It is with a heart of gratitude that I write this week to thank all those who came out to support my Re-election campaign launch on Saturday February 22nd 2020 in Island Harbour. I am still humbled by the confidence you placed in me in 2015 by voting for Palmavon Webster the Fish! Your continued love and support has been my sustaining force over these past four plus years and I look forward, God willing, to serving you for another term with a new administration. I am so thankful to the members of my team who worked very hard to make sure that our re-election campaign launch was a success!
What stood out to me most was the genuine love for each other; unity and respect for and between the people of District One. I am most encouraged by your kind words and expressions of support that have warmed my heart and soul. You are truly my pillar of strength and my constant guiding light in doing the right thing for the people, always. You will see that our re-election campaign embraces both young and old, as we work together to make sure that District One is part of the continuing development story of Anguilla. This strategy is paramount to our One Anguilla Vision, which is premised on Love and Inclusion, because everyone has a right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. We advocate Community for Change.
Let us not be side-tracked by the lies, innuendo and negativity that we see coming from the two main political parties. The personal attacks, insults and vulgar commentary have already begun to stain the democratic process. There is a need for us to call out and restrain the bullying which is already evident. We must also insist that the police and other community leaders act responsibly and intervene to stop the loud and aggressive behaviours of some of our opponents. The proximity of meetings must not be repeated and the laws of the land must be fully observed to ensure law and order.
It is clear for all to see that a new path is being forged in Anguilla politics, where the Independent Candidates will have a real voice, and a say in the future governance of Anguilla. The successes of the Independent candidates in the Cayman Islands and the Unity Administration in St Kitts provide credible examples of what a coalition or alternative structures of government can deliver and give the lie to any suggestion (which the parties are eager to promote) that a vote for an Independent is a wasted vote.
Our political party disciples are also recognising that their long held beliefs in the two party system have limited their opportunities, divided their families and stunted Anguilla’s development and their lives negatively. Our youth are rejecting these beliefs and consciously choosing an alternative path. We are aware.
Our young people are making it clear that the time for people over party is now and they will no longer subscribe to the old party system of favouritism, corruption and deception. While the AUF and APM have tried to peddle a message of hope and change respectively, they have failed to demonstrate this at a time when it truly matters. We are very much aware of the underhanded tactics at play, such tactics obscured by shades of yellow and blue but lie just beneath the surface. Nevertheless, I am confident in God’s divine providence.
As I stood on that platform last Saturday, I was firmly reminded of the commitment I made to the people of my District and to my beloved Anguilla. That solemn oath that I first took when I entered the people’s House of Assembly in 2015, as the first female representative of my District, following in the footsteps of our esteemed visionary, Father of the Nation, James Ronald Webster, is still echoing in my spirit. When then Governor Christina Scott questioned whether I would accept the appointment as first female Leader of the Opposition and to stand alone as a single member of the opposition I proudly chose to be the voice of the people. Despite the years of verbal abuse that I have had to endure as your representative, I would do it all over again because the people of Anguilla and District One deserve better representation. We need representation of a higher standard and I am grateful to God that he has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to fulfil this need at this time in our history.
As we look forward to the future, I am filled with optimism for a new dawn in Anguillian politics and governance. Let us work together for the good of our people and our blessed nation Anguilla. Let us not become prey to the political nonsense that has been the staple of Anguillian politics in the past. Our country needs responsible and caring leaders who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices so that our children can live, grow and thrive in an Anguilla built on the shoulders of those who came before. I am confident that over the next few weeks and months, the people of Anguilla will effect a paradigm shift in our politics and make history once again. Together we will start anew the transformation process that will enure for the next several generations. Remember, the race was never for the swift, but for those who endure to the end.
To my fellow Independent Candidates in this 2020 race, who have made the bold step to come forward and to offer yourselves in honest service to the people of Anguilla, I salute you. Your bravery and sacrifice to venture out into the deep waters has already set you apart. May we all answer the call for service above self and usher in a good and transformational government of the people, by the people and for the people.
May God bless us all and may God bless Anguilla always.
