Considering the progress made in the administrative order of the Country, it appears that the island is well governed. This however does not hinder the continued criticism of certain groups who never seem to have solutions but are very keen in observing everything done, especially by the Honorable Chief Minister seemingly; only worthy of their criticism. Of Course there is some justification in areas of general concern. The island must now extend its governing strategy to expand our growth capacity. Unless we can govern to generate and accumulate real wealth in reserve our image would remain minuscule. We must broaden our economic range with the intention of an enlarged country.
Everyone seem to understand the mindset of the British, which is particularly concerned about the governing process and keeping the country small, being fearful of added risk. Our Government cannot be all about demonstrating to the British our effective adoption to their command. Our Government must also be about change; that is, changing the status-quo needed to change our status. We must govern the country to succeed, advancing to that next level, bringing the change required for fundamental economic success. Until we can do this, we would never be able to enjoy greater autonomy or gain that strong position of respect from the British Government; while they continue to feed us by teaspoon.
Governance of the island by AUF during the terms 2000 – 2010 left a bitter sweet experience for the people of Anguilla. One can certainly admit that this period brought distinct and essential change to the island. That governing term moved the economic thermometer beyond the margins, into new economic precedence and positioned the island as a real player in the region for economic progress. During this period Anguilla was well integrated and recognized in the region and actually enjoyed great success among the islands. That period changed the equation of our labor market and brought a steady flow of Caribbean labor to the island, which is steadily growing. The bitter sweet experience put the island at its peak; that was when our natural phenomenon again kicked in and busted our boom; bringing chaos in our economic situation; still a major concern today. At that juncture though, the island had already moved beyond the margins and the people had already grasped the dynamics of real growth. Critics of that period described the momentum, using terms such as, ‘the economy was overheated’, and had naturally cooled off by the time we got to 2010. Said critics had dismissed the growth factor declaring the state of affairs conditional and we had experience small serge in momentum. AUF went on to lose the election of 2010 to AUM, but without a real governing strategy and approach, AUM failed the governing process and lost the elections in the 2015, putting the governing process of the country back in the hands of an AUF government, the term in office is now slowly winding down.
Observers of Anguilla’s past, usually marginal, saw records broken in economic growth last time around by AUF, clocking up to 12.5 % per annum; never before experienced in the history of the island; and their anticipation is high again, expecting a similar situation in this term. In 2015, the election lost at the expense of AUM, brought Victor Banks to the peak of his political career and positioned him in the most powerful position the island offers in political governance. Victor Banks is now the Honorable Chief Minister of Anguilla. There are critics who lived and died and promised that this man would never amount to a greater position. There are those living and experiencing this reality today and cannot be contained. Our country is being now positioned on the world stage as academically governed, meeting the standard of intellectual governance for the future and a new generation of political leadership. Thanks to the governance of the Honorable Victor Banks and his AUF government.
Truth is Absolute ………………..
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
