Every morning I awake, I thank God for life, for His love, for my family and for my beautiful community and home – Island Harbour. As I open my doors to the beauty of her turquoise waters and inhale her warm sea breeze, I am delighted to reminisce of my childhood days; playing and laughing with friends, the warm greetings and smiles with neighbours, and feeling the love and caring of a close knit community – characteristics that have withstood the test of time and are very much a part of who we are as Island Harbour people today.
Such an experience has given me so much. It has taught me always to seek out the good in others, to be generous and kind, to embrace all and to reverence God and incorporate biblical principles in my daily life. This has served me well in my personal, professional and political journey on this earth. As children we were taught “thou shalt not lie, thou shalt not steal”; we were taught to respect your elders and care for them and to share with our friends and neighbours. It is amazing how these simple teachings can have such profound meaning and importance in our adult lives.
Today, I am even more proud to call Island Harbour my home. Despite our challenging circumstances, we are survivors and overcomers. The strong bonds that exist between us as members of this community have withstood the test of time. The aftermath of Hurricane Irma proved our worth as community members. Though we suffered much, both physically, emotionally and mentally, we came together to comfort and help each other. This is a testament to the strength of our community. It goes without saying that as a community we are ONE. We laugh together, we cry together, we share in our failures and successes, and most importantly we demonstrate the words of Jesus when He said “Love thy neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
It is within this same spirit that I urge all Anguillians, particularly during this heightened political climate, to remember these important teachings. While there may be a tendency within our society to look at communities like Island Harbour through a prejudicial and condescending lens, I would urge you to take a closer look at how we live and how we love and use this as a model for a better way of thinking and being. We all have a right to our own opinions and to disagree on issues. However, this must never result in animosity, bitterness, malice or strife. This little rock is too small to entertain such behaviours, because the resounding truth is that in order for Anguilla to move forward to a place of prosperity and prominence in the regional and international arena, we need all hands on deck and everyone to participate. This is what we fought for – the opportunity to determine our own fate; we must never lose sight of what our forefathers did for a free Anguilla!
The true spirit of the revolution still flows through the veins of the people of Island Harbour. This is why we are so passionate about our politics and our leaders. The brutal honesty of the Island Harbour man or woman is evidence of this and shows our genuine concern for the direction of our country and the needs of our people, particularly our children who will inherit the consequences of the decisions that we make today. I am so grateful to still have some of our revolutionists alive today, who are able to impart their wisdom and knowledge to a future generation of leaders. We must never let a day go by without showing our appreciation to these heroes and heroines, who sacrificed so much so that we could enjoy a life free from tyranny and oppression.
As we move closer and closer to the general elections, we are now bombarded by many different messages, rumours and innuendo. We must be cautious that we do not become consumed by the political noise. Let us debate on the issues and the policies, not the personalities. I reiterate my commitment to the people of my district, that I am with you and I am here to serve you. I will continue to give of my best and to be your champion.
In 2020, we will usher in a new dawn and a new government:
• a government that is accountable to you.
• a government that will consult and lead with integrity.
• a government that will unite this country under a One Anguilla vision and a sovereign God, who will be the centre of every decision we make in the best interests of all Anguillians.
The people are ready for One Anguilla!
