The Fortieth Anniversary of the Anguilla Summer Festival passed without any serious incident (directly associated with the “mas” and revelry). In fact, despite the intense rivalries among the Bands; the Artistes; and the Troupes, the atmosphere was for the most part extremely safe. Everyone seemed determined to have a happy and peaceful time. Of course there were winners and there were losers throughout the competitive events — but there was also good sporting conduct. And while there is that small group of people who are always critical — they too serve a good purpose as we seek to improve our Summer Festival.
Let me take this opportunity to commend the organizers and sponsors of the events as well as our visitors, especially those from St. Maarten/St. Martin, who have become an integral part of the success of the Anguilla Summer Festival. Let me also congratulate the winners Sherema (Shay Shay); Repeater; De Sonic; The Players; Ricky Buntin; EXODUS and others for their victory.
But amidst the national celebrations of the week there were personal and family celebrations taking place as well. First, on Friday morning, August 8th, there was a wonderful Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Mrs. Irene Lake of the Forest, Anguilla. Mrs. Lake participated fully in the celebrations by treating her audience at St Augustine’s Anglican Church to a solo rendition of the hymn: “What a Friend we have in Jesus”, in a very strong and melodious voice.
The tributes to her life and love portrayed her as a woman of strong character steeped in the challenging upbringing of traditional Anguillian society. There is no question that she is an exceptional woman who, even at her age, is caring for her ailing husband and continues to take on the full responsibilities of a dutiful housewife. Let me take this opportunity to wish Mrs. Lake; her husband, Herbert; and her family blessings for many more happy years of good health and togetherness.
Secondly, on the evening of the same day, the Hon. Albert “Belto” Hughes and his wife, Elfreda “Sister” Hughes, were surprised by their children to a Thanksgiving Celebration for fifty years of marital bliss. Mr. Hughes served as the Elected Representative for West End for thirty years during which period he held the positions of Minister of Infrastructure and Parliamentary Secretary. He is renowned for his generosity and service to his district, in particular, and to the Anguillian community as a whole. His life of service is complemented by his loving and dedicated wife, “Sister”, who has supported him in all his undertakings for over fifty years. Obviously, she is the “wind beneath his wings”. All the tributes to this special couple spoke of a loving relationship. Indeed, an example to any young couple of this period who are planning life together. Let me take this opportunity to wish that “Belto” and “Sister” be blessed with many more years together with their family that obviously adores them.
But there is another anniversary that took place at the time of writing (this Article) that, though derived from unfortunate circumstances, is of great consequence to the people of Anguilla, even as we recuperate from this action packed season. I am referring to the hostile takeover of the two indigenous banks (NBA & CCB) by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) that took place exactly one year ago on August 12, 2013. This Anniversary, however, is not of the kind we would wish to celebrate this year or even in many more years to come. It is not the kind of milestone to be applauded with great speeches and lofty tributes. On the contrary, it is an occasion that casts a stain on the strides our island has made through the support of these two homegrown financial institutions. In these circumstances, there is absolutely nothing to celebrate — but it is indeed a time for reflection.
Let us reflect on what transpired within hours of the ECCB intervention. At the time of the takeover, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers made the following optimistic observation: “In this context, we feel encouraged that the consortium of support that the ECCB has brought together, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF); the World Bank; the British and Canadian Government will effectively address the challenges facing these institutions.”
Mr. Rogers was also of the generous view that the consortium of support, promised by the ECCB, could make a real difference in strengthening the local banks. And not wanting to create a panic at the time, in his closing comments he also said: “Finally, we live in a competitive world environment. The rest of the world will be watching the way we conduct ourselves during this period. We want them to observe that we are a part of a region that has the facilities in place to protect its investments in challenging times and the courage to make the tough decisions required to create a stable financial and economic system.”
Mr. Rogers, in that press statement, was obviously trying to establish an atmosphere of calm, pending more specific information on the process. In the circumstances, he would have been expecting the Chief Minister & Minister of Finance to provide such information for the people. For example:-
1. What are the various stages of the process?
2. How long will the process take?
3. What are the factors that would cause the process to be extended?
4. How will the performance of ECCB/IMF officials at the bank be assessed?
5. Who do we complain to if there are personal and personality issues emanating from expatriate officials involved in the takeover?
Twelve months later the flow of information from the ECCB and the Government of Anguilla (GoA) has not improved. We were told that a report would have been forthcoming – in six months – detailing the course of action that was promised in the sketchy presentations coming from the ECCB and the GoA. Six months later we were simply told that there is a need for extending the period of the intervention. Despite the many rumours being circulated, from time to time, the customers and shareholders of the banks have been extremely patient. That patience has not been the result of any positive public relations efforts by the ECCB or the GoA. However, their conduct has been commendable given the sacrifices many persons made since 1985 to purchase shares in these national institutions.
What is apparent is that Anguillians have been so proud and confident in the contribution of these Banks that they continue to believe that they will rebound. Indeed, they have been the organs of wealth creation and personal development for the Anguillian communiy for over thirty years. It is therefore of great concern as to how long this tolerance will continue in the face of this dispassionate approach by the ECCB and the GoA.
With elections just around the corner it is obvious that the handling of this matter, by Chief Minister Hughes and his AUM Government, will be a subject of much debate. And the way forward for our banking sector will feature heavily in this. It is clear that the Chief Minister has other motives for allowing the ECCB to operate in this atmosphere of uncertainty and skepticism. It would even appear that he perceives that there is some political advantage in maintaining this cloud of suspicion over the entire affair. In the context of the hardships that our people are now enduring (and according to “Daddy Hodgie” on the EXODUS Summer Festival Album) this attitude can be described as nothing less than heartless.
