Monday, 2nd November 2020 — Last Thursday morning I awakened feeling an imbalance in my chi. I knew it was an after-effect of listening to the public consultation regarding the mega yacht marina proposed to be built in Sandy Ground. This is a development project we’ve heard talked about for at least the past two years, if not longer.
It appears no matter what the residents in this village or across the island say, the Government of Anguilla is determined to go ahead with environmental studies. Our elected representatives seem to believe this development project was properly vetted because a “definitive agreement” was signed by former Government officials. In actual fact, they gave the impression of not being well prepared to address the People’s concerns and attempted to brush over them. Why is the present Government unwilling to say “NO” to this marina development project?
Regardless of what papers they possess and claim are legally binding, the Government needs to listen carefully to what we, the People, are saying. We need to put a halt to building this marina and get out of any contractual agreements. Not only will a significant number of individuals, families and businesses be displaced if it proceeds, but the impact on the environment will be significant. Don’t we care about the destruction and havoc that will be caused?
As I interpreted the Government Cabinet’s spoken words and statements, the Public was basically informed that a marina will eventually be built no matter what we say. That usurps the People’s self-determination to govern ourselves in a democratic society. Are our voices heard or are we being repressed?
The former Government’s signing of documents agreeing to this development, and not being completely transparent with the Sandy Ground community and all citizens of Anguilla, might be considered deception. So, we must remember Sir Walter Scott’s quote, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!”
Granted, the Anguilla Progressive Movement inherited the Road Salt Pond marina issues that we’re now faced with. So, we cannot blame the APM for our present predicament. However, we must be reminded of their campaign slogan, “Change Can’t Wait”. I’m questioning whether the necessary changes required to evolve our small island state will truly be implemented or will it be more of the same old political shenanigans.
From my analysis, I would say there may be persons in cahoots who are pushing forward this particular development scheme, and we must be wary of them. Whether they’re on the island, in the UK or elsewhere in the world hasn’t truly been revealed. In the Caribbean, we have a tendency to believe developers when they come in with their proposed schemes. We aren’t diligent in sussing out hidden agendas – and too quick to look at the dollar signs.
Across the globe, numerous ploys are played daily with the sole purpose of cunningly abstracting financial resources from individuals, companies and governments. I’m aware of two projects, one on Anguilla and the other in Nevis, which turned out to be duplicitous. Persons lost money, but it wasn’t the developers. Somewhere along the line someone gained something from deceiving others.
We really need to contemplate deeply on what are the consequences of our decisions and actions before taking a huge leap into this mega yacht marina development. Otherwise, we will unconsciously destroy our way of life, culture, heritage and natural environment, and find that we are caught between a rock and a hard place.
As well, we must also diversify our economy and stop relying on tourism as a primary source of employment and boosting the Government’s coffers. The mega yacht development project is just another tourism scheme. It isn’t guaranteed to bring in the high-income expected.
None of us can afford to go backwards nor to remain where we are presently. Change is coming. It must be the correct changes necessary to evolve ourselves to a higher plane of existence.
All a’ we must become more in tune with doing the right thing according to the Most High’s wise guidance and the People’s wishes. Even though it appears we are not listening, God is telling us through these adversities everyone is facing that we need to re-align with the Divine. I pray the Creator guides us in this seriously conflicting, decision-making process, and we gain wisdom.
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Kay M Ferguson is a conscious writer, who writes under the nom de plume Empress Extraordinaire, composing words to enlighten and uplift humanity. Connect with her on social media — Facebook and LinkedIn or email anguillawriter@gmail.com.
