MANY OF US tuned in on Monday of this week to the ‘TO THE POINT’ radio show, to hear the Chief Minister, Victor Banks, in his full display of arrogance regarding his government’s cherry picking approach to the issue of constitutional reform.
What has been equally clear, as well, is that the people of Anguilla are fed up with the deception of his government – and they are not going to take the approach which the administration has adopted. Trust in this current administration has been misappropriated and the people of Anguilla have been enlightened to the circumvention of their rights to Free and Fair Elections by a regime that will do anything to maintain its grip on power.
The Chief Minister said on the radio show that they have forwarded the entire document (The Report of the Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee) to London, implying – which is not consistent either with truth or reality – that they had given London the option of approving its adoption in full. What in fact emerges as the truth is that they neglected to implement any part of the Report until, they say, it is too late to do more than select those parts of it that they want enacted in time for the 2020 General Election. And they did this under cover of darkness, so to speak, keeping secret their negotiations with the British government, which began in June or perhaps even earlier, until just recently. They did all this, behind closed doors, in order to cherry pick the changes that suit them, while throwing out other suggestions and without coming back to the consultative process with the people.
The approach of the government has met with the consternation of the Committee’s Chairman and members, who diligently worked for months compiling a comprehensive document that reflected the aspirations of the wider population. The government, in its contempt and arrogance, has decided that they know more than the people know about what they want and that they don’t care what the people want as long as the outcome suits their political objectives. This goes against the very principles of Democracy – “government of the people, by the people, for the people”. Sadly, in this case we have governance that seeks to insulate career politicians who are so consumed with their own self –preservation that they will sacrifice our Democracy on the altar of Authoritarianism. Indeed, we have entered into deep and troubling waters and the people of Anguilla must be vigilant now more than ever before.
We accept that every government has to provide guidance and leadership on national matters, but it must endeavor to do so with transparency and sensitivity. The people’s genuine yearning for constitutional reform and for good governance should neither be watered down nor hijacked; nor should our most sacred Constitution be used as a tool to further the political ambitions of a select group.
Mr Banks’ impatience with being questioned on the radio show got worse as it went on. He was exposed for what he is – an out-of-touch leader who has stayed on too long. It was also an embarrassing display of pejorative slurs and condescension. It provided the people of this country with a glimpse of the full-fledged dictatorship that is to come if we sit by and do nothing. It is a given that someone who shouts down and interrupts his questioner does so because he has a bad argument and does not want to have to admit to the truth. If ever someone displayed the weakness of his position in that way, it was Mr Banks on Monday evening.
This very process has shown the hand and intention of this government. It is becoming now lucidly clear that this current administration as configured and led, is either unwilling or incapable of levelling with its people. This process has exposed the AUF regime, and has shown it not worthy of the people’s trust.
But the powerful thing about our democracy, even as flawed as it is, is that it affords the people the opportunity to reject those who take them for granted or for fools. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed, and I urge the people of Anguilla, regardless of party affiliation or family loyalties, that this is a moment in our history where we must look deep within ourselves and truly put our country first – our very future depends on it!
We are approaching a seminal time in our history, where Anguillans everywhere must stand up and push back. As Opposition Leader I pledge to continue the advocacy and the awareness, and to continue the dialogue with other political leaders and expand it to include leaders and members of civil society – the churches, businesses, NGOs and the youth in particular.
In the coming period we will endeavor to have more public sessions as we galvanize the community behind this important issue. This moment of challenge must be used so that ultimately good can come out of it.
Make no bones about it, for Anguillians to get the constitution they deserve they will first have to vote – YOU will first have to vote – to get the government you deserve.
