Chief minister to seek independence for Anguilla
(CNS): Anguilla’schief minister says he intends to start seeking independence from the UK on behalf of the Caribbean island following the late approval of his government’s budget. Hubert Hughes said the approval was a little too late and the island lost out on revenue and a deal with the EU on a fiscal package and a deal with a regional bank. The overseas territory’s leader said he was “very disillusioned and frustrated” with the British administration for Anguilla. “My commitment now is to press on with my programme for self determination." he added. The budget was drawn up in December of last year but only approved a few days ago.
"We lost out on so much revenue, we have lost out on the deal we had with the European Union, on the EDF 10 fiscal package,” Hughes told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “We have lost out on support from the Caribbean Development Bank because these institutions will not do business with Anguillaas long as Anguilla cannot produce a proper, credible budget," he told CMC.
Governor Alistair Harrison said that the queen, through the secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs, had assented to the island’s Appropriation Act, which contains the 2011 budget.
He gave no details of the amount contained in the budget, but Harrison also announced that he had approved the legislation introducing the interim "stabilization levy", as well as amendments to the customs surcharge and the petroleum levy passed earlier by the House of Assembly. “These three measures constitute the new measures necessary to implement the budget settlement for 2011," Harrison said.
At the start of the year, Henry Bellingham, the UK minister responsible for the British Overseas Territories, wrote to the chief minister stating that the London would provide two independent experts to assist the local administration with the preparation of its 2011 fiscal package. The two consultants, paid for by the Department for International Development (DFID), have since presented a number of recommendations to the local government.
“My budget was perfect, so says the team of consultants by the Foreign and Commonwealth office sent in on the advice of the governor of Anguilla to rewrite it. But yet the day after the consultants gave the report to the cabinet, the governor said he had permission from the Foreign Office now to sign the budget, and yet it took a month for him to sign it, playing the fool because he was ashamed, “ Hughes said.
Last month the two independent financial experts, John Wiggins and Ved Gandhi, sent to the island by the UK government, said the Anguilla Government and its technocrats had “pursued a very careful and rigorous constrained policy in expenditure” in the budget.
Category: World News
Let them all have Independance.
Keep former oversea’s territories as protectorates should the need ever arise.
The constitution is in place, the open and transparent legislation exists on paper, the meansto generate an income via medical tourism, oil refining are on the way.
So why wait for a referendum, UN recommendation, etc. Let’s just set them free and in charge of their own destiny.
I am sure that many others, including the British tax payer will be happy to support this.
UK PM, David Cameron said: “I don’t want to try to insert Britain in some leading role where, as with so many of the world’s problems, we are responsible for the issue in the first place.”
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375341/David-Camerons-F-word-outburst-reporters-British-Empire-gaffe.html
Thanks Dennie: Isn’t it marvellous that the UK is now admitting such things and, as in the case of the elderly Kenyans seeking justice from the Mau Mau days, attempting to address old iniquities?
Re: “Submitted by Menoknowhodatisandmenocare (not verified) on Sat, 04/09/2011 – 21:06.”
Ok buddy – you and I have both witnessed the blatant prejudiced and racist words, attitudes and (official) actions towards ‘colonies’ and its people by way of the British government, British people and in fact (British) CNS bloggers.
Now tell me – when faced with such a situation – to resist such forces is to be considered ‘institutional racism’ or acts of ‘racism’?
“Warm and friendly people” – that was the label given to my people. We were sitting here minding our own damn business. It was yourself and others that ‘discovered’ us, packed up your belongings and moved halfway around the world. However, now in 2011 people such as yourself want to flip reality and call our 9 a 6. Try again buddy boy.
When dealing with ‘others’ Britain deals in and speaks strictly the art of ‘racism’. To debate that point and provide examples are now futile.
Therefore any resistance to such an approach may come across to the arrogant and self-righteous ignoramus on the other side as “racism”.
