Letters

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

BACK TO WELL WATER

I am writing to The Anguillan in hopes that there was an error made in the news item of 13 June concerning the distribution of water. The article quotes Mr. Larry Franklin as stating that,“…Unaccounted For Water (UFW) was about 70% of water purchased…” and that “…theft of water [is] estimated at 50% of the total water purchased.”

The Editor,
The Anguillian Newspaper

Dear Sir:

A few months ago, a small aircraft crashed on take-off near the eastern end of the airport runway. Witnesses say the aircraft lost power in both engines and narrowly missed neighbouring homes in the area. The airport was closed for most of the day and a team of investigators was flown here from Antigua to investigate the incident. As far as can be determined, no one has ever heard the results of that investigation. What happened? was there no fuel in either engine? was there pilot error or did carelessness play a role in this crash?

A couple weeks ago I read with some interest and unease the negative comments made concerning the appointment of Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett to the post of Permanent Secretary of Education, Library Services, Sports, Youth and Culture. The thrust of criticism appears to be based on the flawed notion that experience in a particular field should be determinative in the selection process.

Shakim Richardson’s Grandpa, Thomas Richardson, celebrated his 80th Birthday on Sunday 25th May. At a service at the Apostolic Faith Church in The Valley, that day, Shakim read a letter to his Grandpa which said:

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir

Knee Jerk Thinking: No Longer an Option in Government

Much has been said about the appointment of Mrs Chanelle Petty-Barrett to the post of Permanent Secretary of Education, Youth and Culture. Certainly, the appointment is surprising as one would naturally expect that an educator should fill such an important position. Perhaps, experience (in Anguilla that often reads as ‘age’) is important. Training in the field of education should have been considered a priority. The arguments are logical, but are they relevant? Not really.

To the Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

There is much talk these days in the media about the increasing cost of fuel and food. Inflation is already starting to inch up in those countries which are dependent upon imported goods and Anguilla is no exception.

Dear Mr. Editor,

PLIGHT OF MIGRANT WORKERS

Underlying the flourish of development that enables the pockets of some Anguillians and investors alike to be gilt is a rising groan from the cogs that make this development possible. While it is appreciated that the Labour Department and Immigration Department work at enforcing laws that seek to control the influx of migrants who participate in the development of this nation, it is felt that there is a hostility towards these migrant workers, especially those from other Caribbean territories.

The Editor
The Anguillian
The Valley
Anguilla

Dear Editor,

THE PEOPLE NEED TO BE TOLD THE FACTS ON THE ADAM ARON CAP JULUCA DEAL

Thank you for the opportunity to make a few comments regarding the alleged sale of Cap Juluca to a new group led by Mr. Adam Aron.

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

BLOODS & CRIPS

10 years ago, in 1998, I wrote my very first article in the LIGHT, and then it was published in the Anguillan entitled, “when will it stop!” I had noticed that certain young men in the Valley, South Hill and Blowing Point were starting to fight wherever they met. These fights had escalated to the use to knives and my article highlighted this and asked, if it will stop when persons died.

NICA SHOULD NOT BE LIQUIDATED

Dear Sir,

We promised in our last letter to address the option of liquidating NICA and to present reasons why this option is not favourable for NICA and its shareholders.

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

KEEP ANGUILLA BEAUTIFUL

I have just spent a wonderful week on your beautiful island of Anguilla. I met old friends, made new friends, swam from the stunning beaches and ate some delicious meals. So why am I writing a letter to The Anguillian about that? Well, I was concerned by the amount of rubbish I saw – beer bottles thrown into bushes, black plastic bags caught in trees, plastic floating in the sea.

Dear Sir,

The possibility of geothermal power for Anguilla gives us all a reason to hope for “brighter” times ahead. The CEO of the West Indies Power Company of Nevis also mentions the possibility of a reduction cost of 50 percent for electricity. While no one would be so naïve as to believe in these purported reduction costs, even the sceptics may be beginning to see some light.

Dear Sir:

Witnessing the coming together of the people of Anguilla during the recent search and rescue of Sam ‘Miracle’ Webster was a most heartfelt and inspiring happening for my wife and me.

The phrase ‘bland architecture’ is wonderful! For many years some of us have been discussing the lack of planning or foresight in the Valley area and could not think of a delicate way to say it but ‘bland architecture’ exactly fits the so-called architecture of the area. (There are, of course, one or two exceptions). Box like structures are popping up without a thought to design or aesthetics.

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

MORE LOST ANGUILLA BEACHES

Almost 2 years ago, 10 representatives of government – including 3 ministers – toured the West End beaches with the West End Concerned Group, and committed to improve beach access and correct several building abuses. Let’s take a look at what progress – or lack of progress – has been made.

The following letter was written by Anthony (Tony) Lee who served as Senior British Official and Commissioner in the early years of the Anguilla Revolution. Mr. Lee, 84, lives in Suffolk, England, from where he keeps in close contact with the island and is a long-time subscriber to The Anguillian.

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

My wife Connie and I first came to Anguilla in 1985 and have returned every year since. Over that time, we’ve become increasingly dismayed by the transformation of the island we came to love all those years ago, but we’ve always thought it proper to keep our opinions to ourselves.

The Editor,
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

Recently there has been much interest in the newly installed fuel tanks at the airport in Anguilla. The words ‘state of the art’ (whatever that means) were used to describe the project. Congratulations to all those concerned, but the project could require reassessment. Should these tanks be above ground, or buried underground for safety reasons? No gas station anywhere has tanks above ground.After making some enquiries, there was general agreement that indeed there was cause for concern.

Dear Editor,

I must ask: Has the system contributed to our children’s lack of motivation to strive for academic excellence? I attended the recent graduation ceremony of the Class of 2007 of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. As I sat waiting for the ceremony to begin, I perused the awards on the back of the programme.

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

ANGLEC’S BILLING SYSTEM

I am writing this letter to the attention of the General Manager of Anglec. I am very unhappy with your billing system. You send customers a bill each month with a date in bold print saying: “Please pay Current Charges before 9/20/2007 to avoid disconnection.”