The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, José Vanterpool, said recently that though some people might feel that very little has been done by the new Anguilla United Front administration for the three months that it had been in office, “measured action should not be taken for inaction”. He said that the AUF government believes that it is better to “measure twice before cutting once.”
The Minister pointed out that the administration’s first 100 days in office have been defined by important ground work, strategic realignments and proactive collaboration across the various departments.
The Minister of Infrastructure explained that upon coming into office they met a range of various initiatives and plans that may have been well intentioned but lacked critical and foundational elements.
For example, he commented on the airport runway: “Expansion on the airport runway was due to begin in May of this year. We are currently in June. Upon taking up office, it was noted that none of the lands which were required to extend the runway were actually procured by the previous government.”
“We have a new airport terminal building that is due to be handed over and delivered in five months time,” he said, “but yet it was designed without the ability to accommodate jet- bridges.”
He continued: “We have EC$10 Million that is budgeted for the expansion of roads that were identified as ‘priorities’, but the necessary budget that was required in order to develop these priority roads was over the EC$10 Million.”
If we look at that stretch of road between the Jeremiah Highway and South Hill, we would see that the former government started with an initial plan that was budgeted for, but then they altered the plan in order to include sidewalks. And though sidewalks would be a welcome addition for aesthetics and a benefit to members of the community for safety, the lands necessary for the development of these roads and sidewalks were not acquired.
“What this means is that while there was a set budget and there were priorities in place, it would be irresponsible for us as a new administration to rashly rush forward, not knowing the full extent of the financial implications – not on us as an administration, but on you the people of Anguilla who pay the tax dollars that fund the development.”
Mr. Vanterpool also made mention of the Blowing Point basketball facility, which is a steel frame structure provided by donated funds. He pointed out that it does not meet the necessary height to be fit for purpose. He said that it would now require funding from Government to complete it.
He also noted that the AUF administration does not have full transparency as to how the funds on this facility were spent or accounted for. In addition, he indicated that there is a similar issue in Island Harbour where public works were initiated to begin the installation of the steel frame structure for the basketball court there. But he said that this structure, as well, does not meet the height requirements.
Mr. Vanterpool pointed out that this facility was initiated on crown land without the knowledge or engagement of the Department of Lands, Planning, Sports or Ministry of Infrastructure.
