The vision for One Anguilla is firmly grounded in a critical and personal quality that must be exemplified by all who subscribe to it. This quality is INTEGRITY – a prerequisite for Transformational Leadership, Good Governance, and Economic Advancement and Prosperity for the people of Anguilla.
Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral values. While this simple definition may seem quite straightforward, in the political context of Anguilla integrity is a scarce commodity. Sadly, politicians spend most of their time keeping up appearances, expending their energies maintaining illusions and perceptions that are designed to hide their misconduct, corruption, and sinister plots. This dark abyss of selfish ambition, self-aggrandizement and the unquenchable thirst for power and control leaves many Anguillians wondering if we will ever, as a people, see the light of day.
We are here to reel against this present circumstance; to show the people of Anguilla that there is a better way. There is a remnant, made up of young and old alike, who are purposed and ready to step into the light of a new dawn and a new day in Anguilla. We are prepared not only to speak of integrity, but to demonstrate it, and its value and importance in the governance of our country. The day is coming when our voters will no longer be faced with the difficulty of choosing the “lesser of two evils”. One Anguilla will, in word and deed, transform the political landscape and lift the standard of political discourse, focusing on policy, not personality, plans not promises, service above self, and a commitment to a country and a people by providing a sustainable future for all. Such a bold undertaking requires PERSONAL INTEGRITY because we simply cannot continue with business as usual – our people have suffered enough.
The people of Anguilla have for many years been lied to, betrayed and deceived by both the AUF and the AUM. The collapse of our indigenous banks and the subsequent negotiations and deals made in secret are a glaring example of how a lack of integrity can lead to extreme repercussions. Make no mistake, the lack of integrity within these two political circles still remains – even within the newly gift-wrapped APM. The power players behind the scenes still represent the politics of old, which has caused so much damage to our people and our country while a select group reaps the spoils. The “Cabinet” behind the politicians is where the real power and manipulation lies and they certainly do not want you to know that.
A wise young man once said to me – “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking”. So simple, yet so profound. There are those who believe that there is no room for integrity in political strategy and campaigning. I beg to differ. The people must be able to witness the alignment between your policies and your conduct in the election campaign cycle – this would also include the way in which a leadership team is assembled. Many political operatives have been enquiring of my supporters “What is Pam doing?”, possibly to inform their political strategies. My supporters say “Pam is doing the right thing, she is representing our people every day. How difficult is it for you to accept and to see what is being accomplished?”
In my political life, I have always endeavored to do the right thing. This is fundamental to my own personal philosophy of service above self. The people of my District have witnessed this time and time again, as I have stood with them in the good times and bad times. And I will continue to do so because I trust in their ability and capacity to recognize what real change looks like. Personal integrity is fundamental to transforming Anguilla. The political arena should never belong to those who manipulate and malign. It rightfully belongs to the people with the power to make a real difference with the impact of their vote. Our youth know what is at stake. They don’t just need a seat at the table; they must be allowed to participate in the decision making at the highest levels; not just to be a face of change, but to effect it. Our youth must also demonstrate the personal integrity needed to transform Anguilla. We must instill these important values in them and it will serve them well as leaders and agents of change.
I look forward to the new dawn that will completely transform our politics and our governance in Anguilla. Indeed the right hand of God is moving in Anguilla…. With young and old, hand in hand, and personal integrity at the core of every decision we will make, Anguillians will finally be able to say – 53 years after the Revolution, we have a government of the people, by the people and for the people. We are ready for One Anguilla!
