Recently, two obvious changes have become apparent in the hierarchy of Anguilla’s Public Sector. One is touted with pride while the other is looked upon with skepticism.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that our male population is not keeping pace with their female counterparts. This is seen in the performance of students at all levels in the education sector, and in the workplace. Women are outpacing men and this is even being reflected in home ownership, where very often women, rather than men, are seen constructing homes.
In the public sector, particularly as it relates to the governance of Anguilla, women are now at the helm. Anguilla’s Governor, Premier, Speaker of the House and Attorney General are all female. This is indeed historical and is looked upon by many with immense pride.
The other change in the hierarchy of Anguilla’s Public Sector is not being greeted with the fanfare being accorded to the high appointment of women. The occupation of the posts of Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner of Police by British officials has been the subject of negative comment in the social media.
Concern has been expressed that a deliberate effort is being made to appoint British officials to deliver on a British agenda. While there is no obvious evidence to support a deliberate plan on the part of the British these concerns ought not to be simply dismissed as being unfounded, when one considers that the Governor has the ultimate authority to appoint persons to the posts of Attorney General and Commissioner of Police. For many the plot thickens because the holders of these posts report directly to the Governor. Obviously, it would not be unheard of for favour to be shown to applicants who are more likely to be in accord with or persuaded to the views of the person to whom they will report. In the case of each officer, one hopes that they will demonstrate independence in the execution of their duties so that they do not merely respond to directives or suggestions but instead determine the best course of action in their professional and independent judgement.
Will the presence of females in the offices of Premier and Speaker of the House serve to thwart any British agenda that might be perceived as not being in the best interest of Anguilla? Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge and Speaker Tara Carter have been highly commended by many persons for the manner in which they have performed their roles since assuming their offices. They have both presented themselves as well-researched and well-reasoned in their engagements. These attributes will serve the people of Anguilla well as they execute their duties, while always being mindful of their responsibilities to the people and country.
While the ascension of women to high office is being rightly hailed it would behoove more men to take the necessary steps so that they can also readily be considered for such high offices. The occupation of certain offices by British persons is understandably being viewed askance, but Anguillians must ensure that they are equipped to compete for the positions to which British officials are being appointed so as to justify any claims of unfair treatment. It also follows that job requirements should not be deliberately skewed to limit opportunities for Anguillians to compete for positions.
Anguillian males and females must all strive to equip themselves to be favourably considered for positions in the hierarchy of the public sector and should be allowed to fairly compete for such positions.
