There have been a lot of discussions, over the years, as to whether Anguilla is a society only for the elite or not. Without a doubt many persons will have different answers and perspectives to this issue depending on their experiences. The purpose of this article is to elaborate on and cite some examples of somethings that currently exist within our community that will shed some light on this thought provoking topic.
I wrote in a previous article about the need for us to re-organize our educational system. Like many in the Caribbean, Anguilla educational system is designed to create a small elite ruling class and a majority who are poor and downtrodden. Albert Einstein said, “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” The majority of our young people fail when they enter the school system. They are being asked to learn things that are completely outside of their abilities and their interests. I also noted in previous articles that each one of us was born with unique talents to do something specific in the world. Unfortunately, our education system does not help the majority of the students in this regard. It is argued that, “It is difficult to implement change in the education systems of Belize and the Caribbean because the decision-makers are beneficiaries of the present system. They blame the individual for their inability to progress. Teachers also get the blame for poor student performance. The system is doing what is designed to – create a ruling elite and a majority servile class.” Speaking at a consultation on the draft TVET Policy, on June 6,2013, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, then Permanent Secretary, Education noted that “our education system, like many others regionally and internationally, evolved from traditions of elitism and sometimes discrimination. It will take some time to change that mind-set.” Our education system is clearly an unjust system created that only a few will be successful.
We also see elements of elitism in our political system. “How dare you want to come from being downtrodden and want to lead us?” This is the thinking of the elite and they have also brainwashed the majority in society to think this way, and use them to attack your person, especially if you disagree with them. They conspire and collude against you if you are seen as a threat to them. Bob Marley, who was on the receiving end of this type of behavior, eloquently sang, “They will pretend they love you, then behind your back they will try to eliminate you, But who Jah Bless, no man curse.” The Late Dr. Myles Munroe, who also came from humble beginnings to be an influential leader internationally, perfectly observed that, “We have come to agree with the history of oppression that we are not capable of leadership; and that leadership is only reserved for an elite group of people.” Munroe added that, “I almost believed them, until one day I was introduced to myself. That introduction came from God, the Creator. He introduced me to myself . A self I never knew.” Trapped within all of us is the leadership spirit and we were all born as leaders in our area of gifting.
We are still struggling with genuine equality within our society. The majority in our society is still being hindered in obtaining a liveable income and decent paying jobs. Yet the small man is taxed to death thereby further decreasing his buying power. On the other hand, tax exemptions are given to the elite and the rich helping to maintain the status quo. The banks are also quicker to give a loan for a car than for a piece of land. As soon as one drives a new car on the road, its value goes down thereby lessening the equity the owner has in it. We all know the importance and significance that obtaining a piece of real estate can do for the small man. Additionally, if the small man is in arrears with a bank. he is called up. On the other hand, solutions are being sought to help the “Big Boys” resolve their situations. ” The small man faces depression in his every day of life.” The Bible warns us about showing favoritism to the rich. We are still a “Mr. So and So” society.
Every election campaign political parties champion the cause of workers with promises of a new labour code and a minimum wage for workers. To this day, workers are yet to see such promises being fulfilled. My heart goes out to the workers especially those in the hotel industry, primarily the female workers who are the main breadwinners in many homes. We have many hardworking employees in the hospitality industry who are not properly compensated due to the lack of proper laws and policies, by Government, to protect them in the workplace. I had to speak out and write on their behalf knowing that I will be a target which eventually came into being. If given the opportunity again I will not sit idly by and not be the voice of the workers. It is a known fact that the system supports big business that calls the shots. However, employees are also human beings with dignity and worth. The Bible also says that “the worker is worthy of his wages” especially when he or she gives a fair day’s work.
Anguilla is a society for the so-called elite and there is the majority who are oppressed and are seen as second-class citizens. Clearly there is a need a for a level playing field and for genuine equality in many areas where everyone benefits, not only a select few. The people too have to wake up and free their minds. Do not believe what they tell you about yourself. You are loaded with talents and each one of you can be independent and critical thinkers working together for the betterment of this society. According to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “There is nothing more dangerous than to build a society where a segment in that society feels that it has no stake in that society. Nothing is more dangerous than to build a society where the people see life as a long and desolate corridor with no exit sign. They end up with despair because they have no jobs, because they cannot educate their children, because they cannot live in a nice home, because they cannot have adequate health facilities.”
