Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2469/-1/135/
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BANKS: "PROJECTS TO BE STAGGERED Or Massive Importation Of Labour"
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Acting Chief Minister, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Victor Banks, told a large gathering that Government has to stagger the implementation of various projects or risk a massive importation of labour. He was at the time delivering an address at the Anguilla Day celebrations at the Ronald Webster Park on Monday, May 30.
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Hon. Victor Banks
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The main activity was an official parade marking the 38th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution. The revolt has seen the once impoverished island achieve an unprecedented level of rapid growth since it broke ties with St. Kitts-Nevis in 1967 after many years of neglect.
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Cross section of officials and other invited guests at Parade
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“Today we in Anguilla are enjoying a period of economic prosperity with growth rates in 2004 that almost doubled the rest of the OECS and CARICOM region,” Mr. Banks noted. “Interest in our island home is high and Government is constantly reviewing prospective investors who are all anxious to be a part of our development.”
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Constable Gordon Matthew leads Community Police Band
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He said the Temenos Golf Course project was in full swing employing over 400 workers; Viceroy project at Barnes Bay was nearing commencement; Altamer Resort was negotiating an expansion to its project; a number of small villa projects and large private residences were under construction all over the island; and Government and a new group of developers were close to the successful conclusion of an agreement for a major tourism development at Junks Hole at the eastern end of the island.
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Mr. Banks inspects Cadet Corp
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The Minister observed, however, that it was during such a period of rapid growth that the vision diligently nurtured for the island could become threatened. He warned that there was a real danger of putting tremendous stress on the social and environmental sectors of the island.
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March Past: Scouts and Guides
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“The only way we can stem the impact of this pace of development is by sound and prudent management of the economy,” Mr. Banks went on. “While the success we are now experiencing is welcomed, it can bring with it real challenges… In line with this thinking, the Government is aggressively analysing the impact of these trends so that we can be armed with facts and figures which inform the decision-making process for future development proposals.
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SDA Pathfinders
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“Already preliminary data is indicating that we have to make bold and tough decisions if we are to achieve the right balance in our development. We recognise that we will have to stagger the implementation of future approvals or run the risk of massive importation of labour and the attendant requirements for housing, social services and infrastructure. We recognise that we will have to keep watch on the rapid alienation of land and its effect on the ability of Anguillians to maintain that pride of ownership in our country. We recognise that Anguillians will be excluded from jobs and business opportunities at all levels if we do not put in place a proper human resource development strategy that ensures the empowerment of our people and their capacity to truly participate in Anguilla’s future.
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Girl Guides, Brownies and others
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“We recognise that gains in the economic sector could be lost if we do not channel substantial resources for the social sector in terms of education, youth, sports and cultural development; access to proper health services and community development programmes, all focussing on individuals and groups at risks. We recognise that the increasing violence and unsocial behaviour among our young people will have a negative impact on our investment climate and our future as a nation if we do not take radical steps to harness it. We recognise that our environment is impacted by every new project; that if we do not put in place a sound sustainable development strategy which ensures that such impacts are eliminated, mitigated and reduced…, we will be doing future generations of Anguillians a great disservice.
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A section of the invited guests
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“Government strongly believes that Anguilla Day is a time to reflect even while we celebrate. Such reflection must continue to remind us of whence we came and where we must be headed. On this occasion we thought it appropriate to let you know that your Government is cognisant of these things and is prepared to take bold and prompt decisions to enable us to steer the right course leading to the building of a nation proud, strong and free.”
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Mr. Banks pins medal on Dr. Simmonds Commissioner Benjamin looks on
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The address by Mr. Banks was preceded by his inspection of a parade involving contingents drawn from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides, Pathfinders and Boys and Girls Brigade. The parade was under the general command of Superintendent of Police, Carl Ruan who, along with Commissioner Keithley Benjamin, accompanied Mr. Banks.
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Awarding Valentine Ruan
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Following his address, Mr. Banks presented Medals and Queen’s Certificates to a number of persons who, in addition to the revolution, made significant contributions to the development of Anguilla in various ways.
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Awarding Vivienne Vanterpool
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The first to be awarded was the former Prime Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis, Dr. The Rt. Hon. Sir Kennedy Simmonds who agreed to the formal separation of Anguilla in 1980 by the British Government. Dr. Simmonds currently serves as the Anaesthetist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Anguilla.
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Governor awarding Jane Abbott
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Roy receiving award for mother
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Other persons honoured were as follows: Valentine Ruan for his part in the 1967 revolution; former educator, Vivienne Vanterpool; Cynthia Gumbs-Reid (represented by her son, Roy) for her role in the revolution and Jane Abbott a community worker and an employee at Government House for 30 years. She was given the certificate by Mr. Banks and the medal was pinned on her by Governor Alan Huckle. The other awardee was the late Clifford Atkin Rogers for his contribution as banker, photographer and beverage manufacturer in Anguilla. The certificate and medal were accepted by the deceased’s son, former Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, Leroy Rogers.
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Leroy Rogers receiving award for the late Clifford Atkin Rogers
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