Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake, a former Anguillian public servant, is an independent candidate contesting the 2020 general elections in Anguilla. She launched her election campaign on Thursday, February 19, at North Hill. The following is an interview in which she spoke to The Anguillian newspaper about her entry into the political arena and her quest for leadership.
• You were previously uncertain whether or not you should enter the political arena. Why?
The decision to enter the political arena is not one that should be entered into thoughtlessly. It is a life changing decision and with any decision of that magnitude, one must plan carefully by taking steps to understand viability. So, I had a market research phase.
• Now that you are in, what factors influenced your decision?
The results of the market research phase were encouraging. That coupled with why I am seeking electoral office were heavy influencers. My reasons for entering this arena are: for a chance to introduce new ideas into how we make decisions that affect us all, to shine a light on the opportunities we are missing not only for social and economic growth, but for the chance to deepen our collective love for Anguilla; to channel that love into ideas and decisions which allow for genuine participatory democracy where we are able to discuss ideas and issues without rancor and division; examine what is possible and doable, and justify and explain those good ideas that we may not be able to implement for lack of human or financial resources.
• What will you say are some of the burning issues that you propose to bring to the political campaign?
I am hopeful to bring an awareness of what is happening in Anguilla. Some of the challenges we face, my list is not exhaustive, are: sustaining a tourist industry that is facing growing global competition; crime; issues of access by air and sea, Labour and Immigration; the threat to local businesses by unfair practices; Healthcare; environmental degradation; climate change; Brexit and a possible change in our constitutional status; and corruption.
• You were the Labour Commissioner in Anguilla for a number of years. How do you think that will assist you with your understanding of labour issues at the governance level?
Having an understanding of the needs of the labour market is important. I’ve had the good fortune of working with both sides in that post and always tried to help build bridges. I’ve seen how the legislative process works, and have an understanding of what it takes for laws to be amended or changed. The understanding gained from that position of the growing need to ensure that legislation is current and meets the need of a labour market that is not only influenced by local trends but by global trends is an asset.
• What are your thoughts about the current Labour Relations provisions?
The Labour (Relations) Act 2018 is an improvement over the previous Fair Labour Standards Act. It is not a perfect legislation – none exists. I had some concerns about employee/employer issues and I took those to the persons who have the authority to effect change.
• Do you think Anguilla is ripe for a Labour Union?
How would you think this would function, given the service of the Labour Department? That question will have to be answered by the employees of this country. The Labour legislation makes provision for this to happen. It is up to the employees if they want to organise.
• If elected, in what areas would you work towards ensuring improved legislative rights for women and children?
These are two of the most vulnerable groups in our society. For women, a law dealing with indecent representation and harassment in the workplace is needed.
As it relates to children, there are a number of policies and legislations being reviewed. These pieces have been around for some time, and I am aware that there has been some debate as it relates to the rights of a child. All children are vulnerable and it is the duty, not only of government, but of the whole society, to ensure that they are safe and secure by ensuring laws are there to protect them.
There is also the concern about the deficiencies in the prevailing Act for Magistrate’s court as it relates to child maintenance. The present laws cannot dictate child maintenance and they do not address the inequity of child maintenance. For e.g. If a child lives with the mother, the father has to pay maintenance, but if the child lives with the father, the mother is not required to pay maintenance. The court, as it stands, would need the parents to come there with an understanding of how they would move forward – and that is not always possible.
Additionally, legislation that provides support for, and to, our special needs children, and their parents, is needed. Those students are a valuable part of our society. Social development means that we invest in people – that all among us live a life of dignity.
• In what other areas of government do you think you are qualified to contribute to the growth of the economy and the welfare of Anguilla and Anguillians on a whole?
Definitely education. I’ve worked as an educator for a number of years. I still teach. As many issues we may have as a country, and as much as we want to focus on the economy, I believe that Anguilla’s future economic success rests in education. Not only in the learning aspect necessarily and that is absolutely important. But, as a people, where will we sit in the pyramid of Anguilla? Who will own this economy? How are we preparing and positioning ourselves, our children, to not be sidelined? There’s more than one way in this world to be an educated woman or man and, as a people, we need to be able to compete and command positions on the pyramid that are not always at the bottom.
• If elected, as an independent candidate, what would be some of the likely conditions you would lay down if requested to join the party acquiring the most votes and becoming the Government of Anguilla?
You use the word party. Given our history and system of politics, I guess it is engrained in us to think that Anguilla can only be run by a party. My message is very simple: we need to elect people, capable people, leaders who are simply but resolutely prepared to think through, debate and adopt innovative ideas for the greater good of our country. We should not be so entrenched in this system of party politics that it has the potential to blind us from what can truly be for Anguilla.
• What fresh ideas do you think you can bring to the table, and for the governance of Anguilla that are now lacking?
Admittedly, I do not have all the ideas that Anguilla needs. To even think that I do would be arrogant. I do believe that I can add value to the House given my work experience and training. When it comes to ideas of governance, we need to have more of a participatory democracy – a democracy where we all participate meaningfully and respectfully. The House of Assembly needs to become more of a crucible for the discussion of ideas in which, under formal process and rules, citizens can share ideas and present papers which representatives will be obligated to listen to on any subject relevant to the role of Government – issues of health, education, physical infrastructure, planning, human resource needs, immigration etc. Any issue on which a citizen has a burning need to articulate an opinion should be aired to the representatives in a formal and respectful way, where representatives may ask questions but will be obliged first and foremost to listen. This is the start of genuine participatory democracy.
• What is your election symbol and why? My symbol is ‘The Rock’. We refer to Anguilla as the Rock. This country has stood steadfast for us. It’s the place our forebears chose not to leave even in the harshest drought. It is the place they fought for in 1967. Anguillians have always been striving to protect and preserve this rock. It is symbolic of who we are as a people- solid, strong, resilient.
• Any concluding general comments? The future of this country rests in the hands of the electorate. It is important and necessary that we refuse to be caught up in the blame game that has for so long dictated our politics – the ‘you against me’, the ‘us against them’. Rather, let us all understand that we have an obligation, a responsibility, to the future of this country as the electorate. We owe it to the future of this country to put people in the House of Assembly who are prepared to make tough, necessary, decisions for the greater good of Anguilla. People who are simply and resolutely able to do so.
