BLUEPRINT FOR ANGUILLA’S RESCUE AND DEVELOPMENT

By

Team AUM

A BACKGROUND OF THE ANGUILLA UNITED MOVEMENT

The Anguilla United Movement (AUM), was formed in 1980 to ensure that the interest of the people of Anguilla were preserved, defended and fought for and to create political stability, transparency, uncorrupted government and prosperity for all Anguillians.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

OVERALL OBJECTIVE

SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT FOR 2010-2015

The Anguilla United Movement is committed to the development and promotion of the Anguillian Human resources. We will ensure that our people are developed to assume the running of all facets of Anguilla. We will promote true democracy and the protection of the right of the people of Anguilla to determine their own future. The AUM government will work hard every single day for the people of Anguilla. This is our pledge.

Roots of integrity, trunk of stability, branches of prosperity. Together Anguillians, we will be on the move!

CANDIDATES

District 1. Samuel Webster

District 4. Evans A. Gumbs

District 5. Edison A. Baird

District 6. Hubert Hughes

District 7. Walcott A. Richardson

AGENDA OF THE AUM

• Constitutional advancement and electoral reform. Freedom of information, accountability, transparency and good governance

• Diversification of the economy and the Tourism industry

• Reformation of the labour laws including the introduction of a minimum wage. Overhauling the criminal code 2000 to reflect the culture of the people of Anguilla

• Promotion of a free press without governmental interference and a freedom of information act

• Creation of a government of National Unity to bring the people together

• Eradication of violence within our schools and rid Anguilla of any and all gangs

• Enhancement of the comprehensive education system by investing in a fully-fledged technical school

• The AUM government will take all necessary action to ensure full participation by Anguillians in the establishment, ownership, control and management of enterprises in the economy, based on an “Anguillians first approach

• Development of a Comprehensive health care system

• Government will ensure public access to every beach on Anguilla along with adequate parking

• The AUM government will pursue an economic policy that will lead to sustainable growth, economic stability and job creation

SOCIAL OBJECTIVES

The AUM places significant value on the social development of Anguilla. Our government will ensure the following, respect for law, the development of education and health care and the strengthening of the family structure. Accessible and modern sporting facilities, cultural development, the arts, improving the delivery of health care, bridging the education gap and ensuring our system is truly comprehensive in order to prepare our young people for the challenges of the 21st century will be paramount.

SPORT DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION & HEALTH OBJECTIVES

• Promotion of sports including Baseball, Boat Racing, Basketball, Car racing, Cricket, Cycling, Dominos, Softball, Tennis and Volley and track and field

• Identification of gifted athletes and development of their potential through specialized training

• Promotion and continuous training of our primary school soccer players into secondary school and beyond

• Facilitate student athletic scholarships with Universities in the USA, UWI and the UK

• Development of at least one indoor facility for basketball, volley ball, netball court

• Development and maintenance of sporting facilities throughout the island as well as the implementation of training programs

• Attract a major tennis tournament that will be coordinated with the Anguilla Tennis Academy

• Promotion of our indigenous boat racing and John T Memorial cycle race on a regional and international level via ESPN and other sporting publications

• Construction of a drag track for car racing that will meet international safety standards

• Coordinate with the golf course(s) of Anguilla to facilitate and sponsor youth golf training programs

• Provision of free health care and medical services for elderly persons

• Broaden our medical services to include a substance abuse clinic, mental ward and improve the service and services of the Anguilla public health care units

• Removal of custom duties on prescription medication

• Work with the education planners to develop anger management and current affairs courses throughout our schools

• Promotion of cultural events including visual and performing arts and courses on Anguillian history

• The AUM will work hard to reduce crime through 100% employment, structured sporting activities and counseling

• Development of community centers to meet the challenges of today’s society

• Strengthening the environmental health department

• Modernization of the Princess Alexandria hospital

• The upgrading of the senior citizens home

• Encourage and facilitate Anguillian doctors, dentists, nurses and other health care practitioners to return home to practice

• Strengthening of the Department of Welfare

• Modernization of Campus A and B. Upkeep of the lab and the technical school including constant upgrading of the computers and other tools needed

• Development of a Hospitality Training Centre in conjunction with the Anguilla Community College, improve access to adult and continuing education in hospitality trades and skills, travel services, hotel administration, management and other professions

• Upgrade the Edison Hughes library and construction of libraries on the Eastern and Western sides of the island

• Promote and expand tertiary level education and encourage and facilitate the Medical school, a Marine Biology school and a culinary institute

• Deliver and finance scholarships based on the needs of Anguilla

• Promotion of the Anguilla National Youth council and other youth and Non-governmental organizations

• Upgrade our schools to provide for and access to technical and vocational education and training in construction and construction

related trades and skills (tiling, block laying, plastering, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, surveying, drafting and reading), the arts and entertainment, sailing and marine skills at the secondary level. Students will be also given job placements with the view of gaining a certificate in these skills thus ensuring they are equipped for the job market

• In collaboration with tourism industry partners, review the strategy for funding and accessing overseas technical and professional tertiary education and training

• Reduction of Duty on all computers for residential use

LABOUR, LAND AND IMMIGRATION OBJECTIVES

We will review and update the work permit policy, legislation and regulations.

• Broadening the social security system to include improved unemployment benefits, injury on the job benefits and implementation of coverage for self-employed persons

• The AUM will conduct a survey of the labour force. We will ascertain the demand for foreign labour to meet shortfalls in the local labour supply that will be needed to satisfy the needs of the Anguillian economy

• The AUM will develop and implement an understudy and apprenticeship policy for the hospitality industry

ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES

The Anguilla United Movement Blueprint for the economic development of Anguilla will be based on proper studies, analysis, careful planning and sound investment. This plan will take into consideration the social, environmental and economic impact on the society as a whole and use an integrated approach. We will evaluate our programmes periodically in order to ascertain progress taking into consideration global trends and the views of the general populace.

• The government of the AUM will do everything possible to facilitate a major developmental project for the Eastern Side of the Island

• Encourage and facilitate poultry and egg farming and meat production for local and regional markets

• Encourage and facilitate animal husbandry, fish and crustacean farming, vegetable farming through soil and hydroponic methods

• Encourage the long line fishing programme

• Enact and enforce policies pertaining to duty free concessions

• Increase productivity of the local human resources in both private and public sector through training and incentives

• Place special emphasis on the Financial services industry, ecommerce, information technology and other professional service oriented industries.

• Implementation of a basic minimum wage and severance within the first year of office

• Collaborate with the industry partners throughout Anguilla on the formation of a pension programme in particular, for the Hospitality industry

• Expansion of the economy to meet demands and maintain full production and employment. Increase the living conditions of all Anguillians

• Promotion of the arts, including facilitating of Anguilla Music Publishing and Promotions (AMPP) to further market and promote Anguilla and Anguillian talent

• We will facilitate the environment for artistes, artists, designers, song writers, musicians, software programmers and creative persons to create new intellectual property products and will ensure their intellectual property rights are protected and promoted

• Improve Government’s reserves and build fiscal independence thereby lessening the impact of global financial shocks

• Collaborate with reputable capital providers in undertaking approved economic development projects and programmes for Anguilla

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Monies derived from Offshore financial services were once the main contributor to our yearly budget. Over the years, the offshore financial services have seen many changes due to the OECD and other global changes. We have enacted legislation which has crippled this very important industry and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the people of Anguilla can improve the quality of their lives through this medium.

• Continue to market Anguilla as a financial services destination

• Attract reputable firms that have a proven track record to invest in Anguilla by moving their business here

• Promotion of ACORN and its benefits

• Development and diversification of financial and business products

• Ongoing updating of the institutional, legal and regulatory framework governing Anguilla’s international finance industry to maintain and enhance Anguilla’s competitiveness in the global markets

• Maintaining Anguilla’s position on the “white list” of countries engaged in international banking, financial and business services while maximizing the opportunities for Anguilla

• Ongoing strengthening and upgrades to the Anguilla Commercial Online Registration Network (ACORN) system and the registry of Commercial Activities

• Encourage by incentivizing Anguillians in establishing and developing international financial services and related business enterprises

• Encourage, promote and facilitate Anguillians who seek to invest in the establishment of offshore financial and business firms that will do business in;

1) Company formation and management2) Wealth management3) Captive insurance underwriting and management4) Accounting, auditing and other financial services5) Legal and related services

• Maintain Anguilla as a tax-free jurisdiction

FISCAL BLUERRINT

• Increase collaboration and partnership among the Government, chamber of commerce and the private sector

• Restore fiscal prudence, stability and generate a recurrent surplus

• Achieve the goal of financing at least 25% of the Government’s capital budget from recurrent surpluses

• Restore faith in Government’s fiscal management capacity especially in debt management, budget planning and forecasting

• Collaborate with the ECCB and the local banking industry to ensure long term stability of the banking and finance industry and to promote its sustained development and growth

BLUERRINT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

• Control of inflation

• The restoration of economic growth

• Raise the earnings of the lowest paid in Anguilla by implementation of a fair minimum wage

• Collaborate with the private sector to develop and implement a programme of support, protection and incentives to facilitate Anguillian entrepreneurship

• Promotion of Anguilla as a destination for scientific research and marine biology

• The AUM government will work closely with the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce

LOCAL AND REGIONAL BANKING BLUEPRINT

• The AUM government will work to upgrade the Anguilla Development Board into a full-fledged development bank. We will strengthen its equity capital base, increase and diversify its access to lending resources, and provide financial and business advice to clients to fully maximize its potential

• Strengthen the regulation of the insurance industry to improve solvency and the protection of policy holders

• Develop and strengthen the Financial Services Commission’s regulatory role in the domestic finance and insurance industry

AGRICULTURAL BLUERRINT

Due to the small amount of rainfall and our very thin layer of fertile soil, agriculture in Anguilla has always been done on a small family style scale.

• Development of a Botanical garden for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors

• Encourage and facilitate hydroponic farming

• Concessions and preferred tax breaks to all farmers including animal, poultry and egg farmers

• Facilitate the development of fish and crustacean farming

• Local farmers will be provided with subsidized water and concessions relating to insecticides and fertilizers

CONSTITUTIONAL, POLITICAL AND LEGAL BLUERRINT

We recognize the need to upgrade the Constitution to re the goals and aspirations of the people of Anguilla who have inhabited this country for over 200 years. This Constitution should embrace democracy and reflect the political maturity of our people and right to self-determination. We should have at the very least, full internal self governance. It will also include the following;

• The maintenance of a Local Deputy governor

• The appointment of a Local Attorney general that will be made by the Chief Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the governor

• The requirement of all Senior Civil servants, political appointees, candidates and Ministers of government to declare business assets and interests

• Protection for Human rights

• Allow for the Chief Minister to vacate office without having a general elections

• Increase the number of Ministries

• Review the policy and laws relating to Anguilla belongership and nationality

• Promotion of full internal self government as the next step in our political and constitutional development

• Review and upgrade the rules of procedure of the House of Assembly

ADMINISTRATIVE OBJECTIVES

• Strengthen the public service commission to take more responsibility for actions by civil servants

• Training of all public servants to give the best service and increased productivity

LEGAL OBJECTIVES

• Development and expansion of legal aid services for persons who cannot afford legal representation

• Inclusion of the public on all major decisions made by government such as administrative and law reform and large inward investment

• Training of legal practitioners in the Attorney General chambers to reduce outsourcing

• Training of lawyers in the AG chambers in legal drafting, international law, financial services legislation, negotiations and other legal matters and law reform

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Anguilla has experienced an unprecedented crime rate over the past 8 years and this trend can put us under serious social and economic pressures. It causes a breakdown in the society and has a negative impact on everyone that resides on our paradise. It is our goal to stem the tide of this wave and restore the unity and sense of community.

• The AUM government will strengthen and develop the full capacity of the Royal Anguilla Police Service

• Government will seek to make the job of policing more attractive through continuous training and performance incentives

• Strengthening of the tribunal and complaints committee to address police behavioural issues

• Police officers will be given opportunities to expand and improve their careers through studies in law, criminology, counseling, social studies, psychology and the forensics

• Relocation of Her Majesty’s Prison and increase rehabilitation of prisoners

• Improve the policy and diversify the system of incarceration and judicial punishment so that juveniles and mentally challenged persons will not be incarcerated with the regular prison population

INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTIVES

OVERALL BLUERRINT

The main cargo port at Sandy Ground will be relocated to an appropriate site. Sandy Ground village will be developed as a major tourism while increasing the economic opportunities for the people of this scenic village. Every effort will be made to improve all air and sea port facilities, develop new roads and maintain the existing road network.

AIR AND SEA PORTS and ROAD NETWORKS

• Development of a deep water sea port facility meeting international standards of security and safety

• Further development of the Blowing Point terminal and port

• Development of a commercial center and major upgrade of the terminal to enhance the area and keep in line with our Tourism product

• Resurface the Valley main roads throughout the commercial area.

a) Leading from Wallblake to the Webster’s park

b) From Wallblake (cannonball) to the Stoney Ground Road

c) From Cannonball to the Wallblake round-a-bout

d) From the Quarter Road to the old Cottage Hospital

e) Resurfacing of the South Valley and North Valley, North Side Roads

f) Development of the Bucks Bay road leading from Long Bay to Anguilla Trading

g) Road south of Blowing Point ball field

h) Resurfacing the road from St. Andrew’s Anglican church to Wayne John, Paving of road from Wayne John to White Hill and the road from Wayne John to Eudoxie Richardson

i) The road from Hilton Fleming to Capitol Hill and the Sea Rocks road

j) Resurfacing of the Pond Ground road

k) Long Bay road from the stop light around through Malliouhana, back to the main road

l) Resurfacing and development of the Rey Hill, Forest and Tanglewood roads

m) Resurfacing of the North Hill roads

n) upgrading of the Sandy Ground Roads

• Identification of roads that need to be developed and the continual maintenance of roads

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

“Over the past 5 years, the construction sector has grown but the local contractors and construction workers have not derived maximum benefits. The government of the AUM will give preferential treatment to local contractors for projects in Anguilla..”

CONSTRUCTION BLUEPRINT

• Though increased certification, our young people will make an immediate impact on the construction industry

• Encourage the growth of Anguillian owned and controlled construction firms and implement policies that promote and protect said firms

• Protect local construction material developers from foreign investors

• Encourage all approved foreign owned construction projects to obtain construction goods and services from Anguillian suppliers, provided they have the ability to provide the goods and services competitively

• Implement policies that will ensure that government contracted projects will be done by local architects and contractors

• Ensure that the building code is upheld without stifling the construction industry

• Provide incentives to construction firms to use alternative construction materials and methods to reduce costs to Anguillian consumers. Provide incentives for ‘green’ building techniques to reduce the carbon footprint

• Encourage the growth of Anguillian owned construction companies • Promote and protect local investors who invest in the manufacture of

construction materials• Promote and protect local entrepreneurs who provide construction and

building materials

MARINE RESOURCES

It is known throughout the region that Anguillians are sea faring persons. We have braved the elements and traveled all over the Caribbean by vessels constructed by us. Today, this lifestyle has changed due in part to legislation and the high cost of running said ships. Bulk freighters have replaced our very own. In addition, the fishing industry has been suffering from overexploitation of the inshore fisheries, the high cost of fuel, fisheries regulations in Marigot and the fact that we must modernize to explore fishing grounds further out to sea. We must ensure that Anguilla’s marine resources are protected in order to derive benefits for generations to enjoy

• Ensure that Anguilla’s boundaries are protected and we do not relinquish any of ocean territory to any country

• Explore the possibility of fossil fuels and minerals within our territorial waters

• Protection of our beaches from Sand Mining

• Providing our Law enforcement officers the wherewithal to police our territorial waters to prevent drug trafficking, illegal fishing and to collect cruising permit fees as mandated

• Protection of our coral reefs and endangered species

• Facilitate access to our traditional fishing points (fishing rocks)

• Strengthening of our fisheries department and construction of a modern fisheries building equipped with a rescue station and state of the art radio system

• Install lighted markers at significant reeds to guide seafaring vessels safely to shore

• Provide incentives for the fishermen venturing into long line programs

• Development of facilities at Island for fishermen to process their catch

• Establishment of a modern fisheries facility that will be centrally located to store and sell the catch in sanitary conditions

WATER AND ENERGY

Water has been a burning issue for many years and has been a very expensive undertaking. The water contract will be revisited to ensure that Anguilla receives maximum benefits and the best possible cost. The AUM government will aggressively seek out alternative energy sources and reduce the cost of electricity to every single household and business.

• Alternative energy sources will be explored such as wind, solar and geothermal

• Special concessions will be given to persons importing hybrid cars, solar panels, wind turbines and other alternative energy saving devices/tools

ENVIRONMENTAL BLUEPRINT

Anguilla is a small, flat coral limestone island. This puts strain on our environment and we are vulnerable to earthquakes, hurricanes and beach erosion. The uncontrolled mining has put our environment in danger. We must strengthen the legislations to prevent sand mining, filling of ponds and police said in order to preserve these natural buffers.

• Strengthen the ALHCS environmental club

• Protection of our saline ponds to prevent infilling

• Protection of our sand dunes

• Protection of the indigenous wildlife and plants

• Improve garbage disposal and keep Anguilla as clean as possible

• Implement biodegradable chemical policy for all hotels and commercial properties

• Collaborate with regional and international bodies regarding environmental issues

• Strengthen and enforce litter laws and un-covered trucking laws

INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

”It is important in any democracy to have a free press. We will encourage a free and investigative press and implement a freedom of information act.”

• Upgrade the existing facility and re-establish the AM transmitter and tower

THE ARTS

”Anguilla, though small, has immense talent in the visual and performing arts. The development of such arts, will give us an opportunity to market Anguilla and develop the talents of our people via this medium. This can provide career opportunities and inward flow of capital for Anguilla and we will give the development of the arts special priority.”

• Promotion of our artists and galleries as part of our Tourism promotions

• Construction of a modern center to showcase our visual and performing arts

• Collaborate with AMPP to ensure that all the resources necessary for this product’s success are provided

• Upgrades to the Landsome bowl cultural center

TOURISM BLUEPRINT

Tourism in Anguilla has been relatively successful and we will continue to promote it to ensure that we receive full benefits. We will seek to diversify the product and ensure that all tiers of hotels, Villas, guesthouses and inns in Anguilla are promoted. We will seek to have an average occupancy of no less than 80% annually. The AUM government will review and implement policies that promote and facilitate total and/or majority Anguillian ownership of businesses in the tourism industry as well as minority Anguillian joint ownership. We will promote the Anguillian ownership of restaurants and Villas. We will actively pursue investors for an up-market yacht Marina in the best possible location. We will conduct a Tourism human resource assessment to ensure that we have the requisite people trained for the short, medium and long term human resource needs of the industry.

• Expand Tourism markets, marketing and promotion programmes and the marketing budget and strategies

• Increase access and opportunities for the people of Anguilla to be trained and to develop their knowledge, skills and abilities in the various hospitality trades and professions. Anguillians will be given first preference for employment in these trades and professions throughout the industry in Anguilla

• Ensure that the product is promoted by well trained and motivated personnel

• Train front line public servants to provide the legendary friendly service Anguilla is known for

• Provide training and scholarships to ensure that all Managerial and supervisory positions in the industry are held by Anguillians

• Facilitate Anguillian investors to finance, complete and operate tourism projects approved prior to the AUM government

• Encourage Airline companies to make Anguilla a regular route

• Facilitate the successful completion of Tourism projects under construction prior to 2010 by their owners

• Enact legislation and regulations for beach vending, vacation real estate and cruise tourism.

• Upgrade and expand public restrooms and change-rooms at beaches and other public venues

• Develop a cruise tourism policy to compliment our tourism product. • Complete the review of the Tourist Board and Management structure of

the Tourism Ministry • Increase the marketing and promotion of small Anguillian owned tourism

accommodations • Encourage investment in and facilitate the development of sports

tourism, events and festivals, conventions, medical tourism, arts and entertainment and eco-tourism

• Develop Big Spring and the Fountain cavern as part of the overall tourism product. The AUM will oversee the opening of the Fountain National park

• The AUM government will provide a range of amenities at various beaches and public venues, for use by everyone including designated games areas, picnics facilities, bird watching, walking and horseback riding

PENDING ISSUES AND PROJECTS

The AUF Government which served from 2000 – 2010 negotiated a series of Tourism investment and real estate agreements and approvals to develop 4’310 rooms to Anguilla’s inventory. With the exception of the Cuisinart expansion and Viceroy Resort and Residences, construction and operation of all of these projects remain unfinished or un-started. The Anguilla United Movement (AUM) government will ensure that all projects approved by the AUF administration are completed. Some of these projects are locally owned and we will do everything necessary to see them come to fruition. The AUM government will facilitate the restoration of defunct hotels such as Mariners, Fountain Beach hotel, Sea Grape and will encourage investment for the Cinnamon Reef area as a Marina and Heritage village.

SHERIVA VILLAS

• Sheriva Villas is owned locally and the AUM will do everything within its power to ensure that this operation is viable and successful

CONCH BAY DEVELOPMENT

• Support and facilitate the owners of Conch Bay Development Project when they restart the project to ensure that this project is completed and ready for business

RENDEZVOUS BAR RESORT DEVELOPMENT

• Rendezvous Bay Resort is the first and oldest resort on Anguilla and the AUM will facilitate the Gumbs’ family to implement their plans to expand and redevelop the Resort

ROYAL CARIBBEAN RESORT

• Royal Caribbean Resort is another excellent Anguillian owned product that is not yet completed. We will engage with the Anguillian proprietors at Swing High to facilitate their completion to diversify the product and become a leading venue for conventions, meetings and conferences in the region

ALTAMER RESORT

• This project includes a mega yacht marina. While a marina would diversify our Tourism product, the AUM will have to ensure that there is no significant negative destruction to the beaches in the area. A complete independent environmental impact study will be done and reviewed by the Anguilla National trust and the public at large. The development of this proposed Marina will have to consider other players in the industry such as Cove Castles and Cap Juluca resort. If all is well, we will encourage the developers to give priority to the development of the mega yacht marina to be completed before 2015

CROCUS BAY RESORT

• This small hotel is in the construction phase and the AUM will facilitate its opening. This will provide meaningful employment to the people in the area and lessen the commute to the Western side of the island

CAP JULUCA HOTEL

• The AUM government will facilitate the refurbishing of the existing Juluca accommodations to improve and enhance this very valuable asset

FLAG LUXURY PROPERTIES: TEMENOS RESORT

This project has sat idle for the past 18 months and we believe that government’s intervention is necessary to ensure satisfactory resolution of the issues arising from the collapse of the Project. We will do whatever is necessary

to ensure this project is completed, operational and successful. The following issues will be addressed;

• Settlement of debts to Anguillian vendors and service providers

• Settlement of debt to government

• Resumption and completion of construction;

• Continued maintenance and upkeep of the golf course

• Settlement of liens and all other expenses

• Creation of construction jobs and completion and opening and operation of the property as one of Anguilla’s premier luxury resorts

Hubert Hughes. Political leader of the AUM

Hubert Hughes first won his seat as an independent candidate in the first constitutional election against Mr. Ronald Webster's candidate in District 6. He was the lone member of opposition at the time. He was the founder of the Anguilla United Movement (AUM) in 1981, the party he still leads today. He was elected Chief Minister of Anguilla in 1994 and oversaw the highest employment rate in Anguilla's history and in 1998, Anguilla was rated as having the fastest growing economy in the region. It was a time of prosperity and growth for Anguillians both in the private and public sector. He ensured that Anguilla's five-star hotels were Managed by Anguillians and so they were. At the time of his election, most of the major departments of government and hotels were headed by expats. Under his leadership, this was reversed and to date, every major department in government continues to run by Anguillians. However, as the world can see, all of his work to promote Anguillians in the private sector was undone by the present administration. His 2nd term was cut short when the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Victor Banks resigned and went to the other side of the floor just 2 months in.

When Mr. Hughes resigned from government, he left the country without debt. The Minister of Finance was so impressed that he declared 2 days after coming to office, "the country's finances have been prudently managed, we will hit the ground running!" As of today, the Government of Anguilla has ran up the largest debt in Anguilla's history so much so that the British Government is sending consultants into the island to oversee the financial direction of the country. Hubert Hughes has a record of fiscal discipline and has pledged to once again turn around Anguilla's financial position. His motto is Anguillians first and his record of success proves that if anyone can get Anguilla back on track, it is him.

Edison A. Baird. Deputy leader of the AUM

The Hon. Edison Baird is a man who overflows with passion and love for Anguilla and his people. He is a man who has tirelessly served the needs of fellow Anguillians. In his short tenure as Minister of Social Services he has overseen a hike in scholarships, graduates, more efficient Health services and upgrades to the sporting facilities and events on the island.

In his District, he has been responsible for the road from the corner bar pizza to the cliff overlooking katouche, the Buntin Hill road, the main road to Bronte. He acquired 1.5 acres of land for the playground west of the basketball court in North Hill, he gave29 full scholarships to college to students in the district 9 of which went to residents of North Hill. He installed a number of streetlights throughout his district using his own money and the road to the Point was widened.

Prior to Mr. Baird being elected to office, the kids from Sandy Ground had to get off the school bus at the round-a-bout in South Hill, walk down the hill into the village and the week he got into office, the school bus began going to Sandy Ground.

The road around the pond wasn’t even on the map before he got into office but he not only got it on the map but it was paved as well. Since then, it has gone into disrepair and he will fix this on assuming office once again. He acquired land to the South of Ed Carty for the fishermen to have unimpeded access to their boats. Mr. Baird had a public restroom installed on the beach and since then, it has gone into disrepair. He not only plans on upgrading it on his return to office but installing more around the island.

The repaving of the main sandy ground road was done under him and since then, that too has gone into disrepair. The barrier on the small jetty by Johnnos was removed by him so that everyone would have access to the entire wharf.

He has lobbied tirelessly to no avail for a pump in the Sandy Ground pond and the development of the Chappel Hill road.

Mr. Baird holds a Masters Degree in Political Science and a Degree in Economics.

Evan A. Gumbs. Candidate for the AUM in District number 4

Evan Gumbs hails from the Village of Long Ground, Anguilla. The son of Ms. Clara and the late Mr. Alfred Gumbs, founder of Highway Tire Service, he was born on the 5th of February 1964. He is married to Dawn Gumbs and together, they have two daughters. He attended the Valley Primary School and was later transferred to Anguilla’s first privately run school the Island Harbour Christian School. He attended the then Valley Secondary School.

Times were difficult and while he knew he would take over his father’s business, he entered the hotel industry for the experience and to experience what the people in that industry encounter daily. Evan then returned to the family owned business of which he’s a part owner (Highway Tyre Service) and have been working there ever since.

He has always followed politics in Anguilla from the days of the revolution to date. Evan always had a love for people and the youth and as he grew older, his participation in politics became stronger but always stayed in the background until one day, the people of District 4 asked him to be their representative in the 2005 general elections. He asked for time to give it some thought and with prayer, careful consideration and consultation with his family, he returned with the good news to his people that he will be their servant and contest the District 4 seat as their representative for the Anguilla United Movement.

He has declared time and again, “I am not after the money I was called into politics. It is not what will happen to me if I didn’t stop to help my people, it is what will happen to my people if I don’t stop to help them!”

He became a Christian at an early age and is a member of the Central Baptist Church at Rey Hill. He has served as a Youth Director at his church for three (3) years and as a Youth President for thirteen (13) consecutive years. He believes in serving the Lord and people and so, he has offered himself to serve the people of Anguilla. He believes in the care, respect and honour of the elderly and very concern about the youth because they are our future. An avid lover of sports, he has participated in many Cricket matches, Basketball and Football games. He also served as a referee and Treasurer for the Anguilla Basketball Association for many years and as the President of the Anguilla Amateur Cycling Association for ten (10) years. He still promotes cycling and is an active cyclist.

“With the people’s support and God as my helper and guide, I am ready and willing to help in moving Anguilla forward socially, economically and

spiritually. I am going in clean and am determined to remain clean and will make a clean difference in Anguilla’s politics.

Walcott A. Richardson. Candidate for the AUM in District number 7

Walcott was born in the tiny village of San Nicolas of the Dutch Caribbean Island of Aruba. At a tender age he arrived with his parents and lived in Anguilla. He attended the West End Primary School. In 1970 he graduated from the Valley Secondary School as one of the first batch of Students to have gone to the Sixth form of the VSS. In October of 1970 he started his life-time career in teaching. He graduated from the St. Lucia Teachers' Training College in 1976. In 1985 he successfully completed a two-year course in teacher education obtaining a Diploma equivalent to an Associate Degree. He got involved in active politics in the early eighties. He participated in every campaign for General Elections since that first appearance alongside The Hon. Mr. Albert 'Belto' Hughes in West End. In 1999, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office and First Nominated Member in the House of Assembly. As a fighter for the underdog, from the days he served as secretary of the Anguilla Teachers Union with Mr. Robin Richardson and Mr. Franklin 'Teacher Kelly' Richardson, he champions the cause of any issue that negatively affect the Anguillian people. As a trade unionist he was exposed to a powerful trade union, The United Steelworkers of America. With the evolving dynamics of the labour industry in Anguilla at the time he could not pass up the opportunity to introduce a meaningful trade union to Anguilla. He introduced to the workers in the hotel industry The Anguilla Trades and Allied Workers Union (ATAWU) an organization, although short lived, which gave a new dimension on labour and collective bargaining.

Samuel (Sam) Webster. Candidate for the AUM in District number 1

Sam has not only what it takes to serve District 1, but Anguilla entirely. Due to his mother’s high perception of education, she made it first priority for him to go to school. In his early stages of primary education, he attended the East End Primary, now Morris Vanterpool Primary School, then transferred to the Island Harbour Primary now the Vivien A. Vanterpool School. At these educational facilities, Mr. Webster was a very outstanding student. Having attained the firm foundation for further learning, Mr. Webster attended the Valley Secondary School, now the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. There, he was able to widen his intellectual capabilities, which made him equipped for adulthood and making a livelihood. Following the completion of secondary education, he entered the public sector where he served as a Customs Officer.

After the premature death of his father, he terminated his employment and decided to enter the field of fishing to better provide the basic necessities of his

mother and younger siblings. Through his dedication and diligence, he has assisted many of his siblings in attaining their educational goals. Now he is the proud brother of Teachers, Dentists, Computer Engineers, Medical Doctors and Accountants. As a young boy, Sam's admiration for his father, who was an experienced fisherman, took him on several fishing expeditions with him. This is probably the major reason why he is also an experienced, successful fisherman.

He named his fishing boat, “Try Hard” because he believes that in order to accomplish anything in life you must work hard. During his leisure moments as an adolescent, Mr. Webster developed a burning passion for the game cricket. His great love for the sport found him playing for his schools, his Village of Island Harbour and the Anguilla National Cricket team. Mr. Samuel Webster did not only play the game but was also a part of the Anguilla Cricket Association.

Among Sam's accomplishments in cricket are:-

- Played for the Anguilla National Cricket Team for 10 years

- Manager of the Anguilla Senior Cricket Team 1999 – 2005

- Manager of the Anguilla Under 19 Cricket Team 1999 -2005

- Manager of the Anguilla Under 15 Cricket Team 2000 – 2004

- Manager of the Anguilla Under 13 Cricket Team 2000 – 2004

- Manager of the Leeward Islands Under 19 Cricket Team to Guyana 2003

- Former Vice President of the Anguilla Cricket Association

- Chairman of Selectors

Sam has proven to be a true and prolific leader. He is a man of integrity, a man of principle, a man with high morals, a man of action and a man with vision. Sam is married and has three children, one of which is an Executive Secretary, another who is presently at University studying to become an International Evangelist and the last one is pursuing primary education. He’s also a proud grandchildren of two.

On 14th March 2008, Sam went through a life changing experience. While

returning home from fishing, he fell overboard and was lost at sea for 22 ½ hours. He was found dehydrated, hungry and wounded clinging to two buoys about 15 miles east of Anguilla. He believed that it was because of the mercies of God that he is alive today. This traumatizing and glorious incident made him evolve into the man he is today; a man of God, a Christian man and now, a commitment to uplift the Anguillian people through service and servitude.

Sam Webster has what it takes to be your next representative in 2010. He believes that with God, all things are possible. The Anguilla United Movement has offered a humble servant to make Anguilla a better place and restore it to its good name and recreate the tranquility wrapped in blue. Remember, Sam is the man with the plan! Vote Mr. Samuel Webster, the candidate of the Anguilla United Movement!