Letter To The Editor

The Editor,
The Anguillian Newspaper

Dear Sir:

A few months ago, a small aircraft crashed on take-off near the eastern end of the airport runway. Witnesses say the aircraft lost power in both engines and narrowly missed neighbouring homes in the area. The airport was closed for most of the day and a team of investigators was flown here from Antigua to investigate the incident. As far as can be determined, no one has ever heard the results of that investigation. What happened? was there no fuel in either engine? was there pilot error or did carelessness play a role in this crash?

This kind of incident, as well as the recent one at Blowing Point port involving two ferry boats, is beginning to make travellers and commuters really nervous and uneasy. The first news of this particular incident seem to indicate that it was not an accident. Rumour says this was the second time such an incident had occurred between the same two boats, and passengers were scared and anxious to reach ashore. Not hearing the facts, Anguillians never know what to believe. However, it is hardly credible that experienced crew members, who navigate this channel almost daily, would “accidentally” find themselves so close together as to endanger the lives of their passengers. These are not sailing boats which depend on wind movement, but rather boats powered by diesel engines. According to the “Daily Herald”, June 4th, 2008, this time a team of investigators is being brought here from Tortola. It would put travellers’ minds at ease if “we, the public” could be made aware of the results of these investigations. Is there a reason for this information to be kept secret? These inter-island ferries and small aircraft are necessary to the life and economy of Anguilla, and it is to be hoped that they are duly inspected and licensed by our government. If, in fact, there is a question of some operators becoming less firm or exacting about the services they provide, the people need to know. Accidents don’t just happen but are caused by stupidity, overconfidence and carelessness. Peoples’ lives depend on the competence, capability and performance of these operators.

Thank you - A traveller