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Anguilla

Quick Facts

Population: 13,254
Land area: 102 square Km
Capital: The Valley
Language(s): English
Local Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange: US1.00 = XCD 2.70
UNDP Human Development Rank: Not ranked
Life Expectancy: 76.9 yrs
Adult Literacy rate: 95
Official Government website: http://www.gov.ai/

Government

    • Chief Minister - Hubert B. HUGHES
    • His Excellency The Governor - William A. HARRISON
    • Honourable Deputy Governor - Stanley E. REID
    • Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investments & Tourism - Hubert B. HUGHES 
    • Minister of Home Affairs, Natural Resources, Lands & Physical Planning - Walcott A. RICHARDSON
    • Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture & Fisheries - Evan GUMBS
    • Minister of Social Development - Edison A. BAIRD
    • Attorney General - Wilhelm C. BOURNE

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday*, Easter Monday*, Labour Day ( 1 May), Anguilla Day (30 May), Whit Monday*, Queen's Birthday*, CARICOM Day

Economic Development

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

According to the Anguilla Budget 2011: Operation Recovery-Overcoming Our Challenges
projections from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank  suggest that Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2010 will be 269.74 million dollars.  This represents negative real growth of 7.12 percent over the 2009 GDP Estimate of 290.41 million dollars. The top contributor to GDP in 2010 is projected to be the Banks and Insurance Sector representing 32.14 percent. This sector would have grown by 1.50 percent.

The Hotel and Restaurant Sector is anticipated to be the second major contributor  to GDP with a contribution of 28.27 percent. This sector is projected to record marginal growth of 4.0 percent over the 2009 estimates. Arrival statistics have shown that visitor and tourists‟ arrival for 2010 have been higher than 2009,  which would partially explain the increase.

The Communications sector will account for 15.75 percent of GDP in 2010. This  sector is expected to decline by 5.0 percent in 2010. Government Services and Construction will round out the top five contributors to GDP. Government Services‟ contribution will be 13.86 percent and Construction will account for 8.04 percent.

TOURISM

Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2010 – 2020 - Final Report
17th October, 2011
Tourism is very important to the Anguillian economy. In 2010 visitors to the country spent an estimated US$99.4 million which supported some 3,000 job directly in hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, guesthouses, villas etc, representing just over two-fifths (41%) of total employment. When the jobs which are indirectly dependent on tourism, such as in shops, construction etc, are also taken into account, it is estimated that just over 60% of all jobs on Anguilla are dependent on tourism in one way or the other.

The Government of Anguilla recognised that the future development of the tourism sector must be put on a sound footing. Hence, a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan was required to
provide the policy framework for development, management, monitoring and long term sustainability of the tourism sector.
source: Government of Anguilla

Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2007-2008

According to the survey the economies of the ECCU continued to show positive growth for the sixth consecutive year. In 2007, preliminary data indicated that growth slowed to 5.2% from 6.3% in 2006 as many public and private construction activities geared towards the CWC were completed. In addition there was a significant contraction in the tourism sector, which actually declined by 0.6% in 2007 compared to 6% in 2006. Fuelled by hikes in oil and food prices, especially in the last quarter of 2007, the rate of inflation increased to 6.1% from 1.3% in 2006 and is expected to continue on an upward trend in 2008. Economic growth will continue to slow but remain positive in 2008, projected at 3.8%, mainly influenced by the slowdown in the United States economy and rising international oil, food and other commodity prices.

In 2007 growth was strongest in Anguilla (21%), St Vincent and the Grenadines (6.9%) and Antigua and Barbuda (6.9%) while Hurricane Dean, which struck in August 2007, negatively impacted on the growth rates of Saint Lucia (1.7% compared to 4.9% in 2006) and Dominica (1.8% compared to 3.8% in 2006). Despite the challenge of continuous volcanic activity in Montserrat, the economy grew by 2.8% compared to negative growth of 3.8% in 2006. Intermediate growth of 3% was recorded in both St Kitts and Nevis while growth in Grenada was 4.4%. The main impetus of growth continued to be the construction sector with spill over effects into mining and quarrying, transportation and communication, electricity and water and banks and insurance. Construction activity will remain robust in 2008 driven by the private sector and the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

Economic Performance

In recent years, Anguilla’s economy has grown rapidly. The surge in their growth is attributable to the drastic expansion of the tourism and construction sectors. In 2006 the country’s economy grew by 10.9%. This is due largely to a continual increase in foreign investments in luxury tourism. Since the country has few natural resources, the government gains income primarily from import duty, accommodation tax and stamp duty, which have all increased in 2006.

