Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming at his weekly press conference stressed that he and his colleagues were concerned about the number of marriages of convenience on the island and that they were rising. He said as recently as yesterday (Monday Aug 24) a young man married a 16 year old girl from Dominica just to facilitate her staying in Anguilla.

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, Hon. Victor Banks and Hon. Evans Rogers

He noted that a number of such marriages are taking place and called upon the people of Anguilla to resist the temptation. “Do not engage in marriage for convenience sake - it will not work,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister observed that pensioners will now benefit from the Medical Air Services that were announced last week for civil servants. “We thought it would be fitting to involve pensioners in this,” he told the media.

The Chief Minister said that a number of young persons who came here on holiday are now requesting to be accommodated in the island’s schools. He said that this was not possible and it was clearly stated when they came to the island that they could not stay. He also repeated his request for persons on work permits who do not have jobs to return to their own country until jobs become available again. He particularly mentioned persons from Nevis and Dominica where there is currently construction activity and jobs available.

Minister of Finance and Tourism, Victor Banks, reported that there are still many challenges as far as the economic situation on the island was concerned and that the Government met recently with Permanent Secretaries and key individuals to look at the Government’s critical position. A team has been put in place to look at the strategies needed. The difference in revenue over expenditure for the year so far is EC$28 million. Banks is calling on the people of Anguilla to be supportive of Government and to help bring the island out of the challenging times.

Minister of Social Development, Evans McNeil Rogers, reported on the St James Medical School to be established here. Dr Waldron from the Caribbean Accreditation of Medical Professionals was on island to inspect the facilities, located in The Quarter, which are now completed. He said that the visit was very successful and he was awaiting the final report. The first fifty students are expected to begin studies in January 2010. This will bring opportunities for Anguillians to rent accommodation and provide other services. The Memorandum of Agreement with the St James Medical School includes provision of two scholarships for Anguillian students. Rogers said this will be a great advantage to be able to begin studies while staying at home.
Minister Rogers congratulated the students who achieved good results in the recent CXC examinations. He also extended congratulations to Shara Proctor for her remarkable achievements at the international games in Berlin last weekend, and to Denville Ruan who also competed there, as well as to their coaches and the Anguilla Athletic Association.
The Minister of Education is urging parents to participate more in the education of their children by attending meetings with teachers and checking on their children’s progress.
The Ministers all expressed condolences to the family and friends of Edmund Sasso, Emily Fleming and Kevin Benjamin who all died recently. “Our prayers are with you all,” Fleming said and wished God’s blessings on them.

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