Last week The Anguillian published an article about the ‘temporary cessation’ of work at the Flag/Temenos project on July 31, the consequent laying off of over 70 local and regional construction employees as well as the laying of Chinese and other nationality workers who, initially, were still on the job. The article further stated that while this category of the workforce was still not engaged on the site by Ashtrom (Anguilla) Ltd., (the construction company), the Anguilla Government had been given assurances by one of the developers that the project would be resumed shortly as they were actively working on obtaining money to re-finance its development.

Just as the people of Anguilla, and those already laid off, were expecting to hear some good news, there have been reports about the laying off of a further number of persons in executive positions and in the field including foreign and Anguillian personnel. This was preceded last week by a short press release issued by Flag Luxury Properties, the developers, stating in part that certain on-sight activities were being temporarily suspended and that the opportunity was being taken “to diligently work with our stakeholders during this short break to enhance certain elements within the project...” Since then, this new set of workers, mentioned above, were laid off having been issued with a circular letter dated August 12, and addressed “To Whom It May Concern.” The letter, published elsewhere in The Anguillian, stated that the workers had been laid off without pay and assured them that their employment had not been terminated and their position had not been made redundant.
Unfortunately this, in any case, has dealt a further blow to workers and their families and what is even more regrettable is that, according to the letter from Flag Luxury Properties, the company “is unable at this time to confirm the duration of the period [of the shutdown] but commits to do so as soon as it is able to.” While one can understand the developers’ financial difficulty, it is hoped that they would really be in a position to reverse the sad situation as quickly as possible.
It is no small matter for employees to suddenly find themselves out of work, unable to pay their bills and to meet the increasing high prices of food, fuel and other necessities of life. The period of uncertainty, however short, is a long and arduous one by any degree of measurement. The laid off Anguillians, those from elsewhere in the region as well as the others (mainly from China), number several hundreds. While we lament about our own people for whom the tourism industry was created, it is difficult to understand how the workers from outside the island can remain in Anguilla in this indefinite period without being repatriated or leaving at their own volition. The only project now in full swing is Viceroy which, with its own workforce, and no doubt its share of financial difficulty, may not now, unfortunately, be in a position to swell its rank and file of workers to relieve the plight of some of the ‘temporarily’ discharged persons.
It is very unfortunate that the Flag/Temenos project, which launched Anguilla at a higher level of economic growth and employment with its commencement, and during its earlier days of progress, should encounter the difficulty it is now experiencing. The project may have suffered some setbacks in the past including, perhaps, delays in construction and is now faced with financial difficulties. It is a disturbing situation and it is hoped that it will be resolved soon.

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