The Editor,
The Anguillian
Dear Sir:
Losing Anguilla
Anguilla has almost lost our indigenous banks and we are now in danger of losing our local businesses. When was the last time an Anguillian opened a two storey, multifaceted building or a business of any kind to supply goods and services to our public? It appears that foreign ownership is being allowed to take over every aspect of our food industry, wholesale industry and hardware industry. Our population has not changed or increased, so locally-owned establishments are being sidelined and pushed out of business for lack of customers! A quick count of foreign businesses could easily number twenty or more, with new ones coming on stream steadily. While some competition is acceptable, and may be encouraged, this kind of insidious takeover is frightening.
This situation must be blamed on our governments, past and present. If our governments do not look out for Anguilla and Anguillians, and give our interests priority over all others, who will? Do they realize that except for a few necessary licenses to operate, Anguillian money goes out of Anguilla and into foreign economies? Why do we continue to be so gullible and easy ‘pickings’ for other people? What is Anguilla getting out of this situation? No explosion of jobs for our people as the foreigners mostly do their own work, which may be good for them, but again – how does this situation help Anguilla and Anguillian workers? Our Anguillian-owned businesses are now left to fade away and close their doors. A very sad reflection on the way our governments look out for Anguillian interests. Please, no more!
A Worried Anguillian.
