Anguilla And Independence

by J. Forth
(New York, New York)

As a frequent visitor to the island of Anguilla for 10+ years, and someone who would love to retire there one day, I have always been impressed with how well Anguilla's elected government manages its own affairs.

So the topic of Anguilla independence is an interesting one.

I'm sure the Anguilla government is not perfect. But one has only to look at our own U.S. government to realize that "perfection" and "government" are two words that do not seem to go together.

Anguilla has perhaps allowed itself to "overheat" to some degree, but the government has taken steps to slow down major developments and delay future ones. That shows the maturity to "leave some of the money on the table today" for a more balanced, gradual growth for the future.

Not many governments, let alone private companies, do that.

Look around at other Caribbean islands and you can see the difference. High rise hotels. Casinos. Thousands of people from cruise ships overrunning beaches and restaurants. Where else but Anguilla do you find magnificent beaches that you can still have to yourself?

Progress and growth is inevitable, of course. And the future news for Anguilla is one of continued growth and development. One can only hope that an independent Anguilla would continue the same policies. There is no reason to doubt such would be the case.

It would, of course, be a shame to lose the perceived credibility/stability of its current association with the British government (a condition seemingly imposed by the U.K. if Anguilla insists upon full internal self-government). "Big money" from around the world seeks, first and foremost, risk-free environments.
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A "British-less" Anguilla is an exciting prospect in one sense, but could turn out to be a costly one in the long run if Anguilla is somehow perceived to be less stable due to the loss of its association with the U.K.

Future news and developments regarding Anguilla independence will be one of Anguilla's most important stories to follow in the years to come. Here's hoping Anguilla can manage to secure the best of both worlds.

I, for one, have great faith, in its ability to run the best tropical island in the world with or without a formal association with the U.K.

J. Forth

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Jul 08, 2016
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If I Were Youlium
by: Hermann Kiriloff

If I were Angilian I would certainly vote for independence during the referendum. More than a dozen nations in Carribian region proved by there history that it's really possible. Besides ain't that a shame that James Ronald Webster - a real Founding Father of Angilian nation - would probably die in British dependency! But certainly only the opinion of Angilian people themselves which really matters here. You are free to decide.

Dec 30, 2013
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Independence: A Pipe Dream:
by: Tyrone Hodge

I suppose that everyone will have their own spin on Independence and I've always asserted that it's something that we should aspire to, however, I honestly believe that we are in no way shape or form to even contemplate such a move. Right now, it's just the usual suspects who are trumpeting this notion of independence because they don't have a clue as to what's involved. As far as I see it, it's someone's posterity that's fueling the fire on this issue and the sooner we put it to rest the better. We as a small nation, have some burning issues that our time would be better spent addressing. I'm tired of this independence talk. It's a pipe dream, one that will not happen in our lifetime. We're a unique country and we can't seem to grasp that notion. We seem to not know from whence we came, and therefore, moving forward is tenuous at best. Proverbs 29:18 says that "Where there is no vision, the people will perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." When we get all the safeguards and checks and balances in place and we are able to sustain ourselves without outside intervention, then I'll say the time has come. Now is not that time. In the meantime, let's contine to strive for a safer, more prosperous Anguilla, and may God bless us all and those who visit our shores.

Dec 30, 2013
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independence or not ?
by: Anonymous

Yes , independence or not , that is the question.
In years gone by, many former colonies went for independence and have been suffering for it ever since. Not that I am against it. Simply put, to many of these countries were taken over by the wrong kind of people. Today, they have inherited untold miseries. To be on the safe side of things. Anguilla should remain in touch with Britain for policing,rule of law and whatever else they can get to keep their nice little Island from the hands of unscupulous banks,organize crime syndicates and I skip a few.
Keep it simple and take your time to develop your businesses. I do agree that a return to conducting more local growing crops, veggies,
fruits etc... would be a good thing for Anguilla. If I were to come and invest in Anguilla. I would do just that. Visit the community and get the ball rolling. Help the locals,select the appropriate crops and sell locally. Small investments at the right places. No need to buy or lease land. Locals own most of it anyway. Drip irrigation exists. Just check out how Israel grow crops from the desert.
By Jove, I think that I will come to Anguilla and start something. The power is with the people to make this happen for Anguilla. It was said many years ago, Go west young man . Well I say go South to Anguilla old man and get active.

