Several weeks ago, I heard an interview with our Honourable Chief Minister, Mr Hubert Hughes, about his pending retirement from political office. Mr Hughes, who was obviously in a reflective mood, said: “I have reached the top of the hill, I have looked over and I have seen the promised land. I may not get there with you…” Mr Hughes was, I believe, referring to his dream of an independent Anguilla. He went on to indicate that, even while retired from active politics, he intends to remain an activist for Anguilla’s independence. The Honourable Chief Minister has long been a proponent of independence. He believes that, as a people, we should have the right of self-determination. It is for his commitment to this ideal, as well as his many years of service as representative of his constituents and the people of Anguilla as a whole, that the Heads of Government of the OECS saluted him when he attended the last OECS Heads of Government meeting a few weeks ago.
How many of us have given thought to an independent Anguilla and what that would be like? I prefer to take the approach of developing a vision for the Anguilla that we would all like to live in, and then determining whether or not independence will get us there. In other words, rather than independence being the vision, it ought to be viewed as one possible means of realizing the vision. In this editorial, I set out small portions of my vision, as a citizen, for Anguilla in the hope that we can begin a national dialogue on this issue. My vision is as follows:
Human Resource Development
All Anguillians will have equal opportunity to reach their fullest potential in primary, secondary and tertiary level education, in sports and the arts. In doing so, Anguillians will be sufficiently prepared to fill positions at all levels in every area of the labour market, to be successful entrepreneurs and to excel in their chosen vocation.
Social Development
Anguillians will enjoy a high standard of living and will have access to affordable, good quality health care, education and social services. The vulnerable and disadvantaged will be provided with the support and assistance needed to improve the quality of their lives. Children will be raised in safe, nurturing environments by strong families or sound social institutions.
Law and Order
Anguilla will remain a tranquil place. The fundamental rights and freedoms we now enjoy will continue to be protected. Our judicial system will operate fairly and with the utmost integrity. There will be respect for the law by all members of our society. Our communities will coexist peacefully and there will be a reduction in criminal activities. Rehabilitation systems and institutions will reduce reoffending.
Economic and Infrastructural Development
Anguilla will be easily accessible by air from major tourism markets. Our tourism product will offer more than sun, sea and sand. Our economy will be able to withstand external shocks because it is robust and diversified. Our agriculture and fisheries sectors, financial services, sports and cultural industries will be key contributors to our economy. There will be sufficient opportunities for everyone to earn a decent living. Roads and communications infrastructure will be in keeping with a top class tourist destination. Ports will be major points of trade for the rest of the region. Education, health, sports and cultural facilities will meet international standards.
Environmental Protection
Our natural environment will be highly valued and will not be unduly sacrificed for infrastructural development. Our beaches, reefs, wetlands, dry forests, caves and other natural features will be protected and, where necessary, rehabilitated. Indigenous plants and animals will thrive in a developing Anguilla.
Government
Anguilla will have mature, responsible, capable and honest leadership.
Elections will continue to be free and fair. There will be systems to ensure transparency and accountability on the part of leaders. The House of Assembly will be a place where there is meaningful debate at the highest level, and where business is conducted in a serious, constructive and respectful manner.
The foregoing is my vision for Anguilla. It may not be your vision, but what is important is for us as a nation to have a collective vision. Will independence get us there? I do not have the answer. I do know that if independence means the breakdown in our governance and judicial institutions without recourse, as we just witnessed in the case of our neighbouring islands of St Kitts and Nevis, then we are better off without it. The future of Anguilla depends on the collective efforts of all of us. In my view, our focus should be on deciding what we want that future to look like and then taking the road that gets us there.
