A security services provider in Anguilla, writing in The Anguillian two weeks ago, complained that outside companies (from St. Martin/St./ Maarten) were hired to work in Anguilla during the Summer Festival Week in place of local providers.
While he may have had a point (and I not aware if such a degree of service can be provided locally), there is another side to the coin. I am of the view that it is a shame that the conduct of some of our youngsters last year led to the importation of security personnel to ensure that Anguillians (and others) enjoy their own festival. Luckily for us, and the name of our fair island, there were no serious acts of violence except for a few skirmishes which the Anguilla police quickly put down.
Let us all hope that violence during carnival, and at any other times, becomes a thing of the past in Anguilla. That large sum of money (I understand some $200,000) spent on paying for outside security, could have otherwise been pumped into our frail economy or otherwise gainfully used in more profitable ways.
I thought the events went very well with many persons, Anguillians and visitors, enjoying themselves. The only real regret is for the young man who died when he was unfortunately run over by one of the trucks transporting the bands.
Disciplinarian

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