Nicholas Wareham, the UK’s deputy director for overseas territories, has made his first official visit to Anguilla since taking up the role two months ago.
His trip from 19 to 23 October included a full programme of meetings and site tours aimed at boosting safety, security and prosperity on the island.
Highlights included a private meeting with Premier Cora Richardson Hodge, where they discussed development priorities and UK support for Anguilla.
At Anguilla Focus we keep our core content free for everyone – but our members get access to even more! Click here to join from just $3 per month.
During a press conference on 27 October, the premier explained that she thanked Wareham for the UK’s funding towards Anguilla’s water infrastructure, noting a recent commitment of £500,000.
“Now we know that an overhaul of the water system is about EC$50 million and so we are happy for monies have been sent and been pledged to Anguilla,” she said.
The discussion also addressed the beneficial ownership register, following criticism from UK-based anti-corruption and tax justice groups over Anguilla missing a “critical deadline” for its introduction.
Following the meeting, Wareham joined a National Security Council meeting, where Cabinet received a briefing on the island’s security landscape and the Royal Anguilla Police Force’s budget.
He also visited the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the Joint Emergency Services Control Room (JESCR) to see the coastal radar surveillance system in action.
The deputy director then joined the police on patrol to discuss efforts to tackle gun crime and violence.
Cultural and infrastructure tours featured prominently, with stops at key historical sites, the soon-to-be-operational mortuary at Princess Alexandra Hospital, and the new airport terminal.
The visit concluded in St Martin, where Wareham and Governor Julia Crouch met with French Prefet, Cyrille Le Vely, to discuss cooperation on maritime security, intelligence sharing and environmental issues.
The Governor’s Office described the trip as “productive and insightful, reinforcing the shared commitment between the UK and Anguilla to a safer, stronger and more resilient future”.
