With a great sense of optimism, the Anguilla Progressive Party (APP) has awaited Government’s unveiling of a comprehensive plan to manage the fiscal affairs of our island during this period of a global, economic crisis. However, our optimism, and that of the people of Anguilla, is dissipating quickly.

The APP, like most of the Anguillian populace, is of the opinion that government has not been a good custodian of public funds over the past eight years. In the present economic environment, it is imperative that our government is fiscally disciplined.

We continue to be very concerned about Government’s apparent culture of political patronage and favoritism due to personal friendships with respect to political appointments.

It is also very disheartening to us that your Government has neither demonstrated transparency nor accountability in some specific areas of expenditure. One such area is that of the expansion of the Wallblake Airport. The APP believes that the people of Anguilla deserve answers about this project. Hence, this letter has been drafted to motivate these responses and to delve into other areas of concern at the forefront of our minds.

Hon. Chief Minister, the APP henceforth, respectfully asks the following questions about the said project and would appreciate very much the responses to our questions as soon as possible. Our queries are as follows:

1) What was the initial estimated cost ofr the Wallblake expansion project?

2) How many individual payments were made to persons for properties such as dwelling houses, other buildings and lands?

3) Were there exchanges of Government lands with any individuals associated with the project?

4) How many persons are still in possession of their original properties, although they have already benefited monetarily or received lands in what should have been an exchange?

5) Have all debts for the airport project been paid? If not, which and how much are outstanding?

6) What is the estimated final cost of the airport project?

As aforementioned, we are kindly awaiting accurate and expedient answers to these questions.

Another area of concern for the people of Anguilla, is the amount of money that is spent on the hiring of Special Assistants and other political appointees.

We are therefore seeking answers to the following:

1) How many persons are employed as Special Assistants?

2) What is the annual remuneration of these said Special Assistants?

3) Are these Assistants on contracts and, if so, what is the duration of their tenure?

4) Are they rewarded with a gratuity at the end of their tenure and again, if so, how is it calculated?

The leasing and rental of private premises for accommodation of government offices is the third concern. Pertaining to this, we query:

1) How many private premises are presently rented by Government? (Including those by statutory bodies eg. the Health Authority.)

2) What is the annual sum paid by Government for these leased and rented accommodations?

3) Does this administration have any plans for the construction of a centralized administration building? If so, where and when?

Finally, the people of Anguilla and the APP are fully aware of the global fiscal crisis. However, the people of Anguilla are only acutely aware of its effects on the economy of Anguilla. Government’s inactivity and seeming lack of a plan to deal with these pressing issues is very alarming. Please inform the people of Anguilla regarding the following:

1. What general measures are Government considering to stimulate the economy and provide a cushion for the Anguillian people in these hard times?

2. In particular, is Government considering reducing the rates of customs duties on basic food items (flour, sugar, rice, milk, etc.) and building materials (lumber, steel, tiles, etc. )

3. What is Government doing to safeguard the jobs of Anguillian workers in tourism and in other crucial sectors of the economy?

4. In the event that the Flag Project is restarted, what guarantees will Government seek for the employment of Anguillian workers, and what steps will be taken to wind up the employment of the remaining Chinese workers at Flag Luxury?

Hon. Chief Minister, the people of Anguilla should not be left in the dark regarding the answers to these important questions. We therefore look forward to your urgent responses and explanations of your Government’s vision for Anguilla at this crucial period in our nation’s development.

Yours respectfully,
Brent Davis
Political Leader
Anguilla Progressive Party (APP)

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