His Excellency Governor Tim Foy, OBE, had only been in Anguilla about two weeks when Hurricane Irma devastated the island in September 2017, severely impacting and setting back the tourism industry and other infrastructure.
With that, and other destruction, it was a gloomy 2017 Christmas, but there is now a brighter 2018 Christmas. Tourism is back on its feet, employment numbers and the benefits of that sector are on the rise; people are rebuilding their lives and properties; and everywhere there is talk about the resilience of Anguilla and its citizenry, and the hope for a New Year of “pouring concrete” particularly in the public sector.
That was the platform on which Governor Foy spoke to The Anguillian at his temporary Government House residence at the scenic Sea Feathers’ Bay on Monday, December 17, during his Christmas drinks reception.
The brief interview went as follows:
What a contrast it is in Anguilla today, the 2018 Christmas Season, to Christmas 2017, Governor Foy?
I think I would say two things: the one thing that is not different is the determination and resilience of the people in Anguilla to put right all the terrible things that happened on that morning [the impact of Hurricane Irma]. We have seen throughout the year that people in the private and public sector, and investors, are really putting their shoulders to the wheel to make things happen. We have seen the tourism industry bounce back, the bank is quite stable and there are a lot of other very positive things. But we have a lot more to do and 2019 is going to be a year of pouring concrete – big time.
It was great to see the stronger CuisinArt Resort reopening; fantastic to see Malliouhana where there were big concerns about the ownership but now it is a credit to the investors; and, of course, credit to Belmond Cap Juluca for turning around the absolute flagship of Anguilla (no disrespect to anybody else). I think that is a testimony to people’s confidence in Anguilla as a place to invest so it is very optimistic for 2019.
I see this with great confidence, to be honest. The strength of the economy is clear for all to see. I think we will see the expansion of the airport – and over the next 18 months or so the new port [at Blowing Point] being built. So I am really optimistic that 2019 and beyond is going to be really, really good. You can’t stop Anguillians. Particularly when times are hard they are unstoppable.
How do you feel about being part of Anguilla’s forward movement, Your Excellency?
That’s kind of you to say so, but at the end of the day it is Anguillians who make Anguilla. It is the determination of the people, and the British Government works with them to make Anguilla stronger and better. And so I think I am really privileged to have the job of Governor. I think I have said that too many times. I probably have one of the easier jobs because I work with people who want things to happen, and I am really determined to make things happen.”
What message do you have for the people of Anguilla this Christmas?
Foremost on my mind is for family and friends, some travelling around the world, to get back together. Dina’s family is here with us and that’s great.
There are plans to demolish and rebuild Government House at Old Ta, in the heartland of Anguilla, from where you and Dr. Foy recently moved. How do you feel after a hard day’s work coming to this beautiful seaside area where you now temporally reside?
I don’t think you can find a more restful view but it changes all the time. From day to day it is never the same and I can always see what weather is coming in from the southeast. This is really what Anguilla is about. It is nice to live in this neighbourhood because I am meeting lots of people including Anguillians who live here, and that’s very nice.
I would wish it [the new Government House] was here. I think the British Government has agreed with Mr. Banks [the Chief Minister] to build on the original site. I think it would probably start sometime in 2019, and the [refurbishing] of the office is very well underway.
Do you think the rebuilding of Government House would be completed during your term of office?
I have mixed feelings about that. I hope at one level it would be. On the other hand, when I look out here [at the breath-taking view], it is probably one of those projects I won’t be too worried if it is a little bit delayed.
