We can only imagine the terror that must have gripped those seven young men on the night of Monday 22nd July as they were riddled with bullets while ‘liming’ in their own neighbourhood. This latest incident of gun violence has left Anguilla reeling once again from the effects of this scourge which continues to run rampant in our communities. Whilst seeking to come to grips with the reality of yet another senseless attack on young men, Anguillians officially welcomed a new Governor, Her Excellency Christina Scott, to our shores. The swearing-in ceremony for the new Governor was held on Tuesday 23rd July at the Anguilla House of Assembly and, despite the somber mood of the day, was indeed a memorable occasion.
The ceremony had all the appropriate trimmings and protocol fitting for the occasion. The Right Reverend Leroy Errol Brooks, Bishop of the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba delivered the invocation. The Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Steel Orchestra and School Choir beautifully rendered the national anthem and the national song respectively. Her Excellency took the oath of allegiance and the oath of office. Members of the House of Assembly were then given the opportunity to welcome and congratulate the new Governor.
The Honourable Leader of the Opposition delivered some meaningful remarks that offered useful advice to the Governor. Unfortunately, the Honourable Edison Baird, member for Road North (and former Minister in the AUM administration) chose to use the occasion to launch a vicious attack on the Government. According to Mr Baird, Anguilla is suffering from a “disease” in relation to which the new Governor will have to administer “antibiotics”. It appeared that Mr Baird deliberately sought to use the immunity of House proceedings for his own protection and, in a deadly slew of words, outlined alleged instances of lack of good governance and conflicts of interest on the part of the AUM administration. Obviously bitter, following his termination as a Minister, Mr Baird’s remarks seemed grossly inappropriate for the occasion.
The first nominated member, the Honourable Haydn Hughes, was up next to bat. His address appealed to the new Governor to assist in dealing with the gun violence situation in Anguilla. During his reflective message, he named all those persons who were victims of violent crimes in Anguilla. It was easy for one to become choked-up during his message as, in their memory, the names of victims were called (especially the deceased).
As I listened to Mr Hughes, I felt that as a nation we should be ashamed to hear the names of so many young people who have been lost to senseless killings, while we seem paralysed to alleviate the problem. Our “deer caught in the headlights” approach is not getting us anywhere. So many persons ask, “what is happening to Anguilla?” But we ought to have seen this coming. As a nation we lost our moral compass. We neglected the values of family and community, placed all spiritual matters on the backburner, became interested in our own self advancement and greed and, in the process, failed to teach our children to love and respect themselves and others and to live peaceably with each other. What is happening to Anguilla? We are reaping what we have sown. Police reinforcements, tougher laws, bigger prisons cannot solve our problems. It is unfair to place on the police force the sole responsibility for protecting us from a scourge we have helped to create, and which we allow to thrive by our own silence and un-cooperation. It is the responsibility of all of us to be a part of the solution, and I suggest we start in our own homes as I am firmly of the view that that is where the root of the problem lies. We can use the force of the law to trim the branches or even cut down the tree, but if the root still remains, the problems we now face will constantly reoccur. Pardon my digression.
The Honourable Haydn Hughes was followed by the Honourable Walcott Richardson, member for West End, who, in welcoming Her Excellency, encouraged her to become acquainted with Anguilla’s culture so that she can better understand its people. The member admonished Her Excellency not to listen to gossip but put his foot in his mouth when he suggested that, being a woman, she will hear lots of gossip. This female stereotype did not seem to sit well with the ladies in the gallery.
The Honourable Evan Gumbs, member for Valley South and Minister of Infrastructure, spoke next. In his kind words of welcome he expressed his wish for a good working relationship with the new Governor. However, in seeking to convey respect for the female gender, Mr Gumbs, fumbling for words, ineloquently stated: “I’m married to a female who is a lady” – and also referenced the indisputable fact that his mother is a woman. His words provided some amusement for the gathering.
Following brief words of welcome from the Honourable Leroy Rogers, second nominated member, the Honourable Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, took centre stage. In his remarks, he outlined the four things he wanted in a new Governor which he indicated he communicated to the Minister for the Overseas Territories. According to the Chief Minister: (1) he did not want a Governor from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, rather he wanted an experienced administrator; (2) he wanted a Governor who was religious; (3) he wanted a Governor who would work along with the administration elected by the people; and (4) he wanted a Governor who would work to root out corruption in the public service. Given the Chief Minister’s track record his remarks were relatively tactful and succinct, and I am certain the new Governor would have listened keenly to what he said.
In giving her response the new Governor made it quite clear that her focus would be on economic sustainability for Anguilla as well as on those areas for which she is constitutionally responsible. Though youthful in appearance, it was obvious from her remarks that the new Governor is purposeful and prepared to address the many challenges ahead. She has been properly welcomed to Anguilla and I am certain that the remarks – the good, the bad and the silly – from various persons at the swearing-in ceremony, would have provided her with some valuable insight into what is to come. Welcome to Anguilla, Your Excellency.
