Sometimes I wonder if, as a people, there is any issue that can ever unite us in the manner fueled by the 1967 Revolution. I say that because in these critical times it increasingly appears that, among us, opinions differ not based on information, merit or reason, but mainly on political affiliation. Regardless of the topic being discussed, divergent views are expressed primarily as a result of political preferences. This is disturbing. Anguilla is once again at a critical point in its history, a point that could redefine, solidify or destroy our relationship with the British Government. Yet many of us are too concerned with local politics to recognise the gravity of what we face, and the importance of us having a united position on the matter.
I am hard-pressed to think of a time in our post-1967 history when the British Government has sought to impose itself in the governance of Anguilla as it is doing now. And it is almost ridiculous to think that this invasive approach has anything to do with any Government in power. One only has to look at what the British Government has done in the Turks and Caicos Islands to recognise that the parameters of the relationship between the UK and its territories are now one of authoritarianism, invasion and submission. In other words if, in running an overseas territory, the British Government’s orders are not followed – and the British Government’s views are not accepted – the British Government will send in persons to run the affairs of the territory. This is modern day colonialism and repression disguised as good governance. The difficulty is that we here in Anguilla are so consumed with internal political battles that we are not aware of the bigger problem.
So when the British Government refuses to assent to our budget which, despite the assurances of the Governor, is stymieing progress, non-supporters of the ruling party agree with it. When the British Government is delaying the approval of the banking resolution – despite the views of independent regional and international financial institutions that this is the best option for Anguilla – opponents of the ruling party sing their praises. When the British Government proposes to send a financial adviser or chief financial officer to Anguilla to oversee the spending of Anguillian tax payers’ money, depending on party affiliation, some think this is a welcome move.
I am sure that if we were to pause for a moment, and lay party differences aside, we would recognise that there is a British invasion afoot which is seeking to strip us of our dignity as a people, by labeling us as being incapable of self-governance, and thereby justifying our subjugation to stricter rules, closer scrutiny and reduced power. This new type of partnership is a frightening reminder of the vestiges of the relationship between master and slave. Rather than viewing Anguilla (and other overseas territories) as an asset, and seeking to promote and encourage our development and increased self-governance, the British Government views us as liabilities. Hence its strategy is one of debilitating control rather than development. This does not bode well for Anguilla or other overseas territories and we must make it clear that such an approach is not acceptable to us.
For the love of our country, it is time that we speak with one voice on the relationship between the British Government and our country, and let it be known what that relationship should look like. In 1967 we fought for an end to Statehood and for direct rule from Britain. Perhaps the time has come to fight for something else – to move up another rung on the ladder to self-determination. We may not all agree on where we want to go, but I am sure we can agree that we are not where we want to be. We can use this as a starting point for national dialogue and make it abundantly clear that the partnership between the UK Government and Anguilla must be reflective of mutual trust, respect and understanding.
