In a small developing island like Anguilla there is an urgent need for both the government and the business sector to work together to ensure the growth of the economy, job creation and improvement in the quality of life of the citizenry. We hear so often, mainly from the mouths of our politicians in government, that they cannot work towards the development or enhancement of the island alone, and need the involvement and support of those NGOs and corporate citizens they presume are in a position to help. But the question is: how really does government honestly seek to involve representatives of the business sector in its decision-making process?
Surely, governments are elected to govern but not all governments, even in today’s 21st century, have in their leadership the required acumen to adequately deal with business development, economic matters and investment which are key factors in a country’s progress.
The business sector is replete with well-qualified people who, by reason of their professional education, and long experience in various fields, have the capacity to advise and work with government in nation-building.
Such persons can be found in NGOs like the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has developed, from its formative years, into what may now be described as a very vibrant organisation with considerable clout in business development and investment possibilities. In any developing country, Chambers of Commerce and Industry are recognised as powerful bodies working, through a number of core objectives, to champion the needs of small businesses and to influence government action where necessary. InAnguilla, the aims of the growing Chamber and Commerce and Industry are no different, especially in these difficult economic times when both government and failing businesses require so much support.
In recent times, since the onslaught of the economic and financial situation, the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been endeavouring to let its voice be heard in matters such as taxation. In one instance, one of the very active executive members complained about having been rebuffed by one of the government‘s visiting advisors, but in the main there have been no other complaints with respect to dealings with other Task Force agents. The reality of the situation is that government needs guidance/assistance with respect to its fiscal policies, and if the Chamber can present a band of advisors who can offer proper advice, as it no doubt can, it would be foolhardy not to seek and accept that help.
One of the belaboured points expressed to government by the Chamber – through its president, and other executive officers – is that the answer toAnguilla’s economic and fiscal woes is not more and more taxation, but more and more investment; and that, correspondingly, there should be a balancing act between taxes and investments.
On the surface, it cannot be disputed that the government has been trying to encourage investment, but when one examines the number of tourism projects for which MOUs have been signed, without fulfillment, the effort by government seems grossly futile and disappointing.
It is no wonder that there is so much frustration and anxiety in the labour market, and the business community, manating from a virtually dead economy and low revenue generation. One solid investment, with the coming into being of a major project, can land substantial sums of money, in the form of stamp duty, in the coffers of the Treasury Department and provide guaranteed employment for many of our people and a new wave of benefit contributions to Social Security. Certainly, if this lack of meaningful and refreshing investment is not somehow urgently addressed,Anguillaand its people may experience a long andagonising economic and fiscal malady, the closure of more businesses and, perhaps, even the unfortunate collapse of the government.
The Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry is, by all appearances, a very serious and committed organisation. Aside from its advocacy on behalf of businesses, and the fostering of a healthy business environment, the Chamber’s networking activities and forums, in which members have an important input in decisions affecting the community, are some of its other key initiatives in support of the economic and social development ofAnguilla.
In order to function effectively, the Chamber must attract within its membership a greater number of businesses to assist it to be better able, and with a stronger voice, to influence public policy through its lobbying efforts with government. Those efforts must not only be intended to ensure a healthy business community – and to build value and opportunity for members – but for the greater good of the island’s citizenry on a whole.
The government must be prepared to listen to sound advice, and to cooperate with those in the business sector who are prepared to work with it on various important economic and other societal issues. A strong Chamber of Commerce and Industry can be a guiding light for government in the way forward, and can help to save the economy. Certainly, the Chamber’s advice to halt more taxation – and concentrate on more investment – is a recommendation to accept swiftly, and one that experts from outside the island need not be brought in for thanks or money.
