Letter To The Editor

The Anguillian Newspaper,
The Valley,
Anguilla.

I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the honor bestowed upon me by the Anguilla Tourist Board in commemoration of the Anguilla 40 celebration. I very much enjoyed reading the displays about the revolution and the brave and significant role some of the women played forty years ago to gain your independence. I felt proud as a woman to be honoring them in my small way by being a part of this important anniversary.

I have for many years had the highest professional regard for Anguilla and the services it offers to the traveling public. In addition I and many members of my family have come to regard Anguilla in a very special way. It is where we choose to vacation ourselves even though I have the ability to be anywhere in the world. Of course, few offer the magnificent beaches and island hospitality. But most of all, we all love the Anguillians and truly look forward to seeing so many welcoming arms each year. It is very special indeed.

Protravel International actively sells many of the properties on the island. The Protravel agents are well educated about the resorts, the restaurants and the entertainment. For the most part the majority of the guests we send are premium customers who put few limitations on what they will spend for a memorable vacation. I and my agency have always been active promoters of a vacation, a honeymoon or a wedding at one of the wonderful spots on the island.

While we sell many vacations to an array of properties on the island, it is no secret that we are the largest suppliers from the US to Cap Juluca. It is more than dismaying to see what has transpired there for the last few years, particularly this past year. I fear the problems will only get worse unless there is a rapid resolution. I just received the June Harper’s Hideaway report stating about Cap Juluca….”a rising chorus of complaints about dated rooms, uneven service and average food”. As much as I love this property I have not been overly supportive this past year because of complaints from guests and Protravel agents. I am in the uncomfortable position of defending something that I have lost confidence in myself. I listened for too many years to the owner about not spending any money because of litigation in spite of deteriorating buildings and no new services. But now I fear the swirling stories, the many rumors and the reported unhappiness of the staff will only continue to diminish the extraordinary reputation this property had for itself and the honor of the island. I wonder how this could have happened right in front of everyone’s eyes.

The uniqueness of this small beautiful paradise having three world class individual properties is incredibly unique. The stamp of Anguilla and its individuality is so clearly identified on them. They are Anguilla and must stay that way. To hear today that our beloved Gillian was fired is almost the last straw. I cannot tell you what she has done to keep the real spirit of Cap Juluca alive, recently, against all odds. What is next? Will there be a “cookie cutter” resort similar to what we see on many neighboring islands with a variety of faces from other lands?

Perhaps I have made this letter too long but its length reflects my passion. In the spirit of those who led the revolution, I hope your government will act decisively, rapidly, and let the Anguillian people continue to run and control the development of the country that is so deservedly theirs. I shall cherish this award and hope when I come in December Cap Juluca will be once again restored to its finest and all the familiar faces will be standing proud with grins and welcoming arms.

Again my sincere thanks,

Priscilla Alexander
President