Throughout my personal, professional and political journey, I have always stressed the importance of unity and togetherness as the prime engine for transforming Anguilla. This is not by accident. It is a divinely inspired vision for the positive and sustainable development of our country and our people. Anguilla has so much untapped potential that has been stifled by strife, prejudice and division, which have been fuelled by the political parties past and present. Both the AUF and the APM (and its former shell, the AUM) have managed to secure governance in this country with the sole aim of personal political gain; indebted to special interest groups; leaving our people to fend for themselves, always in survival mode. This is no better exemplified than in District One, a constituency forgotten by the political parties.
The AUF has for years neglected the basic needs of the people of District One; and most recently by what can only be described as punishment for electing an Independent to be their representative. Nevertheless, by the mercies and strength of Almighty God, I have been able to help the people of District One who I consider to be more than just constituents . District One is my family. This is the community that birthed me, clothed me, and cared for me. And when I went overseas to further my studies in law, there was no other option but to return home to work and give back to my people and my country. The people of District One recognize that it takes an Independent to give authentic and uncompromised representation to their needs, and I know that they will return me as their Elected Member to the House of Assembly in 2020.
It is the independent and right thinking people of Anguilla who have made it abundantly clear that we cannot continue down the road of partisan politics. Our country needs to unite under one clear vision. Many of you will have heard me speak on several occasions that we need ONE Anguilla. This is not a political party – it’s a principled vision and movement. ONE Anguilla is centred on Love, Unity, Respect, Good Governance and Equal Opportunity for all. It requires everyone to participate and work towards achieving a values-driven, economically secured, healthy and educated future for all our people. ONE Anguilla heralds the importance of all our people regardless of colour, creed, family background or social status – to thrive, participate, and make a valued contribution to nation building. This is the true manifestation of the age old principle – “All for One and One for All”.
Now is the time for the people of Anguilla to embrace their true worth. Now is the time for all Anguillians to dispel the partisan divide and nasty political environment that have eroded our capacity to achieve good governance. We cannot progress our country by continuing to place our trust in corrupt politicians who are already shackled to back end deals and favours that have been negotiated in secret. We need politicians who are unafraid to step into the light, with a ONE Anguilla mind-set, working to unite our little rock – not just by their words but by their actions.
Our young people have grown weary and tired of the old style of politics – character assassinations, half-truths and whole lies, doctored recordings and the rumour mill. What our young people need are political leaders who exemplify love, compassion and a genuine care for their positive development and wellbeing. I love to see young people performing, taking initiative, being creative and living the best versions of themselves. Why? Because when our youth are allowed to realise their dreams and maximize their potential – then Anguilla is an unstoppable force. However, we must create the environment in which our people can thrive. We must operate in Love. We must respect each other and our differences. We must deliver good governance to our people by ensuring they are at the centre of our decision-making. And we must fight against the societal divisions in our country to ensure that we create Equal Opportunity for all.
ONE Anguilla represents a new dawn for our country and our people. A new hope and a new dispensation in our political development. Let us embrace this vision and elect men and women who truly exemplify it. Only then will Anguilla have the real opportunity for positive transformation.
