As the Election Campaign shifts into high gear over the coming weeks, Anguillians have been bombarded by all kinds of messaging from the two main political parties. “Ready from Day One” and “Resilient and Ready”, are the new catch phrases carefully crafted and designed to fit into the new political narrative that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought to bear. However, what seems to get lost in translation are the issues that really matter to the people.
Many will have noticed the paradigm shift, in the last week, from the “positive” platform of one political party to a more aggressive stance, attacking their opponents and using their surrogates for a more sinister and infamous pseudo campaign – characterised by half-truths and whole lies, smear tactics, and deception. Then we have the other political party that would have Anguillians simply forget the last five years of broken promises and gross mismanagement – seeking a bid for re-election that is hinged on continuity in government to handle the current crisis, versus running on a record of delivering results.
What a calamity befalls the voters of Anguilla in this 2020 election! Being asked to believe that one must make a choice which ultimately boils down to two sides of the same coin is an example of how far adrift we are as a nation. Over 50 years have passed since the Anguilla Revolution and our people are forced to make a decision between incompetence and the bullying tactics of a group desperate to seize power and control. It is no wonder why so many of our people feel disenfranchised by the political and social elites who continue to play this dangerous game of political chess, while the very future of our children hangs in the balance.
I send out an urgent SOS to the right thinking people of Anguilla and to all responsible voters in this next general election – do not fall for the hype! Do not allow yourself to be bullied into voting for a party, leaving your principles and values behind. The political party culture once again raises its ugly head, trying desperately to stifle your own individuality. If it’s one thing the last 50 years should have taught us, it is that the party political system in Anguilla has failed to secure a sustainable economy and sustainable jobs for our people. The party political system has only succeeded in doing one thing – deepening the divide between our families and communities, stifling inclusion and promoting political victimization.
My message to the voters in Anguilla is simple. Embrace your freedom of choice and your independence. Our revolutionists never envisaged an Anguilla that was divided along partisan party lines – NO. They envisaged a country where all our people would thrive and prosper, and where men and women rolled up their sleeves to achieve a better future for our children. This is still possible, but it requires each of us to think deeply about the future direction of our country.
Some would have you believe that only a political party system can work in these small overseas territories and that there is no place in government for Independents. The people of District One in 2015 set the example and a model that we can all subscribe to. The people of District One voted for an Independent to be their Representative. They voted for an individual – not a party. They voted for individual qualities over partisan agendas. By doing so they have created a movement and momentum that will take root within our voting population in this next election cycle.
There are those who seek to deceive the people of Anguilla, claiming that voting for independents is a waste of time. I urge you to consider the role of independent candidates in the formation of the Cayman Islands Government, as well as the role of independents in the governance of the Falkland Islands. I urge all persons who have cemented themselves as True Independents in this race to stay true to the principles and values you espouse. Do not allow yourselves to be bullied into being assimilated into a political party. What Anguilla needs is men and women who are loyal to the people – not to a party. This is how we will turn the tide and achieve prosperity for all our people.
To the Anguillian voter who will exercise your franchise, I urge you to vote based on integrity and character. Vote based on individual competency and performance. Vote based on a track record of service and sacrifice. Vote in the best interest of your country, not a party. Your independence matters!
