Sad to say, if one took a very close look at the political history of Anguilla it would probably read like a deep, dark and divisive novel filled with twists and turns, lies and deceit; where the powerful political elites force their will upon the people in a cycle of selfish interests, corruption and incompetence.
We have all grown tired and weary of this cycle, with families torn apart and disunity between communities, while those who consider themselves to be politically savvy pillage and plunder the limited resources of our country for their own personal gain. What is even more disheartening is the steps some have taken to rebrand and repackage what has already been proved a failure in governance and leadership on both sides of the political partisan divide. Surely the people of Anguilla are oversaturated by the same rhetoric and the same old style of campaigning, with personal attacks and character assassinations, the use of “alternative facts”, all carefully positioned and operated through anonymity and special operatives. I must emphasize at this juncture that I neither endorse, encourage nor condone such behaviour on any side of the political spectrum in Anguilla.
Women in politics face various forms of violence, particularly through social media. Violence against Women in Politics (VAWP), as it is termed, is a serious issue, and here in the Caribbean women in politics are subjected to unfair criticism. Women in politics are critiqued based on their physical features or the clothes that they wear, how they speak, sit or even walk. According to the United Nations, violence against women in politics is a serious deterrent to women’s political participation, political rights and processes and policy outcomes, leading to the under-representation of women decision-makers. The following quote from Mr. Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary-General, Human Rights OHCHR, sums it up best:
“Violence against women in politics is deeply damaging not only to women but to all of us. Every vote that is not cast, every voice that is not heard, takes us farther from realizing our full potential as local and national polities and as a global community.”
With more women coming to the forefront of the political sphere, we have a responsibility to ensure that the environment in which we seek to address issues of national importance and to provide tangible solutions to the people we wish to serve is a violence-free environment. While there may be disagreement on the vision and approach in taking our country forward, I know that achieving gender equality is critical to Anguilla’s future.
Furthermore, the political environment in Anguilla must be cleaned up. The implementation of a code of conduct for political parties and candidates would be an important point of departure. Such measures have been enacted in neighbouring jurisdictions, such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI). However, it is important to note that such protocols and guidelines can only be truly functional where there is a change in the mindset of the people. In the BVI, for example, personal attacks and character assassinations were still prevalent during their most recent election campaign, despite all parties and candidates agreeing to abide by a code of conduct. Thus, a real transformation of the political landscape requires us to approach each other in love and respect; being able to agree to disagree with no ill will or malicious intent.
The people of Anguilla, particularly our young people, are most certainly not impressed or moved by the politics of the gutter. They are more interested in discussing the issues that are most important to them and their future. I was so grateful just a few weeks ago to be part of a discussion with One Anguilla Youth on issues such as Affordable Housing, Social Justice, Cost of Living and the Decriminalization of Marijuana. The ability to listen and to participate in that discussion was such a privilege. The youth of Anguilla are plugged in and they are aware of what is happening, but most importantly, they have ideas as to how we can go about addressing the problems that we face. Such an environment of honest and open debate and dialogue is the type of politics to which we must subscribe. I encourage you to take a look at what the youth of Anguilla are saying and how they are feeling about the future of their country:
https://www.facebook.com/jibri.lewis/videos/10211942557799293/UzpfSTI1MDU2NTQyODQ4NjQ1ODoxMTQxMDU3NDU5NDM3MjQ2/
What we need in Anguilla is a new type of politics, not a rebranding or a repackaging of recycled politicians who have proved themselves to be corrupt and incompetent. What we need is a Politics for the People – where the issues that concern you are the central feature of the campaign; where the ability to demonstrate real leadership and true representation is a primary consideration. The truth is, the people of Anguilla have grown tired and weary of having to choose between history repeating itself and the existential threat of maintaining the status quo.
The time has come for true independent thinkers, persons with the skills and abilities to present to the people, a new dawn, a new vision, a new dispensation in governance. I am looking forward to the manifestation of a new chapter in Anguilla Politics!
