The Editor
The Anguillian
Dear Editor:
On Saturday the 20th of January. I listened in awe to the most cowardly display of engagement by our esteemed Chief Minister as a caller to the Mayor Radio Show on Kool FM. It appears that the CM was peeved at the previous caller who had made reference to the fact that Anguilla was now part of the European Union, and to a certain document that the CM had in his possession. The CM identified himself and proceeded to rip into the co-host, Palmavon Webster. His rant continued until he got personal when he accused her and others of trying to undermine his administration. It was at this time she started to question him. Of course he refused to engage her in a civilized manner and chose to continue with his rant. At the conclusion of his rant, he hung up the phone and answered no questions.
For someone in a position such as his to behave as he did in that manner, on the air and the world wide web, does not bode well for him or us. This is the person that we elected to lead us. When we had the budget impasse last year, the CM was extended an invitation to go on the Mayor Show and discuss what was going on. He never agreed to go on. On the other hand, though, when it suited him he was more than willing to call in for merely selfish reasons.
At the conclusion of the show, on 20th January, each panel member, host and co-host had their say and perhaps a most appropriate wrap up was given by Mr. Rogers when he concluded that the CM had an untethered opportunity to address the people ofAnguillabut, instead, chose to go on a rant. Mr Rogers said quite a few things all of them relevant to the CM’s behavior. Ms. Webster chose to take the high road and not engage the CM in kind. Hodge, on the other hand, chose to refer back to the theme of the show which was the role of the media in a democracy. He quoted the two tenets as defined by the Center for Democracy and Governance. He also contrasted the two recent events: when the people were involved it was unimportant, but as soon as it concerned him he burrowed out and got on the air.
The CM continues to act in the role of the opposition to the previous administration long gone from office. Someone should tell the CM he won the election and it’s his turn to lead.
While Ms Webster did not lower herself to the level of the caller, she had the opportunity to take it to the CM. She instead, chose the high ground. Mr. Rogers, in his most solemn and deliberate voice, concluded that the CM had squandered the perfect opportunity to engage his constituents, given that the theme of the show was the role of the media in a democracy.
Today the CM showed his true colors. He behaved in a manner unbecoming of his high office. He handled himself like a petulant child, who, when told he would get no desert at dinner, goes off on a tangent. This is the person who represents us on the world stage, how sad.
It’s time for everyone to start pulling together ‘cause if we don’t, that loud crashing sound that you’ll hear, will be us going off a cliff. It’s time to stop the petty bickering and do what the people elected you to do. Lead. So CM trim those sails and put her to the wind and may God Bless Anguilla.
Sincerely
Concerned Citizen
