The newly-created Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Commerce, Information Technology and Natural Resources, has a wide and robust programme of work for 2021.
It is the fifth Ministry of Government which was largely created as a result of a split of the Premier’s hefty work load. The new Ministry followed an amendment to the Anguilla Constitution made by the United Kingdom Government during the administration of the Anguilla United Front Government. The Ministry took effect when the Anguilla Progressive Movement came to power following the June 2020 general election.
The Minister responsible for the Ministry is Mr. Kyle Hodge who is being assisted with Economic Development by Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie.
The Ministry and its varied Departments were referred to in the 2021 Budget Address delivered by Premier Dr. Ellis Webster, in the House of Assembly, on December 18, 2020.
In detailing the budget allocation for the Ministry – its Departments and their wide work programme – Dr. Webster gave the following information:
“The Ministry of Economic Development is the newest Ministry. The 2021 recurrent budget allocation is EC$8.53 million. Previously, this Ministry was included as part of the Ministry of Finance. The three departments that constitute this Ministry are the Departments of Information Technology and E-Government Services, Statistics, and Natural Resources.
“Restoring Anguilla’s Economy Innovatively and Sustainably requires a collective effort. Government must create the enabling environment for growth having considered the economic outlook locally and internationally as well as the challenges and concerns of the private sector. The private sector in turn must be responsive to the needs of its customers, be willing to adapt its business model in keeping with global trends and be compliant with Government’s regulations.
“The Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Commerce, Information Technology and Natural Resources is committed to the vision of “A thriving economy for a sustainable future”. As such, the Ministry will focus its efforts over the next year on encouraging entrepreneurship, innovative business development and economic diversification. While tourism will likely continue to be Anguilla’s main industry, it is imperative that we build other industries so that Anguilla can remain buoyant during times of crisis.
“The Ministry has just completed a new Business Licence Policy and in 2021 will be implementing new legislation to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the licensing process, increase transparency in business ownership and promote and protect certain industries for local business. The fee structure will be revised to incentivise rather than discourage business development.
“Focus will also be placed on the manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries sectors with support being offered to lower the cost of production and introduce new methods and technology to enable those sectors to be more viable and competitive. Special attention will be paid to the creative economy and in collaboration with the Department of Youth and Culture, the Ministry will work to encourage Creatives to formalise their businesses; and seek the support of the UK Government in extending Conventions for the protection of their intellectual property.
“Investment in the blue and green economy, FinTech, technology-based businesses, renewable energy and other emerging areas will be specifically targeted. Additionally, the Ministry will actively pursue opportunities for controlled population growth by encouraging the development of offshore educational institutions and revisiting the residence by investment programme to make it more attractive for persons who may be interested in establishing businesses in Anguilla. The legislative framework for the economic residence programme and special economic zones is already in place and with our visitor work-from-home programme (digital nomads), the opportunity is ripe for those who fall in love with Anguilla to transition to a more long- term connection by investing in a home or establishing a business.
“Madam Speaker in the coming year, this Ministry will be coordinating the effort for the creation of a long-term National Development Plan for Anguilla. In the initial stages, this may be limited to proposals for sectoral plans until we are able to mobilise resources for a project of larger scope. If we are to work to restoring the economy this administration believes that it is of paramount importance to define the goals and objectives for Anguilla and work assiduously towards their achievement.
Department for Information Technology and E-government Services (DITES)
“The Department for Information Technology and E-government Services remains focused on the digitalisation of Government services to reduce inefficiencies, create better workflows and improve the client experience.
“Madam Speaker, similar to Governments around the world, the Government of Anguilla is embracing electronic government by putting critical information online, automating once cumbersome processes and interacting electronically with our citizens. This will also allow greater public access to information and make government more accountable to citizens. Focused on efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Anguilla the roll out of various E-Systems will continue such as the New Land Information System, the Online payment gateway, the implementation of a single window portal for all Government services and the implementation of a new I-visit portal for persons wanting to travel to Anguilla under the COVID-19 restrictions.
Department of Natural Resources
“The Department of Natural Resources is mandated to achieve Food Security, Sustainable Fishing & Agriculture and Climate Adaptation & Resilience. Madam Speaker, now, more than ever before, we must strive to strike a sustainable balance between food production and natural resource management such that we can meet the needs of our communities and stimulate economic growth without exceeding the carrying capacity of our natural resources. This relies heavily on the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that prioritises innovation, diversification, conservation and regulation as well as the establishment of public-private partnerships. The recent merger of three separate departments into this single, stronger department has also provided an opportunity to revamp our operations by identifying additional products and services that may generate revenue, thus improving our contribution to the Government of Anguilla’s mission to sustainably and innovatively restore Anguilla’s economy.
“The important mandate of this Department is further emphasised by phenomena such as COVID-19 and the associated disruption in the movement of people and goods around the globe. This strengthens our desire to integrate practices that can build food security and provides motivation to foster closer relationships with key trading partners. The Department of Natural Resources has a role to play in every pillar of sustainability and will continue to take a multi-sectoral approach to fulfilling this role.”