** I see that you played the age old pathetic card of “that was 50 years ago” as you referred to the Mau Mau issue of Kenya. Funny how so many are quick to lean on history as a justification or dismissal of real issues but are quick to use it as a fear tactic and rod of correction. (E.g. – So, colonies want to go independent in 2011 do they? Ha! Have they forgotten what happened to Jamaica, Bahamas back in the half-a-century-ago day?)
Give me a break dude. I will leave you and your little friends to continue your circle jerk euphoria here on CNS.
P.S. I hope you place as much time and effort into sorting out the current political issues in your own broke, and unemployed nation as you do Cayman.
I tried to find a point being made in this boorish rant but didn’t see one. Maybe it was the infantile grammar. Maybe it was just being turned off by phrases like "Give me a break dude". Do people really say that? Let alone write that? This is not a mid-1990’s surfing B-Movie.
I am starting to feel sorry for someone who is this angry all the time.
There remains no more body parts to shoot on this messenger – your friends and associates made sure of that.
You are advised to try again.
Hopefully you will bring something of substance this time … if not – then kindly accept our complimentary hot cup of STFU tea – Early Gray style.
:o)
Whodatis, I am worried about you.
Another one bites the dust. We are the jewel in the crown.
The Chief minister is indeed Chief of his country. He has led out not following any of loyalists.
Well done.
Can anyone explain how the UK benefits (or profits) from having overseas territories? It seems like a very one-sided arrangement to me. Historically, the UK association has lent legal and business backbone to what would have been a wind-swept, mosquito-ridden fishing habitat. Whether real or not, optically, there is really no other reason that serious investments would have come without the perception that there was some credible overriding oversight and responsibility borne by a sensible first world nation. I concede that this may be open for debate now, but it was certainly the foundation for serious business back then. All the while, the UK have been obliged to provide BOTs with protection and aid when necessary, and have bailed us out when our own governments have recklessly overspent, and guaranteed our loans! All of the BOT’s are self-determining, self-governing, and self-bankrupting states, yet the UK gets the blame for the local failings?!? Further, how does severing the friendly alliance and removing the backbone of investor faith, magically convert a failing economy into a prosperous one? With all of the sovereign risk that already exists in the world, why choose more pain? This petulant movement just seems dumb at a time like now.
Oh please, enough patronizing already! If the uk is so good and righteous, how come they couldn’t bail out Anguilla on time after they lost much revenue?
I agree – I think both Cayman and Anguilla (plus who ever else wants it) should be granted full independence.
One less headache. Please, organise the people and get the referendum passed!!! The vote will be carried by the masses. The masses will vote as masses do – with their hearts. It may not be an intelligent or informed vote but it will be one from the heart. Then, if passed in favour of independence you can have as much cultural identity and freedom as you like.
I predict great things and much happiness as a result…….
!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t really understand how some of you can be so ungrateful. Let’s weigh up the pro’s and con’s of the UK- Cayman relationship and see who comes out the winner in this equation.
Caymanian students in the UK = Resident tuition rate in the UK (Subsidised by the UK Tax Payer)
UK Students in the Cayman Islands = International Rate
Caymanians= British Passport/ Full access to benefits/ EU Mobility… the list goes on.
UK Citizens= Work permit/ roll over.
UK Tax Payer = Potential financial liability should Cayman go belly up.
Cayman Tax Payer= Nil- Gift in aid made during World Wars and Falkland Wars (Not demanded)
UK Tax Payer = Expenditure on military to defend the Cayman Islands should the need arise.
Cayman Tax Payer = ummm we have a few coconuts which we could throw at any UK aggressor.
UK Tax Payer= Expenditure resulting from managing the relationship with the Cayman Islands. i.e. FCO staff etc.
Cayman Islands= Forced accountability, good governance etc.
People of Cayman, the UK is by no means perfect and her history speaks to this, howeverthe relationship which existed during the colonial past no longer exist. The O.T’s provide nothing beneficial to the UK and her continued willingness to maintain the relationship should be appreciated as there is only one winner in this equation- US!
Stop being so ungrateful for once in your lives and finally learn to forgive and forget. The UK is doing far more than what I would have done to make up for the past mistake of colonialism! Just don’t know a good thing until its taken away….. so sad.
