I often wonder how leaders do it. How do they handle the constant criticism, ridicule and political pressure? How do they deal with situations when they are unable to meet the expectations of the people? How do they maintain the same enthusiasm to work for the very people who are trying to bring them down? How do they live with the fact that they are unable to fulfil their promises? How do they remain focussed and committed when things around them seem to be unravelling? Who is in the kitchen definitely feels the heat.
I have keenly observed Premier Webster and his Government since their election to office, and it is fair to say the heat is on. They are being mauled on social media, talk shows and the like, by persons who would have been instrumental in their election to office. They are being publicly called out for statements made, or decisions taken that are contrary to their election promises. Their every action or inaction is scrutinised and commented on.
While I oftentimes feel sorry for the Premier and his team, they must have known that this is what they signed up for. Political leadership is not for the thin-skinned. I’m sure before being elected, they too would have been on talk shows and criticising the former government; they too would have used their social media platforms to question government actions. They would have levelled the same accusations against the former government which are now levelled against them. They would have said they would do things differently than the previous government, but now find themselves doing the same thing. They would have said that the previous government cannot take credit for the £60 million recovery grant from the UK Government following Hurricane Irma, and refuse to acknowledge that government’s contribution to the realisation of several infrastructure projects, but now here they are taking credit for the funds being provided by the UK Government for various initiatives. It is amazing how perspectives change when you’re the one in the hot seat.
Running a campaign is not the same as running a country. When I hear the Premier and his colleagues sometimes lament about only recognising the state the country was in after they were elected, I wonder if their heads were buried in the sand. It was no secret that Anguilla was in a bad state. It has been in a poor state for over a decade. The previous government could have said the same thing. They too could have sought to justify their actions on the state of the country when they were elected. But the reality is no-one elects a government to lament and make excuses. A government is elected to lead and deal with whatever situation confronts it. The person in the kitchen has to deal with the heat.
I continue to pray for health and strength for our Government. Their task is not easy, and it must be even more difficult when you are being lashed by the same whips you used to lash your predecessor. However, I am hopeful that despite the naysayers, our leaders will focus on the task at hand and will be successful in bringing about the change they envision for Anguilla. I trust that they continue to press on and remain committed to serve the people to the best of their ability.
