Anguilla’s newly-appointed Chief Minister, the Hon. Victor Banks, has called for reconciliation among Anguillians after a long and bitter 2015 election campaign. Further, he has pledged “a kinder and gentler administration” as one way of uniting the people of Anguilla and meeting their needs in the best possible manner, while persons exercise patience and tolerance.
Mr. Banks was at the time delivering an unscripted address “from the heart” to a milling crowd at the Ronald Webster Park on Friday, April 24. That was the day after he and has cabinet members were sworn in by Governor Christina Scott in the limited space of the Executive Council’s Chambers. The event on the park, which included a service of thanksgiving, was a re-enactment of that swearing-in ceremony, which provided a thoughtful opportunity for the general public to witness and to be a part of.
Overwhelmed by emotion, and enducing much public support, Mr. Banks, who was the target of much attack during the election campaign, told the vast crowd: “It has been a long journey to get here, and there have been many obstacles, trials and tribulations along the way, but we have prevailed and are still here. I am a Methodist and when you go for communion, there is a piece of Scripture in Matthew 5: 23-14 – and it rests on my heart, and I thought that it is important to share it with you. It reads like this:
If you are offering your gift upon the altar (he breaks down) and there remember that your brother or sister has a grievance against you, leave your gift before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled with your brother or sister and then come and offer your gift.
“I think it was important to repeat that verse of Scripture because in this process – a process that I do not find very enjoyable…I always…like to be able to serve my people, but the process of politics that involves the kind of nasty behaviour and conduct that occurs – the things that we as politicians say and do to enhance our opportunities to serve – are sometimes very troubling indeed.
“The United Front received a resounding victory at the polls. We have been blessed with the support of so many of you, people, and we are grateful for it. Because of that resounding victory, we have a responsibility to bring all of the people of Anguilla together. There is no need for boastfulness and arrogance; there is no place for revenge and spitefulness; there is no need to question why someone did not support you. It is your opportunity now to show them why they should support you in future.”
Mr. Banks continued: “I want to say to the people of Anguilla that we would like to reconcile whatever differences we have with each other as we go along. It is sometimes very difficult to do that and there are two commandments – ‘Love the Lord thy God with all thy might, with all thy soul and with all thy strength’; and there is the second one which is equally or probably more important: ‘Love they neighbour as yourself.’ Many of us forget that last one. We believe that because we appear to be holy and righteous that we have the right to move on into His Kingdom, but we can’t unless we also love our neighbours as we love ourselves. So that is the responsibility we have. Nobody is entitled to our hate, but they are entitled to our love; and we of the Anguilla United Front pledge to be a kinder, gentler administration. I like the ring of those words: a kinder, gentler administration. That is the part of this service that I think is important for uniting our country – to be kinder and gentler in the way that you do things.”
Mr. Banks took the opportunity to express caution about a number of matters, one of which was as follows. “One of the issues that politicians face, when they are elected to office, is the same thing that their supporters complain about what the government is doing wrong. They are often the same persons who want you to do wrong for them; and I want to say to you that we do not want that to be what we, as a government, do. We would want to do everything right.
“It is a challenge sometimes to put aside our human nature, but it is a challenge that we must face everyday if we want to move forward as citizens and leaders of this country.
“I also must recognise that there was a past government for five years. They have not been successful in this election, but I want to thank them for their service over the last five years because one thing that happens in this country is that we have always been allowed to serve and worship our God in peace. That is an important aspect of the strength of a nation, and a people, that love and serve the Lord and we never want to have a situation in Anguilla where that is not possible…”
The Chief Minister was grateful to all of his party supporters, colleagues and the chairman of the AUF, Fritz Smith, as well as his own supporters. “I would like to thank 1057 persons in Valley South who gave me the opportunity to serve them once again. In 2010, I said we had lost the election but we are not losers. Losers walk away. Winners continue the battle until the end, and we have stayed with it from 2010 until now because we believe that if we have something to offer, we must make it known to the people – and in the end they will understand what we stand for and what we are all about. I take it as a vote of confidence that 1057 persons voted for me in Valley South, but I also take it very strongly that those who did not vote for me will someday understand and appreciate my service and what we intend to do with the party for the people Anguilla.
“I want you also to remember that this job is a difficult one, and it is a challenge to please everybody and to meet the needs of everybody in the time that you want that to happen. One of my attributes – something which I have cultivated – is to have patience and tolerance. But it is our job, as the elected government, to communicate with you the challenges that we face in delivering the things that you the people of Anguilla deserve. So even though you have patience and tolerance, we also must be reasonable in letting you know why we would not have been achieved those things which are so important to each and every one of you. There will be times when we will have differences – and I am talking to my team and those persons who will be working very closely with us – when we will be very upset, worried, concerned and even confronted by persons who want to get things done quickly. I always believe that the best way to respond to something is by taking a deep breath, walking away and coming back and then letting your real objectivity take control of what you have to give or say…”
Chief Minister Banks added: “Our mandate is significant and we recognise our responsibility to do what we promised. We brought out a manifesto which we are serious that it reflects our contract agreement with you the people of Anguilla. We circulated over 3,000 copies and, if necessary, we will have 3,000 more available because we want you to hold us to account about the things we have said in that document. It is what we really believe. It is what members and candidates of the United Front have spent several months on – in debate, conference, preparation, study and research – to put this forward. We want you to point out, when it is necessary, the things that we have promised you and where we have fallen short.”
The thanksgiving service and the swearing-in ceremony were followed by a mingling and entertainment period for the AUF party candidates and supporters.
