Independence:Are we ready?

There has been much debate and talk on this isalnd in recent years concerning the viability of independence. The embarkation of such a position for a tiny isalnd as Anguilla presents some unique and highly insermontable challenges.The isalnd's population presents its greatest challenge to attaining independence because its small size,roughly 12,000 to 13,000 people,will create a daunting dilema in terms of generating the needed revenues to sustain the Gov't treasury.There is also the case of the production and circulation of its currency and monetary exchange.What currency will be utilized by the isalnd and at what rate will its exchange be set.The reliance of the isalnds on tourism and the absence of other viable sustained industry.Most critical to any consideration of independence are the issues of a sound constitution ,effective statutes and regulations,establishment of a proper legislature ,justice system and security force,ie defence ,coast guard,police,fire etc. The absence of these vital departments or the preperation for the establishment of such is ample evidence that Anguilla is not even in its infancy in terms of going or preparing for such a move.
The challenges facing any indepndent country are enormous ,however ,most Anguillians appear to think that it only entails being free or seperate from the domination of Britian'srule.If this premise was true and the only impediment to independence then I would wholeheartedly support any referudum on the issue.There are more far reaching ramification that faces Anguilla in its quest for independence that the average citizen is seemingly oblivious to.The transition will require more economic and financial upheaval than most politicains are willing to concede.There is the question of establishing international relationship and associations.Who will we associate with and at what costs.Is it fair to venture into this unchartered territory in such a state of unpreparedness with the expectation that all will be well.This move will be devasating and disasterous for the people and the economy of Anguilla.To state the obvious does not lend credence to or endorse any anit =independence movements but to as sure Anguillians that while the desire to be independent is an admireable goal,the reality of its feasiblity is not a practical possibilty at present.
Supporters of independenc would like you to beleive that Anguilla is ready but to them I pose a few general questions.
How will your currency stack up against the dollar,what will the rate of exchange be.Surely you are not expecting to circulatthe US dollar are you?
What provisions are made for a defence force since Britian will no longer be responsible for providing it.Do you have the funds to allocateto this essential department?Do you have the trained personel to staff it?What about the budget to purchase ,arms,housing,uniforms,food,and salaries.
What will be the extent of cooperation with international players.
These are only but a few ,however the other will be presented at a later time in another segment of this topic.