Discussions are now being intensified throughout the island on the potential impact on Anguilla as the United Kingdom prepares to break away from the European Union, via the coined phrase popularly known as “BREXIT”. This decision came about on 23rd June 2016 following a referendum. As a British Overseas Territory (BOT) it is argued that Anguilla will be negatively impacted in several ways. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on some of those impacts and to again make the call for us to prepare the people, and the island in general, for political independence.
With BREXIT, it is reported that Anguilla is expected to lose European Development Funding (EDF) which was integral to help balance the budget for capital projects on the island. We can see this happening as early as 2021 when the next round for the allocation of these monies will be earmarked. Our Chief Minister confirmed that “we would be unable to even balance our budget, let alone put aside funds for critical areas, such as education investment, if the UK government does not make up the shortfall after EDF funding is removed.” This is going to be a big issue as we presently do not qualify for overseas aid under the UK’s existing rules. Additionally, as we are still feeling the effects of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma, we are in need of large amounts of funds to reconstruct basic infrastructure on the island. Although the UK pledged some funds to assist, we are now hearing that the distribution of those said monies will be spread over a certain time period.
With BREXIT, it is also argued that residents of Anguilla travelling to St Martin/St Maarten for medical purpose, and for the trading of goods and service, may be negatively impacted due to the fact that these neighboring islands’ political status make them part of the EU. Additionally, many locals and tourists alike mainly use the Princess Juliana Airport – the closest international hub that links us with the outside world may be also adversely affected. Personally, I beg to differ with the arguments above. Anguilla and the two islands historically have had mutually beneficial relationships. It is in their best interests that these relationships with Anguilla continue. Many residents, and tourists, of Anguilla contribute greatly to the economies of these islands.
That being said above, I have no issue with BREXIT or No BREXIT. As a nation we need to seriously think about political independence. BREXIT is just one of the mechanisms used by the imperialist where decisions are being made for us without our input. This is nothing new under the sun. We have unconsciously accepted this situation. One would beg the question as to why our political leaders are not passionately pursuing the route to political independence for Anguilla? Is it that they prefer the current political arrangement to remain, as it benefits them? We urgently need to prepare and educate the people about the rationale for political independence. Likewise, we need visionary leadership to develop and implement a diverse and sustainable economy where everyone benefits – not just a selected few. A country is only as strong as the strength of its economy.
The people have been toyed with over the years by our political leaders. Sadly, I must admit that as we are an oral society and not a reading public, political leaders have used this to their advantage. In an oral society, rumormongering, small talk and gossip are prominent such that our political leaders encourage, cherish and use them as a feeding frenzy. They hate critical and independent thinkers and they see them as a threat. Our brightest are also employed within the Government civil service, but because of General Orders they are unable to speak out as they would like to. If they did, they would be reprimanded for embarrassing the Government. Government Ministers, on the other hand, are quick to throw the said civil servants under the bus, so to speak, if doing so will make them look good in the eyes of the general public. Additionally, it is the Minister who get the praise when things are successful.
Here again some may say that BREXIT has caught us with our pants down. I say that with BREXIT “all new news is old news happening to [the same] people.” A new vision for the development of the people, and the island generally, has not been created. But again, many like it to remain as is, as it benefits them at the end of the day. Our leaders need to empower and inspire the people and stop being political manipulators.
We, the people, also need to emancipate ourselves and think critically on issues and move away from discussing issues sentimentally based on who we know and support. We need more issue-oriented public discussions, rather than sensationalism, gossip, hearsay and personal attacks, to move this country forward. Collectively, “our aim, therefore, should be to join all organizations and work with all countries that will help us to become more independent and more in control of our own resources [and island].No nation has the right to make decisions for another nation – no people for another people.” The Bible says that God gives mankind rulership over the plants, fish, birds and animals. He did not give man authority to dominate other human beings.
