Your Excellency,
Let me on behalf of my Colleagues on the Opposition side of this House of Assembly and on my own behalf take this opportunity to officially congratulate you on your appointment and swearing-in as Governor of Anguilla. It is a post that many of your predecessors may have demitted with mixed feelings — but never without special memories. I am sure that your research would have enlightened you on many of the challenges they would have faced during their tenure on this gem in the Caribbean Sea that we affectionately refer to as “the Rock”. A name that encapsulates the hard times we have endured as a people as well as the precious value that we attach to this our patrimony.
Let me also join all Anguillians in welcoming you to our beloved island in the heartiest tradition of Anguillian hospitality and generosity, for which our people are renowned. I am confident that like your predecessors you will enjoy special moments as you explore the jewels with which nature has blessed us — and that you will make many friendships among our people who still remain our greatest assets.
The fact that you are the first woman to hold the position of Governor of Anguilla has not escaped any of us. The truth is though, that traditionally women have played the most positive roles in our development in the home; in the schools; and in the wider community. They have been responsible for our survival as a people during the hard times and have been at the forefront of that period in our struggle that we refer to as “the Anguilla Revolution”. No doubt you may have read accounts of that glorious past by many of our local historians who have captured the essence of that period in several excellent publications. The Honourable James Ronald Webster, the father of the nation, was bolstered by bands of determined women as he fought along with other patriotic Anguillians for the liberation of our people. So, Your Excellency, we have been conditioned, historically, to appreciate the capacity of women to get the job done — and done well. Our expectations of you are therefore extremely high.
Your Excellency, you have come to Anguilla at a time when we are experiencing many challenges. Some of these challenges are systemic and in this regard Anguilla as a small open economy susceptible to many external shocks and influences is experiencing the effects of the present global financial and economic situation. We believe that as a British Overseas Territory there is a role for our Administering Power to play in assisting us in our efforts to manage the issues that we are facing in this dispensation. And that in your position as the Representative of our Administering Power you have a critical role to play in explaining the unique circumstances of Anguilla to Her Majesty’s Government from your vantage point as Governor on the island.
As Leader of the Opposition I am sure you that I can speak for my colleagues when I say that we will give the Government our full support in putting forward “well thought-out” and viable requests to Her Majesty’s Government for assistance in dealing with this situation. Let me therefore advise you that as far as creating sustainable development for Anguilla is concerned it will not be a party political issue — we in Opposition will stand with the Government in pursuing this goal in a non-partisan manner.
But there are challenges that are not systemic — but rather have to do with personality and personalities. In this regard I continue to speak about the importance of “style; attitude; and approach”. It is in recognition of the fact that in any governance system these elements play a vital role in ensuring that it works efficiently and effectively. I bring this up without any reference to the immediate past — but simply to make the point that this goes both ways. It is as true of the qualities of Her Majesty’s Representative as of the qualities of the Elected Representatives of the People of Anguilla. As I now urge you to pay attention to these elements of personality, namely, “style, attitude and approach”, I likewise urge my colleagues on both sides of the House to do so as well. I strongly believe that an appreciation of the value of mutual respect and understanding in building positive relationships is critical to creating an environment where fruitful negotiations can take place.
Your Excellency in the recent white paper it is stated that “The UK Government has a responsibility for the overall good government of the Territories and takes a close interest in how Territory Governments discharge the functions devolved to them”. The issue of Good Governance is one that will perhaps be most demanding on you. The many events over the past three and a half years suggest that this is a real possibility. The fact that the Executive Council now has only three ministers, with the Chief Minister himself carrying more than half of the ministerial portfolios, should not give you much comfort about the task that you may have before you.
The white paper also states “It is important that everyone in the UK and the Territories in public life, acts in accordance with the highest standards. This includes Governors, Ministers, public officials and advisers, members of national assemblies, members and officers of boards and other bodies discharging publicly funded functions”. I and no doubt all Anguillians look forward to you doing what is necessary to ensure that those in public life adhere to the seven principles SELFLESSNESS, INTEGRITY, OBJECTIVITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, OPENNESS HONESTY and LEADERSHIP outlined in the white paper. You will soon discover that much lip service is paid to these principles and that very often the same persons who preach them are the ones who are guilty of breaking them.
It is my hope that your appointment can be a wonderful opportunity for the Government of Anguilla and Her Majesty’s Government to refresh their working relationship. Without apportioning blame one way or the other we must admit that over the last three and a half years that working relationship has not been smooth. We are now in the fourth year of the Government of Anguilla’s five-year term. To proceed in the same manner for the remainder of the term would be to do a grave injustice to the people we have been elected to serve. It is in this context that many Anguillians look forward to your tenure with great anticipation. And perhaps even with a confidence grounded in our past history — that you will do well because you are a woman.
On a much sadder note, I must express my outrage at the senseless act of violence that took place last night in Blowing Point. My deepest regrets go out to the families and loved ones who have been affected. Your Excellency, while a part of your responsibilities include internal security we as Elected Representatives recognize that such acts of violence must be of national concern. These acts are symptomatic of deep-seated issues of social dysfunction and disequilibrium in our community. The Royal Anguilla Police Force must be equipped to adequately address these issues — but equally we understand that a national response is required that must include everyone in this House and on Anguilla. Perhaps this could be that common cause, Your Excellency, around which we begin to build that positive working relationship to which I alluded earlier.
Finally let me close by saying that we in the Loyal Opposition pledge ourselves to work cooperatively with you over the period of your tenure. Please feel free to call on us at any time to assist you in any carrying out your function in the interest of the people we all serve. God bless you as you apply your talents to this important service. God bless us all. God bless Anguilla.
July 23, 2013
