Fellow Anguillians, the past two weeks have tested our mettle but as always we the people stand strong together. The events in and around the House of Assembly have shown that the Government insists on introducing and passing laws without public consultation, and has doubled-down on keeping secret the Banking Report and the details of how the proposed resolution of the banking crisis will affect us as Anguillians.
I would like to thank Her Excellency Governor Christina Scott for accommodating us as we marched peacefully to Government House and requested that she fulfill her obligation to provide for public review the ECCB Banking Report and the Forensic Audit Report which show what (and who) is responsible for the indigenous banking crisis in Anguilla. We appreciate her prompt response and her assurance that any banking resolution will be sustainable and affordable, as well as that the banking system will be well-managed and effectively regulated so that we do not end up in a similar position in the future.
I also take this opportunity to commend the Commissioner of Police, Paul Morrison, for showing respect and exhibiting restraint by allowing the People of Anguilla to express their democratic right in and around the House of Assembly, and through the streets of Anguilla.
I cannot say the same for the Speaker of the House of Assembly who displayed partisanship and poor judgement throughout this ordeal. Calling Anguillians “strangers” in the House of Assembly and issuing an order to bar the People of Anguilla from the House of Assembly showed arrogance, insensitivity and blatant disrespect.
But the Chief Minister must bear responsibility for the events of the past two weeks. He is hell-bent on imposing what he himself described as “flawed laws” upon the People of Anguilla. The Banking Bill and the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Agreement have sections which are potentially devastating to Anguilla. The ECCB will be granted powers which supersede our Courts, our Government and our Constitution. The Eastern Caribbean Asset Mortgage Corporation, which will not be based in Anguilla, will be able to sell Anguillians’ property and land, used as loan collateral, to anyone in the world at a reduced price, thus affecting land value in Anguilla and potentially changing the social and cultural fabric of this country. And there will be no legal recourse because the Bill allows for full immunity and diplomatic status for the employees of the ECAMC. These bills should be amended prior to being passed and assented to. Mr. Banks states that we should pass these Bills and then push for amendments, which would need unanimous consent by all members of the Monetary Council. God only knows the dangerous precedent we set when we rely on those who have no vested interest in Anguilla to enact laws and decide whether or not to make appropriate amendments. The Chief Minister, in his deliberation on the Banking Bill in the House of Assembly, characterized the submitted amendments and concerns as ‘frivolous’, therefore, we cannot expect him to defend our interests to the ECCB. We can only imagine the same callous and belligerent approach as he forces through new tax laws to fund his banking resolution plan. He did promise to pass legislation ‘fit for purpose’. What is that purpose?
Lastly, I want to congratulate every Anguillian who came out to the House of Assembly, attended the Concerned Citizens Group rallies, signed petitions, or participated in the march to Government House. Those who marched, those who remained in their vehicles, and those who stood along the side of the road, sent a resounding message that we as Anguillians will continue to stand and march for (in the words of the Ambassador from Island Harbour) “Democracy, Equal Rights and Justice”. We marched for those who could not, and even those who would not march, because the effects of the new laws and the banking resolution will impact us all.
We the people must continue to let our voices be heard, make our objections known, and fight for a better life on this Rock, Our Home, entrusted to us by our forbears, which our children look to us to preserve. When our forbears were asked to abandon Anguilla and move to other countries, they remained steadfast. They had the hope that, no matter what, they would survive on this Rock. They had the hope that the rain would fall, and the seeds would sprout, the corn would flag and the peas would flower, and there would be a harvest.
I saw this past week a look of concern on the faces of the people which I have not witnessed before. I saw uncertainty of what the future holds. The slowing economy; lack of jobs; lack of a stimulus package; proposals of new and increased taxes; press conferences and letters describing the severity of the indigenous banking crisis and the unaffordable banking resolution proposals; the secrecy of the Chief Minister regarding the ECCB Banking Report and the Forensic Audit Report, and keeping the 3500+ shareholders of NBA and CCB in the dark about their investment; and fast-tracking laws without expert or public consultation.
But in all this, I must assure the people of Anguilla that, similar to our forbears, we too will survive. Like our flag, 3 dolphins formed into a circle looking like the sun rising up from the blue sea of despair; a circle which represents unity, a commonness of purpose; a circle which cannot be broken; like the sun heralding a new day in this our beloved country, we too will rise. We hold fast to the words of the Governor that the banking resolution will be affordable and sustainable, and that there should be no unexpected future additional costs for us to absorb. We trust that our Government will stop and listen to the cries of the people as decisions are considered and made. I know that the proud survival spirit we hold dear as Anguillians will see us through. We have this hope that burns within our hearts.
God bless us in the struggle and may God continue to bless Anguilla. Thank you.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
