The universal and traditional salutation at this period of time takes on varied expressions with one of the most prevalently used being: “A Happy and Prosperous New Year”. This is all well, good and important. It is in fact a way of spreading hope and empowerment in the future, and influencing everyone to strive towards that end for his or her personal benefit and success. But, in the wider context, that wish must also apply to an island, nation or country that is moving forward to embrace the aspirations and leadership of its people. There is no other time in Anguilla, like now, when we are facing an election period, to focus on what our people really want and how they should be led to accomplish some, if not all, of the things they desire for themselves and their homeland.
Far beyond the celebration of Christmas, with merriment and partying, and the welcoming of the New Year with the booms and plumes of fireworks, lies the seriousness of nationhood. It is a time, as an ancient script states, when we have “to put our hand into the hand of the man at the gate” and humbly ask to be led “into the unknown way”. The truth is that we would be like sheep in a wilderness without proper guidance, or leadership, to shepherd us to a secure place where we can find economic security and development in every conceivable manner.
With two categories of candidates, vying for election during the first half of 2020, it is a somewhat complex situation. We have those for the general election; and those for the at-large or island-wide elections. Never, in the history of Anguilla, have we had such a combination of candidates aspiring for leadership. But really, it is all about the democratic process and an avenue to select the right leaders for our evolving homeland. The question is: who among them will gain the hand of leadership at this critical juncture in Anguilla with so much at stake to tackle and achieve? It appears to be a battle involving experienced, inexperienced, older and younger persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities. It is a responsible choice for the people. When they speak at the polls they will get the Government they deserve – but hopefully the best set of people to lead Anguilla into the difficult and unfolding future. Any vote out of blindness, shallow or unreasonable impulse, for selfish benefit or spite, will not be the way to choose serious and capable leaders.
There are certain basic facts that cannot be denied as we look towards the New Year. Any new Government coming into office will have few headaches. It may not be filtering down to ordinary citizens enough, but the construction industry, especially in the public sector, is in full swing; although the tourism industry has its shortcomings, employment is at a high rate; and elsewhere in the public and private sectors there are other employment opportunities. Thus, some of the immediate headaches facing a new Government, or a Government winning another term in office, are already addressed and there is only a need to build on what is in place.
In terms of constitutional and electoral reform, the goals already appear to have been met with all parties in Anguilla having recently announced virtual agreement on the way forward. Taxation has been another matter on the table with opposing political aspirants vowing to make adjustments. On the other hand, notwithstanding the proposed Goods and Services Tax, the Government has assured the public that there will be no new taxes this year apart from the existing taxes now in place. The Interim Stabilisation Levy, which has been a matter of contention, and which the Government had promised to dispose of, is continuing this year but with some amendments to improve its fairness. Though the Government, like the Opposition, would wish to see the end of the levy, both sides admit that the 13 million dollars it fetches constitute a crucial contribution to the budget and, for the time being, they have a hands-off approach to the levy.
There is a need for careful and committed leadership in Anguilla arising from this year’s election processes. This will certainly be demanded by the many challenges a new Government will face later, on various socio-economic matters; the stance it will have to take; and how it will acquit itself at challenging roundtable forums and negotiations on the regional and international levels. On the home-front, the situation will be even more demanding. The electioneering campaigns will soon begin in full swing. It will not be those who can abuse and slander the others, the most, who will be elected. It will be those who can convince the electorate that they have the best solutions to our problems; possess the required leadership skills; have the confidence of the people; can best meet their choice; and deliver what is expected of them.
