Fellow Anguillians,
On October 23, 2018, I wrote to the Hon. Victor Banks, Chief Minister, regarding the proposed sale of the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). Although Mr. Banks stated publicly that he would respond to my letter, I have not had the courtesy of a reply.
The AUF administration’s proposal in 2017 was to sell the 40 per cent of ANGLEC shares owned by the Govt of Anguilla, effectively the People of Anguilla, to raise EC$26 million to support the 2018 Budget. Hurricane Irma halted the sale, but this Government is once again pushing to sell the People of Anguilla’s shares in ANGLEC to support the current budget and satisfy the demands of the British.
My concern is that ANGLEC continues to serve a vital role in Anguilla as a good corporate citizen, contributing millions of dollars to health care, education, sports, culture and community development, and should never be sold.
Foreign ownership or foreign management of ANGLEC would subject the company to a purely profit-driven model, thus reducing its commitment to developing Anguilla and its people. Jobs would be cut to decrease expenses, and management positions would be given to non-Anguillians. This would negatively impact many Anguillians, who would be unable to pay their mortgages, unable to pay for their children’s education, and in some cases, unable to feed their families.
Also, the electricity rates could rise significantly since ANGLEC has a monopoly to provide electricity in Anguilla and would be beholden mainly to its foreign shareholders. The increase in the fuel surcharge last year demonstrated how severely people and businesses are affected by higher electricity bills. The increased cost of electricity could force Anguillian businesses into bankruptcy or plunge Anguillian homes into darkness.
I am convinced that we must preserve this indispensable asset for the People of Anguilla and maintain ownership. ANGLEC, owned and controlled by Anguilla is better for the People of Anguilla, now and in the future. Furthermore, I am convinced that public consultation and a referendum should precede any plan to sell ANGLEC, in part, or the whole.
Therefore, I want to reiterate my public statement that if ANGLEC is sold by this AUF administration, my AUM administration will make every effort to reacquire ANGLEC for the People of Anguilla. To this end, I have been investigating funding options and renewable energy projects which would partner with ANGLEC and ensure that the People of Anguilla retain ownership of the shares.
May God grant our leaders wisdom and guidance. God bless you and may God continue to bless our beloved Anguilla. Thank you.
Ellis Lorenzo Webster
Leader, Anguilla United Movement
