Many Anguillians at home and abroad are becoming more and more frustrated, disgusted and divided over what appears to be a never-ending duel between the Chief Minister and the Governor of Anguilla. Hardly a week passes when there is not some apparent conflict, war of words, subtle charge and counter charge, denial, and the like. For some, the situation is confusing, for some it is divisive, for some it is foolish and embarrassing, and for some it is seen as an opportunity to play party politics and score political points.
What is even more confusing for many is the Governor’s often repeated statement that the relationship between them is quite cordial and respectful, and there has been no denial of this by the Chief Minister, as far as I am aware.
At first, I thought of writing an article entitled, “Enough is Enough”, calling on them to be more understanding, and objective, and to desist from the constant open conflict which is doing more harm than good.
As I sat down to write I had a flash of inspiration and decided to follow it. In this article, then, I wish to make a brief analysis which I hope will help to throw some light on what the real problem is which we see manifesting itself in the seemingly ongoing conflict between the two gentlemen. While manner, style and personality differences do add their own extra dimensions, for better or for worse, the real problem has nothing to do with these. It is very important that we understand this and separate the personality, manner and style aspect from the real problem, so that we can address it deliberately and creatively. Failure to see the real problem will result in quick condemnation and criticism of one or the other as some of us are proned to do, and we may even end up supporting and promoting something which is working against us rather than for us. I plead therefore for my fellow Anguillians to take time to understand the real problem affecting us at present so that we can become realistic and intentional about the way forward. What is clear to me is that it cannot be business as usual.
Without being too simplistic, I suggest that there are two aspects of the problem. This first is the nature of the relationship between Britain and Anguilla. This relationship has been a colonial one, and the system created by this relationship is colonialism. Understanding this is fundamental, and failure to do so is fatal to national well being, true development and much that we cherish as Anguillians. Please take time and study the nature and results of British colonialism.
As it is not possible to do a major study of colonialism here, I will limit myself to a very, very, few remarks, which I hope will give a feel of what it is and what has been its fruit. The British colonial enterprise was developed in the 16-19 centuries with the single main goal of increasing the wealth of England. Every expedition made and everything else which was done during the colonization process had this one goal: English society must be richer and better off as a result. To achieve this certain political, economic and social systems were developed. They were supported by appropriately twisted rationalizations and religious explanations. The governments, schools, and churches were all used to promote the colonial enterprise. The colonial mentality prevailed and was defended as politics, education and religion were joined into an unholy and unjust union.
Colonialism bore many “sour grapes” including, but not limited to greed, imperialistic thinking, and the demonic sense of a “right to rule others”, on the part of the British, and in the Caribbean, underdevelopment, dependency, inferiority and feelings of impotence. Here is part of Edmund Desueza’s summary of the fruit of the colonizing process.
“This process of colonization also imposed on the Caribbean our commercial production patterns; that is, our people traditionally have produced not for our own benefit, but for the colonizer; and by production I mean not only minerals, agriculture, live-stock, semi-manufactured goods, etc., but even our thought”.
The fact is that colonialism has always been an oppressive system designed to serve the interests of the “Mother Country”. Any development in the colony was therefore for the benefit of the mother country first. The colonized were never regarded and treated as equals with the colonizers, but rather as their slaves, and servants, and as means of enhancing, and enriching them. Because of superior fighting power and skill the colonizers dominated, subjugated, divided, decimated, and controlled the colonized against their will, and established structures to ensure the perpetuation of such conditions.
With the passage of time the colonized became enlightened, and all around the world the cry for independence was raised and, one by one, former colonies became independent states. Today only a few colonies remain, most of them “belonging” to Britain. Unlike some of the other colonizing powers, e.g.Holland,Britain has never willingly offered or generously aided its colonies to become independent. In most cases there was a real struggle and, unfortunately, in some cases there was much bloodshed.
Today, the colonial attitude is still very much alive among many in Britain, and the colonial attitude and ethics are still characteristic of many officials of the FCO. Governors sent to overseas territories in the Caribbean are colonial Governors with a colonial agenda (and perhaps attitude as well). Their fundamental role is to ensure, protect and enhance British interests, and to promote governance in light of those interests. The advancement of the Overseas Territories in the Caribbean for their own sakes, and for the enrichment of the people, is therefore not a priority role of the Governors. This is sad but true. I understand that one Governor remarked to his bosses in UK during his orientation before coming out: “You have told me all that I should do for Britain, but I have not yet heard what I should do for the people of…………..”. In a statement made recently by the Governor of Anguilla, he wrote, “The UK government believes that the current constitutional model is fit for purpose… The relationship set out in the Territories’ constitutions is fundamentally right…. The aim is not to change the constitutional relationship but to see that it works better”. Question, better for whom?
