The response to the Government’s public consultation on the proposed and disputed mega-yacht
marina in the Road Pond, Sandy Ground, could not be better. Residents, not only from Sandy Ground, but generally from across Anguilla, crowded the Teachers’ Resource Centre for the event on Wednesday evening, October 28.
The consultation followed a rowdy meeting, held at Roy’s Beach Restaurant, by the Sandy Ground community on October 9. There residents, including a number of speakers, loudly expressed their opposition to the project.
Just about the same level of objection was seen at the Government’s public consultation. The noisy interruptions by opponents, prompted calls for order to allow some persons, with well-reasoned opinions and commentary, to speak freely. Many residents from the Sandy Ground area wore t-shirts with the slogan: “No Yacht Marina at Sandy Ground.”
The public consultation got underway with Premier Dr. Ellis Webster outlying the project proposals from the developers as contained in the MOU definitive agreement signed by the previous Government of Anguilla on June 2, 2020. Among other matters, the MOU calls for 120 acres of Crown land and privately-owned land, at Sandy Ground, to be taken up by the project. It is proposed that the marina would provide for the berthing of some 250 yachts and that there would also be a number of villas owned by the company, Sandy Ground Development Limited. It is estimated that the entire project would take up to about three years to be built and functional.
Premier Webster stressed that the consultation was to hear the views of all the people of Anguilla. He pointed out that there was a need to diversify the economy and to provide new employment opportunities. He stressed that the Government would set out the terms of reference for the developers and would involve the Sandy Ground residents in particular, as well as the people of Anguilla in general. He also emphasised that an Environmental Impact Study and a Social Impact Assessment were required. He stated that if no detrimental effects were found, the Government would be inclined to approve the project. He appealed to the people to be patient and to await the outcome of both studies.
Following the Premier’s address, the floor was opened to questions which took up a considerable amount of time.
Premier Webster was assisted in his explanations by the Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Development, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie; the Minister of Social Development and Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers; and the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes. The Elected Representative for Road North, which includes Sandy Ground, Mr. Merrick Richardson, spoke about his personal sentiments about the project as well as the need to wait for the outcome of the studies.
The over two hours public consultation was conducted by the Special Ministerial Assistant in the Premier’s Office, Mr. Courtney Morton. The consultation ended with the understanding that there was a need for patience, and that it was necessary to await the findings of the Environmental Impact Study and the Social Impact Assessment. Those results would be the basis to determine the outcome of the project – for or against.
