Looking back, 2006, has been an eventful year for Anguilla. There has been much economic progress occasioned by the continued rapid development of the private sector in terms of various new businesses. The island’s up-market tourism industry has seen some substantial strides forward including the opening of the 18-hole Greg Norman Championship Golf Course and the commencement of the Viceroy tourism development.

The public sector has also seen some developments such as the construction of new piers at Road Bay and Blowing Point and the upgrading and building of new roads.

There have been some significant changes in the public service. They include the appointment of a new Governor; the appointment of an Anguillian Deputy Governor for the first time; the retirement of three Permanent Secretaries and the appointment of another three to replace them. There has also been a new lease of life for Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, who was fortunate to have had a successful kidney transplant after having secured an organ from his brave and young cousin, Ineke Williams of St. Maarten.
One of the detractions has been the ugly spectre of crime, particularly youth violence resulting in death and there have been incidents involving guns and drugs. This is not a healthy or encouraging situation in a small developing island like Anguilla but it is comforting that with the increased activities of the police, the wave of crime has subsided to the relief of many on the island.

It has been necessary to look back at some of the events of the outgoing year because, by doing so, we will be in a position to build on the past as we look forward to 2007. As stated at the outset, the challenges of the New Year are unknown and this gives us even more reason for caution and hope.
In the meantime, we wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a New Year of much hope, prosperity and peace.

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