Why the sudden interest by Ministers of Government in this particular matter?
was for Chinese Business Network to assist in directing potential Chinese investment to Anguilla
an economy where the government imposes few or no restrictions and regulations on buyers and sellers. In a free market, participants determine what products are produced, how, when and where they are made, to whom they are offered, and at what price—all based on supply and demand
Trades, Businesses, Occupations and Professions Licensing Act
One of the Government of Anguilla’s important functions is to ensure that the business sector is operated in an environment where there is widespread opportunity, fairness and transparency. Beyond basic fairness, Government should foster a climate that encourages economic freedom and rewards success. Under such conditions, businesses thrive, employment increases, and everyday people do better. The fact that there are a plethora of business licence applications coming to the Ministry, even in these challenging economic times, suggests that the Government of Anguilla has succeeded in creating a pro-business climate and this should be commended
the sort of scandal that surrounds the recent withholding of the business license that I began this article with
- Inclusion of a schedule of business activities reserved for Belongers--This approach has been signed into law in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Under section 15, a schedule could be developed with input from the ACOCI, and passed into law as soon as practicable. Section 15 could be further amended to give the Governor in Council the power to make regulations limiting the number of business licences that could be issued to non-belongers.
- Amend Section 7 to give the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce the option to disprove or deny a Licence after consultation with the ACOCI -- As in the BVI, the Permanent Secretary could be empowered to disprove a licence. However, the reason for disproving the licence must be communicated to the applicant within seven (7) business days. Consideration could be given if the individual in question feels that the disproval is unreasonable. The matter is subject to appeal to the Magistrate by notice of appeal in writing made within 30 days of the imposition of the denial.
Wholesale and retail trade will continue to be owned and controlled mainly by Anguillians. Policy will be implemented to maintain majority Anguillian ownership in the sector.
