THE MOVEMENT has had an earth shattering impact on the island, but, now, the real work begins: the re-working of official policies for land retention ensuring that Anguillans are not forced, fleeced or fooled out of their land by unscrupulous land developers, creative educational programs for the island’s youth and attracting passionate, qualified teachers to the island, earnest rehabilitation of inmates in Anguilla’s prison and follow-through vocational and corrective programs once they leave, job creation that goes beyond tourism and boat-building, the integration of immigrants in a sane, productive manner and a comprehensive, strategic plan for tourism that may have to include more affordable villa/hotel packages in light of today’s global economic meltdown.

How does Anguilla brand itself in the world’s mind? Can it be the qualitative music capitol of the world, inclusive of classical, folkloric, jazz, Latin, reggae and World Beat rhythms with workshops for Anguilla’s youth in all these musical idioms? Imagine having the New York Symphony Orchestra coming to Anguilla for a month-long summer recess and bringing in their audiences from the States as well as teaching talented Anguillian and Caribbean youth.
Should Anguilla become the Capitol of Caribbean Arts and Crafts? It would provide jobs for youth, reduce the large unemployment level and attract visitors to the quality items made of stone, ceramic, wood , clay and canvas.

What about eco-tourism, high quality theatre, annual boat regattas and races, world class cooking events attracting the finest chefs from Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Africa and North America?

All ideas should be put into the hopper with the educational/ vocational futures of Anguillians in mind.

I love being in the crucible of the new thrust in Anguillian history and offer my skills and gifts to the folks I’ve come to love. QUE VIVA ANGUILLA!

Felipe Luciano
Reporter, Poet, Lecturer

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News