Pioneering Growth: Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster on Shaping Anguilla’s Future and the AZUR Special Economic Zone

Born in Island Harbour, Anguilla, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster earned an Anguillan scholarship for Dental Therapy studies in Trinidad. After two years of dentistry in Anguilla, he completed a three-year Biology degree at the University of the Virgin Islands. His academic journey continued at Yale University, achieving both an MSc and an MD. Actively involved in student governance during this time, he developed a strong sense of leadership.

Dr. Webster specialized in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Iowa. Over two decades in Florida, he offered care for the underserved and mentored students. Holding roles in local medical societies, he championed political campaigns and chaired surgical departments. In 2018, he was honored with the Frist Humanitarian Award.

Returning to Anguilla in 2010, he established an ENT practice, realizing his dream of improving healthcare. Advocating for multi-specialty care, he embarked on a mission to uplift Anguilla’s medical landscape. Dr. Webster’s political journey began in 2014, eventually leading the Anguilla Progressive Movement to victory in the 2020 general election. As Premier, Dr. Webster’s dedication to Anguilla’s welfare has extended to fostering economic growth. His vision includes the development of the AZUR Special Economic Zone, aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and bolstering the island’s prosperity. This initiative reflects his holistic approach to enhancing both healthcare and the economy, underlining his commitment to a thriving future for Anguilla and its people.

Tech Startups had the chance to speak with Dr. Webster about his plans for Anguilla and the implementation of AZUR as a key part of the economic future of the island.

In recent times, we’ve seen significant efforts to improve the infrastructure of Anguilla. Can you elaborate on some of the key projects undertaken and their expected impact on the island’s economic development and quality of life for its residents?

As Anguilla continues to be a prime destination for tourism, the Government remains committed to supporting, facilitating, and diversifying the development of the tourism sector. There is currently a wide range of projects that are being considered that have the potential to increase the island’s collective room inventory and amenities, including but not limited to hotel, villa, and marina development. These projects, coupled with the Government’s public infrastructure investments, including but not limited to healthcare facilities, schools, roads, and ports of entry, will improve the quality of life for all residents,  facilitate an increase in tourism numbers, and increase economic activity.

The AZUR Special Economic Zone has been a topic of discussion recently. Could you explain how this initiative is expected to attract investment and what sectors it aims to promote? Additionally, what safeguards are in place to ensure the sustainable growth of the region without compromising its natural beauty and environment?

The special economic zone can be defined as a geographical area identified where the company is based in Anguilla, but its business is conducted outside of Anguilla. In an effort to ensure its success, the Zone and companies within the zone benefit from a range of incentives not offered to other sectors of the economy. In essence, the goal is to attract business, its principals, and key employees to move to Anguilla. The Zone seeks to capture businesses concerned with;

• Global IT and software businesses
• Activities auxiliary to financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding 

• Research & development (encompasses applied research) and Other professional, scientific, and technical activities (specialized design, photography)

• Production and manufacturing for SEZ-based businesses of products inside the Zone or in other jurisdictions

• Technical and vocational secondary education, including Higher Education

As it relates to safeguarding the development of the Zone, the Special Economic Zones Act establishes a Special Economic Zone Authority whose duty is not only to consider and approve/reject applications but also to implement policies and programs of the Government to facilitate zone development and successful operations, enforce compliance with government stakeholders and applicable regulatory institutions, legislation, and regulations. 

As the Premier of Anguilla, you must have a vision for the future prospects of the region. How do you see the combination of infrastructure development and the establishment of the AZUR Special Economic Zone contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of the island?

Current developments, the establishment of the AZUR Special Economic Zone and the Anguilla Special Economic Zone Act 2020 have the potential to diversify the economy through the key areas of business previously identified, as well as facilitate population growth. However, taking into consideration the island’s size and resources, it is imperative for the Government to ensure that the current and prospective infrastructure development has the capacity to support the long-term growth and prosperity of the zone and the island.

Infrastructure projects often involve cooperation and partnerships with various stakeholders. Can you tell us about the collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities in implementing these development initiatives? How do you ensure inclusivity and equitable distribution of the benefits?

The government encourages the cooperation and collaboration of the private sector and local communities to propel business development and expansion by way of executing mutually beneficial agreements. These agreements capture the provisions for development as well as the benefits, incentives, and/or concessions for the various sectors. To note, these benefits are tailored to suit the sector concerned, as no project can be awarded favorable benefits over another. As it relates to new types of development being introduced before their establishment, policies, and other initiatives are considered and discussed through various private and public consultations.

With the world facing environmental challenges, sustainable development is of utmost importance. How does Anguilla plan to incorporate green and eco-friendly practices in its infrastructure projects, and how will the AZUR Special Economic Zone align with these goals to create a balanced and sustainable future for the region?

Our Government is committed to creating a sustainable Anguilla. Whilst the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation, and the Environment takes the lead in thematic areas such as Conservation, Renewable Energy Development, Climate Change, and Food Security to build resilience, there are mechanisms available to support green and eco-friendly practices. For example, the Government provides concessions on the importation of green technology components. It is AZUR’s duty as a corporate citizen to ensure that the zone seeks to benefit from what is available to support green and eco-friendly initiatives and also seek to attract businesses that align with the Government’s vision for sustainability.