We must give thanks that the 2018/2019 tourism season seems to be one of our best in recent years. Indeed, the tourism industry seems to have made a remarkable recovery after being devastated by Hurricane Irma. Our ports are busy, private jets line the airport, our people are back to work and able, once again, to provide for their families. Things are looking up for people on an individual level.
However, one cannot help but feel that, amidst the busy-ness, we are still in a state of stagnation where national development is concerned. Where are we really going as a country? What is our goal and our direction? What is our priority? While the times are very different, it is hard not to compare where we are now with where we were in 1967 when, despite our lack of basic necessities, and probably because of that lack, the overwhelming majority of our people were able to unite for one common purpose: a better life for Anguilla. Unfortunately, now that our basic needs have been met, and some pockets have become fuller, we are unable to unite for the purpose of nation building.
Sometimes it seems that we are doing our best to destroy the nation instead of building it up. We demonise, defame and ridicule those who are making efforts to advance the country, and we laud and hold in high esteem those who have never one day lifted a finger to advance Anguilla — but who thrive on confusion, malice and gossip. How is it that we are quick to believe all sorts of nonsense that is being spouted on various media but reject the truth when it is presented to us? How have we come to this?
I must tell you, I am ashamed at what the media, radio in particular, have come to in Anguilla today. Not only do the media have an obligation to insist on accountability and transparency in the operations of Government, but they have a more important obligation to ensure that the information provided to the public is factually accurate — and has been verified. Instead, apart from the national radio station, our radio stations are used to spread gossip, malign characters and share the “expert” opinions of those who don’t have a clue. Anyone can walk off the street and be given air time to state his or her grievances or opinions with little regard for the reputational damage to the persons that they are targeting. There is little to no effort at balanced reporting, or even an attempt to hear the other side.
Yet, these are the stations with the greatest listenership. What does this say about us? It says to me that we are not yet ready for a deeper level of national discourse. We are more interested in superficial musings and rumours that allow us to make fun of others as if, somehow, that will help us to feel better about ourselves. It gives us an opportunity to tear down without the corresponding responsibility to build up or recommend viable solutions. My heart breaks to think that this is the level to which we have sunken. How can Anguilla progress if this type of mentality persists? There is absolutely nothing to be gained from it. Those who think they are benefitting the country by their actions and irresponsible comments are only creating further and unnecessary divisions.
At this time, in the post-Irma era, when we ought to be walking in accord towards a common goal, we are deeply divided. We don’t know where we are going. To me, it’s clear — nowhere.
