An idea to convert the area in The Valley that includes Peoples Market, empty ground to its east, and going west to West of Ken’s Barbecue has been floated by The Ministry of Home Affairs.

There will be a public consultation on December 18th, 2013, from 7PM-9PM, at the Wallblake Conference Centre (that’s right near St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church).

The concept is to create a vibrant Anguillian marketplace, full of Anguillian vendors selling everything from delightful Anguillian food from Food Vans, arts and craft, clothing, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as stalls selling fresh-caught fish and local meat products.

Heavily used by residents with “things to to,” The Valley, Anguilla’s capital, has for too long been something that tourists drive through to get from “East” to “West,” but where there is little to stop them.

Right now, a few tourists may stop to visit People’s Market, and those in the know may pick up ribs at Ken’s on a Friday night, but the rest of the area is so empty that most hardly notice as they drive through The Valley to somewhere else.

Filling in the gaps and growing the area into a bustling Caribbean market that is distinctly Anguillian would deliver an irresistibly attractive discovery that would rapidly become an intentional destination.

It’s a WIN for tourists AND for local vendors who currently have trouble accessing the tourist directly.

Having a bustling Market Square in the center of The Valley is not only a strong idea in its own right, but perhaps a stepping stone to more ideas that turn the capital into a “place to see.”

If you are on-island on the 18th, why not drop by and let your point of view be known?