The Valley Anguilla – In an official statement delivered from the Ministry of Finance, The Honourable Premier Ellis L. Webster, MD outlined the first measure of support to the residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano. Affirming the commitment of the Government and Anguillians at large, Premier Webster stated that St. Vincent nationals residing on the island are encouraged to have their immediate family members and dependents (spouse, parents, children, siblings) relocate to Anguilla. Additionally, “Leave Island” orders for St. Vincent nationals have been revoked.
Residents and Work Permit holders are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Home Affairs at 1 264 497 2518 or email kenneth.hodge@gov.ai to facilitate entry. Registration forms will be available at the Ministry from Monday, 12th April.
The members of the cabinet will continue work with Her Excellency the Governor, the Ministry of Health and the OECS to determine quotas and develop protocols for the possible increase in evacuees.
Premier Webster and the members of cabinet collectively commit to assist in any way possible during this unprecedented time and encourage all Anguillians to be ready to assist our Caribbean brothers and sisters.
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AS reported by the SKNObserver
Anguilla’s Tourism Minister Haydn Hughes said, “What’s happening in St Vincent right now is a tragedy. It really brings up memories of what happened in 1995 in Montserrat,” he said.
“In 1995 the volcano in Montserrat erupted and the then Chief Minister of Anguilla, Hubert Hughes sent out a call to all Montserratians that they could relocate to Anguilla free of any immigration control and regulation. A number of Montserratians took up that call and are now resident in Anguilla and have been for the last 20-plus years.
“Now that this volcano is erupting in St Vincent, as a member of the Cabinet of the Government of Anguilla, we too are making that call to the Government of St Vincent. We stand ready and willing to assist them and their citizens in any way possible, even as it relates to the possible relocation of their citizens to Anguilla.”