Monday, June 22, began a series of well-received, civil and without rancor political debates for the At-Large candidates contesting this month’s general elections.
This followed the conclusion of the two-week heated debates in which the participants were the district candidates of the Anguilla United Front (AUF) and the Anguilla United Movement (APM). This second debate series, lasted until Wednesday, June 26 also involved candidates of both parties and independent candidates.
& Mr Lockhart Hughes
Monday’s debaters on the over-arching debate series title, “Youth and Sustainable Development”, were: Mr. Brent Davis and Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake, independent candidates; and Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie and Mr. Jose Vanterpool at-large candidates of the APM and AUF respectively.
Mr. Davis, said by way of introduction: “I am a strong family man. My life is dedicated to the protection, empowerment and advancement of my family, and the process of nation-building for this great country of Anguilla. I believe in strong and united families which are the building blocks for strong families – and hence a strong nation as a whole. I believe in love and unity. I believe love and unity are key universal practices that bond all humanity. I believe in Anguillians and Anguilla – all its people – from the tip of West End to the tip of Island Harbour. I even love the goats on Dog Island and Scrub.
“Fellow Anguillians, my love and commitment for this country and its people is infinite. Growing up in District 6, I was involved in numerous community organizations from a tender age. I created and I led and I also followed others. Most notably I established and led a Blowing Point Community Foundation, the first of its kind on Anguilla. The focus of this organisation was the Wholistic development of the community and its people – especially the youth. We focused on information technology, homework support, guidance and counselling, community pride and sports were key components.”
He spoke about his work in project development, management and investment in the Ministry of Finance and as Deputy Registrar of Companies at the Financial Services Department, and of his travels around the world to such places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland – seeking to improve and promote Anguilla. After an exhaustive account of his work in the public service, he added that he was blessed by the people of Anguilla and had now entered the political arena to give back.
In her introductory comments, Mrs. Gumbs-Marie said in part: “In addition to answering the questions posed to me, to the best of my knowledge and information, I want to focus on the ideas I have introduced into this framework of the Anguilla Progressive Movement’s governance policy and platform. The main ideas I have passionately championed, since my entry into this political arena are: E-governance as a means of improving accountability, transparency, processes and effective governance; governmental support for the creative economies; a more inclusive and humane approach to tackling social issues particularly trans-national issues surrounding gender-based violence and youth offenders; a harmonious approach to addressing socio-economic developments and environmental vulnerabilities; and inclusive democracy and collaborative governance.”
Mr. Jose Vanterpool said in his introductory remarks: “I am not sure how others might feel but, personally, I found these political debates to be a breath of fresh air in the midst of a very heated political cycle. With one week left, before the polls open and close, and a decision which will affect the future of our country is made, I am happy to see the conversation being shifted towards the issues that matter and over-joyed to see the shift being led by our youth.
“I have said it, time and time again, that it is possible for us to improve the standard of politics in Anguilla and see the level of discourse amongst our candidates rise – but for that to happen the youth are going to have to lead the way. I want to thank the National Youth Council for doing just that.
“To my opponents, and I use that term very loosely as our loyalties should all be first to Anguilla, I look forward to a respectable dialogue and debate. I know it is natural for us all to come here looking to crown a debater winner or loser, but I ask for all to remember that when conversations such as these take place, with the focus placed on issues that matter and affect our nation, everyone leaves better educated; everyone leaves a winner; everyone leaves not only with a better idea of the problems we face, but also with new and refined solutions to fix them. This evening, I will do my best to represent the stance and plans that both myself and my party, the Anguilla United Front, bring to the table and attempt to prove to you, the electorate, that we are the best team to move Anguilla forward following the 2020 elections. I know my opponents will attempt to do the same and, in that spirit, I wish all participants the best of luck.”
Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake stated: “I started this journey as an Independent At-Large Candidate with the understanding that our politics as it is, is not benefitting Anguilla. The divisive rhetoric and actions are dividing this country. ‘The you against me and the us against them’ mentality is crippling us – and we all need to be vigilant.
“The Anguilla I believe in, the Anguilla we should all believe in, is one where we can have differences and still be civil. I know we all are in a political competition – but we are also in a moral crisis if we have to destroy each other to win. Anguilla needs more than any one candidate can do. We, the people, must call for a different kind of politics, just as sustainable development goals are calling for us to have a different kind of world view. We were talking about social, economic and environmental sustainability, on my platform, long before these debates…It is very important for all in the political arena, and for every citizen and resident of this country, to understand that if we do not change our thinking, we can never change our future…”
Following the introductory statements, the four debaters were asked several questions – by the moderators – the first being what practical strategies they would implement, if elected, to encourage sustainable financial growth. Various other questions were also put forward by members of the audience.
All of the debaters were commended by many persons for their high level of debate – and the respect and civility shown by them to each other.
The At-Large debaters for the rest of the week were: Tuesday, June 23: Kennedy Hodge, Lockhart Hughes, Glenneva Hodger and Mark Romney; and Wednesday, June 24: Kenneth Hodge, Othlyn Vanterpool, Lanny Hobson and Sutcliffe Hodge.
