Week after week the Chief Minister tells the people of Anguilla, through his Tuesday press conference, that if only the construction work on the Flag Project were to be re-commenced it would go a long way towards solving some of the island’s employment and financial woes.

His lamentation over the closure of the project is almost heart-breaking and it is a matter he is obviously pursuing with constancy and vigour. This week he said that there had been some movement on the project but it appeared that he was not at liberty to divulge the details – if he has any. He did say however that the developers were scheduled to meet with the Government in due course. Whether they have anything new or substantial to say, is anybody’s guess judging from the uncertainties and negatives encountered by officials and other persons in their quest for positive information.

One understands the global financial and economic situation which has been impacting this and other projects in Anguilla. The project was closed down in August last year and, for a development of such magnitude and potential, this is a long time. At the same time it is acknowledged that it is by no means a small matter in these difficult days to find the US$235 million or so required to complete the project.

There is however an element of the project which has not been explained. Why is the 18-hole Championship Golf Course which apparently operated so well and independently of the project closed? The Chief Minister reported that he inquired about this and was told that the matter was being considered.

There are two things in this regard to think about. One is that, as the Chief Minister said, the golf course is a partnership between the developers and the people of Anguilla. A possible explanation of this is that the facility is an important component of the marketing programme for the up-scale tourism industry on which Anguillians largely depend for a livelihood. The second matter is that the golf course was to be used as an attraction and a place of recreation for guests from the other hotels. We are certain that there are golfers among the regular visitors to Anguilla who wish to spend a delightful time on the golf course but unfortunately are denied this opportunity.

The closure of the entire Flag project is a worrisome matter. In the words of the Chief Minister, “We want it open again. We don’t want to see a white elephant in Anguilla.” While everybody wants to see the project back in operation, the plea for the time being is: “Open the golf course, nuh.” This can be a good and welcome beginning.

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