With the dramatic growth in Anguilla’s tourism, an expansion in the construction sector was anticipated. This expansion created a demand for labour which could not be satisfied locally. There has been mass migration of workers from the rest of the Caribbean, as well as India, to alleviate the labour shortage problem. To capitalize on the sudden rush of migrant workers to the island, the government increased the immigration labour fees in May 2007 and revised its immigration policy.

The boom in Anguilla’s economy was foreseen to have drastic effects on the country’s rate of inflation. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank recorded Anguilla’s inflation rate as 8.4% in 2006. Partly to blame was the universal increase in oil prices in 2006 which led to increased costs for fuels and other imports. However, increased spending and growing construction were other factors that led to the large inflation rate. The government of Anguilla has taken a few steps to curb the rate. Firstly, in an effort to curtail spending, the government increased the fiscal reserve. Secondly, to slow the rapid growth of the construction industry, which is fuelled by Anguilla’s popularity as a luxury resort island, the government suspended foreign direct investment in tourism related projects. Projects were suspended from 2006 to July 1st 2007. However, the government plans to extend this suspension period since construction on previously approved works is still in progress. Government also planned to extend the implementation time of local projects to slow development.
Anguilla Budget Address 2007
Government of Anguilla: Public Relations
Government of Anguilla. Ministry of Home Affairs

Energy Policy - Strategy for change

Anguilla currently depends on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation and the transportation sector. A significant aspect of fossil fuel use is price volatility, which makes economic planning difficult. The ramifications for small island nations such as Anguilla are serious. In the face of escalating oil prices and increasing competition to access a limited supply in the region, Anguilla has little bargaining power relative to larger island nations. A near-future scenario could see Anguilla unable to access sufficient fuel oil to meet its increasing demand.

By initiating a transition from the exclusive use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation to a greater dependence on indigenous renewable resources, Anguilla will benefit by reducing its carbon emissions, providing economic and educational opportunities for its residents and enhancing its global reputation as a leader in environmentally sound and sustainable development. source: The Anguilla National Energy Policy: 2008-2020

Social Development

Anguilla. Comparative Airport Study: Final Report

The main objectives of the study were to carry out a thorough review of the proposed
site and all associated issues, to identify all stakeholders involved in the airport development choices and to analyse and evaluate the results.
source: DFID

Anguilla Public Service: Code of Ethics

The Anguilla Public Service has identified the standards outlined in this document as those expected to be met by public servants in the conduct of their duties. It is clear that the public service is made up of public servants who are generally concerned to do the right thing, the right way. Achieving this is not always easy, particularly if members of the general public and public servants are unaware of the standards public servants are expected to attain and maintain.

This Code of Ethics for the Anguilla Public Service will assist public servants in their daily efforts to achieve and maintain certain standards in public life. It serves to remind all public servants and the public, of the aspirations of the public service as regards the values that it is hoped will pervade the entire service........
Source: Government of Anguilla

Crime

Recently, Anguilla has noticed a rise in juvenile delinquency and crime. This problem is especially serious since Anguilla is a tourism dependent economy. To curtail the crime rate, the government has taken a few steps. They have established a Probation Department to deal with first time offenders and offer rehabilitation to ensure that they do not become repeat offenders. In the 2007 budget address, they also promised an increase in spending in the police service, prison service and courts to help in the investigation of crimes and prosecution of criminals. The government has promised zero tolerance for criminal activities.
Anguilla National Budget

Transportation

In 2007 the government, in keeping with its commitment to provide free transportation to all students, increased the number of school buses on the nation’s roads.
Anguilla's Channel For Greater Communication

UNDP Poverty Reduction Country Profile

The country outline for Anguilla is aimed to offer a general overview of Anguilla's social and economic situation. It was prepared using inputs from the Caribbean Development Bank Annual Economic Report for the year 2003-2004, the CIA fact-book and World Bank Discussion Papers available online.
Source:UNDP Country Profiles


Education

Anguilla’s government has pledged that they will dedicate themselves to social upgrading for the period of 2005- 2010. This will be achieved by addressing the problems set forth by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. They include 1 Eradicating poverty 2 Achievement of universal primary education 3 Promotion of gender equality 4 Environmental Sustainability etc.