Well said!
oh my tweet… me little bobo, don’t cry
You yap, “I don’t really understand how some of you can be so ungrateful. Let’s weigh up the pro’s and con’s of the UK” But sorry my lad, no “pro’s or con’s” can outweigh our basic human and democratic rights. You can feed me, you can shelter me, you can claim to love me, but if I can’t be free to be – who ya foolin??
What are you on????? The majority of Caymanians want to remain as an Overseas Territory. Hence our ability to excercise our democratic rights. The lack of human rights is solely to be blamed on Caymanians as when we had the chance to produce something meaningful which afforded human rights to the populas we produce some half a**ed documentment which provides human rights for the select few.
LOL…. your last statement is so funny, "You can feed me, you can shelter me, you can claim to love me, but if I can’t be free to be – who ya foolin." You sound like a rebelious child just dying to move out of yah parents house! Just because your parents don’t give you all the freedom you want- it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.
Wait until we are a little bit older, gain a good education, have an excellent job (economy) then we can have this discussion. Otherwise, we will end up like our cousins, (Jamaica, neighbouring islands etc.) who chose to move out of the house just a tad but too early and ended up going to hell in a hand basket!
***** Eyeopener has a point. Democratic rights for all of us at their convenience only! When they decided to enforce or mandate laws on the islands, tell me, can we vote against it or cause it from not happening? No we can’t! They rule over us with colonial power that undermines the people here. Hence, the democracy you are talking about for these islands is ILLUSIONAL – a false sense of security. I would suggest you analyse our Constitution well, and you will see that we don’t have any real guaranteed democracy! The document supports their INTEREST or Her Majesty’s Interest over OUR INTEREST. Whereas the majority of Caymanians want to remain as an Overseas Terrritory, I can tell you the majority of Caymanians don’t want their rights infringe on like what’s happening under a UK dictatorship in the Turks and Caicos. Now about Anguilla’s decision. If they made the decision based off of these colonial factors, who can say they made a foolish decision? *****
You’re obviously a sandwich short of a picnic, eyes open or not… Translation – you’re not all that bright. The reason that you have "no basic human and democratic rights" is not because of the UK but because you keep electing the likes of McQeewa and McTibbetts. The Beaver
Most definitely, Hughes was not going to let them bring down Anguilla to her knees like they did to T&C! What a combat it will be to see them become more prosperous when NOT under the UK! But of course, they better watch out for them and continue to be vigilent.
The residents of Anguilla will determine and advocate for independence from the UK and not their Premier. Don’t be fooled to think that the people of Anguilla are stupid. They are very smart people look at the way they have been able to control their population growth, land sales and development of their country.
It is one of the premier destination for high end travellers (do your research) what most people spend for 3 days vacation for most places in the caribbean including here is what they will pay for one night in Cap Jaluca Anguilla and this was about 10 years ago I can only imagine what it must cost now. Even with all its financial woes, Anguilla is still a gem and will do well enough if they hold their leaders accountable.
Most of the lands are still owned by the natives and remember property is wealth. Their population is still very small and very managable, they culture is still very much in tact because their native population is in the majority.
Time alone, time will tell, you think your in heaven but you are living in hell.
Not for independence at all, but I don’t blame the islanders for being fed-up on how they were poorly treated by the UK’ FCO. If I love my child and want the best for him before he goes out on his own, wouldn’t I ensure that he has the money, protection, and necessary resources for his survival? It appears after the UK ill treats you and incurred cost on you, it is she decides to let you go as “black natives” wasting the tax-payers monies. Anyway you see it, it is immoral. I would not treat my children is such a way!
This is a slightly ridiculous analogy. We are not talking about children here. We are talking about a country full of grown professionals who can easily take charge of their own affairs. That is, I assume Caymanians consider themselves to be grown professionals. They certainly have the right to make that claim. As long as Cayman views itself as a "child" and the UK as its "mother", it is highly unlikely to have the appropriate mindset to determine its own future, with or without a relationship with the UK.
