The Anguillian takes pride in highlighting, for the consideration of its readers matters which are of concern, or which are likely to be of concern, to Anguilla’s various stakeholders. In many instances, such concerns are raised for public consideration well before they begin to manifest themselves. This was highlighted by the recent spate of comments on H M Governor’s Office Facebook page, in response to their posting on the renderings for the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. The general consensus, which appears to be shared by many internal and external stakeholders, is that the relevant persons need to go back to the ‘drawing board’.
In its editorial of 27th July, 2018, titled “Facilitating Progress After Hurricane Irma”, The Anguillian commented on the slow pace of progress in repairing and rebuilding infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma. The need for cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders, to ensure that Anguilla realised the benefits of the UK grant funds made available after the passage of Hurricane Irma, was addressed. The salient paragraphs of the editorial are repeated below:
“It appears that blame for the slow pace of proceedings can be spread among appointed and elected officials, representing Anguilla and the United Kingdom. Local officials had to ‘jump through many hoops’ before a portion of the approved UK Aid Funds was released. The released funds, however, cannot be utilised until a final determination is made as to where such funds should be focused – and the amount that should be focused on the identified project. It is my understanding that Anguilla’s appointed and elected officials have been slow to make final determinations as to how the available funds will be utilised. Additionally, where funding has been allocated to a particular project, disagreements between public officers and FCO employees, on technical issues, delay progress – and invariably some of the allocated funds are utilised to resolve the technical disagreements. This has involved, I understand, the employment of technical expertise, using a portion of the allocated funds, or the use of expensive technical measures which local experts consider to be unnecessary.
These wranglings have contributed to the delayed repairing and rebuilding of damaged or destroyed public infrastructure. It is obvious that without cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders, involved in the rebuilding process, Anguilla will lose. The biggest loss will be reflected in the poor utilisation of the available funds, potentially resulting in the projects undertaken being incomplete or entire projects not being undertaken because funds were not efficiently utilised.
The failure to efficiently and effectively utilise the UK Grant Aid Funds will reflect poorly on all GoA and UK stakeholders, and will likely result in Anguilla continuing into the foreseeable future with unsustainable infrastructure – when more timely decision-making and appropriate use of available funds might have prevented this situation.
It’s not too late to try to get it right. The potential for poor utilisation of the available funds can be alleviated if stakeholders achieve an appropriate level of cooperation and collaboration when considering the various projects. To achieve this, mutual respect must be demonstrated by professionals as they engage with each other and egos must be left at the door. This is essential if Anguilla is to realise the intended and desired benefits of the grant funds and will be reflected in the timely delivery of approved projects.”
The Anguillian in its editorial of 30th March, 2018, titled “Exploiting a Vulnerable Anguilla”, considered the stringent requirements of the UK Government before the UK Grant could be disbursed and commented on the people’s expectations of the Governor. The following observations were made:
“What of His Excellency Governor Tim Foy? He is on the ground and one anticipates fully aware of Anguilla’s plight. Is he communicating his personal observations and experiences effectively, or is it that the UKG is placing no reliance on his observations? ….
“Governor Foy has a role to play in effectively communicating Anguilla’s plight and we hope that this will result in the much-needed aid funds being dispersed without recourse to the stringent demands currently being made by the UKG. I also noted in the editorial of 25th August, 2017 that in his remarks at his welcome reception Governor Foy, in expressing how he hoped his time with us would be viewed, quoted Oscar Wilde who said, ‘Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.’ Any intervention on the part of Governor Foy, resulting in the timely release of the UK Grant funds to alleviate any potential life threatening conditions, that could be caused by failure of the UKG to deploy the aid committed by the UK Government, would certainly set Governor Foy well on the path to causing happiness in Anguilla by his presence. Our mother country must be convinced that its apparent exploitation of our vulnerabilities is wholly unacceptable.”
Do we have a choice in how our Ferry Terminal will look when completed, or must we simply accept what is ‘gifted’ to us? Governor Foy, on the occasion of his swearing-in, noted that he expected to be judged on his actions rather than his rhetoric. The Governor appeared to recognise that Anguillians will not be persuaded as to his good intentions by mere words, but rather by actual deeds. He appeared to accept that we will demand more than mere lip service, from him, in support of inititives, which are beneficial to Anguilla. Will the Governor use his authority and influence to ensure that Anguillian stakeholders be allowed meaningful input in the final designs for the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal? Will his actions demonstrate that the UK will not operate from the premise that he who pays the piper calls the tune?
We have many examples of UK funded infrastructural developments in Anguilla which have been completed without regard for the cautionary views of well-respected Anguillians. This lack of regard for the views of local talent has resulted in buildings whose design ultimately proved unsuitable, in many respects, for their intended and desired purpose. Having been forewarned, it is hoped that appropriate steps will be taken by all relevant persons, including Governor Tim Foy OBE, to secure and value the input of relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, when completed, is not deemed unsuitable for its intended and desired purpose.
