The Anguilla Government has expanded the island’s ship registry which, while strengthening its marine regulations, will increase financial activity in this sector, thus attracting more local revenue and providing linkages to other fiscal areas.

Mr. Evan Gumbs and Mr. Parkes signing Agreement

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to that effect was signed on Monday, May 10, by the Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities, Evan Gumbs, on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. Mr. Gumbs, who was authorised to sign by the Executive Council, did so along with Mr. Richard Parks, Interim Chief Executive of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who signed on behalf of the UK Department of Transport.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Public Utilities, Larry Franklin, explained that there were two categories of ships' registries: Category 1 registry includes the territories of Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man; and Category 2 registry comprises Anguilla, Falkland Islands, Gunsey, Jersey, Montserrat, St. Helena and Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Moving to this level of being able to register pleasure vessels up to 400 gross tons, we in Anguilla consider this as an interim step towards moving to a Category 1 register,” he explained.

Anguillian an visiting officials after the signing ceremony

The Minister, Mr. Evan Gumbs, said: “This is a great step for Anguilla in moving forward when it comes to registering the vessels. The Chief Minister [Mr. Hubert Hughes] said at a previous meeting that we will be working very hard to get to Category 1, but we are very grateful that we can move from registering vessels 150 tons to 400 tons under this arrangement we are signing.”

Mr. Parks said the signing of the MOU modernised the relationship between the Government of Anguilla and the UK on all matters related to ship registration, survey inspection of Anguillian-registered vessels and of foreign vessels visiting Anguilla and the standard of seafarers.

He continued: “The agreement sets out the responsibilities of both parties and builds upon the recent visit of Maritime and Coastguard Agency staff who recommended that, in the interests of good governance, an MOU should be signed... I am pleased that the Government responded positively and that I am able to sign the MOU in person, whilst being here for the annual Red Ensign Group conference which, for the first time, is being hosted in Anguilla.

“The MOU provides the opportunity to increase the size Anguillian fleet by allowing for the registration of vessels in private use up to 400 gross tons (the previous limit was 150 gross tons). I hope this provides an opportunity to increase revenue, while maintaining the necessary safety and environmental standards. I wish the Anguilla Shipping Registry every success for the future working in partnership as part of the Red Ensign Group ‘family.’”

The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport has general superintendence of the Red Ensign Group on all matters related to merchant shipping and seamen. Being part of the REG registries, Anguilla is obligated to maintain agreed standards of survey, inspection and certification of locally-registered passenger and cargo vessels.

A key component to expanding the ship register in Anguilla is the capability of the staff of the registry ands related units to uphold the regulatory regime with regard to ship registration.

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