Anguilla moves closer to a major milestone in its economic development with an official meeting on Monday 29 April, 2025 held by Hon. Premier and Minister of Finance, Cora Richardson Hodge, Hon. Minister of Economic Development, Kyle Hodge and Trade and Investment Officer, Jamil Harrigan. Together they met with the developers of the Special Economic Zone who are the owners and operators of AzurSez. They were also joined by MAKE Financial Technologies SEZC Limited, the first physical business to establish operations within the island’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
MAKE, developed by fintech executive James Francisco Turner Lazaro is a technology-driven platform designed to serve the fast-growing global creator economy. As part of its initial footprint, MAKE is in the process of establishing a customer support center that is expected to hire between 8 to 15 young Anguillians in its first phase, with plans for future expansion.
To support this, MAKE intends to partner closely with the Ministry of Education and local higher education institutions to recruit and develop local talent.
The journey to this point began in 2019 with the passage of SEZ legislation under the AUF administration led by Mr. Victor Banks. Despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision for a thriving Special Economic Zone was kept alive through innovative efforts such as the development of a virtual SEZ city under the former minister of economic development Kyle Hodge and later Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster. However, the true benefits were always expected to materialize with physical investments, bringing real economic substance, jobs, and opportunity to Anguilla.
This vision is now becoming reality. At an official welcoming meeting, several key figures came together to further chart the course: James Francisco Turner Lazaro (MAKE), Christopher Burke (EQIBANK), Steve Garlick (AZUR), Ron Cho (AZUR), and Michael Glass (AZUR), along with Jamil Harrigan, Anguilla’s Trade and Investment Officer. This meeting was an important moment to officially welcome the teams, discuss future collaboration, and encourage strong local support.
Questions were asked and comments were shared, and there was a shared spirit of optimism and partnership. Together, we are committed to building a relationship that lasts and contributes meaningfully to Anguilla’s long-term growth.
The SEZ team alongside MAKE will be meeting various ministries while here in addition to securing a lease agreement to house the call center amongst other things. It is expected that in a few months that the call center will be in operation.
This meeting brings into realization the long-term vision for economic diversification by the Government of Anguilla, to attracting meaningful, job-creating investments. The Government warmly welcomes MAKE and the AZUR team and stands ready to support their transition every step of the way.
We believe this partnership will serve as a catalyst for innovation, youth employment, and sustainable economic growth for Anguilla.
Congratulations once again to MAKE, AZUR, and all involved, and welcome to Anguilla, your new home for opportunity, growth, and prosperity.
