Mr Editor:
Further to the written response by the Hon. Palmavon Webster, Leader of the Opposition, regarding the early and abrupt closure of CCB on Friday afternoon, I could not resist commenting on the failure of the Opposition Leader (a lawyer by profession) to acknowledge, on our behalf, our gratitude that the matter was expeditiously resolved to enable the bank to reopen for normal business on Monday morning. There is no doubt that level heads eventually prevailed – obviously lead by the Government team – with all parties working together to sort out a legal issue. This to my mind, as requested by Ms. Webster, is a marked change from how the previous administration operated. This certainly contradicts what she said in her letter.
The issue of the indigenous banks is significant and of major national importance. As such it must be handled in a professional and methodical manner. The Government is not the only player in this matter. We were told early on that negotiations are ongoing and that tough decisions will have to be made. We have no doubt that the matters are complex and are being worked on. Working on our behalf is not about appearances or running to the media constantly and causing more alarm in our fragile state.
Despite Ms. Webster’s involvement in the financial industry, I do not get the slightest inclination anymore that Ms. Webster really cares to be a part of the solution, in fact to the extent that I am not confident she has a clue. I have heard nice words put together but, on reflection, there is little substance and too many contradictions. Interestingly enough, the Leader of the Opposition is usually knowledgeable and present for numerous photo opportunities with the Government. It is mindboggling that she is so unaware of substantive issues politically and legally.
Ms. Webster indicated earlier that she would not engage in opposing simply for opposing sake, but I now really see her pattern as simply just that. As a lawyer along with other persons in the legal profession who have been very vocal in an alarmists and speculative manner on the issue with the banks, where have you been over all the period of litigation in this matter? You have failed to highlight anything legal but rather have gone to great lengths to gain political mileage. Instead it was a layman who shed some light on this to the public. Shame on you, and the other lawyers, for failing to alert the people. It is comical for a parliamentarian who is also a Lawyer to claim being caught off guard, like the general public as regards this matter.
Where are our investigative journalists? The public is reliant on you to keep the officials on their toes and honest. Journalism is simply not reactionary. How many of you go to court? Who have spoken to ECCB as of yet? Most level-minded people want concrete and sound information. Not the constant speculation and agitation from the usual characters. It is truly a sad reflection on the journalism profession that too many of them are constantly on one track, singing the same tune, in the same mood. Some have now positioned themselves as alarmists and fatalistic journalists. There is no objectivity. Some even seem to be all self-promoting and seeking idol status.
To the Leader of the Opposition, the Journalist, the Alarmist and the Agitators, please be aware that we love this land. Let us all be honest, constructive, objective and professional in whatever we say and do. Let us hold our officials accountable. We must respect our positions as well as each other’s. All of us want to see Anguilla progress but we cannot accomplish this through degradation and destruction.
(Name withheld at writer’s request.)
