The Anguillian
April 3rd 2012
Dear Editor:
The history of the BOT, (British Overseas Territories), would tend to suggest that, more often than not, a very contentious and sometimes downright acrimonious relationship exists between the Governor and the duly elected local assembly. Though the Governor shares control with the local assembly and should consult with them, it is evident that this doesn’t happen most of the time. According to a former Governor of Montserrat, the Honorable David G, P,Taylor(1990-1993), the constitution as written, provides for numerous opportunities for turf wars between the two. A perfect example of this war of words is presently being waged here in Anguilla between our esteemed Chief Minister Hughes and Governor Harrison.
It is no secret that these two gentlemen despise each other. One only has to pick up a copy of the local paper, or listen to any of the radio talk shows around town, to get an idea of what’s going on. Charges and counter-charges have been lobbed back and forth with no end in sight. This sort of behavior takes away from the more pressing issue at hand – which is – the governing of the country. It is obvious that the Governor is flexing his muscles when you look at some of the things that he’s done, or is accused of having done, all within his realm of power. For example, the reshuffling of the permanent secretaries, his refusal to assent to the budget and the list goes on, much to the dismay of the CM. So what does he do? After what seems like an eternity, he resorts to just about any means necessary: radio, television, world wide web, marches – you name it. When none of these prove fruitful, the Chief Minister turns again to Caricom. Never mind that he disparaged the first Caricom group, which was made up of women, now he goes to the well once more. The question one has to ask here is WHY? Why does he go to these people whom I’m sure have their own worries, and burdens them with his? Like a schoolboy whose lunch has been taken away by the playground bully, he goes back and complains that the British are bullying him.
The Chief Minister, who will not be present, allegedly, when the Caricom Commission visits, wants them to address the people ofAnguilla. Is he serious? What are they going to say? “It’s nice to be here in Anguilla once again, and it would have been even nicer if your Chief Minister were here to tell us exactly why we’ve come halfway across theCaribbeanto speak to you.” Are you getting my drift here? It’s like inviting your friends over, and then leaving a note telling them that the key is under the mat, the fridge is fully stocked, have a good time and you’ll see me in a couple of days. What are these folks going to do? They are not the ones with the problem. The Chief Minister is the one with the problem and should be here to meet and greet them. These are the folks whom you’ve enjoined to help you fight your battles, sir.
This matter does beg for clarity. It not only begs, it screams for reasoning. It asks the question: Are you out of your bleeping mind or what? There are so many things wrong with this proposition, on so many levels, that it boggles the mind as to where to start.
Why doesn’t the CM accept the fact that he campaigned on a lot of empty promises on which he can’t deliver, accept the fact that he got bested by a career politician and diplomat, move on and try to make the best of an untenable situation? The Chief Minister should man up and take his medicine. He rolled the dice and lost. Now come the consequences, though painful they might be. Take them and smile as you do so.
Everyone knows that the CM is concerned about his legacy. The fact that he reached out to Caricom, not once but twice, to help him fight his battles does nothing to enhance that legacy. He further aggravated the situation by disparaging the first Commission when he asked for men only, this time.
The CM seems to be out of touch with the people as well as the global market; and in making a second request for a Caricom visit, to try and run off the Governor, makes him look weak – someone who cannot fight his own battles.
This is a matter for the CM and his administration to solve. Instead of righting the ship, they’ve engaged in petty politics which benefits no one. A golden opportunity was squandered. This is their time, if they can’t do it, then Ce La Vie.
Sincerely
Concerned Citizen
