Leader of Government business and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, has revealed during the House of Assembly sitting on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, that the total adjustments relative to the Government’s relief due to the Middle East war was approximately EC$10 Million.
In terms of a breakdown, Government specified that a major subsidy of electricity (fuel surcharge) amounts to over EC$6 Million; the measure of freight and insurance removal from customs duties amounts to EC2.4 Million; and fuel at the pumps and LPG cooking gas duty concessions amount to EC$1.5 Million.
Speaking in the House during the introduction of the Customs Temporary Modification of Valuation of Imports Act, the Premier emphasized that while this is a substantial intervention, designed to protect households and businesses from external shocks, it is being undertaken with careful judgment rather that with exuberance.
“This Government understands that sound public finance is not an end in itself,” the Premier stated. “It is the means by which we protect people, preserve stability and create conditions for resilience. The people of Anguilla expect seriousness from their government. They expect compassion, but they also expect competence. They expect us to measure carefully, to act responsibly, and to stand with them when international events beyond our shores begin to affect life within our homes, our businesses and our communities.”
“And so I say plainly,” she continued, “this government will continue to govern with steadiness, with discipline and with purpose. We will not gamble with the public finances, but neither will we shrink from using them wisely to temporarily protect our people when circumstances demand it. We will continue to act, not carelessly nor theatrically, and not for applause but because this is what serious government requires.”
“This is a government that understands that the cost of living is not an abstract phrase. It is the cost of feeding a family, keeping a business open, paying a light bill, restocking a shelves and completing a home. And where we can provide relief in a way that is lawful, measured, temporary, and fiscally responsible, we will do so.
“This is the cost of putting people first,” she affirmed.
By James R. Harrigan