Hubert says, “My commitment now is to press on with my programme for self determination.” At least he’s honest to the people. But the Governor – you don’t know what the hell he is up to! Governors are always silent and working underground.
This article makes for some very interesting and relevant reading … enjoy folks:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/04/07/kenya.uk.mau.mau/index.html?hpt=T2
* Don’t forget to browse the comments to the bottom of the post. See anything familiar guys? Those are your people spewing out the very same racist, heartless and despicable poison as many of you right here on CNS.
The year is 2011 – how long will you keep this up?
Do you intend to die as an insensitive, self-righteous, and cowardly fool?
There is still time … challenge yourselves – make yourself into a better human being why don’t you.
Chagos
The racism in 1950s/60s Kenya and this whole mau mau disgrace is indeed a terrible blight on the British historical record but at least it was 60 years ago and it is now being addressed in the UK courts to the extent that Kenyans alleging wrong doing are getting a hearing. Similarly Naziism was appalling as nearly every young German would tell you. What do you have to say about Cayman’s present day institutional racism and bigotry 60+ years later when they should know better?
I know, you are going to say “racism, what racism? We are colour blind and only protecting our blah blah blah”…….That’s the sad thing, whodatis, you are so blinded by others’ historical racism, you are unable to see your blessed country’s modern day version. If you know your Bible, it’s mote and beam, Boyo, and none of your Chagos/Man Friday/Youtube stuff can negate that.
let them have it.
CNS: “‘We lost out on so much revenue, we have lost out on the deal we had with the European Union, on the EDF 10 fiscal package,’ Hughes told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). ‘We have lost out on support from the Caribbean Development Bank because these institutions will not do business with Anguilla as long as Anguilla cannot produce a proper, credible budget,’ he told CMC.” WELL… I WONDER WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE BRITISH STANCE ON “GOOD GOVERNANCE” – WHAT EVER HAPPENED WHEN THEY SAY THAT THEY WILL PROTECT AND RIGHTFULLY GOVERN THE TERRITORIES??? The UK is a mystery!
I am glad that Hubert Hughes made a rational decision. What the UK did was deliberate and on purpose. They knew that they were talking about Independence and the postponed the deal from happening. That was very cold.
What disappoints me in all that we see taking place in the fellow OT’s is the lack of unity amongst the countries.
“United we stand, divided we fall” folks.
I am not suggesting that we all tow the same line in regards to our dependency status, however, at the very least we could put forward a more united front – sending a global message and raising the awareness – in order to demand fair, moral and legal treatment at times like these.
Young Brits and Europeans expect and demand no less of their governments today … it is only the braindead and fossilized dinosaurs (many examples right here on CNS) that are keen on preserving the predatory and shameful status quo.
May they all die sooner rather than later – the worldhas no place or need for your pathetic, soul-less carcasses.
Chagos
Did you call? I still have no Justice! Click here
Man Friday say he no understand what whodatis mean by ‘tow the same line”. What line he tow? Where he tow it to? Or do he mean “toe the same line”?
Good for Anguilla!
Hubert Hughes, McKeeva Bush, Michael Misick, all parts interchangeable.
I feel it for Anguilla if they have little separation of powers. This could be a mere move from one dictator to a next dictator; i.e., a local one.
All I can do is pray for them and wish them the best. Most of the harm is done during the transitional phase of a dependent state to an independent one. Watch out for british vultures or for them declaring full british rule to seize up the finances! My advise is that now you have announce you willingness for Independence like what Michael Misick did for his people in TCI, watch and secure the people’s treasury and economy. Because the UK vultures may have something up their sleeve. Let no one sell out the country during the process. My advise to the chief minister is to trust no financial expert from the UK unless it benefits the local people. My prayers be with the people of Anguilla and may they become properous.
There are local vultures as well and just as hungry.
And unfortunately, there is MORE in the UK than there are here! So sad!
