“Recovery or recession”. This seems to be the recurring theme as we launch into yet another election campaign season. Is our economy in recovery or is it still in recession? The answer will differ according to which political party is holding the mike. According to the ruling party, the AUM, our economy is in recovery mode. The AUM claims that from an economic standpoint Anguilla is better off today than it was when they took office just over four years ago. They say there has been an increase in tourist arrivals. They list a number of projects which are under construction, or for which they have signed MOUs, and are due to commence shortly. They refer to the surplus in the Treasury and the amount they have in reserves. According to the AUM, Anguilla is on the move (and they have the figures to prove it); their efforts are resulting in jobs creation and a better financial footing for Anguilla; and all they need is another five years for all their efforts to bear fruit. Yes, the AUM claims that we are on the path to recovery and, according to them, given the uncooperative public servants, the approach of the former Governor, and the mess left by the former AUF administration, the AUM has done well.
On the other hand, the AUF claims that the economy is still in recession. According to them, despite what the AUM alleges and despite the figures they quote, the average man on the street still has less in his pocket to spend, parents are still out of work, families are still without electricity and water, and children are still going to bed hungry. The AUF claims that Anguilla is worse off economically since the AUM took office. They refer to the takeover of the two indigenous banks which is now in its ninth month. They allege that the AUM is understating its current debt situation to make its figures look good. They say that only a select few are benefitting from the new development projects. Their claim is that where there have been windfalls these were the result of fortuitous circumstances and not any effort on the part of the AUM. According to them, the AUM has failed and the AUF is the party that can lead Anguilla to recovery.
I have not heard sufficient from the DOVE party to summarise their position here but, from what I have gleaned, they seem to be of a similar view to the AUF where the issue of economic recovery is concerned.
As regards this critical issue of recovery or recession, the questions for us, the electorate, are: Who do we believe? What is our current reality? What is the reality for our neighbours, friends and family? How much buying power do we have? Do we see signs of recovery in our economy? What do the figures really say? Are they accurate? Do they reflect the real position?
It is our responsibility as citizens to answer these questions for ourselves rather than letting other people – those seeking our vote – answer them for us. We can do this through our own research, observation and analysis. While the AUM, AUF and DOVE carry on this public debate, do not get caught up in the rhetoric – rather let us settle the question in our own minds through our own objective assessment of the situation. Recovery or recession? You be the judge.
