While currently in the United Kingdom engaged in the Joint Ministerial Council Meetings, both the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster and the Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Haydn Hughes, have assured Anguillians of the continuance of the Senior Shield Programme as well as the redevelopment of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport.
While expressing his delight in meeting with the Anguillians in Slough last Sunday, the Premier said: “If there is any concern about Senior Shield, I would like to assure the people of Anguilla that Senior Shield is a part of our recurring expenditure and it has been budgeted for, so it will continue. I would like to confirm that Senior Shield is here to stay.”
“Also, the airport project will continue,” he said. “We have reserves which will be used to construct the terminal and get the runway extension done, in capital.”
Meanwhile the Minister of Infrastructure reported that they have had productive meetings. Amidst the concerns, he too gave his commitment for the redevelopment of the airport.
“We have had a series of productive meetings at the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and the Anguilla Diaspora,” he said. “Things are moving along well, and we are doing all we can for Anguilla.”
“There have been some concerns about Senior Shield,” he noted. “But as long as this administration is in office, Senior Shield will continue. And apart from that, the work on the airport will also continue as we endeavour to build a new Anguilla.”
The announcements from Premier Webster and Minister Hughes came following the British Government’s denial of assistance for the redevelopment of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport.