Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster presenting his Budget address.
ANGUILLA--Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster presented a positive outlook for Anguilla when he gave his Budget Speech on Friday, December 16. His theme was “Anguilla reimagined: Economically Resilient, Socially Inclusive and Fiscally Responsible”. He said this represents his administration’s shared vision for Anguilla that is reflected throughout the 2023 budget.
He said that economic resilience is generally defined as the ability of economic systems to cope with and recover quickly from a shock. “To build an economically resilient Anguilla requires us to make multidimensional interventions and coordinated approaches across multiple sectors. It means developing our Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport and expanding our airlift, so we do not have to rely on our neighbours to reopen their airports for our tourists to access Anguilla. It requires investment in our food systems to increase our food security and reduce our reliance on imports. It means developing sound building codes that protect our homes and communities, and reduce vulnerabilities,” he said. In order to be socially inclusive, he said that all Anguillians must participate in the growth process and his government plans on building a just, fair and flourishing society.
Webster outlined the policy priorities in the Budget that are in keeping with the government’s vision. They are geared towards continued advancement of Anguilla and include: improving health by strengthening the health system and making it more affordable; increasing access to specialised care; increasing protection of vulnerable citizens; and reducing the potential for transmitting communicable diseases. Also prioritised are improving food security; supporting youth development; reducing income inequality; addressing environmental issues, including improving disaster management and climate change resilience; management of water resources and reduction of energy costs.
The premier continued his presentation with an overview of economic performance in 2022 and the forecast for 2023. He said the recurrent revenue budgeted for 2022 was EC $237.67 million but actual collections totalled $313.81 million by the end of November. He reported on the first six months of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), saying that $40.87 million was collected. He added that Customs collections on imports also continue to increase steadily.
The recurrent expenditure for 2023 is projected to be $245.93 million. He outlined the various departments and the amounts allotted to them for 2023. While doing so he gave details of the plans for each department. The total recurrent revenue estimate for 2023 is $288.23 million. This represents an increase of $50.56 million when compared to the 2022 budget estimate of $237.67 million. The projected increase is mainly due to revenue policies aimed at improving the management of the domain name registry, along with the continued administration of the GST.
In conclusion, the premier said, “We have charted our course and see the rewards of being steadfast and resolute. Anguillians at home and abroad are informed of the unprecedented capital investments and social safety nets that have been activated over the past year and in the 2023 Budget. The record will show that when things got tough, we stood strong and chose to do the work necessary to build a resilient, inclusive, responsible, reimagined Anguilla.”
He expressed thanks to Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, the UK government, his ministers, permanent secretaries and other government workers.
“We will not waiver in our pursuit of a brighter day and a better tomorrow for all. I want all who are listening or watching to know that change is possible, in fact, change is imminent. I want you to see beyond this crossroads of crises, understanding how we got here, that better is ahead. I want you to leave fully optimistic about our capacity to be the change we want to see. Through vision and relentless effort, through perseverance and hard work, through the sacrifice of our people and the leadership of this administration, a different Anguilla is emerging – an Anguilla Reimagined: Economically Resilient, Socially Inclusive and Fiscally Responsible.”
