For many years now our present Chief Minister has been trying to promote his main political plank of decolonization on the basis of the then controversial “wind of change” speech given by the then British Prime Minister Sir Harold Macmillan. That speech was delivered at Cape Town before Dr. Hendrik Vervood the leading architect of the “apartheid” system of governance in South Africa. That was long ago and, indeed, most of those images are not with us anymore – and practice has displaced that political thought. Now the working relationship between HMG and what is left of the former colonies has changed dramatically. Changes needed on either side of the equation could not be cosmetic. They had to be pragmatic. We must be able to stand back and look at things the way they are, and carefully consider solutions that meet our needs based on the relationship we are in.
We, generally speaking, realize that one size does not always fit all and that some situations are unique. What Sir Harold said then was concerned with the need for changing the climate of opinion on an issue of immediate importance to the people of South Africa and, to a large extent, the people on the continent as a whole. Our problem is the need for a shift in the prevailing political attitude because herein lies the nub of the problem facing progress on the island.
Prolonged stagnation, if allowed to become chronic, is a growth killer and a good reason for making a shift in the prevailing political behaviour. Lack of attention here could have the “St Croix syndrome” effect on us – a very undesirable situation. Although we may be as pebbles in the larger scheme of things, we are impacted by big stuff that happens elsewhere. Necessarily then, we have to watch items on our side of the political equation and check what can cause a diversion, or prevent the wind from shifting in the direction where we can be more productive.
Measures for our economic growth, and social development in general, require that a comprehensive assessment be undertaken at land acquisition in order to ease – slow transfers on prospective developments. There is the need to consider optimum population size and take new initiatives to promoting ways and means that will attract more of our fair share of direct foreign investment. More work also needs to be done to figure out a sensible immigration policy to maintain a population intake that is compatible with our economic growth rate. Scouring ideas for advancing a modern political approach to constitutional status best suited to our needs. Expend more effort on promoting the political atmosphere for creative thinking in that area so that the level of political activity can be upgraded. Reject the social status quo because to maintain it is tantamount to fear of the modern. Change must come now!
Historical accounts comment on Sir Harold speech before the House in Cape Town suggesting that it was not well received at that time because it spoke to an issue that would affect fundamental change — change came hard. However, in recent times it is considered by some to be a milestone in African decolonization. It may also have been impacted by the fact that in political relationships nothing is more certain than change. Change will come, but we must be prepared to manage it when it occurs. When the prevailing attitudes toward politics and politicians shift in Anguilla then we will arrive at political “take-off”. We will not achieve that situation by tacking in the same breeze or by behaving like “above the neck” amputees.
Customs and practice create norms. It is therefore difficult to go against the norm. During the years long union of St. Kitts, and an Anguillian sat in the House of Assembly. In political terms he had very little more impact than a spectator on governance. Anguillians found usefulness in those members who travelled to St. Kitts as a safe hand for banking purposes. Our elected representative did not accomplish much more than that. It was hoped that that image of the elected representative would disappear or change with Separation. Our own, so to speak, will do right by using an all Anguilla setting. But the governmental structure did not deviate from the St. Kitts model. In other words, the same style but at a different location. That system allowed that you are either a civil servant or a Minister. But the prevailing wind will shift and, however slowly, change will come eventually!
Since the year 1825 rules and regulations for the running of the island were made elsewhere. It has been less than fifty years since they have been formulated in Anguilla. So far, the most contentious change has been the introduction of the Special Assistants.
Why the slow acceptance and nagging resistance to the establishment of those positions? Special advisers and Assistants have been politically respected Government positions in Commonwealth countries for a long time now. Their introduction here may appear to be unique and new to us, but they have been a part of the Westminster modeled parliament for over half a century. When effectively used they are involved in, and form part of, the administration’s policy development and delivery system. Unfortunately, for us, and like everything else, good tools are as good as their use. The principle applies here because underlying the mean-spirited talk about the position is the nuisance of not knowing the proper application of persons in this role.
But critics should concern themselves with facts, and speak from the vantage point of knowledge and honesty because, otherwise, it does more harm than good. The creation of these positions is not shrouded in local politics – it was approved and sanctioned by FCO. Yet they have been showered with prolonged criticism. So what is the argument about? Is it the money or the change? But there are not many “Billy Buttons” in Anguilla — including the position of Minister. Obviously, then, it is about change. There is no use in arguing about change unless it is a change without improvement because change is certain to happen. Anguillian boats do not go to the Dominican Republic any longer!
Yesteryear, Sir Harold spoke about change — today we sense the need for a shift in the prevailing political winds. They do not blow us any good! NOW they must blow from a different direction.