In 2005 the government of Anguilla proposed a five year plan, the Education Development Plan 2005-2010, designed to increase student achievements. The plan was quite comprehensive and highlights the government’s vision for the educational system on the island and the methods for achieving this. Some of the programmes suggested were curriculum development, the establishing of school boards, introducing new financing for education and the evaluation of school performance. Some of these programmes have already taken effect. The building of a Community College began in 2006 and financial assistance is being offered to individuals for tertiary education. The government is also in the process of improving primary and secondary school infrastructure. In February 2007, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the extension project of the AA Primary School in West End. The Department of Youth, Sport and Culture was also established to improve the sporting facilities and training available to youths.
The Education Development Plan 2005-2010

Environment

In recent years Anguilla has been in the process of designing a comprehensive disaster management plan. The National Preparedness Committee is charged with raising public awareness about natural disasters that can occur, ensuring that health facilities are available to everyone in the event that a natural disaster takes place, assessing damage and casualties and providing food and clothing to victims of the disaster.
Since Anguilla’s economic development is dependent on tourism, and by extension its environment, the government has recognized the need to preserve its natural resources. Anguilla’s National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) was developed to educate the public on environmental issues, to update and enforce environmental laws and to work toward environmental sustainability. However, there is growing discontent among some Anguillians who believe that environmental laws are constantly being flouted without any repercussions to the law-breakers. The government recognizes this and worked to empower the NEMS. There is also concern that the expansion of the tourism industry will have ominous effects on the environment.
National Environmental Management Strategy and Action Plan. 2005-2009
Anguilla Environmental Impact Blog
Anguilla. Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy. 2005-2009.

Solid Waste Management

Health

Government is in the process of establishing a National Health Fund to finance health care services for eligible citizens. Government contributions as well as mandatory contributions of 2.5% from employers and employees will fund this service. The fund will cover basic primary, dental and vision care, as well as prescription drugs. The establishment of this National Health Fund will provide universal health care, one of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The government also hopes to improve the health sector by strengthening the Ministry of Health through policy development and regulations. Efforts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness are also being intensified. Through the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, Anguilla issued its updated Preparedness Plan for Surveillance and Treatment for Avian (Bird) influenza in 2006.
Anguilla National Health Fund Act
Avian Influenza Pre-Pandemic Plan 2006

Legislation

Statistics

A Strategic Plan For The Statistical System of Anguilla 2005–2009

In recent years, according to the plan Anguilla has put more focus on the need for planning and development, both economic and social. If programmes and policies are to be developed that are relevant to the present and future needs of Anguilla’s development, then it is essential to have a broad range of accurate statistics that meet Anguilla’s needs. Forecasts, projections and allocation of funds can only be done if relevant, timely and accurate statistics are available for planners and policy-makers to use.

Statistical Databases

Selected statistics indicators for ANGUILLA
UN Statistics Division for ANGUILLA
Caribbean Social Statistics Database
Caribbean Trade Statistical Database

More Information

  • PRESS RELEASE: Visioning Forum On Tourism Masterplan
    February 2011
    The project to develop a sustainable tourism Masterplan for Anguilla has entered its 2nd phase.
    The Ministry of FEDICT will convene several fora to allow for stakeholder and public input into the Masterplanning process.

Key Documents

Up one level
Anguilla Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (CDMS) (Medium-Term) 2005-2009
 
ANGUILLA Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (CDMS) (Medium-Term) 2005-2009
 
Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean:a summary report based on 16 country surveys. (Vol. 2)
 
Enhancing the Climate Risk and Adaptation Fact Base for the Caribbean: An informational brochure highlighting the preliminary results of the ECA Study
 
Anguilla national environmental management strategy and action plan 2005-2009
 
ECCB. Financial Statistics Yearbook. 2005
 
The OECS Deepening and Strengthening Integration Through an Economic Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank 'Economic and Financial Review' March 2008
 
Strategic plan for the Statistical System of Anguilla
 
Anguilla Budget Address 2007
 
2005 Budget Address - Anguilla
 
DRAFT FIVE YEAR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN: ANGUILLA 2005-2010.
 
Avian influenza pre-pandemic plan - Anguilla. Adapted from the Summary Guide
 
THE ANGUILLA NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY: 2008-2020
 
Anguilla Telecommunications Policy
 
Anguilla Constitutional Order 1982 Showing the Law as at 15 December 2000
 
Anguilla House of Assembly Elections 2005
 
Anguilla census information - What is a census?
 
Demography, culture, migration, crime, marital status and fertility of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Census
 
Economic activity of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Census.
 

Bibliography

Up one level
Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management - Financing
 
Diagnosis of the erosion process in the Caribbean Sandy Beaches
 
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank-About Us
 
Caribbean Regional Youth Caucus
 
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States: Draft of the New Treaty
 
Anguilla Summer Festival
 
OECS. Towards a New Agenda for Growth
 
Education and training of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Population Census.
 
The OECS
 
Health, disabilities and insurance coverage of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Population Census
 
UNITED FRONTOF THE ANGUILLA NATIONAL ALLIANCE AND ANGUILLA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
 
Preliminary assesment of Tourism sector in the context of physical alterations and destruction of habitats (PADH) in the wider caribbean region
 
Anguilla Tourist Board