The Anguilla United Front (AUF) is under new leadership. Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, who has been touted for some time as the person to succeed Mr. Victor Franklin Banks, as Leader of the AUF, has now officially assumed that position. She formally ascended to the leadership role at the AUF Convention on Saturday, 17th April 2021.
It is anticipated that the change in leadership will herald changes in the party’s focus or at least in how it achieves or pursues its focus. All eyes will be on Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, as we await her pronouncements on political issues and party matters, in the coming months and years. The electorate has a role to play in influencing the pronouncements and policy positions of the AUF, under the leadership of Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge. How the AUF’s new leader responds to the urgings of the electorate will undoubtedly be the subject of much scrutiny and discussion.
Does Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge have the qualities necessary to successfully engage and respond to the electorate? In The Anguillian’s editorial of 15th June, 2018, the need for persons to prepare themselves to assume leadership positions was noted. The relevant portions of the editorial of 15th June, which identifies desired qualities in a country’s leader, are set out below.
We Deserve Better
“When are we going to demand more from the people who represent us? When are we going to send the message that people must be qualified, yes qualified, to lead? Many people would argue that “education is not all” – maybe not – but it certainly counts for more than 50% of the requirements in my view.”
“It is not enough for candidates to be loudmouthed. They must take steps to prepare themselves for leadership of the country – inclusive of a good understanding of the complexities of diplomacy, the art of negotiation and a sound knowledge of governance and international relations. They must be intelligent communicators well versed in world affairs and how these can potentially impact Anguilla.”
Many persons consider Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, to have demonstrated leadership traits during her service as a Minister of Government. Nothing less is expected of her in her new role as Leader of the AUF Party.
The electorate must play its role in keeping the AUF’s new leader accountable. We must not shy away from our obligation to demand that Mrs. Richardson-Hodge and her party demonstrate the greatest regard for the electorate and to offer only the highest quality of engagement and representation. If this is to be realised the electorate must demand higher standards of discourse from those who would vie for elected office. To be able to discern that the level of political discourse has indeed been elevated the electorate must first demand more of itself. We must actively seek the information, which will allow us to challenge the political aspirants from an informed position. If Mrs. Richardson-Hodge, her party and the electorate honour their respective obligations we expect to see improved engagement and representation during her tenure as leader of the AUF.
The Anguillian congratulates Mrs. Richardson-Hodge on her assumption of the leadership of the Anguilla United Front Party and looks forward to chronicling her tenure as party leader.
