POLITICS is very much in the air, with general elections – many predicting – possibly only months away.
We have noticed an attempt to “come back to life” – as if trying to miraculously arise from a deep slumber — by the two traditional political parties, that have dominated the landscape for the last few decades, the AUF and the AUM.
There is an obvious staleness about their tactics and their message, even at this early stage, that would leave any close onlooker to wonder what will be different this time. Given the malaise, the economic situation, the corruption and nepotism, and the mass exodus abroad of some of our best and brightest, it should however be clear that, in this coming cycle, it cannot be business as usual.
This period calls for boldness and innovation, and the introduction of new ideas, since what has been on offer has not worked for the ordinary people of Anguilla.
Since 2015, I have had the privilege and honour to serve as the Leader of the Opposition. My own experiences have taught me the importance and urgency of instituting a new political culture – a political culture which takes on ideas from all sides, builds bridges and seeks to get our people more involved wherever they are. I am eager to be part of that solution, refusing to be content to go along with the old template of local politics.
And that is why, over the last few months, I have done a lot of listening, and I have increasingly engaged with people all over the territory, especially the young people. Indeed, the young people of this country give me renewed hope. But, by and large, they have either felt left out of the system, or they believe that the political architecture is built to ignore their dreams and aspirations.
The truth is that if we are to renew our faith, and if we are to prime ourselves for the challenges of today so as to build a more empowering future, there is no alternative but to engage and involve the young brigade. The status quo has not cut it. It has failed to cultivate young and mature leaders. It has failed with both its ideas and with its execution.
I was voted in as a member of the House of Assembly as the Member for District One, but I quickly found out that there was an entire country seeking representation on their behalf. So it also dawned on me that I must get involved in an island-wide dialogue – something I have been doing regularly over the last few months. The young people in particular have been strong. In fact, they are ready and willing to join a movement that will be part of the solution. What has been clear to me – from the many discussions I have had with them – is that they do not see the two older parties as being genuine agents for change.
The AUF and the AUM have become too stuck in their ways. Their respective DNAs are similar. They are mechanisms set up just to contest and, hopefully, win elections, as if these are solutions in and of themselves. They have never been – and never will be – active vehicles for transformation. That’s why, in my listening sessions, people have strongly expressed the view that a third force is necessary – inspired by men and women who are not motivated by the love of power, but by the power of love.
In this regard, the young people have been THE inspiration. It is important to note that almost half of those polled in a recent survey were not sure they will take part in the process at all. This is not because they do not want to, but because the system has either let them down, or is failing to deal with their real concerns.
This new alliance must involve all these young people. Once they get engaged, we have no doubt that a New Anguilla is possible.
