In spite of the exceptionally difficult year we have had in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, made near unbearable by government inaction and indecision, the past week of Carnival celebrations was both sorely needed and very welcome. The boat racing and Carnival activities have provided the customary opportunity for our people to showcase our characteristic sense of community. It is that underlying sense of community that has allowed us to demonstrate our resilience and our determination to march forward, over the years, picking ourselves up even when we have been knocked down.
Our St Maarten and St Martin/St Barts family supported us, as always, and the many families celebrating ancestry and milestones also helped to give us that sense of unity.
The UFO and the Eagle certainly demonstrated perseverance in the August races. The fact that Real Deal won on Tuesday in the Island Harbour race was embraced in the true tradition of sportsmanship, and we congratulate the Real Deal crew for a job well done. But if the UFO and the Eagle’s commitment to the sport prove anything, it proves that by adjusting ourselves and by reinventing ourselves consistently we can progress. Adversity can deliver value. The winds may have forced us to postpone the Champion of Champions race, but the Blue Bird, Satellite, Sonic, Light and Peace and all the other racing boats are still in the race! Together we will win.
There were several tracks, including “Anguilla Strong”, by the performer Doc, that hailed the people’s resilience and paid tribute to the nation. One of the songs of the season that captured the J’ouvert vibe was called “Together”. Its lyrics resonate even after the masqueraders have gone home and were particularly nostalgic:
“We feting together
We jamming forever
“It’s me and you together
Queen Bee’s “Heart and Soul” also emboldened our vision of ONE ANGUILLA. Many of the calypsos and the focus on the “Politicians” and the “Polly Ticks” reminded us that, while politics may not be top of mind during Carnival week, if we are going to win the leadership that affects our future and prosperity, politics can never be entirely outside our focus at any time. Our experience of the last year – which was captured in some of the music of the season – vividly shows that the people are ahead of their leaders in organising themselves.
As we were reminded by the budget sessions earlier this year, this Victor Banks administration lacks the energy and the foresight needed in these crucial times. “AUF – SOS” and Baker Junior’s and the Stinger’s cancer are pointed reminders that the prevalence of cancer and increasing health care challenges underpin our current realities.
Many of the calypsonians and the focus was on the politicians and politics.
As always, it was the Junior Calypsonians that impacted me, with their profound understanding of our challenges and their suggested solutions. Junior Calypso King Linger – “You reap what you sow” – was especially powerful. He told us: “You can’t plant corn and reap potato”. It is a debate and discussion we will have in the period going forward. But this past week was largely to celebrate our people, and all their cultural expressions. We have been encouraged and heartened by the spirit we have seen among the people.
Of course it was not just the music and the masquerade but perhaps more importantly the regatta and the boat races. We can be sure “Captain Dickie” will have been looking down on all of us. Of course our Anguilla Summer Festival coincides with the August 1 regional celebrations and observation of Emancipation Day – when the forefathers of many of us who live here were officially freed. But one hundred and eighty four years later the stain of slavery and colonialism are still on our society. Our people must remain vigilant to protect the gains we have earned, while every time pushing for new frontiers and refusing to settle for what the status quo offers.
In every facet of our lives, there are many ways to pay proper homage to this official end of slavery – for, in the history of mankind, 184 years is not a long time. As I said in my Emancipation Day statement – and I was heartened that several of the calypsonians re-emphasised this theme, so it is worth repeating again here: “Never accept mediocrity, never tolerate corruption and never reward indecency. For too long our people have been divided along partisan political lines and in so doing our elected officials have been left to plunder the spoils to our own detriment. Our nation is too small to continue along this path.”
My vision is for One Anguilla –a country in which we can put our differences aside and work together for a prosperous and sustainable future. Unity is strength. We must include everyone who wants to see our country grow and to maximize its full potential.
I know that Anguillians are tired of the status quo, tired of broken promises and the politics of divide and conquer. Therefore, the time has come for a new dispensation in leadership: leadership that is open, honest, and, most importantly, humble. Our Emancipation will never be consolidated unless we all rise to these standards. Indeed, it’s a dialog, we must continue now that the Carnival is over.
