Dear Editor
I remember this like yesterday. When I was about eight or nine years old, a Caucasian Magistrate who was assigned to Anguilla, had allegedly kicked “Wallace” a man with hearing impairment from South Hill, because he had gone to ask the Magistrate for some change.
Wallace was able to demonstrate what happened to him, by using hand signs and symbols. After the word got out, that very same day, a concerned member of the Valley community, the late David S. Lloyd (first duly elected legislator during the former Government of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla), took a bell and walked from the old Cottage Hospital in Crocus Hill, to the milky thorn tree by Lake’s. He repeated over and over again, “Major Greer kicked the dumb boy”, “Major Greer kicked the dumb boy”.
It was about three or four o’clock that very same afternoon, Greer’s career was over on the island of Anguilla. He was airlifted out of Anguilla, by Anguillans with home grown pride who showed solidarity and demanded his removal from the island, for what he had allegedly done to “Wallace”.
I am saying all that to say this, if the comments allegedly attributed to Commissioner Amanda Steward in the Belfast Telegraph are in fact true; in no way can those comments be acceptable to Anguillans with home grown pride. Personally, I’ll monitor the situation very closely and will withhold judgment for future reference. In the meantime however, on behalf of Anguillans with home grown pride, there must be respect, respect, respect in that order.
Granted some sort of apology was given, it has become commonplace for folk to make culturally insensitve remarks, and then offer an apology. I just want to remind anyone who came from their home countries to work on the island of Anguilla; the Government of Anguilla elected by the people, for the people and for the good of the people pays your salary and perks. To the best of my knowledge, based on one of the comments that was allegedly made (“the village” trying to be a country), pays some real good salaries with perks. Is that why folk from every corner of the globe have suddenly found their niche’ working and living on the island of Anguilla?
Another point of my concern is, why was one of our born Anguillans Capt. Fonza Gumbs, not considered for the position as Commissioner of Police on the island of Anguilla? Although this did not sit well with some folk, why wasn’t there a peaceful demonstration to voice your concerns, and shed light on the situation? Why does the final decision for an appointment rest solely with the Governor of Anguilla, when the Government of Anguilla pays the salaries? Why does someone from Northern Ireland have to be appointed of Commisisoner of Police on the island of Anguilla, when in fact there are throughout the English speaking Caribbean region, many men and women who have stellar careers in law enforcement?
Antilleans take pride in reminding everyone “Antilleans First”….when will we show some home grown pride and shout out loud and proud “Anguillans First”?
Name held upon request
(Published without editing by The Anguilllian newspaper.)
