. Anguillian people need Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and this Marina can bring lots of JOBs to the island.
I am thinking about the people of Anguilla and of course, more tourism development.
If you people of Anguilla are happy to get a job you can get a new car, home and make you and your family more comfortable. For that we need $$$. Then the economy will come back.
To end my point of view, as an old experienced man, we are very lucky to live here on this island – and unfortunately with this pandemic which is for life – the next 2 to 3 years will be very difficult. So let’s take the opportunity to start this new project with the MARINA. The world economy is very bad. This is my point of view and the thing about it is that we need to think about our family and the future of Anguilla (the new generation).
HURRAH FOR A MARINA
GOD BLESS YOU
