There are increased political and electoral activities as the general district elections, and the at large or island voting in the coming months, loom over Anguilla. It appears that this time around will be the most fiercely-fought electioneering campaign in the history of the island – and already this is being portrayed by the signs and statements we see and hear everywhere. Judging from what appeared initially to have been an apathetic and disinterested posture among the electorate, this is obviously changing as both experienced and inexperienced candidates enter the battle-ring in an effort to whip up support across the island. This upsurge in voter interest was demonstrated in the recent successful mock election exercise when registered and unregistered voters turned up in their numbers, surprising the office of the Supervisor of Elections and all and sundry.
This augurs well and good for the democratic process, the leadership of Anguilla and the choice of the people. What is not good is the dismal and frightening type of campaigning that some persons, who should be more responsible and patriotic, are adopting. Social media is becoming a dangerous battlefield unheard of in the political life of the island – and if it is not somehow checked now, Anguilla is likely to sink in degradation, turmoil and an abyss of very bad publicity. We certainly have our reputation as a first-rate tourist destination, a friendly and Godly people to protect. We must always be conscious of the virtues of family and community living we have long boasted about, held dear and promulgated.
At all cost we must avoid the hate politics, confusion and animosity that have taken over other island nations and countries around the globe. There is a need for a show of hands and a big AMEN that all of our people – those seeking election and those voting – will adhere to this serious admonition. We owe it to ourselves, the generations coming after us, and the future direction of our beloved Anguilla. Those among us charged with leadership positions in church and community, must be prepared to take a stand to help guide the way we should politically govern ourselves in the electioneering campaign – and to say enough is enough when the situation is getting out of hand but even more effectively to nip it in the bud before it is too late.
As stated above, social media is playing a new and active role in our politics. Its influence can be good or bad and it is up to us to use it responsibly. Among the more recent observations is the employment of what is called “Voice Notes” where persons lose their decency and exchange profanity which is then shared by others either for inappropriate amusement or out of concern about what is befalling the island. With the availability of our modern cellular phones, everybody has become a broadcaster or a disseminator of texted information as if putting at bay, or into oblivion, the responsible mainstream and conventional media. What we are hearing from a number of irresponsible broadcasters is the worst, unwholesome and libelous type of gutter diatribe to hit the ear. Then the computer is being used to generate difficult to trace faked images and pronouncements that appear to be real but in fact are intended to mislead and confuse the unguarded.
Anguilla has certainly entered a dangerous cycle in election campaigning and other areas of societal life. Who will “bell the cat” to help defuse this wanton and evil invasion of politics for the love of Anguilla? One respected gentleman has stepped forward so far – the Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs known for his candid and influential preaching. In delivering his sermon during the funeral of the much-celebrated Calvert Carty, he took a glimpse at the politics in Anguilla.
He said in part: The season is here, the time is now to make a choice, not for partisan political, social, or economic gains, but for the love of Anguilla. This is best expressed in the words of President John F. Kennedy at his inaugural speech January 20, 1961. “And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – but what you can do for your country.” May I humbly add, “My fellow Anguillians, ask not what Anguilla can do for you – but what you can do for Anguilla.”
Who will join him in this resolve? You can help to stem the election war in Anguilla on social media.
