In what has been his first monthly press conference since assuming his responsibilities in Anguilla, Governor Alistair Harrison told reporters on Tuesday, April 28, about a few themes which had emerged from bilateral talks so far with Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming and other Ministers of Government.

Governor Alistair Harrison

Speaking in the Executive Council’s Chambers, he said the first theme was about the importance of the current economic crisis to Anguilla. He observed that no one knew how long the global crisis would last, although there were some more positive signs, but not enough to be confident that the bottom was hit.

“One theme that has come out of the recent G20 Summit is the need for better financial regulation globally and that will certainly affect Anguilla,” he stated. “The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation process gives Anguilla an excellent opportunity to make progress in this area. I would like to make two points: the first is that a better regulated financial sector is good for Anguilla’s reputation and should lead to more and better business coming to Anguilla. Secondly, I know that the burden of regulation on businesses, especially small businesses and individuals, can seem to be a nuisance at times. But it is worth it in the long term and vital for Anguilla’s future as a financial and business centre.”

Governor Harrison continued: “Another theme is the new constitution. I do not want to pre-empt the discussions that will shortly take place between the Government of Anguilla and the UK on this issue. I would only observe that it is important to get it right - the opportunity to re-write the Constitution (quite rightly) does not come around too often. And it is right to see the discussions in the context of the broader question of the relationship between the OTs and the UK ten years on from the White Paper; and in the context of the political institutions that Anguillians want for the foreseeable future.”

The Governor reported that another issue in which he had been involved was an important “table top” exercise to test the island’s readiness to handle a maritime emergency. “I enjoyed participating in it, and we all learned some important lessons,” he remarked. “Disaster management is one of the issues I take very seriously, as we all must.”
Mr. Harrison, who said he was delighted to have been appointed Governor of Anguilla, said he had started a programme of visits to all Government Departments. He is also about to begin visiting the seven constituencies, accompanied by Members of the House of Assembly.

The Governor also spoke about his personal engagements: “My family and I enjoyed a trip around the island at the weekend on the police launch Dolphin. We also went to Island Harbour for the start of the cycle race in memory of Jamida Webster. (My wife is a keen cyclist and hopes to compete in the race next year). We have started to visit the beaches and restaurants; and we are gradually unpacking our baggage at Government House.”

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