Many moons ago, I attended a community forum in the Village of Harlem, New York, where the late “Queen Mother Moore” (a proud African American woman who was a Pan African nationalist, an ardent follower of the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvery); proudly shared with the audience how as a young courageous woman; she stood on the steps of the courthouse in her hometown of New Iberia, Louisiana, and declared “let him speak, let him speak”, to the crowd who were defiantly opposed to Garvey’s appearance.
Let us be clear, that Anguillans at home and abroad, their friends and supporters have every right to be vocal regarding what is going on in and around the “Rock”. I shout out loud and proud from every beam and rafter, “let us speak, let us speak”. Even though, there may be some differences of opinion on this issue of the recent tenure of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (who has resigned); nonetheless most of us are mature enough to agree to disagree respectfully. Therefore, I am going to weigh in on the issue, just ask a few few questions, make some comments and keep it moving.
How fair is it that in 2015, that the sole discretion of choosing a Commissioner of Police, allegedly rests with the Governor of Anguilla? When in fact, the Government of Anguilla allegedly pays the salary, benefits and other perks, and supposedly has a democratic form of government that boasts for the people, by the people and for the good of the people? Just asking’
Does the Government of Anguilla really need to conduct a global search for the position of Commissioner of Police, or any other high level position(s)? What consideration if any, was given to the many outstanding law enforcement candidates at home and abroad who are Anguillan, as well as other candidates who are within the region? Just asking’
Is it merely a coincidence that according to the Virgin Island Daily News Online (August 13, 2015), allegedly a Press Release from the Governor’s Office states (” Robin Smith Employment to be “Formalised” shortly”), for none other than the British Virgin Islands. Is it also merely a coincidence that Governor of the British Virgin Islands, allegedly also had the sole discretion in selecting a UK national for the Commissioner of Police? Are these Commissioner of Police positions in the British Overseas Territories, now being reserved and offered solely to British nationals? Just asking’
Is this a reflection of a return to busines as usual, where the overseer rules from the colonial empire abroad, because it is assumed that the nationals residing in the territories, are not capable of governing themselves? Is anyone asking is this bias? Are we being sold a bill of goods? Just asking’
Are these recent Commissioner of Police appointments in the British Overseas Territories, based on the notion of who you know? Inasmuch as Commissioner Stewart has served her community in Northern Ireland for over thirty years (30), why can’t one of us serve Anguilla in the capacity as Commissioner of Police, without the underlying assumption that it would create bias? Just asking’
Does it mean that a national of the island of Anguilla or the British Virgin Islands, or any other law enforcement individual within the region, will be bypassed for any future appointments for the Commissioner of Police? Is this a trend? Just asking’
How does it seem so unsettling, because there is a collective reaction among Anguillans at home and abroad, their friends and supporters are vocal, vis-a-vis the alleged culturally insensitive comments that were attributed to the Commissioner? Doesn’t “every action brings a reaction”? Just asking’
In the absence of an authentic verbatim tape of the Commissioner’s alleged interview with the Belfast Telegraph; one can only assume and therefore conclude that the alleged apology that followed was to make amends; within the community that she was appointed and had vowed to serve.
Although, I have not heard the comments based on the reaction, a recent Letter to the Editor; lamented whether their tones sound like “racism, bigotry and prejudice”. However, one can assume and therefore conclude; that the collective vote of no confidence among(Anguillans with home grown pride at home and abroad, their friends and supporters), probably allegedly resulted in the former Commissioner tendering her resignation. “Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise”.
Should we really be playing who bears the blame game? Or falling into the trap of divide and conquer? Just asking’ Inasmuch as she has resigned, there is a clearly a collective consensus, that if her appointment that lasted six (6) weeks and had continued, it probably would not be in the best interests of both parties.
Speaking of “racism, bigotry and prejudice”, I came of age in a nation where “racism, bigotry and prejudice” is common place and geared to people of African descent, so I know what I am talking about. I would not have gotten where I am today, a proud vibrant happy senior citizen who has made peace with myself and the world around me; if I did not lean on the home grown pride and values that I grew up with on the island of Anguilla.
Anguilla is a beautful island. I call her the “crown jewel of the Eastern Caribbean”. I see no need to predict doom for Anguilla, now that Commissioner Stewart is gone. I am not one for throwing or joining anyone’s pity party. The Anguillans with home grown pride that I know, are reflective of my generation. We are strivers, we are second to none, we can make a way out of no way, we define ourselves, think for ourselves, we believe in ourselves, we are not apologists, we speak out and speak up when we are wronged.
Our ancestors gave us the legacy of standing up to the British, when they wisely opposed the proposal for Anguillans to be shipped to British Guiana back in the day. Nowadays, the tide has turned, and everyone has found the unique island of Anguilla beneath the Caribbean sun. Anguillans with home grown pride, their friends and supporters, you have been tested, you have been tried, but I do believe you have the power, to come together in the spirit of our traditional jollification (collective work and responsibility), to make Anguilla a safe place for you as year round residents, and for all those who come to our shores.
Please teach our children to love, respect their life and value the life of one another…to just get along, to become able bodied men and women who are ready to take Anguilla into the future. School is about to re-open soon. Hug a youngster and encourage him or her to stay in school and don’t become a fool. Our children are so precious, they can move mountains, they have the will power to overcome all odds, we believe they can fly. I am cautiously optimistic that a special place beneath the Caribbean sun…. the island of Anguilla, will in the near future return to its traditional greatness, as a safe and healthy haven for all.
In closing, my attempts to reason and be reasonable are finalized as follows. Commissioners of Police have come and gone on the island of Anguilla, as they have elsewhere. It is naive to even think that any human being is without biases. The Commissioner has resigned, let us accept that and make peace with the situation. All things considered, it is probably better to move forward and choose another candidate for the position of Commisisoner of Police for the island of Anguilla. Let us also talk the talk and walk the walk…it is high time that accountable futuristic discussions on and around constitutional reforms and “nationhood” take place. Anguillans at home and abroad with home grown pride, their friends and supporters, you have spoken… on behalf of myself and those others who are similarly situated (Anguillans abroad), we personally support and respect your decision, you have spoken, and now that the dust has been settled……”hear hear”.
Peace be unto you and may the ancestors continue to find you in their favor.
Name held upon writer’s request
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
