The passage of Hurricane Irma and the destruction left in its path remain etched in the memory of all those who experienced it. Such was the devastation to the island’s infrastructure that many persons felt justified in expressing the pessimistic view that Anguilla was finished – as it had no prospects of recovery. As usual, the tenacity and resilience of Anguillians rose to the surface and Anguilla led the way in the region on the path to recovery – from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma. That we have come a considerable way since Irma visited us, in September 2017, cannot be questioned.
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma, even the pessimists started to regain hope when the UK Government confirmed that it was coming to Anguilla’s aid in the sum of 60 million pounds. This announcement was welcomed by Anguillians and is still very much appreciated. Based on the rollout of the projects identified to be delivered, using these funds, many believe that it is fair to say that Anguilla’s path to recovery to date has been due primarily to its own resilience and ingenuity. A glaring instance is the continued delivery of secondary education despite the destruction of much of the infrastructure that supported secondary education, prior to the passage of Hurricane Irma. The new campus has still not manifested its presence, as the ground has not yet been turned at the designated site.
The new secondary campus is only one of a number of other projects, to be funded from the UK grant, that are yet to manifest their presence by the turning of the soil at the designated sites. It appears that reliance has not been placed on the architectural skills of personnel in Anguilla’s Ministry / Department of Infrastructure – and instead a UK firm has reportedly been engaged to carry out that function. Why hasn’t this expertise, which it is understood is being paid for from the UK funds, seen the more timely delivery of the UK funded projects?
Anguillians’ feelings are now, understandably, moving to concern. We are aware of the UK’s involvement in the St Helena airport debacle and we are witnessing the Brexit drama as it unfolds daily. Interestingly, the reassurances of the Governor on Brexit’s impact on Anguilla, and Anguillians, appear to be at odds with views being expressed by Anguilla’s representative to the UK and EU.
The Governor’s Office has been commended for its communication machinery as it is a leader in engaging the populace – through its Facebook postings. However, it is believed that a number of substantial matters are still to be addressed. More is expected with respect to the delivery of the UK funded projects – which must be delivered with some urgency.
Urgent, meaningful and visible action on the delivery of the Anguilla Programme is required to allay any misgivings being experienced by many community members, about the delivery of the UK funded projects. Anguillians and all others who, understandably, expect to be the beneficiaries of the Anguilla Programme, deserve real answers about the reasons for the painfully slow delivery of the long-awaited projects.
Let’s have the real explanations for the long delay?
