The island of Anguilla has quietly achieved a special status as a haven of serenity and friendliness – with an upscale flair. Certainly the last ten years have witnessed development, but on a genuinely modest scale compared with most of the Caribbean. It maintains as a very preferred island destination featuring upscale hotels, prestige villas, fine restaurants, and some of the best beaches in the world.
Anguilla is located approximately 170 miles east of Puerto Rico and just 5 miles north of St. Maarten. The island is 16 miles long and a mere 3 miles wide. The topography features rolling hills covered by sparse vegetation. However, Anguilla compensates for the lack of lush mountainous terrain by offering some of the most exquisite white sand beaches in the Caribbean plus undisturbed reefs for snorkeling and diving, and a consistently dry climate. Life here is tranquil and Anguillans are extraordinarily friendly. It remains an island where one may luxuriate in a serene, idyllic setting. If one desires an input of action the cosmopolitan island of St. Maarten is a mere 15 minute boat ride away.
The island of Anguilla has enjoyed rather a quiet history. Colonized by the English in 1650, an uneventful period of self-rule was broken when Britain placed the island under the administration of nearby St. Kitts. Never pleased with this association Anguilla, after a patient 140 years, resolved the matter and once more came directly under Britain as a Crown Colony. A new and separate constitution was created and Anguilla has maintained its security and stability.
Fortunately, with no jet ports, no mass tourism, and no casinos the island has sustained its quiet sophistication. Anguilla should be considered as a very desirable investment and lifestyle destination. Anguilla fulfills the requirements of many of today’s upscale buyers and investors. Its premium hotels attract affluent tourists and most homes built here are at a high standard. It is politically stable, underdeveloped, and has a generally cooperative government in complete support of a free enterprise system.
The advantages to investing here are many: no personal income tax, corporate income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, sales tax, and no foreign exchange controls. The island offers free transfer of funds on all profits, dividends, interest, royalties, and capital out of Anguilla. Tax shelters and duty-free concessions are also available. Anguilla has good labor relations and offers a good infrastructure some import/export capabilities. There are also accounting, insurance, legal, and real estate firms providing a full complement of services.
Reprinted By Permission of the Caribbean Report