It is a serious and dangerous problem when the territorial integrity of a country is disrespected and that is what is now happening in Anguilla with what appears to be an increasing number of illegal entries. Ever so often one hears of cases where persons are found on the island with no record of ever entering Anguilla though an official port of entry and the question is always the same: exactly how did they make their way onto our shores? Cove Bay, Forest Bay and Little Harbour, where boats of some kind or other can easily come in from St.Martin, are the principal areas where persons are either illegally dropped off by others or land themselves.

This breach of Anguilla’s security is a tell-tale story of how persons can steal in the island whether at dead of night, to do whatever they please, whether rob of commit other crimes, or bring in whatever they want, whether drugs, guns or other contraband. It is extremely difficult for Police, Immigration, or Customs officials to closely monitor all the bays or beaches where illegal immigrants may gain access to Anguilla. What is however believed and, with a measure of disappointment, is that there are persons on the island who see unauthorised persons entering the island and fail to report them to the Police or, in the worst case scenario, unpatriotically, for one reason or another, assist them in coming to the island. This may be considered a treasonable offence.

Many persons have been deported from Anguilla for illegal entry but, if we are not careful, there could be a serious security threat to the island one day. The question is how to stave off such threats or halt what may now be just simple illegal entries before they mushroom into something of bigger proportion. It is a cooperative effort not only for our law enforcement agencies but for the general public as well, who must also be the guardians of our shores.

There also appears to be some stubbornness on the part of a number of other persons to regularise their immigration status on the island. They can spare themselves the embarrassment of being rounded up by task force teams and unceremoniously sent out of the island. There is a better and nobler way of doing things and if those persons concerned can help to avoid such unpleasant situations, it would be in their best interest to do so.

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