Fellow Anguillians, Residents of Anguilla, as we near the end of 2020, we take the opportunity to stop and reflect on the past year – where we are, from whence we came and to where we go in the future. There is no doubt that 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, although it did not begin as such.
The start of the year brought increased tourist arrivals and what was shaping up to be a tremendous year in tourism, our main industry. People were working and we were all excited about the prospects of an amazing year.
March, however, brought the grim realization of covid-19 and the potential devastating impact on our people and the country. The Anguilla United Front Government of the day, in conjunction with the hard working team in the Ministry of Health, recognized the threat that covid-19 could and would bring to our shores if swift action was not taken. Decisive and immediate measures were taken in closing our borders, unfortunately leaving many of our people overseas. Repatriating Anguillians became the number one priority on re-opening, followed by a phased process to welcome our visitors back to our shores.
In the midst of so much uncertainty, general elections were held in June of 2020. The people of Anguilla selected a new government to lead us forward for the next five years. Notwithstanding this, as opposition members we remain vigilant and committed to continuing to protect the rights of all Anguillians and residents of Anguilla, holding our Government accountable and ensuring that our voices continue to be heard.
Today, our government has been able to reap the fruits of labor of the previous administration. The decision to close our borders in March 2020 and be deliberate in how re-open has turned out to be one of the most critical decisions made in 2020. It has allowed Anguilla to: (i) remain relatively covid free, (ii) capture positive cases on arrival into Anguilla and (iii) ensure these persons are quarantined, thereby minimizing the possibility of community spread. It is a platform on which this new Government has now been able to build.
There are so many other platforms created by the Anguilla United Front which is being continued by our new administration. Funds to the tune of 60 Million Pounds obtained from the UK which was negotiated by Government under the leadership of former Premier the Honourable Mr. Victor Banks has resulted in upgraded health and education projects, as well as improving other Government systems. The construction of all of these projects under the Anguilla Programme during the year 2020 ensured that the construction sector remained vibrant and spurred economic activity, despite our borders being closed from March to November.
The MOU with the UK signed by former Premier Mr. Banks has allowed both the former and current administrations to continue to pay civil servants and ensure the continuity of government services across Anguilla, while our borders remained closed. While this MOU was criticized by the current administration during the election cycle, we know that the Premier Honourable Mr. Lorenzo Webster has been engaged in negotiations for additional funds from the UK to assist Anguilla for the year 2021.
The many projects and programmes started under the Anguilla United Front administration which are being continued under this new administration, all for the benefit of Anguilla and its people. There is no doubt that the AUF Government, during its five year term, has played a critical role in charting the course through difficult circumstances; circumstances such as the economic downturn which began in 2007, the banking resolution, Hurricane Irma and covid-19.
And as we close out 2021, we welcome 2021 with anticipation. Our people are full of hope and expectations. With the potential arrival of vaccines to our shores, we look forward to a new normal where our country is re-opened, our people will continue to remain safe and healthy, our economy rebounds and our new school buildings and health facilities are opened.
The Anguilla United Front remains proud of our record and we look forward to this new Government continuing to build on the foundations that have already been laid.
As Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Deputy Party Leader of the Anguilla United Front, Representative of the Sandy Hill District and on behalf of myself and my family, I wish each and every one of you a safe, blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
