The Editor
The Anguillian
Hubert Hughes, our controversial Chief Minister, is at it again, employing his favorite tactic which is “the best defense is an aggressive offense”. During Easter time, when most people seek to promote goodwill and peace, he declares to the press conference that “Anguilla and Britain are at war” due to “the arrogance and deliberate attempt of Britain to destroy our economy”, a policy which he says is “genocidal” (defined in the dictionary as “the systematic killing of a whole people or nation”). Wow! War and genocide here in Anguilla.
Mr. Hughes failed to identify any evidence to support this outrageous accusation, or explain why Britain would want one of its protective territories to fail economically – or its people wiped out.
The Chief Minister claims again that Britain is “telling investors not to invest their money in Anguilla”. Yet he does not cite any event which would support such a serious charge. On the other hand, there have been several instances in which prospective investors, upon learning about how the Chief Minister has attacked the Governor and the UK, decided not to go forward with their plans for the island.
In the 5th April issue of The Anguillian, which carried these statements by Hughes, there was also the weekly column by Victor Banks who has not been shy about criticizing the current government. But this time, rather than going on the offensive, Mr. Banks, in the spirit of Easter, focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the need for goodwill, peace and harmony among us all, while also highlighting the success of the Festival Del Mar.
Our Chief Minister, on the other hand, apparently views these historic Christian events as the time to accuse and castigate the Governor and Great Britain. Recall how he used his last Christmas Message primarily as another verbal attack on the Brits.
Mr. Hughes’ tirade against Britain is somewhat similar to the incendiary statements threatening war issued by Kim Jung Un, the new leader of North Korea, directed at South Korea and the United States. Upon the death of his father, some two years ago, Kim was suddenly thrust into this leadership position at the young age of 29 with little prior experience. It seems clear that he is seeking now to demonstrate to the entrenched and powerful military and the subjugated people of North Korea that, although young, he is tough, resolute and courageous.
But why does the Chief Minister, now in advanced age and supposedly with a wealth of experience, feel the need to attack and provoke Britain at every turn, when that affiliated country ought to be viewed as a partner, in a cooperative spirit, for the good of Anguilla? Hubert Hughes is approaching retirement after years of political service. What does he want his legacy to be? Positive or negative?
Perceptive Citizen
