Everybody is experiencing severe financial or social difficulties in Anguilla at present, caused by one factor or another. Before the global economic crisis, and its impact on Anguilla, the standard and quality of living had been appreciably high with a flourishing economy and a double digit GDP growth rate.
Over the years the people ofAnguillawere adjudged to have been enjoying a higher standard of living than others in the region – and elsewhere in the world – and streams of British aid, in particular, were diverted to places where the need appeared to be more pronounced. So well were the economic and social conditions in Anguilla- in terms of material possessions, and apparent wealth in the majority of cases – that some persons expressed scorn whenever the Statistical Unit would undertake its Poverty Assessment surveys on the island.
It is known that, in a few instances, some ordinary folk, not wishing to be regarded and listed as “poor”, undertook to suit out their less-than-modest homes with new and expensive furnishings to dazzle, as it were, the prying eyes of the surveyor. Undoubtedly, put to the test, this would have had the effect of hindering any effort by Government, and other agencies, of finding ways and means, if any, to relieve some of the underlying social situations confronting those persons.
The naked truth is that even with most people in the Anguillian society enjoying a relatively comfortable position, there are some real pockets of suffering and need on the island to address. There are persons who do not know where the next meal is coming from and who just exist on hope and trust in providence.
There is a need for Government, through its social development agencies, and even with the involvement of elected representatives, to check within the seven constituencies to see how a number of persons live their day-today lives and what their quality of life is like. It would be surprising what the findings would really reveal.
A case in point is that surrounding the family of Quinn Claxton, a young man who unfortunately is completely paralysed. At this point, while it is an important consideration, it is not really what has happened to him. It is all about what can be done to assist his overly devoted and struggling family to care for him, and make life more comfortable for him as he lies helplessly in bed being nurtured in every way by them, largely without assistance from any quarter. Why has it taken so long, in the Road South constituency, where there is an elected representative, for Government, through its Department of Social Development, or the Ministry of Finance, to come forward to consider and offer some form of help?
Aside from this, there are many other cases of need elsewhere on the island waiting to be discovered and met. Most times, it is not the sufferers and the needy persons who should come forward to report their wretched circumstances and seek help. It is the societal responsibility of others in positions of influence, philanthropic organisations, other community groups, the Government and its agencies, to reach out to those persons.
It is in this vein that The Anguillian pays tribute to the Anguilla Cares Food Bank, Hope Centre and other community-based charity groups, which are providing food baskets to needy persons on the island. However, while food is important for the sustaining of life and wellness, there are other forms of caring humanitarian assistance which can also be given to persons around the island.
Whatever can be readily offered to those of our community experiencing varying and sometimes desperate circumstances, it can go a long way towards reducing the pockets of suffering and need in Anguilla.
