I am so honoured and humbled this week to launch my re-election campaign to be the representative for District One in the 2020 Anguilla General Elections. I also extend a warm invitation to everyone to join me on or near the Pond in Island Harbour on Saturday February 22nd 2020, where I will be launching my campaign.
This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments, to share our vision for District One and Anguilla and to plan the way forward. In 2015, the people of District One made history yet again by electing an Independent Candidate and the first female representative for District One. Thanks be to God, I have worked diligently to champion the voice of the people of my District and Anguilla as the first female Leader of the Opposition.
In District One we continue to value real and genuine leadership and, as our ancestors predicted, Anguilla’s transformation would start in 2015 in the East – revolution and evolution.
This political journey has been an interesting one, filled with many ups and downs and important life lessons. As I write, the words of the infamous Buju Banton ring true:
It’s not an easy road
Many see the glamour and the glitter
And think it’s a bed of rose
Who feels it knows
Lord, help me sustain these blows
From the minute of birth you enter this earth
Obstacles in your way to overcome first
Throughout every day they seem to get worse
Oh, my God, cast away this curse
Everybody is trying to make ends meet
Through every way they endeavour
Lord, God, You see it.
What has sustained me on this journey? The Grace of God and the support and encouragement of all the people of Anguilla: these are the forces that empowered me to be the voice of the voiceless and the disadvantaged here in Anguilla. Make no mistake, we are living in very challenging times and this “righting Anguilla” requires a serious commitment from every one and even more so from our District One representative. It is often during these times where we must follow the instructions of our wise elders when they tell us to “try the spirits”. Indeed, the Word of God instructs us to “separate the wheat from the chaff”. In the case of one political leader where in his own words seems to suggest that his commitment to lead the people, to conduct business in Anguilla full time and to partake in the struggle that we all face is conditional to being elected to the office of Premier. Such sentiments are a glaring example of what is wrong with politics in Anguilla!
How can the voters trust someone who by his own admission has no intention to remain in this country should he be unsuccessful at the polls? To the contrary, the people of Island Harbour are not quitters, we are steadfast, unmoveable and have a level of self-determination to stay the course no matter the obstacles in our way. The spirit of the revolution still flows through our veins! I have lived this experience in 2010 when I lost the election, but I did not throw in the towel, nor did I abandon my calling to be a champion for the people. And in 2015, the people gifted me with the honour and privilege to serve. This is testament to the triumph of goodness and truth. The Lord continues to guide my footsteps and I lean not to my own understanding.
For too long the people of Anguilla have suffered under the hands of politicians who promise much, deliver little and enrich themselves. All this has taken place cycle after cycle, decade after decade under a two party system. I am encouraged to see so many independent candidates in this election season. It is an indication that the people have acknowledged that for Anguilla to move forward, it must be people over party. The promise of a better tomorrow starts with independent candidates who are bound in their commitment to constituents, and who have the highest levels of personal integrity to deliver good governance to all Anguillians.
I thank God for the strength to offer myself again in service to my constituency. I thank the people of District One who continue to stand with me and who I know will support me again. This is because of a simple truth – I love the people, I love Anguilla and I want the very best for our children’s future. This has been my guiding light in the political arena. The people of District One know what is real and genuine and they can spot counterfeit and fake from all directions. On Election Day, I ask the people of District One to Vote Palmavon Webster, Vote for the Fish! God Bless us, every one, always!
