Speaking on the first day of the 10th OCT EU Forum held in Brussels on the 24th January, the Chief Minister of Anguilla, Hon. Hubert Hughes, opened an afternoon of interventions by leaders of the Overseas Countries and Territories from around the world, saying:
“2011 has been another challenging year for Anguilla but we have made great strides in balancing the budget and planning for public expenditure in the coming year.
We have worked hard to manage the effects of the economic downturn, tackling the huge budget deficit that we inherited while sheltering our citizens from the worst excesses of slashing public expenditure.
For the first time in several years, through careful financial management, and despite the down turn Anguilla was able to record positive budgetary outturns. We aim to continue on the path towards achieving a balanced budget in 2012 as determined by our member state.
We know that the EU shares our aims to balance the public finances while also maintaining social stability and social justice. The funds available to us through EDF 10 and which are due to be disbursed over the course of this year and next year will make a positive difference to the Island’s development.
Going forward we hope to work together with the EU; building partnerships to promote economic development on Anguilla and throughout the EU’s Overseas Territories.”
