Government Tours West End With Concerned Citizens

[Anguillan newsboy]

Monday, February 19, 2007

Government today from 10:30am until 1:00pm toured a number of properties in the West End Area with citizens of the community. The first stop was at Viceroy’s Property where a meeting was held with all Government Ministers, a number concerned citizens, lawyers, and representatives of the Viceroy Property. All four ministers were present as were various Government officers in Land and Surveys, Public Works and other Ministries.



Upon approaching the entrance of the property the Ministers of Government, who were all traveling together clearly saw the impact the dust was having on the residence in the immediate area. The Ministers in addition to wetting the road has requested that the traffic be diverted to the western entrance so as to minimize the heavy trafficking in the area and mitigate the dust issue. As for the Guard House it was understood that where it is now is not where it will be located in the final security programme. It is to be moved further in on the said newly established road.



There were other issues that had to do with the original road that now borders the property and a willingness to demonstrate that the development was being done in accordance with the principles of peace, respect and partnership with the community and its residence. The Ministers highlighted the lengths Government went through to ensure that the effects and impacts of the Wallblake Expansion Project on people and their lives were minimized and mitigated. Mr. Victor F. Banks reiterated that Government had set a standard in this regarding compensation, the full air-conditioning of homes and even in the temporary removal of some residents in the expansion of the airport.

After various ideas were proposed, the Honourable Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming stated that the people responsible for the development were the ones who would be able to agree to any suggestions in any negotiations and as such another meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 26th, 2007, at 10:00am when the said developers of Viceroy would be present to address all concerns expressed including amendments to the developmental plans so as to increase the ease of accesses to beaches.



The next stop was at Cap Juluca. The Ministers of Government met with the General Manager and Mrs. Phyllis Fleming-Banks. Members of the West End Community were also present. The Chief Minister expressed the concern regarding the location of the guard house. It was clear in the meeting that the property has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its guests but the impression that access to the beach was being prohibited, psychologically or otherwise, was to be rectified immediately. The guard house is to be relocated.



Next the ministers drove through the St. Regis Property commencing at the western entrance along the southern seacoast and on to the eastern gate making several observations. Government is remaining vigilant towards ensuring that all issues are dealt with in an effective manner. The Government remains committed towards the sustainable developmental efforts of the Foreign Tourism Investment Projects. The Government is keeping its promises and their presence today has reaffirmed the position that they are committed and serious about the mandate bestowed upon them by the people to defend their lives and protect their interests.