Originally called L'Anguille (French for eel) on account of its long narrow shape. Anguilla, as it is known today, boast a few defining features. It is mostly flat, with the occasional rolling hills. It is surrounded by a myriad of blinding white beaches. It has a limestone coral foundation covered with low vegetation and it has a proliferation of salt ponds In 1967 Anguilla withdrew from its union with St Kitts and Nevis. The other two islands were seeking independence whereas Anguilla opted to remain under British rule. The island was formally separated from St Kitts and Nevis in 1981. Today, like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla remains a British Oversees Territory. During the 1980's, the island enjoyed rapid economic and social development. As a result, Anguilla has become a high quality, exclusive tourist destination and one of the most affluent islands in the region. Anguilla has also been involved in the provision of international financial services for many years. In 1991 the financial services sector was developed by the government as a means of strengthening and diversifying the overall economic base and to provide another employment source for Anguillans who were now obtaining university education in unprecedented numbers. The island was already in possession of most of its characteristics that are essential to an international financial services centre. As a result, financial planners can put together structures requiring a neutral tax jurisdiction. |
