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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 - Osbourne B. FLEMING

(With responsibility for - Lands, Physical Planning, Information And Broadcasting, Environment, Gender Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, Labour and Home Affairs)

    • His Excellency The Governor - Andrew George
    • Minister of Finance,  Economic Development, Commerce and Tourism  - Victor BANKS
    • Minister of Home Affairs, Natural Resources, Lands & Physical Planning - Osbourne B. FLEMING
    • Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, and Housing - Kenneth HARRIGAN
    • Minister of Social Development, Education, Health, Sports, Youth and Culture - Evans McNeil ROGERS
    • Parliamentary Secretary, with responsibility for Water, Fisheries, and Agriculture - Albert HUGHES

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 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

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

  • Anguilla Telecommunication  Regulations
  • TRUST COMPANIES & OFFSHORE BANKING ACT 2000
  • COMPANY MANAGEMENT ACT 2000
  • COMPANIES ACT 2000
  • COMPANY REGULATIONS 2000
  • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT 2000
  • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS 2000
  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT 2000
  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY REGULATIONS 2000
  • LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT 2000
  • LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RULES
  • TRUSTS ORDINANCE 1994
  • TRUSTS ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) 2000
  • CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS ORDINANCE 1981
  • CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS ORDINANCE 1998
  • FRAUDULENT DISPOSITIONS ORDINANCE , 1994
  • OCTOBER 2000 LEGISLATION 39

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

Anguilla on the way to full recovery                                 Government of Anguilla

Combatting Money Laundering Developments in Anguilla
By John D.K. Lawrence, Director, Financial Services Department

Key Documents

Up one level
The OECS Deepening and Strengthening Integration Through an Economic Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2007-2008
 
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.
 
Anguilla national environmental management strategy and action plan 2005-2009
 
ECCB. Financial Statistics Yearbook. 2005
 
CTO. Latest Tourism Statistics for the Caribbean 2008
 
Review Of Cariforum-EU EPA – Implications For The British And Dutch Caribbean Octs: LC/CAR/L.176
 
ANGUILLA Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (CDMS) (Medium-Term) 2005-2009
 
REVIEW OF CARIFORUM-EU EPA – IMPLICATIONS FOR THE BRITISH AND DUTCH CARIBBEAN OCTs
 
Avian influenza pre-pandemic plan - Anguilla. Adapted from the Summary Guide
 
THE ANGUILLA NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY: 2008-2020
 
Anguilla Telecommunications Policy
 
Anguilla Telecommunication Regulations
 
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?
 

Bibliography

Up one level
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States: Draft of the New Treaty
 
Anguilla Summer Festival
 
Foreign Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2007
 
OECS. Towards a New Agenda for Growth
 
Education and training of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Population Census.
 
Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management - Financing
 
Diagnosis of the erosion process in the Caribbean Sandy Beaches
 
Survey of Caribbean tax systems
 
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank-About Us
 
Caribbean Regional Youth Caucus
 
The OECS
 
Health, disabilities and insurance coverage of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2001 Population Census
 
Genderestanding mobile telephone: women men and their use of cellular phones in the Caribbean
 
Private Sector Leadership: Transforming Caribbean Business for 21st Century Competitiveness
 
Openness, Access to Information and Caribbean Governance
 
Collective Bargaining - Extract from: ' Labour Relations in the Caribbean Region: Background Paper' by Dr. Zin Henry
 
UNITED FRONTOF THE ANGUILLA NATIONAL ALLIANCE AND ANGUILLA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
 
Housing and households of the resident population of Anguilla according to the May 2002 Census.
 
Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management - SIDS
 
Preliminary assesment of Tourism sector in the context of physical alterations and destruction of habitats (PADH) in the wider caribbean region