Greeting fellow Anguillians. As you are aware I have made a decision to publicly join in the cause to standup and speakout against gun violence in Anguilla and this effort has begun by addressing the issues confronting my community Blowing Point in particular. It is imperative that the injustices, the hurts, the pains, the sufferings, and perceptions that exist be dealt with before we proceed to bring healing to the nation. Healing must begin deep within first if it is to be lasting. Sometimes too the surgery we have to perform makes it seem that our intention is to increase the pain and the hurt but in the end the results are proof that it was necessary. So it is we will perform surgery if it needs be performed.
I am being accused of representing the youngsters in Blowing Point or even trying to engage in vote harvesting. Well there are two truths that must be highlighted. Firstly, I am from Blowing Point since November, 1970, as I was born in a house in that village and that won’t and can’t change. Secondly, I ran in two elections namely in 2005 and 2010 respectively and I was defeated in both elections. It would be unwise of me to put myself in the forefront of such a dangerous national issue for political gain. It is folly in Anguilla to charge me with getting involved to get votes. Ten years have come and gone and without success in my quest to be elected. I am as strong as I was in the day I resigned my job in 2004 for the 2005 elections. To God be the glory. It is evident to people with sense that the only gains I will have by gaining votes are the gains the people will realise.
The sole reason I have come forward to join hands and a voice against gun violence is simply because I love my country and I am determined that peace must reign in Anguilla. The sole reason I decided to start to join the process in Blowing Point is because charity must begin at home. Anguilla is home for me and Blowing Point is the house I live in. In 1995 at the age of 25 I gave up a great future in St. Thomas because I became disgusted with negative elements such as gun violence that was diminishing the quality of life there. I came home because the premium I have on peace and development working hand in hand is of paramount importance for me. I am eternally committed to peace and development working hand in hand no matter the cost.
It is sad that someone seeking political office and working presently in our government came to a closed meeting where matters and events were discussed and taped the proceedings for malicious intent. This is the height of ignorance and demonic operations that are growing hatred in the nation. We have persons pretending to care about Anguilla and its peace, but deep down they are willing to sow discord amongst brethren if it serves their evil purposes.
The meeting started at 5:00 pm and lasted for well over two and a half hours and ending at 7:35 pm Wednesday, February 11th, 2014, which was last night. Within minutes after the meeting someone, who unknowingly taped the meeting, went to a family’s home and attempted to imprison the minds of the family members for their own sinister purposes and ill gains. They will not be allowed to succeed.
For years I have begged the powers that be and those to whom the people gave their trust and charge in Blowing Point (Road South) to represent and defend the people’s special needs and interests to standup and speakout. They deemed it wise to pay lip service and let gun violence fester and destroy the lives of our youngsters. They preferred to put on their sackcloth and ashes and attend funeral after funeral for our young vibrant men. They preferred to see the wheelchairs imported month after month. Well I won’t be doing anymore begging for representation. I have found enough persons in Anguilla and in my community who are determined that we have had enough and have systematically put our hands to the plough and there is no looking back. I say there is no looking back. Victory is a must!!
I had Anguilla to run to in 1995 when the streets were been paved in blood in my neighbourhood overseas. I uprooted my life abroad and re-planted it here at home. No one nor anything will ever force me to uproot my life again. I am in Anguilla to stay. I have nowhere to go now. Therefore my only alternative is to ensure that peace reigns in Anguilla
I have extensive exposure and expertise in all forms of warfare but when victory is a must I have always chosen weapons of warfare that are not carnal. Weapons that are mighty to the tearing down of strongholds. I say to the sick mind that tape the meeting and went to that family for wickedness that my real petition is never to the Governor, nor the Commissioner, but to God Almighty. In real time I now stand still and see God’s salvation. I declare God’s Salvation and it shall come to pass!!
May God bless Anguilla.
Curtis Richardson
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
