The visit to Anguilla of Mark Simmonds, new United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Overseas Territories, signifies the beginning of another chapter in our relationship with the UK. Minister Simmonds replaces former Minister Henry Bellingham who made a similar visit shortly after his appointment. On reflection, Minister Bellingham’s visit seemed cordial and promising as he seemed to have made a good impression on Chief Minister Hughes. Minister Bellingham also didn’t shy away from the opportunity to engage with members of the public as seen in his participation in an open forum in which they relayed to him several of their concerns about Anguilla’s relationship with the UK and, in particular, the UK representative in Anguilla – Governor Harrison.
Unfortunately, the feelings of hope that had resulted from Minister Bellingham’s visit were short-lived. Relations between himself and Chief Minister Hughes immediately soured when Minister Bellingham essentially indicated that he had no issue with Governor Harrison. The rest is history but, suffice to say, the relationship between the UK and Anguilla appeared to descend into an abyss of antagonism and distrust.
With the appointment of Minister Simmonds, we must be cautiously hopeful that the change of Minister will herald a more collaborative, less acrimonious, relationship between theUKandAnguilla. Like any marriage, the quality of the relationship depends on the actions of both parties. We must therefore encourage all parties to demonstrate maturity, mutual respect and understanding, and the willingness to listen objectively, compromise and resolve differences in a manner that does not jeopardise the relationship. There is no benefit to be derived for Anguilla by adopting a confrontational approach on every issue to be addressed with the UK Government. In fact, Anguilla stands to lose, as the well-publicised political and administrative wrangling undoubtedly sends the message that Anguilla is an unstable investment environment. We can little afford this, especially at this time when so many people are out of work and our economy is in desperate need of a boost.
Since the talk of independence is just that – talk, and no concrete steps have been taken to canvass the wishes of the Anguillian people by triggering the established procedure for changing our constitutional status, it would be prudent in the interim to take positive steps to improve our relationship with theUK.
To this end, our advice to Minister Simmonds should be firstly, to do the research. This will enable him to understand our history, our culture, our people and our aspirations and therefore have a better grasp of the context in which we operate when we present our position on any issue to his Government. Secondly, treat us with respect. The fact that we are small in size does not mean that our people and our needs are of lesser importance. Thirdly, stand up for us. Not only should the Minister present the position of the UK Government to us, but he should represent our interests to his Government and assist his Ministerial colleagues to appreciate the issues that confront us.
Our advice to Chief Minister Hughes should be firstly to acknowledge our current constitutional status. Like it or not, Anguilla is an overseas territory and, until that changes, every effort should be made to have a relationship with the UK that benefits the people of Anguilla. Secondly, act responsibly. The reckless and provocative statements, that seem to characterize our Government’s engagement with the UK Government, are hurting Anguilla. Thirdly, stop assigning blame. The Chief Minister as the people’s leader should accept everything that comes with that responsibility. The UK Government cannot be responsible for everything that the Government has been unable to accomplish since taking office. As leader, the Chief Minister must lead.
Lastly, our advice to Governor Harrison should be firstly to be a friend toAnguilla. While an appointee of the UK Government, the Governor also has a role to play in ensuring that the UK Government understands the issues with whichAnguillais grappling. Secondly, support our Government. It is expected that the Governor will demonstrate support for the policies and decisions of our elected Government so long as they do not contravene the Constitution or the principles of good governance. Thirdly, rise above the affray. The Governor should seek to mediate any differences between the Governments of Anguilla and theUKand not engage in unnecessary battles with Chief Minister Hughes.
Time will tell whether the appointment of Minister Simmonds will help to repair the relationship between the Governments of Anguilla and the UK. We trust that Minister Simmonds and Chief Minister Hughes will find that mending the partnership brings rewards for the people of both countries. We look forward to a positive outcome to Minister Simmonds’ visit in the months and years ahead.