Herein lies the tap root of the problem between the Governor and the Chief Minister ofAnguilla. The Governor is appointed to carry out the colonial mandate which is to ensure, protect and enhance British interests. He takes this task seriously and is enthusiastic about it. No one can blame him for that. It is the reason why he is here. He works forBritain, not forAnguilla. On the other hand, we have a Chief Minister who is elected to carry out the mandate of the people, which is national progress and self-determination. He is also serious and enthusiastic about carrying out that mandate and no one can blame him for that either. Indeed, if he were half hearted about it there should be a vote of no confidence in him.
Unfortunately, in essence the two mandates are incompatible. That is to say, British colonialism and national self-determination move in two different directions and have different objectives. They are irreconcilable and so, there will always be expressed or covert conflict. Historically, this has always been the case and will continue to be unless there is a paradigm shift. No matter who the Governor or Chief Minister may be, once they are pursuing their different mandates there will be conflicts. Whether the conflicts are played out in public as blatantly as they are today depends on the personality and style of the captains, but they cannot be honestly denied as was recently attempted. Let us “wise up”. The British colonial agenda and the national agenda for self-determination and progress have never been true friends. The irony of colonialism is that it makes its practitioners both victim and victor, and the colonized both friend and foe. The conflicts indicate that both gentlemen are in need of liberation from different angles. We must therefore remove any blinkers we are wearing, and see that the real problem is bigger than the two honourable gentlemen.
We must now ask the question: What is the way forward? Or can we find any real common ground between the colonial agenda of the Governor, and the national agenda of the Chief Minister, and so create a “win – win” situation? The present situation, which looks like a ‘win-lose” one, will ultimately become a “lose-lose”. We do not wish to go down that road. Enough is enough.
I believe we can find a creative way forward. Just as Holland and St. Maarten found a way,Britain and Anguilla can also find a way. The fact is that all social and political systems have been created by human beings for specific purposes, and can therefore be adjusted and recreated by human beings for new purposes if there is the will to do so. The most disappointing and unfortunate thing, and that which is the biggest hindrance to finding the most creative way forward, is the attitude of some British officials which can be summed up as, “Take it or leave it”. Such an attitude tends to rule out any real communication, problem-solving and progress.
Going forward must begin with a meaningful dialogue on possible creative and viable constitutional alternatives. Every possibility should be on the table for consideration followed by decision. This dialogue can begin here in Anguilla between the Governor and the people, but the Governor would need to take off his colonial hat and wear the national hat. An important question for the Governor would be, “What are you now doing, and what more should you do for Anguilla to enhance and help accomplish the national agenda?” The dialogue should be honest, open, frank and respectful. The dialogue can then move to the next level, between Anguilla and Britain. Now this is easier said than done, but it has to be done. It cannot be a one way communication, but a genuine dialogue without pre-conditions, and pre-conceived hardened positions. Let us as adults begin that dialogue.
In addition to that dialogue, which hopefully will result in a shift in attitude on the part of the British, there must also be a major metal shift on the part of Anguillians. Simply put: Anguillians must intentionally unite around the national agenda of “self-determination and national development”, rather than a party agenda. This means that each one must see himself or herself as a citizen who promotes national unity, democracy and development. This will require us to put the political welfare ofAnguillafirst and above party politics, to think and speak positively and truthfully about each other, to promote national dignity and pride, and much much more. Everything we say and do must be for the good of our country.
Creating and living in a unitedAnguillamust be seen as a very important part of moving forward to self-determination. One of the great lessons of history is that a divided nation cannot stand and will not progress. There will certainly be differences of opinion, but these differences should help us sharpen our vision and focus our future, rather than divide, separate and destroy us as a people. If we all can think of and envision “A unitedAnguillafor progress”, there will be a major shift in our attitudes and behaviour. Selfishness and individualism will give way to generosity, community building and national pride.
On this point of national unity, I appeal to those in Opposition to rethink the role they play as opposition. Being in Opposition can never mean being totally negative of all the Government does, thus saying anything and doing everything possible to weaken and destroy it. The role of the Opposition is to be critically supportive of the Government so that it can function more efficiently and effectively. Opposition must always bear in mind that what you destroy today may become your task to repair tomorrow. If we get caught up in the vicious cycle of destruction – repair – destruction – repair, then we will never progress. True progress is a process of ongoing building.
National unity is also the responsibility of the Government, and I also appeal to those who form the Government to think seriously on how they govern. The country has only one Government at a time, and that Government of the day deserves the support of every citizen (whether you vote for it or not) because it is your Government. In like manner, the Government is the Government of the whole island, and every citizen deserves equal consideration and opportunity.
Imagine the difference this approach to the roles of Government and Opposition will make to the development of Anguilla. I plead with every Anguillian to think seriously about it, embrace it and work to achieve it.
Embracing the idea of “A united Anguilla for progress” will mean that we are driven by the larger vision of “THE GREATEST GOOD FOR ALL”.