I agree with you 100% I wish them all the best. Because where in history have you seen the British not leave a nation dry and in debt? Unless that nation is like America, which fought for their Independence from British colonialism and became prosperous afterwards, there is no way of having a successful transition. Interestingly, most of those failing nations that thirst to be severed from the abusive power of colonialism, were predominantly black and well misrepresented.
Thank you. Not to mention Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, much of Africa, Egypt, the poor nations of Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda… all of those black colonies were made into worse nations under the British Empire. Imperialism and Colonialism, ruling them with an iron fist and sucking the wealth from these nations. Only ignorant people are so deluded by the show and dazzle of the crown . They want nothing to do with history.
Excellent! Now we start marketing to get the migration of offshore business that won’t be going near Anguilla anymore.
Do you seriously believe that the uk governance contributes to the monies that come and go in an offshore center??? LOL… PLEASE SPARE ME FROM YOUR RHETORIC!
Yes I serious do believe UK governance offers a sense of confidence and stability for investors.
Hmmm… interesting statement. You guys talk about “believe” but do you “know for a fact” that the UK governance offers stability for investors here? Please list and support your factual claim?
A part from giving us a british reputation, the uk has not contributed one cent to the building of our financial industry. In fact a Jamaican born man, Sir Vassel Johnson, and many other foreignors that became Caymanians have done more for these islands financially than these royal a%%%s that want us to tax our economy to the bone. It was the people here that build up Cayman – not them! Remember I tell you…
YES I WILL GIVE YOU MY SUPPORT THAT THEY OFFER STABILITY:
Let’s see… taking a long time to think…. ok… here is it –
1. Place the Queen on our dollar bill and because people love the picture so much they decided to come here.
2. Been gracious to us thus far by not imposing taxation on us. Really! They worked hard on not doing that!
3. Allowed us to borrow from lenders like banks and wealthy entities. Unfortunately like Anguilla at their own sweet time, we must wait until they sign the papers.
4. Place their “name” of ownership on our beautiful country. Hence, people were sooo excited by that name, United Kingdom that they all invested here because it.
And folks, I can go on and on and on and on … You ungrateful people!!! Don’t let me call the Queen and ask her to remove her face from our dollar bills now! You don’t want me angry!
To do that would be most British of us and I for one do not want to profit from anothers demise! I prefer to fish and grow food before I become an opportunistic vulture. Money isnt everything ….. and only those with their souls in the right place will agree with me. I dont expect many will.
PS. I worked for one of those vulture firms for over 10 years so I am well qualified to attest to their greedy manipulative crooked twisted and sick policies. I want no part of it and Id prefer to see us focus on Tourism and other indistries, take a step back and figure out who really benefits from the Offshore work (yes salaries etc etc I know…) but who is getting fat off the industry ? Not many of us, just a few token Caymanians and the others are either paper Caymanians or expats.
PPS Sorry if I offended anyone, but I am just disgusted and sick of the corrupted twisted place I call home.
But who says offshore businesses are just going to pack their bags and migrate. Let us see what happens in a years time after they declare Independence and before making a judgement. Remember from last their economy was sinking… now that it is fully sunk, it is when the british are bailing out – don’t want to take no responsibility for what is happening.
Hughes is well known as a consummate bozo but he will get independence in a heartbeat from the UK anxious to get rid of these embarassing responsibilities.
Cayman…. don’t you dare get any dirty ideas from our neighbour about going independent! I rather put up with the frustration that the UK could potentially bring than to trust our local politicians with our future! At least as a O.T. we have a future.
“I rather put up with the frustration that the UK could potentially bring” I am not for Independence, but seeing your comment, you appear to be someone that does not believe in standing up for your rights! That is why they say Caymanians are soft, no backbone, no ambition, no drive! I may not like Independence, but I as one of those rare Caymanians will not take a colonial bully or dictator! Sorry, I will make sure they will have a hard time doing to us what they did to TC. I will speak out and protest, and call on the UN for help.
