I wish to express my gratitude to the Anguilla National Youth Council for hosting its series of debates during this general election cycle. It is a very important and critical part of our political discourse and gives our youth the opportunity to ask important questions.
The first debate, on Monday of this week, focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and how the decisions which we make today will impact future generations. This is what Sustainable Development is all about – meeting the development needs of today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
To achieve an Anguilla that is self-reliant, self-sufficient and sustainable, requires our leaders to roll up their sleeves and to work in the interest of all the people. It is therefore important for you, the voters, to think critically about the choices that are available to you; to examine and distinguish what is real from what is fake; to examine who is telling you the truth, and who is deceiving you.
When we reflect on the last 53 years, many questions come to mind as to why Anguilla is not further along in terms of our development. I will argue that it is the political party culture and system that has deepened the divide between families and communities, and controlled the distribution of wealth in this country to be shared among a select group, while the majority struggle in persistent poverty. Thankfully, District One broke that cycle in 2015 and set the example for Anguilla, by electing an independent who was loyal to you and worked in your best interest.
Our young people are heavily focused on opportunities that are sustainable, particularly in this post COVID-19 environment. With a high national debt and severe shocks to our tourism based economy, our youth wonder how they will be able to carve out a path for their own progress and prosperity. I am committed to building a sustainable future for our young people; my manifesto plans are specifically aligned to Sustainable Development Goals, because this is the direction in which we must think about development and inclusive decision-making.
I will be working to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) by transforming District One into a hub of economic activity, using advanced technologies through private partnerships with some of the leading experts in AI in Europe.
I am committed to advancing the direct benefits to our fishermen and farmers by marrying the use of alternative energy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with local production, to guarantee our food security and to ensure that we utilize our natural resources, land and ocean assets effectively and efficiently.
A significant prerequisite to achieving sustainable development is to eliminate injustice, corruption and wastage – particularly as they relate to how we manage the public purse. Young people are very much aware of the limitations that obstruct their upward social mobility. This is heavily entrenched in victimization and nepotism. I will work to ensure a level playing field for our youth.
The Representation that I offer to the people of District One is grounded in Equal Opportunity for ALL. The political parties do not subscribe to this important value – they thrive on controlling the distribution of wealth in this country for a select group of people while the rest of society suffers in persistent poverty. A vote for the FISH on June 29th 2020 will ensure that you will have access to equal opportunity for yourselves and your children. This is the cornerstone of building a self-reliant, self-sufficient and sustainable Anguilla.
