Most persons whom I interact with feel disillusioned by our government, and more broadly have a sense of despair about the future of Anguilla, our process of governance and the disunity among our people. Such feelings not only envelope the current administration; in fact many would argue that failures in leadership and effective governance have transcended administrations in Anguilla for many years. We find ourselves in a never ending cycle, trying to achieve progress and prosperity for our people, using the same old formula of top-down approaches to decision making, with little to no creativity, innovation or proper and effective consultation with the people, particularly our youth.
I had a conversation the other day with two voters who expressed serious frustrations with the political system in our country, which they described as shuffling an old deck of cards for another. Sadly, many Anguillians share the same view. A genuine look at our current political landscape reveals a dismal picture, devoid of any real hope for the future of Anguilla. Moreover, the growing trend of segregating oneself and one’s family from the happenings in our governance, society and politics is cause for serious concern and is evidence of this dark cloud that has hovered over our country for several years. Indeed, maintaining the status quo poses a serious threat for all of us in Anguilla.
Now that we have entered into election season, the politics of old has once again resurfaced. Personal agendas bubble to the surface and selfish opportunism raises its ugly head. Persons who claim to have Anguilla’s best interest at heart continue to hide their own personal goals for self-aggrandisement, the need for power, influence and control, and to settle old scores and personal vendettas. And where does the best interest of the people fall within this political soap opera? – It falls by the wayside, a forgotten place where working for and serving the people has become an afterthought.
For those who see the politics in Anguilla for what it really is, and have expressed the need for real change, I urge you that now is the time to step up to the plate. We cannot rescue our country from the comfort of our tiny social bubbles, or from the sidelines as spectators. What our country lacks is transformational leaders; persons who are willing to put country above self, not just through lip service, but exemplified in their actions. I have always maintained my love for Anguilla and my devotion to the principles and values that make us truly blessed by God. I have consistently expressed my vision for One Anguilla – a united country, where all of our people give of their best and can thrive and excel in their personal and professional lives. A country where good governance is delivered to the people, through a competent and principled team; a team of women and men who have personal integrity, and who are committed to improving the lives of every Anguillian. This is what real change looks like.
While some may call this a “pie in the sky” dream – this is the only model of leadership and decision making that can deliver the change that Angullians have been asking for. Anything short of this would merely result in more of the same. We simply cannot afford more of the same – not at this critical moment in our developmental trajectory. I am reminded of the parable of Jesus in Matthew 9:17:
“Neither do men put new wine into old wine bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottle perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved”.
Some have desperately tried to re-invent or to re-brand themselves in time for an election that promises to be the most important vote in our nation’s history. However, re-shuffling old decks is never going to give us the real change that we so desperately need. Anguilla is greater than any single political party or entity. The politics of division in our country must finally be put to rest. The perpetrators of this division must also be exposed for the role they have played in this constant battle for power, fuelled by greed and resulting in political corruption and an underdeveloped country.
The right leaders to take this country forward are among us, whether or not they have yet shown their hand. They are leaders who are not easily manipulated or subject to special interest groups and personal favours. They are leaders who are driven by love for country, not ego or professional titles and prestige. These are the women and men who will take the vision and the movement of One Anguilla forward. I am confident that our people are ready for a new style of leadership – leadership that is subject to one thing only – the best interests and will of the people. I believe those leaders are prepared to come forward and give our beloved country the leadership it so richly deserves.
Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country….
With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own. – John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961.
