This week the memorial service for Kenny Mitchell confirmed the ugly truth that a brother has been taken from us in the worst of circumstances. As family and friends took the time to reflect on the life of Kenny, in a very beautiful church service, Pastor Isles spoke of Legacy and reminded us all that it is the baton that survives a life extinguished and is passed on. While we are left with many unanswered questions, a broken system and a society that is pained and scarred by the inequalities which have been unearthed through this terrible tragedy, it is that message of hope that comforted me and that I believe will vindicate his memory and salvage Anguilla’s reputation when Justice is served.
This has been and will remain a very dark chapter in the history of our beloved country. It was not until I brought the memorial service to the attention of the powers that be that they agreed to postpone a meeting of the Select Committee on Electoral Reform so that, as elected members of the House of Assembly, we could pay our last respects to Kenny Mitchell and show our support to his family members and friends. I would hope that such sensitive matters would not have to be brought to the attention of my colleagues, who should be in tune with the pulse of the nation at this time. From those to whom much is given, much is expected.
As Anguillians, this is a time for us to reflect on the values that unite us – our love of country and for each other, caring and compassion, and a strong sense of community and togetherness. This incident has truly stretched and tested the fibre of the Anguillian spirit but it is a God-given opportunity to build a better Anguilla, reaffirming those core values that have defined us through many generations. This is a time for open dialogue, to listen to and understand varying points of view in a non-judgmental way. This is not a time to deflect from the issues or to change the subject – as is the modus operandi of the Chief Minister and others. This is our wound, and it must be cleaned and healed. Do we give in to the hatred and bitterness which now boils to the surface? Or do we take this opportunity to rise above it? Is it possible to address the inequalities entrenched in our social institutions while reaching for values of tolerance and forgiveness? It is my fervent hope that we will pursue Justice with greater focus and that we will do more to address these concerns with a strong collective voice.
This undoubtedly requires new leadership –leadership which has been foreign to the political sphere in Anguilla for many decades, but is absolutely essential for us to right these wrongs and move our country forward to a better path. What I speak about is Transformational Leadership; leadership that will transform the process of governance and provide a space for persons to explore and utilise their full potential in the best interests of Anguilla. Our people are tired of the authoritarian and dictatorial leaders that have hindered our development and divided our families along partisan and tribal lines. This divide and conquer approach has left a trail of destruction and sown seeds of discord that have taken root, penetrating the very foundation of our society. So entrenched and enslaved are we in this cyclical authoritarianism and dictatorship that, at the most critical juncture and moment of crisis, the political elites in this country failed to take swift action to ensure that our most sacred democratic institutions were held to proper account and demand that all persons under the rule of law are treated equally.
The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Kenny Mitchel raise many questions as to whether or not our people will be treated fairly and equally under the law, regardless of their social status, level of education or family name. If raising these concerns is seen as controversial, then I am happy to be the one sounding the alarm. Not only must Justice be done, it must be seen to be done. Sadly in this case, many persons wonder if the family of the late Kenny Mitchel will get justice. And what have our leaders done to reassure the people? What guarantees have been put in place to ensure that the accused will stand trial in Anguilla when the time comes? What measures will be taken to minimize the threat to our tourism product? Indeed this situation has far reaching consequences at both the societal and the economic levels. This requires leadership that is bold and unafraid to challenge the inequalities that exist, to offer reassurance to our people and to restore peace and order. It is unfortunately only too obvious that we are currently lacking any of these attributes in our current government.
As we say our final goodbyes to Kenny Mitchel this week, I pray for his family and loved ones who are left behind to pick up the pieces. I pray for healing for our blessed Anguilla and for all our people to unite and work together for a better and brighter future. Kenny’s Legacy of Love for life, for family, for Anguilla and the Caribbean region and for the world will help to build a more harmonious and better Anguilla. May Kenny Mitchell rest in perpetual peace.
