Honourable Chief Minister Osborne Fleming
Government of Anguilla
The Valley,
Anguilla

8 May 2007

Hon. Chief Minister Fleming,

Over the past few months, I have intently observed the ongoing dilemma as it pertains to Cap Juluca and Anguilla, in general. Having a direct and major investment which literally sits amidst all of this propaganda, I can no longer be silent.
It is apparent to me that the Government of Anguilla is speeding towards a solid agreement to turn over this monumental property - the flagship of the Caribbean, if you will - to an investor, which happens to be one of the largest real estate firms in the world. As a concerned Anguillian developer and the owner of SHERIVA at SHERITON ESTATES, my contention is not with the potential new owner or operator; rather I am appalled by the proposed changes that are to occur. These said changes will directly assault the future success of my property, but are yet seemingly supported and on the way to being approved by our nation’s leaders.

The proposed “enhancements” to the existing Cap Juluca call for a total of 275 additional rooms. A number of these villas will be located on the Cove Bay dunes and in the pond, directly in front of Sheriton Estates. Today we have just about 400 dedicated employees at Cap Juluca to service 98 rooms. The additional accommodations will require a work force of upwards of 1000 people. Are we thinking of the social ramifications of this? Housing, health care, schools, crime rates, etc.? Not to mention, the legendary and unique charm of Cap Juluca will disappear forever.
And how are we to deal with the Labour issues? We already have Chinese and Indian nationals working on various projects on the island. Mr. Chief Minister, where do we turn next to acquire a suitable work force – to Iraq, Iran or Afghanistan? Or will we disregard our history, be hypocrites and obtain workers from Africa? Where does this end?
Mr. Chief Minister, in the next 5 years, based on major projects which have already been approved, there will be a total of over 5,000 rooms on this little island. This has nothing to do with the smaller, indigenous projects that are underway.
Our property, Sheriton Estates, is an achievement that all Anguillians should be proud of. In the very short time that we have been operational, some of the most influential and distinguished travelers from around the world have visited this property. The one constant comment has been that this is one of the most exquisite properties they have ever laid eyes on, particularly because of the astonishing, crystal-clear, unobstructed views.

Mr. Chief Minister, you have visited this property on many occasions and was equally impressed. So impressed, that you subsequently addressed crowds regarding how proud you are of what was achieved here by an Anguillian. How then can government leaders encourage “Anguillian Empowerment” and in the same breath, cause the very death of the thing? How can government leaders sit in a Town Hall meeting in West End referring to Cove Pond as a future “national park for not just Anguillians, but for ALL people…” and yet they are prepared to sell out the same Cove Bay dunes to have high-rise buildings constructed in front of Sheriton Estates? This presents a major catastrophe for our multimillion dollar investment here in West End.
Is this how our government regards the people of Anguilla or the fragile environment? What message is this sending to future Anguillian developers? Are we that insignificant? When we disregard the historic efforts of Anguillian leaders in this industry such the owners of Rendezvous Bay Hotel, The Anguilla Great House, and notable developer, Quincy Gumbs, we are doing ourselves and our nation a great injustice.
We must also not forget the foreign investors who have helped to make Anguilla the success it is today, such as the owners of Malliouhana, Altamer and Cuisinart. These fair and decent friends of Anguilla are now being compromised by greed and incompetence.
Mr. Chief Minister, I want to remind you that I know - better than most people- that you are a fair, wise, kind-hearted, God-fearing and patriotic gentleman and friend. You are a proven leader and businessman. I feel, however, that you are being led into chaos by unscrupulous characters and you should resent this. Is this the legacy you want to leave behind? This is an opportunity for you to make one of the most influential decisions of your political career.
The 40th Anniversary of our revolution is fast approaching. If the forefathers of our nation were all alive today, what would our government officials say to them? Are we really supporting and endorsing Anguillian Empowerment? Or are we creating a nightmare for our future generations? These are some of my concerns and the nation deserves answers. And we must have these answers NOW before the Anguilla that we all know and love is lost forever.

Sincerely,

Sheridan Smith
cc: Hon. Governor Andrew George
Hon. Ministers of Government
Hon. Donna Banks
Media Outlets

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