With the Anguilla Government now on a quest for assistance for the island, smitten by the economic crisis, there seems to be no better time, like now, for the Biblical admonition of “ask and ye shall receive” to be tested. The plea is being made to Mother England by one of its far-flung and tiny Overseas Territories which, up to the recent past, was no burden to her as it managed its own finances, whether lavishly or carefully, in times of plenty and comfort.

The search for aid is to be made in the coming days by an Anguillian delegation to London led by Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming and including the Minister of Finance, Victor Banks and others. Even Governor Alistair Harrison will be present at the talks with British Government officials. The search will also include the European Union in Brussels where other Anguillian representatives will be visiting as well.

The Chief Minister has indicated that he is prepared to make certain demands of the British officials with regard to the length of the discussions with the objective of having adequate time to layout the island’s woes. Borrowing guidelines, with a view to having them tailored to better serve Anguilla’s financial needs, is a top priority according to the Chief Minister. While it is understood that the British Government does not want to be responsible for certain “contingent liabilities,” it seems ridiculous for example that there should be any objection to Anguilla borrowing money from the Caribbean Development Bank, which appears to be anxious to assist the island, for port development. This is a vital tourism project at Blowing Point which can significantly impact Anguilla’s economic future and render the island far less dependent on outside assistance.

The Minister of Finance has disclosed that Anguilla is owed 24 million dollars by the European Union and that the Government wants the process of disbursement to be sped up. He also disclosed that the island was entitled to a further 48 million dollars from the same source. Put together, this is a very tidy sum which can be of great help to Anguilla and one wonders why it has taken so long to be paid up. Surely, this must have been due long before the global recession. It is either that the Anguilla Government was not mindful to ask for it because the island was then doing very well, or that the European Union has been outright dragging its feet in releasing the money. That Britain has to be asked to influence the disbursements is not good enough. While it is certainly a time for Anguilla to ask and to receive, it should not have to do so in a prostrate or begging position.

It is acknowledged that Britain has not been spared the effects of the economic crisis. Consequently it might not be a position to really bailout any of its Overseas Territories except the smaller St. Helena and Pitcairn islands which still benefit from grant-in-aid funds. This said, however, it is difficult to rule out the fact that Britain has a moral responsibility to assist all of its territories in times of extreme need. Anguilla, well-known for its fiercely independent-minded people, would not plead for assistance – even for a relaxing of borrowing guidelines – to better survive if it could otherwise map out and navigate its own financial and economic ways. All that is being asked for is some help to do so at this time of great need. To deny that assistance may be an act of cruelty.

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