Let me ask you a question, and I want you to think long and hard about it. Take a look around at our Caribbean neighbours and tell me if you think it is some kind of God sent miracle why the British O.T are on a whole better off (financially, socio-economically etc.) than the independent nations? Do you honestly think God has conveniently selected O.T’s as the jewels of the Caribbean? The answer is simply, NO! This success is driven by good governance and accountability- something which at this point in time is enforced by this, "colonial bully/ dictator" as you have labelled it. So if this is the outcome of this dictator, well then bring it on!
You don’t sound too smart. If you think that a nation being economically sound is a nation that treats its people right, then I guess Egypt was under right conditions when under Mubarak. Or, I guess Stalin the Russian leader was a good man since he maintained Russia “economically.” Or, I guess people like you would say, the China Socialists Leaders are good dictators since China has climbed the 2nd greatest economy in the world. You reasoning is, if the economy is doing well, then the governance is good! Sorry my friend, that is faulty reasoning. I expect better! I would prefer my basic human rights acknowledged as well – not bullied by a dictator! As a british citizen, I think the UK ought to do more on putting the OT’s on equal footing with the rest of the UK. And if they can’t improve and make things better for the whole, people ought to speak out and protest – not sit down and let a dictator undermine their freedoms and the freedoms of their children’s children. You, my friend, sorry to say, need a brain check! Because I know you yourself would be crying if you were under the extreme dictatorship that is happening now in Turks and Cacois. I feel you will be the first one trying to get out of the country!
You need to take another look at the Caribbean without the money signs in your eyes. The independent countries are full of vibrant cultures and they are determining their own futures. Yes, many of them have significant problems but which country doesn’t? The rich British OT’s all seem to be losing their identities. They are selling their land and changing their cultures to be more compatible with the western world.
And besides you must be overlooking:
Anguilla: $8,800 gdp per capita
Montserrat: $3,400 gdp per capita
‘….but I as one of those rare Caymanians will not take a colonial bully or dictator!’ – Who did you vote for in the last election?
UN for help??? You must be joking.
You may disagree and give all the thumbs down you want, but howI see it, Cayman don’t understand the value of Independence for such countries like Anguila! It is only when Cayman suffer like the people of Anguila and see the true spirit or colors of the UK dictatorship that they can relate with them. But for now, Cayman is all comfortable, relaxed, and dandy under a so-so economy. It is until the great beast appears out of no where that they will be complaining. I am not supporting Independence for Cayman, but Cayman, we need to stand up for our rights and ensure that the UK does not take it away or trample on our democracy like it did to the people of the Turks and Caicos. Perhaps, Independence may be inevitable if the UK is unwilling to give us such a basic guarantee of national freedom. I was very dissappointed in our Premier refusing the UN committee from coming here and educating the public on such matters. Regards
What are you rambling on about, "but Cayman, we need to stand up for our rights and ensure that the UK does not take it away." Caymanians themselves don’t want freedoms and rights exampled by the production of a "human rights bill" which fails to provide "human rights" to everyone! The problem is primarily within and has little to do with the UK. Furthermore- the T & C democracy was trampled on as the government was ridden with corruption! It is that reassurance that our democracy will be, "trampled" on as well should our local politicians find themselves in the same corruption ridden situation as T & C which allows me to be a strong supporter of the O.T. status.
And hence because “government is ridden with corruption” like the UK government, that means the entire country of the UK should be controlled by Fidel Castro??? Mannnn… you got to be kiddin me! Hah… show me where T&C has worse corruption than UK that warrants termination of the people’s democracy and I will bow to you like Ceasar!
Read the transcripts.
Yup…if you don’t like it…the door is over there. Why I need to be spending my UK tax pounds on sending two Accountants to baby-sit your sorry a*** is beyond me. And make sure the door does not hit you on the way out….
Who said the two little accountants are being paid for by the UK? Last time I heard, they wanted TCI to pay for their own governance under a dictatorship. Moreover, they had us, Cayman pay for their MET team that came here to investigate corruption and found nothing! So tell me, where did you get the news that UK is paying for these two men and I’ll hush my mouth
And why should you be paying for this mess? Fool, it is called responsibility! How about you finish what you have started! No one told you to mess around with an Anguillan gal in the first place!