Date Posted: December 17, 2008.

(Anguilla, B.W.I.) At this time there is a degree of uncertainty about the future. Anguilla’s two main industries, tourism and financial services, depend on external customers, and are extremely vulnerable to events in the rest of the world. The year now ending has seen economies everywhere shaken by developments almost without precedent.

It will be more important than ever that Anguilla is competitive. The tourism sector must strive even harder to deliver an excellent product. In the area of financial services, Anguilla must comply with increasingly stringent international standards of regulation. Only those jurisdictions which satisfy the highest standards will prosper.

Anguilla is also vulnerable to the effects of nature. Hurricane Omar in October mercifully did not do great damage or cause any loss of life, but it was a vivid reminder. We must always be prepared to deal with possible natural disasters, and ensure that development is not pursued in a way that could increase the island’s vulnerability.

I hope that discussions will get under way soon between the Government of Anguilla and the Government of the United Kingdom on modernisation of the Anguilla Constitution. The United Kingdom Government is open to discussing whatever the Government of Anguilla puts forward. But the outcome will have to be acceptable to both sides, and to the people of Anguilla. It is for the people of Anguilla to decide their own destiny.

In closing, I would like to wish all the people of Anguilla, and all residents and visitors, a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

His Excellency The Governor: Andrew George