THE arrogance of the Anguilla United Front government was on full display in the last sitting of the House of Assembly – as if we needed any reminder.
My questions about proper and effective consultation with Anguillians were met with complete and utter disdain by Victor Banks and his government.
Rather than provide answers to legitimate questions, put forward by yours truly as Leader of the Opposition on behalf of ordinary Anguillians whom I have a legitimate responsibility to represent, they resorted to obscene levels of bullying and ridiculing.
But that’s what cowards do when they have no real answers. They ‘condescend’ and refuse to give answers.
This cabal uses contempt to mask their fears; their eternal fear of being perpetually exposed for what they are: a cartel driven by self-interest, and riddled with blatant conflicts of interest.
But as they run, their shadows will follow them, until the people’s time comes to decide their fate.
I am but a vessel – a channel for the will of the people to be expressed in the highest forum of the land. And I take my mandate seriously. Yet these politicians of old refuse, time and time again, to speak to the people, to embrace the importance of accountability and to show that they are interested in what you have to say.
Such arrogance breeds a political atmosphere controlled by empty barrels making the most noise, and leaves our Youth questioning the value and need for legislators and decision makers alike. There can be no doubt that our enlightened Youth can see the complete disregard and lack of respect for the people’s business shown by the very people elected to serve their constituents. Our Youth deserve men and women driven by empathy and not ego. Sadly our House of Assembly is almost entirely filled with those who function and operate based on the latter.
The last sitting of the House also points to the inability of the Speaker to carry out his duty in a fair and unbiased manner. It was no mistake when our Attorney General, in his remarks, had no choice but to point out the Speaker’s responsibilities.
In these perilous times we cannot and must not give up hope. We cannot surrender ourselves to mental fatigue, disillusionment and apathy. For if we do, then we surrender to autocratic rule, nepotism and corruption, which will undoubtedly destroy our beloved Anguilla.
I believe that deep within each of us lies a heart for Anguilla, and a fervent wish to see our nation and our people prosper. By reforming education, ensuring that our people have access to affordable and efficient health services, and an economy that works for everyone, we can build an Anguilla where we can all be happy, raise our families and realize our dreams. This can only be achieved through unity, good governance and leaders who understand the true meaning of service above self.
If you are tired of the same old politics in Anguilla, if you are tired of the division, pitting neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend, family against family, then I say to you: We are One! The sooner we realize this important truth, the sooner we can rescue this country from the precipice we are dangling on. It starts with us – we must make a stand for Anguilla!
Let’s do it!
