Chief Minister Victor Banks addressing the House.
Leader of the Opposition, Palmavon Webster.
ANGUILLA–Chief Minister Victor Banks and elected Government Ministers, including Leader of the Opposition Palmavon Webster, gathered at Anguilla’s House of Assembly on Monday, April 30, to debate the 2018 Budget presented by the Chief Minister on Monday, April 23, and accepted by the United Kingdom on April 24. Also present for a short period, and warmly welcomed, were young students from a local school brought in by their teachers to get a birds-eye view of Government in action.
With time allotted to all the Ministers present to address the 2018 Budget’s impact on their portfolios, the day-long discussions covered a wide range of both positive and negative commentary of both the budget and the affairs of governance. Opposition Leader Webster began the debate, using the morning session to share reasons for her disapproval of both the budget and the overall state of governmental affairs in Anguilla.
She began her remarks by saying, “I rise today to tell all Anguillians that there is a better way and a better model – a different emphasis that can bring growth to this land and meaning to the lives of Anguillians. I want to lay out a vision for a stronger, better, more inclusive Anguilla, and promote one Anguilla to maximise our potential and seize on the opportunities that we have.” She said that in addition to the stated theme of the 2018 Budget, “Green, Smart, Resilient and Inclusive,” she also wanted the objectives of an open, transparent, accountable and collaborative government for all the people of Anguilla to be added. Of the budget she said, “The current budget is anything but bold and instead of strutting into the future, this island is set to move forward with trepidation and dread. What is needed is an ambitious Marshall Plan for the tourism sector, making grants and small loans available to small Anguillian hoteliers to allow them to get back on their feet post-[Hurricane – Ed.] Irma.”
During her two-hour critique of the budget and the government, she offered solutions which she believes would put Anguilla back on firm financial footing. Some of her proposed solutions were improving the availability of intra-regional airlift into Anguilla through active engagement with airlines while at the same time expanding the airport to accept larger aircraft; introducing robust marina and yachting industries; strengthening the boat-building and fishing industries; and developing health and wellness facilities and adventure tourism to appeal to travellers seeking new experiences that go beyond sun and rum punch. She also said, “We must fast-track our entry into the two alternative sources of energy available to us, i.e. solar and wind, as well as adopt e-government services to increase the efficiency of services to the people of Anguilla which would substantially improve the quality of life.”
The afternoon session resumed with comments from all the Ministers present to counter budgetary and governance points made by the Opposition Leader. The Minister of Health and Minister of Home Affairs were not present. The wide-ranging, lively and occasionally contentious discussions included strong support of the 2018 Budget and the direction being taken by the Government to improve the budgetary conditions of the island. There was consensus from all the Ministers that the Chief Minister deserved praise for his steady leadership and guidance during very difficult times. There were also heated rebuttals to some of the Opposition Leader’s remarks, assertions and statistical information. A very comprehensive presentation was delivered on the current state of Anguilla’s tourism and sports industries as well as insight into the evolving strategic plan to shape and increase visibility and share market in 2018 and beyond.
The Chief Minister, who is also the Minister of Finance, spoke last. He thanked his Ministers for their continued support in the fight to provide positive outcomes for Anguilla given the challenges facing the island. He also singled out and thanked the hardworking staff in the Finance Office who worked tirelessly to craft the 2018 Budget to best meet the budgetary requirements asked by the United Kingdom’s Finance Office. He said, “I feel confident because both my team and I are capable, have the people of Anguilla’s interest at heart and are prepared to work hard. I respect the people that I work with and trust their opinions to do what is necessary to make the case for Anguilla.” He thanked all involved in the budget address and debate process and then commended the Bill to the House to be passed, which it was.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/76215-anguilla-government-debates-2018-budget
View comments
Hide comments