Letter To The Editor

The Editor
The Anguillian Newspaper

Dear Sir:

In regarding the letter dated March 24, 2006, written by visitors to Anguilla, about the insulting and embarrassing encounter while strolling on one of Anguilla’s public beaches, some issues come to mind. Investors who are given permission to create a successful, multi-million dollar project on our island are entitled to safe, clean and secure beach areas for guests.

By the same token, any person, local or visitor, who is not causing trouble or polluting the area is also entitled to enjoy the beaches. Everyone should be treated with the same dignity and respect in public places. Security guards, if not properly trained, may sometimes be overzealous and officious in carrying out their perceived duties.
There is not a smart thinking hotelier/business owner on this earth who would be stupid enough to antagonize or ban people from their premises. The success of their entire operation depends on people – people in the restaurants, people on the look out for next year’s vacation hot spot, people spreading the word about hospitality at their particular complex. The competition is ferocious!
However, as most Anguillians are aware, the problem of proper beach access and beach use sits squarely on the shoulders of governments, past and present. Governments seem dazzled by big money and fast talk as well as other measures. So much so, they buckle easily when faced with an ‘either do this, or I’ll do that’ problem.
Area after area is being developed with no regard for local requirements, no proper beach access or parking facilities, no vision for our future. If this trend is allowed to continue, unregulated, there’ll be trouble ahead for all of us, and we will all lose. Guests will think twice about coming to resort or the destination man be besieged with in-fighting and squabbles. Remember the internet? Now the story is here, seconds later, it is everywhere!
On behalf of Anguilla I’d like to apologize to those visitors who were embarrassed on Maundays Bay and the persons/hotel involved should apologize as well.

M. Public