The Valley, Anguilla – An Anguilla delegation led my Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, held a meeting on Friday October 31, 2008 with Anguillians In UK. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Claude Brooks with Mr. Robert Williams also in attendance. Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming led out the talks for the meeting and expressed his appreciation to all who were present.

Mr. Fleming said that a significant number of persons were returning to Anguilla and taking up substantive positions, which is in keeping with his vision for Anguillians to be empowered and in key positions in the service of their country. He also spoke to the number of projects that were ongoing and highlighted the impact of Hurricane Omar and the impact of the global financial crunch.

The Chief Minister shared his view on foreign imported labour. He spoke at length on the Flags Property closing and its ramifications for Anguilla. The Chief also spoke on the crime situation and its escalation amongst the youth. He said that it was a mix between incoming flow of persons with criminal intent and that of locals with similar criminal intents. He mentioned the increased fines and time for offenders and the ongoing efforts to curtail criminal activities.

His next focus was the discussions held with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office during the 10th Overseas Territories Consultative Council in London. Chief Minster Fleming highlighted the FAC Report and maintained his position that he has served in his capacity with decency, honesty, integrity and utter devotion. He further went on to say that his ministerial colleagues knows and shares his vision for leadership.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Tourism Victor F. Banks spoke after the Chief Minister. Mr. Banks told the gathering that it was the spirit of community among the Anguillians in Slough that has keep him in Slough over the years when he visited and that he prefers to travel everyday back and forth to London for the meetings. He mentioned Government’s efforts in asking the previous owner to relinquish hold of the property and allow “fresh blood” to come in. Mr. Banks said that Anguilla now owns 20 percent (20%) investment in the property for which the people should be proud in addition to the new direction and renovations the property is presently undergoing.

The Minister of Finance went deeper in to the global financial crisis and expounded on the Flags project. He told the audience that the global crunch had left many projects facing difficulties in procuring necessary financing. Mr. Banks said however that Viceroy did indicate having a soft opening in the not to distant future. Some of the effects of listed as a consequence of the global financial crisis were: lessening of investment, change in buyers’ perspectives and priorities, lost of jobs, and conservatism in spending. Mr. Banks said that presently Government was challenged to meet its projected budget due to the short falls in September and October but the reserves served as a good buffer. The Minister also spoke of the air access, the involvement of Anguillians in the Tourism Sector as Entrepreneurs and Investors, concessions to local in the tourism accommodation development and housing needs, and the Community College.

The next hour was dedicated to questions and answers. Many persons had personal issues with land registration. Ms. Bryan the Chief Immigration Officer spoke to the questions on immigration and addressed personal issues on traveling to Anguilla.

The meeting started at 7:30pm and ended at 9:40pm