I often leave the political commentaries to my dear friend of many years, Mr Colville Petty (Brother Pet), however it is difficult not to share some thoughts on politics when we are on the cusp of a general election. If all goes well, on Nomination Day, there will be nineteen candidates contesting the upcoming election which is widely regarded as one of the more crucial for determining our direction developmentally. However, when we consider elections in Anguilla, we must admit that there is little difference between the proclaimed philosophies of the various political parties and independent candidates. Our choices as voters therefore do not depend on whether their ideologies are conservative or liberal. Rather, and more tenuously, our choices depend on personalities and whose presentation most appeals to us. The exercise of our right to vote often seems like picking a Mister or Miss Congeniality in a local beauty contest.
Many people claim that they want to hear candidates speak about the issues. This may be so. However, when we listen keenly we would recognize that those candidates who are addressing “the issues” are usually saying the same thing. It is therefore likely that, at the end of the day, our choices will depend on whose use of words we find more appealing and, hopefully, who we believe has the ability to make a meaningful contribution to Anguilla’s advancement. Given this obvious reality of our democracy, it is perhaps fitting that we take some time to review each candidate to enable us to reach a final judgment on election day.
In District One, there is the incumbent AUF candidate Mr Othlyn Vanterpool, a former Director of Fisheries and Commissioner of Scouts, who has a history of engagement in community service and youth development. Challenging him are the leader of the AUM, Dr Ellis Lorenzo Webster, a medical doctor who has returned home and has been making his presence felt in his community; and Ms Pam Webster, a lawyer by profession, who has been actively involved in community development work in her district over the past years.
In District Two, the incumbent is AUM candidate Mr Jerome Roberts, former Special Adviser to the Chief Minister and who now serves as Minister of Home Affairs. Mr Roberts, who is a Cub Scout leader, has been a community leader in his district for many years. Contesting him is AUF candidate Mrs Cora Richardson Hodge, a lawyer by profession, who has been instrumental in the development of the HOPE Centre in East End and has been widely engaged in charitable work in the community.
District Three is contested by the incumbent AUF candidate Mr Evans McNiel Rogers, a Laboratory Technician by profession, Leader of the Opposition and former Minister of Social Development, who has been a stalwart in his community. He is challenged by Mr Sutcliffe Hodge, leader of the DOVE party, and former Chief Executive Officer of Cable and Wireless/ LIME Anguilla, who is known for his business acumen. Also challenging Mr Rogers is Mr Elkin Richardson a former employee of the Anguilla Social Security Board and Host of To The Point radio show on Kool FM.
In District Four, the incumbent is Mr Evan Gumbs, AUM candidate and current Minister of Infrastructure, who is known for his hands on approach to work and engagement with his community. He is challenged by Mr Victor Banks, leader of the AUF, a businessman by profession and former Minister of Finance, who has been visible over the years in several community-based initiatives. Mr Leonard Kentish, representing the DOVE party, is also challenging the incumbent. Mr Kentish, who comes from a family of activists, was a Human Resource Manager at Cable and Wireless/ LIME for many years and has stepped up to the challenge of seeking office.
In District Five, the AUM candidate is Mr Patrick “Sheriff” Hanley who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Chief Minister and has sought to promote the interests of youth in his community. The AUF candidate is Mrs Evalie Bradley, former senior public servant (including Labour Commissioner), who serves as a lay preacher in the Methodist Church and has always been involved in charitable work in her constituency.
Since the current Chief Minister will not be contesting the upcoming election there is no incumbent in District Six. Vying for office is AUF candidate Mr Curtis Richardson, a mathematician, former Teacher and current businessman who has been actively involved in supporting youth development in the community. Mr Haydn Hughes, of the AUM is also contesting this election. Mr Hughes is a former hospitality employee, current owner of Dungeon Gym and Parliamentary Secretary Tourism. He has been visible in his community as a part of community integration and youth-based activities. Also in the race is DOVE candidate, Reverend Dr H Clifton Niles, a retired Minister of Religion and former teacher, who is well known and respected in the community for his opinions on moral and social issues affecting Anguilla. Independent candidate Mr Statchel Warner is a contender in this district as well. Mr Warner is a businessman by profession and has been very vocal in his expressing his position on what needs to be Anguilla’s development direction for the next ten years and beyond.
In District Seven, the race is between Mrs Kristy Richardson-Harrigan, AUM candidate, a lawyer by profession, who appears to have a keen interest in issues affecting young people and has been assisting where she can; and AUF candidate Mr Cardigan Connor, a professional cricketer, former Cricket Development Officer and current hospitality employee. Mr Connor has been actively engaged in sport development for many years and has made it possible for several young persons to access opportunities overseas through sports.
That is the lineup of candidates for whom we will all serve as judges on Election Day. I encourage us to examine them closely. Consider their strengths and weaknesses, talents and abilities, vision and purpose, development agenda, potential and track record but, most importantly, assess the extent of the contribution they have the capacity to make to the development of Anguilla and its people. In other words, we ought not to only consider the beauty contest aspect of the political process, but we must ask ourselves: when the politicians step off the stage and into the reality of leading a country, can they handle it and handle it well? That is the question you must ask before you take your pick.
