Think Again About That Bill

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

THINK AGAIN ABOUT
THAT BILL

Any knowledgeable person of Anguilla’s history or way of life will tell you that if someone touches the people’s land or house in any way that offends them there is going to be a big noise.

That is exactly what the Physical Planning Bill is causing with many of its provisions. I agree, like everybody else, that a country must have governing and regulatory laws but where those laws infringe the rights of the people, the people have to stand up and be counted.

One of the things that worries me is the provision which says a person cannot build his or her house in stages. It must be fully-completed at “one go” thus sending one to the bank if one does not have all the money.

Look at this situation. This is my business but right now I am between a rock and a hard place to finish my house. I am living in one bedroom with one bathroom (neither really finished) and the rest of the house only has blocks up in some places. With my lack of money, I can see that it will take me some years to complete my residence as I would like to have it, but I do not mind living in what I have because, thank God, it is mine. There are many more people in Anguilla like me.

I am not a rowdy or unreasonable person. Laws are needed, but I think this Bill has some serious flaws and must be revisited. Our drafters and legislators must think again and make the legislation more in the interest of the people of Anguilla and less offending.

Layman