Dear Editor,
The Honourable Chief Minister Victor Banks insists that his primary business is putting the country on track. He said the country faces real challenges indicating, his task at the moment is to deal with some very high intensity matters including budgetary issues with Great Britain.
“The executive council spends long hours in sessions on a daily basis, with a full focus of getting the country on track.” He was adamant that many of the issues he is dealing with are crucial to the direction of the country and are fundamental to setting the country on course. The Banks Government has been in office less than six months.
The indigenous Bank crisis is a matter of grave importance for The Honourable Chief Minister, who remains very adamant and optimistic, declaring that some of the key players in the dialogue are working together with him for a resolution. The question was asked about the merging of both banks that answer was not clear but assumptions are, both banks would be merged as a permanent solution to the crisis. Mr. Banks indicated, that in such a scenario it will not be an instant undertaking but an exercise that would take some time, probably years.
He said, “I will not allow these banks to be taken away from the people of Anguilla, we must be prepared to make a direct input; some degree of taxation may be necessary, sacrifices must be made in seeking a sound conclusion.” In that regard he admonished the Anguillian people to support their national banks and make them strong institutions. Mr. Banks warned, those persons having debt, should be prepared to deal with their debt to the banks; he expects that all bad debts would remain the responsibility of the debtors. He was unable to give full details, claiming information on the situation remains strictly confidential.
All Ministers gave indication of the serious workload on behalf of the country. In sports, the Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Cardigan Connor said he is presently engaged in developing a new running track for the island. “Our athletes in track and field will in the future have a new running track, to better develop this sport.” He also spoke of the tourism of season, indicating, there is consideration to expand sports into a tourist product, during the off season, combined with some aspects of Caribbean tourism, which is the second largest niche in our tourism market and fits right with our major Summer Festival. With sufficient concentration and promotion, this is an area we feel can improve the slow season in our tourism development.”
The Minister of Health made a significant input, becoming very emotional, as he described the state of health care on the island. The Honourable Minister Mr. Evans McNeil seems optimistic about education on the island, but said, the health care situation has his heart broken and he intends to improve the health situation for the people. He said it is his promise to deliver a modern health care facility to the people of Anguilla.
Mr. McNeil talked about the frequency of incidents on the island, requiring overseas services; he said patients are flown out at all hours, as far as Panama, incurring very high cost and these cost must be covered. He said it is his obligation to make a difference in health on Anguilla and he has already initiated a programme where the hospital must be better equipped.
The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure Curtis Richardson talked about the water situation on the island; he said he had set several dates by which he thought he could meet the goal of delivering water to the people and apologized because of constraints. The Minister said progress has been made. He acknowledged that there is water loss because of leakage and expressed concern of instances where water is being stolen as well, but indicated very strongly that with the serious effort of the Water Authority and the Water Board, having installed a new Chairman, they will complete an effective watery delivery system to the people of Anguilla shortly.
The Minister, who had been very adamant in his campaign, now faces the reality that the machinery of Government turns very slowly and is massively bureaucratic. He said, he tested the system very early on and learned some lessons, but has proven that things can be done through the correct process. He was talking about a new road he started work on coming up from Sandy Ground to South Hill. The Minister said this road will be completed.
The Minister of Immigration and Labour, the Honourable Cora Hodge Richardson, was very specific in her delivery; she indicated in several instances where policy has been adapted and legislation drafted to affect the required changes she is adapting in several areas of her Ministry. It is clear that the Honourable Minister is at work.
Earlier, several complaints were lodged about the conduct of Immigration and Customs Officers at Blowing Point port, action was taken in improving situations there. The Labour and Immigration Minister said she is making changes to the Belonger Status Law, affecting the grand children of Anguillians and when that is done, grand children of Belongers of Anguilla would be free to live and work on Anguilla.
She said her ministry has started work on establishing a minimum wage system in the island’s labour market which would affect the various categories of skilled and unskilled workers. A minimum wage would be set in all categories; legislation is presently being drafted to make these changes.
The issue of a Government spokesman was raised, The Honourable Victor Banks said, a Government spokesman is a key asset to the performance of government and will come. He doesn’t believe there is a shortage, or vacuum in information to the people, he said, some are anticipating information they want to hear.
Elliot J. Harrigan.
