A senior lawmaker in Anguilla has revealed that the territory spent decades waiting on assistance and approval from the United Kingdom to develop its airport — promises that largely failed to materialise despite repeated attempts from successive governments.
Speaking recently in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Road South representative Hayden Hughes traced the airport expansion debate back more than 40 years, saying leaders had long viewed a modern international airport as critical to the island’s development. According to Hughes, Anguillian leaders repeatedly sought help from London but meaningful help did not come. He recalled that studies for airport development were even conducted with assistance from the French government because “the British government was not moving to assist in the development of the airport.”
At one point, Hughes said the UK appeared to signal stronger interest in the project. He pointed to a 2017 visit by then British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who he said spoke publicly about the need for an airport.
“And when he flew into Anguilla, he said the most important development he can see for Anguilla is an airport,” Hughes told the House. “The airport needs to be developed, and we will be investing in an airport.”
Boris Johnson’s reported airport comments
Hughes then stated that Johnson later denied making the remarks. “Boris Johnson denied saying it even though it was live on radio and recorded! he denied it! That vagabond! Sorry Madam Speaker, I take that back.” Hughes said.
Today, however, Anguilla is moving ahead with major airport improvements — but largely without relying on Britain. Instead, the territory has found a new source of revenue through the global boom in artificial intelligence. Anguilla manages the highly sought-after .ai internet domain, and surging demand from tech companies has generated significant income for the government.
Those revenues are now helping to fund infrastructure projects, including upgrades tied to the airport expansion push at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. The UK has been giving approvals for the airport expansion as clear funding is being identified and Anguilla won’t need to rely on the UK’s coffers to move the project forward.
Lessons for BVI
The experience offers a cautionary example for the British Virgin Islands, which is currently awaiting approval from the UK for its own long-planned airport expansion. Leaders in the BVI submitted proposals to London months ago and are expecting a decision, but Anguilla’s history suggests the process could take years if the territory relies solely on British backing, especially if the funding falls outside of financial thresholds that OTs have to abide by.
Hughes’ remarks underscore a broader lesson for overseas territories seeking major infrastructure development: waiting on UK support or even approval may not always deliver results, and alternative methods especially for funding may ultimately be necessary to secure UK approval.
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