Anguilla or bust.

Apr 30, 2011
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Question of independence.
by: axasttusa

At first I thought that independence would be a good idea. Now I'm not so sure. we're a small island whose main attraction is tourism. If it goes, what then? What do we do. In the early sixties an amazing amount of us migrated to the U.S. Virgin Islands to seek employment. We as a people have always been resilient. We have always been independent out of sheer necessity. We always had something or someone to fall back on. That anguilla, however, no longer exists. We've become too dependent on the outside world. Everything that we get is imported. We hardly ever plant crops. land that was once teeming with corn peas, potatoes and the like, now sits barren with wild weeds growing where guinea corn once flourished. Las summer I was driving along the Farrington, when I saw people buying roast corn, yes I said roast corn, not barbq corn, that's what we called it when we were children, and I pulled over, and to my surprise, paid good money for s few ears of roasted corn. I bring this up to make a point. This is not somethng that we would have done in the past, but like I said, that anguilla no longer exists. I was saddened as I drove around and saw all the places that were vibrant with crops, now serving as grazing pastures for livestock. The question of independence has come to the forefront because our newly elected chief minister, who has always had a beef with the british, is still ticked off at them. I truly believe that this is a private matter that should not drag anguilla into it under the guise of the budget. I watched the royal wedding today and you know what, I'm still proud to be a british subject. Independence maybe something to be considered in the future, the very distant future. As for now, let's get the economy going and let's look after our people. We are special and everyone knows it. Let's maintain that uniqueness that we've had the good fortune to have inherited from our forefathers.

Jun 19, 2010
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The Other Side
by: Anonymous

I think if Canada or Australia decide to get rid of any association with Great Britain, then that's one thing. They're big enough to fend off political pressure and aggressive, bullying corporation activity. But Anguilla? What if the the US had another George Bush Govt? How long would it be before some greedy US investor, and good friend of a George Bush-type president (or other govt official), had his eye on buying up large chunks of the island, with the government and people there forced to give up parts of the island...or face the consequences. I'd like to believe this wouldn't happen...but I'm afraid I think it could, very easily. Britain probably provides little, other than some protection against such activity. But it's surely right that the people should govern themselves completely. On the otherhand, if not associated with the British, who else? I'd rather see Anguilla be associated with Britain than any other country - at least a distance is kept for the people to get on with their lives. The French have a bad record - long after the US and UK ceased nuclear testing in the Pacific, the French continued nuclear testing off the French Polynesians well into the 1990's, despite international protests, and even the International court ruling against France - the French ignored the ruling and carried on - the inhabitants of the islands have increased cancer rates. If associated with the US, how long before the peaceful island became over developed, or ultra-exclusive in a fashion that ultimately hindered the Anguillans. At least the British aren't forcing the Anguillan people to sell of lands to commercial developers. The Anguillans are just getting along with their lives.

May 17, 2008
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Anguilla Independence Comments
by: Anonymous

Anguilla is a pretty small country, 10,000 people if I remember correctly. It's a wonderful place. Quiet and lawful, with warm and welcoming people, we've always felt safe. I guess the key question is, given how small it is, how big is Britain's contribution to the island, its well-being, and its stability?

I wonder if the courts of laws are administered by the British or by Anguillians? For that matter, what exactly do the British contribute? If it's essential items like defense and their legal system and courts of law, one might do well to think twice about fixing what is not broken.

If it's merely ceremonial, such as the queen's presence here in Canada in the form of a ceremonial office that costs us millions to maintain, they should do what we should do...

Thank them for their help in the past, say good-bye, and wish them good luck for the future... and let's stay friends, of course.

Respectfully,
James Fuller
Toronto, Canada

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