A thorough review of Anguilla’s political history would reveal a tribalistic political party system that has left our country underdeveloped, with divisions between families and friends and an ever increasing gap between the haves and the have nots. This is a direct result of the illusion which parades our political landscape, exemplified in the slogans “It’s all about you”, “Anguilla First” and, most recently, “Change Can’t Wait”. Such sentiments are designed and marketed to pull on the emotional heart strings of Anguillians. However, the truth shall set us all free! And that truth is simply this: the difficulties and challenges that we all face today are a direct consequence of the decisions that are made by the political hacks and elites in our political party system. Indeed, we must look very carefully at the masterminds and puppeteers behind the scenes – where back end deals and shady negotiations are made and are seldom exposed to the light of day or truth.
As Anguillians, we must learn from our political history, lest we make the monumental mistake of repeating it! This is a critical issue for us to understand, since it’s the people who actually have the power to bring real change to Anguilla – not an exchange, substituting the AUM/APM for the ANA/AUF, but real change!
Anguillians are not fools. While some failed politicians and aspiring hustlers are scrambling to re-design book covers, there is no doubt that the authors, pages and chapters still remain the same. This is the illusion that we must reject.
As Anguillians, we must take caution and guidance from our Heavenly Father when He tells us: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psalms 1:1-2).
As I reflect on my own political journey, I can truly say, beyond a shadow of doubt, that our beloved Anguilla is yearning for leaders who are independent thinkers; leaders who do not subscribe to an ANA/AUF mindset or an AUM/APM philosophy; leaders who understand that in order for Anguilla to truly move forward we need a new righteous energy that is grounded in unity, integrity, spiritual values, competence and a commitment to work in the best interests of our people at all times.
A review of the last 50 years in the political history of our country would reveal multiple instances of corruption and incompetence, where politicians line their pockets and the people continue to suffer, unable to make ends meet or to provide a stable future for their children. Poverty is rife in Anguilla and it’s the children who suffer the most! Some of us may be in denial, but the cases abound. Ask our teachers! You may well ask, how is it that our people suffer such great trials and tribulations when our country is so blessed and favoured? The answer is simple: for too long we have allowed ourselves to be mentally enslaved by greedy politicians who promise the world but deliver nothing.
We have a duty as Anguillians to finally break free of this cycle of promises made and promises broken. We must rid ourselves of the political scourge that has kept our nation stagnant and our people from realizing their dreams and aspirations. We must never lose hope that we can effect real change. We must not accept that things will always be the way that they are. It’s this defeatist attitude that some are banking on to remain in power and in control. As Bob Marley sings: “Only we can free our minds”.
We must understand that the process of real change starts in the hearts and minds of a people who are willing to say, once and for all, that Enough is Enough. Enough of the corruption, Enough of the broken promises, Enough of the dirty political games. Enough of the Houdini illusion tactics. Our people need and deserve better.
My decision to enter the political arena was based solely on my desire to see our blessed Anguilla and our people thrive; to represent the people of District One, their needs and their interests; and to help create a sustainable future for all our children. I aspire to change the culture of government throughout Anguilla. I want to create opportunities for meaningful jobs so that our families and communities can escape poverty. I want to ensure our sustainable development so that we leave our children with the best possible outcomes for a bright future. This is the work that I am committed to. They said to run as an independent was political suicide. The people of District One proved them wrong and will do so again! It is true that no one can seek to pull the wool over our eyes and expect to win! We make sense from nonsense.
Anguillians are not fools. We know the difference between what is real and what is counterfeit. The voters no longer desire to exchange one political party for the other, regardless of how ambitious and illusional the rebranding process, or how apparently attractive the deals manipulated behind the fronts. We know the truth. The old politics have not served our best interests.
A new dispensation in Anguilla politics is coming; a new righteous energy, with competence, integrity and a commitment to service above self. The right hand of God is working in our land. Our people are ready for One Anguilla!
