We are in the last days of 2007 and on the threshold of 2008, haunted by some of the problems that made us to be concerned and fearful during the closing year, and apprehensive about what may be lurking over our heads in the coming and unknown year.

At Tuesday’s press briefing, the Deputy Commissioner of Police said “2007 was a challenging year for his department in terms of crime.” We certainly cringe at the fact that there had been a number of serious and unsolved crimes including murders, rapes, robberies and a kidnapping which disturbed the tranquillity of Anguilla, and caused much concern among the resident and visiting population.

While crime is rearing its ugly head everywhere, it is worrisome to us especially when the increase, daring and sophistication of the criminal acts are reaching a level at which we are unaccustomed. These incidents presented a clear and serious challenge to our law enforcement officers and showed how easy crime can have its sway in a small and developing society if not swiftly brought under control. Gang violence among village youth has also been a matter of grave concern and like the other criminal offences, the local police are hoping (with some assistance from UK officers and members of the public) to do all in their power to stamp out these threats to law and order.

The year also saw industrial disputes involving foreign construction workers and with much initial support from sympathising Anguillians who unfortunately clashed with the police. It is heartening, however, that there has been a return of industrial peace on the island and one hopes that there will not be any such labour disputes in Anguilla in the foreseeable future.

There have been a number of very positive strides during the year: the further rapid tourism development of the island which is obviously begging for a pause in foreign investment; a growing economy in which the Government was able to base a US$253 million budget for 2008; full employment, increased income, and a raised standard of living. In contrast, however, there is a shortage of labour in the construction field requiring many more foreign workers, and housing has become a very difficult matter on the island.
It has been the privilege of the leaders and people of Anguilla to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the island’s 1967 revolution during the year which has primarily resulted in the high level of economic development we are enjoying. As we look to 2008, the hope of all should be that Anguilla would continue to forge ahead in establishing its own niche in the competitive region and the world at large, and that peace, love and mutual understanding will attend us. It is our fervent hope that those things that saddened us in 2007 will not in any way return to plague us in 2008. That Anguilla will return to its good old hallmark days.
May the peace and merriment of the Christmas Season remain with us in the New Year.

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