The changing of the Anguillian society was further demonstrated in real terms last week. That was when over thirty nationals of a number of Caribbean islands were sworn in as British Citizens on the island. Their new status came as they acquired British Overseas Territories Citizenship resulting from a connection with Anguilla under the Constitution or under the provisions of the British Nationality Act or other legal means.

The Caribbean nationals were not standing alone at Government House where their oaths of allegiance and pledge of citizenship were sworn before the Governor. Standing in support of them were many Anguillians. The indigenous people obviously felt good about seeing these persons in a position to enjoy the same advantages as they were enjoying including the right to freely live and work in the United Kingdom or other member states of the European Union on a non-reciprocal basis.

In a recent statement, Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, made the point that eventually small Caribbean Overseas Territories like Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat will have to, on a more permanent basis, accommodate many of their Caribbean brothers and sisters. He was apparently speaking in relation to the fact that they would eventually qualify as British citizens and citizens of the territories on receipt of registration certificates.

However the case may be, we are one people in the Caribbean region and must learn to live together in harmony. Anguillians have had a long history of travelling far and near in search of employment and at times had to face immigration restrictions and other hardships in living in other territories. It must be a pleasure to our brothers and sisters that their lot is now easier and that they can call Anguilla their new home and to be welcomed by their friends here.

The population of Anguilla will increase steadily as more and more persons qualify to live permanently on the island. Just as Anguillians were able to contribute to the social and economic life of other places, so too must they to Anguilla. Their cultural life styles and behaviour must blend in with ours as they settle in our midst.

As the population increases, so must our various public services and job opportunities. While we live in a shrinking world, there must be space and benefits for all of us to enjoy. More investment and sustained development will be needed to meet the growing demands of the economy. Likewise a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood among all of our people will be required so that peaceful co-existence can thrive throughout the length and breadth of the island.

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