After formulating her decision and assessing public opinion and support with a single testing billboard in The Valley area, Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake, who gave very credible service as a Government employee for many years, has now fully thrown herself into the election race.
A most responsible, professional person and university graduate, whose last appointment in the Anguilla Public Service was Labour Commissioner, is contesting the 2020 elections as an Independent Island-wide Candidate.
She launched her election campaign on Thursday, February 20, in North Hill Village where she grew up. “Let me tell you why I am in this race,” she told her attentive audience. “I am in this race for new ways to multiply, not to divide; to add and not to subtract. I am not campaigning against anyone. I am campaigning and seeking the election to the House of Assembly in the fervent belief that we all need to step back and look at our systems of policy-making and, by extension, our politics, and recognise that these systems are not working as well as they should.
“I am running to shine light on the fact that, as a country, we need to put our focus on people for the House and not a party for the House. We can all agree that our system of government puts you against me; one against another [as to] what is best for Anguilla. This kind of politics is not good for Anguilla.
“Let me be clear: I am not here to promise a revolution in matters of governance. I recognise the fact of our politics, the system, as it is. But, I do not accept that it has to be that way forever. I believe that government should be about providing citizens and residents with efficient public services and creating opportunities for growth. When I say, growth, I include all aspects of human development – not just economic growth but that of social, cultural, spiritual. The only way for this to happen is to put people in the House who are prepared to think through, debate and adopt innovative ideas for the greater good of our country. “
Needless to say, Aunika not only held her listeners in rapt attention, but provided a fresh air of electioneering not seen in Anguilla in recent times – putting to flight the cheap, personal and scandalous type of politicking that has long dismayed and stained our small society. “You are speaking good!” one admirer shouted. Not pausing to acknowledge the compliment and the applause, the passionate speaker continued:
“In this 2020 election, the social fabric of Anguilla is on the ballot. While it is great to push economic plans, we cannot ignore the reality that sits in our villages, our houses and our streets. Without social intervention and a healthy economy is impossible. If we were to be honest, we would admit that our social development has not kept pace with other aspects of our society. Social development requires that the wellbeing of every individual in this society is improved. Social development means investing in people. It requires the removal of barriers so that all citizens can journey toward their dreams with confidence and dignity. It is about of refusing to accept that we live in a society of the haves and the haves not. It means that we treat people with respect even if we don’t know them – and when we don’t agree with them.”
Aunika continued her discourse with an expressive beauty of language that was frequently punctuated with cheers from all around her. If this was just her forceful and appealing launch, or introduction on the political stage, it told a revealing story. It is that her delivery on the needs and wants of Anguilla, and her burning desires for its people and their leadership, are expected to be even greater as her campaign continues.
She was supported on her platform by a number of speakers, among them being Mr. David Carty known for his literary and colourful skills of expressions and knowledge of governance issues. “I could be here all night,” he said after a widely-encompassing delivery. “Let me wrap up. “I support Aunika for this simple reason: I have seen in her four fundamental values …that I urge you to consider,” he told the crowd.
“One, Aunika has a value of gratitude. Every little thing you do for Aunika, the first thing out of her mouth is ‘thank you’. She is grateful for who she is; for who brought her here; who raised her. In everything she gives thanks…When Aunika’s attitude is one of gratitude that automatically leads to positivity. That is what we need.
“Aunika is also one of the most authentic individuals you could ever meet. She has a value of authenticity which is real. She is who she is. No style; no old talk; no pretense. She stands in her own self-confidence, confident who she is and therefore what she means to you. There is a line from Shakespeare that I have always loved and always inspired me and that is Aunika: To thine own self be true and it must follow as the night the day; thou canst not then be false to any man. Authenticity in leadership is important; vital; essential; and it is something we need to vote for. Fourth, Aunika has integrity. I cannot believe, listening to her, and watching her work, that she would ever twist the truth to her own advantage. She is a truthful, honest, straight-up young woman. What you see, is what you get.
“Last, but not least, she has courage. If at any time the leadership of Anguilla needs courageous people, it is now because we have to take a stand. We have to take some hard decisions on social issues in particular, which is a passion for Aunika, but also so many issues like the economy, the ecology, our environment etc. You need to make tough decisions and therefore courageous people are essential. This is basically my case. People need to vote for good people.”
Mr. Carty added: “And never mind she runs alone. At some point in time, if she is in the House, the House will need her to help us move forward and that I believe.”
