Apart from the political, socio-economic and cultural relationships which Anguilla needs to foster within its own territorial borders, are the good relations we must develop, strengthen and maintain with our fellow island and country neighbours in the Caribbean – not the least our brothers and sisters in St. Martin/St. Maarten. There is a long history of close-knit relationships among these three territories and of the oneness of the people that is often referred to with a measure of prideat every available opportunity.

The latest claim to this unity and spirit of cooperation was made when Anguilla and St. Maarten, representatives of the governments of and tourism officials, met here late last week for what they called “a Functional Cooperation Meeting.” Various meetings, but with a less terminology, have been regular features among Anguilla and the Dutch and French authorities over many years, and are therefore now commonplace.

The meetings have ranged from little fishing rights feuds to ferryboat operations, tripartite Immigration, Customs and Police talks, disaster mitigation and crime and border control. Besides these formalities are the historic friendships, family connections and trade links which the people of the territories continue to share to such an extent that they often behave as though they are nationals of one land mass. Certainly, in the turbulent days of raids and battles for conquest, the territories could have altogether ended up as a single possession to any one nationality, though separated by water which is not unusual.

With St. Maarten now a Country in its own right, and having its own separate Constitution, it is in a position to further develop the level of functional cooperation with Anguilla and other territories in the region. This appeared to have been both evident and desirable at last week’s meeting in Anguilla, as the several visiting speakers representing the political and legal arms of Government made their independent commitments to the Anguillian Government leaders.

Those commitments, which go beyond the established common bondsof friendship, yet predicated on that relationship,are in connection with immigration matters such as establishing mechanisms to facilitate the travel of residents, belongers and visitors to and from Anguilla as part of a master plan for improvements at Juliana Airport; working towards the development of the airport as a hub for both territories;promoting joint tourism and finding ways and means to better accommodate Anguilla ferryboat operations under the bridge and in the lagoon.

With the world at large becoming harsher and more competitive for small island states to make significant inroads, there is a need for tiny, yet grossly ambitious, places like Anguilla and St. Martin/St. Maarten to develop their own niches in which their Governments and people can strive and flourish as best as possible. What is important is for the territories to continue working together in a harmonious relationship and to see about each other’s interest and welfare without distraction.

The close proximity of the territories, the closeness of their people, various areas of cooperation and other commonalities can have a significant impact on their future. Tourism, communications and trade are some of the important benefits that can be further developed in an enduring partnership. The historic and continuing good relations Anguilla, St. Martin/St. Maarten share and enjoy are the pillars of that partnership in development for all of their people.

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