Address Social Development Needs

The Editor,
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

ADDRESS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS

I wish to congratulate The Anguillian on the fine display of information, writers’ columns and letters on its website which is a ready reference for persons like me who virtually live on the internet. I continue to keep in touch with the island and this short letter is proof of my continuing interest.

Permit me please to join a number of persons in expressing what I consider to be an important view. Over the past few weeks I have read letters and editorials calling for more emphasis on social development in Anguilla now that economic development has achieved such a quick pace and there is a need to address many social concerns before it is too late.

The most recent call to that effect is contained in Mr. Petty’s column in the September 16 issue of the newspaper in which he wrote that the United Front had promised in its election campaign that the Government would focus its attention on social development. He penned: “It is about time we see some kind of movement in that direction. There are risks in further delay.”

I cannot agree with him more. As a past social worker, I know the dangers inherent in an administrative system where social development is not given the prominence and attention it deserves. During my last visit to Anguilla, I was overwhelmed by the widespread development taking place on the island and nearly forgot where I was one day as I drove around the island.

It would be foolhardy for the Government to have worked so hard and diligently to attract so much economic development to Anguilla in terms of projects and then to have all of that exposed to and affected by risks because it failed to pay attention to social development matters.

I write to lend my voice to the voices of others calling for more attention to be paid to social development. The consequences can be grave if this matter is not speedily addressed.

Sylvia Richardson-Gumbs
Alabama