Originally from:
Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Latin America - Second Edition - Looseleaf
Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Latin America - Second Edition - Digital
Anguilla
Keithley F.T. Lake, Yvette A. Wallace, Kenneth G. Porter,
Merline Barrett, Jean M. Dyer, and Michelle N. Smith
Keithley Lake & Associates
The Valley, Anguilla, British West Indies
Introduction
Nestled among the islands of the British West Indies lies Anguilla, a British
Overseas Territory, which has an area of 35 square miles and a resident
population of approximately 14,000. Anguilla is often referred to as ‘tranquility
wrapped in blue’, given its turquoise seas washing some of the best beaches in
the world, its gracious and friendly people, and its peaceful and crime-free
community. Anguilla falls within the Eastern time zone (GMT minus four
hours) and is mostly sunny throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 80°
Fahrenheit. The country is located approximately six miles north of St.
Martin/St.Maarten and 150 miles east of Puerto Rico.
As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla enjoys a high degree of political
stability. Although Anguilla is essentially self-governing, with its own
democratically elected House of Assembly, Britain is responsible for all matters
of foreign affairs, international financial services, and for the defense of the
island.
Anguilla is a common law jurisdiction. Its judicial system is administered by the
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and the appeal process culminates with the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The judiciary is independent of the
legislature and executive branches. There are a number of fully qualified and
experienced lawyers who practice before the courts.
The professional infrastructure in Anguilla is well developed. The
telecommunications system is on par with international standards. There is a
single airport, Wallblake, which is served by airlines such as American Eagle,
LIAT, WINAIR, and local private charters and which can accommodate private
jets. Interconnection to international flights is available through St. Maarten in
Antigua and San Juan in Puerto Rico. There are two seaports between Anguilla
and St. Maarten/St. Martin, one for cargo and one for passengers. Electricity is
from a single supplier and is stable.
Keithley F.T. Lake, Yvette A. Wallace, Kenneth G. Porter, Merline Barrett, Jean M. Dyer, and Michelle N. Smith, Keithley Lake & Associates, The Valley, Anguilla, British West Indies
