In recent times there has been much negativity in our community which has distracted our attention from the more positive things of societal life such as the work of our schools and arrangements for the series of colourful graduation ceremonies. One of the areas of much concern, embarrassment and distraction, has been the spate of violent crime and deaths from which we are slowly recovering, but not without some apprehension.
Our preoccupation with the above has even, to some extent, temporarily kept us away from some of our major worries. These include the awful state of our economy, the problems of unemployment, the coming closure of leading hotels and restaurants as the tourist season grinds to a halt; and last, but certainly not least, the divisive politics. But these will not easily go away and will continue to stalk us as we journey on.
A matter which has also not received much attention is the publication of the 125-page White Paper setting out the British Government’s relationship with, and plans for, the Overseas Territories (including Anguilla) under the theme: “Security, Success and Sustainability.” Although nothing really jumps out of the document beyond the 1999 White Paper (Partnership for Progress and Prosperity), there is no doubt a need for careful study to see whereAnguillareally fits within the scheme of the provisions of the new policy. Certainly, with the interest being expressed in Government and, to some extent among some people on the island,with respect to independence, it will be necessary to read and understand what has been said about achieving that status. In contrast, it must be pointed out that, for many of us, it is a status which is not yet within our scope of readiness and attainment.
Part of the theme of the 2012 White Paper is “security”. Under our current governance relationship, the British Government has responsibility to assist Anguilla (and the otherOverseasTerritories) with safeguarding internal security whether from threats within the community itself or from external sources. Anguilla’s recent series of acts of violence evoked expressions of concern inLondonand assurances of assistance in dealing with the problem as may be necessary. Ensuring that Anguilla remains safe and orderly, is one of our priorities even before considering independence which may result in a runaway situation we may be unable to handle by ourselves.
One way of handing the violence situation is to instil in our young people high standards of discipline and achievement, starting in our homes and continuing in our schools, youth organisations and the communities in which they live.The paternal home is rightly being blamed for the majority of behavioural problems plaguing our small society today. The schools and teachers are known to be bearing the brunt of indiscipline in the classrooms. Lesson planning, teaching and safeguarding of children are difficult tasks in schools and our dedicated teachers are continuing to perform their responsibilities exceptionally well.
The many graduations last week and again this week, referred to above, attest to the hard work in the schools to prepare students for graduation and transfer from Pre-schools to Primary Schools; Primary Schools to the Comprehensive School; and to graduate students from 5th to 6th Form; and from there to other institutions of learning or the job market later on.The graduations have been a source of much pride to the schools, teachers, students and their families.
There is a need to highly commend the various schools and teachers for their continuing hard work in nurturing, teaching and successfully graduating the island’s children. Whatever are our distractions or preoccupations, we should always endeavour to pay attention to the positive things in our island. When it comes to youth development in schools, and in the various communities, it should be our number one priority as it can stem the distracting tide of indiscipline and violence that manifests itself ever so often and threatens Anguilla.
