Proper and Effective Consultation is a prerequisite for any successful government. It is the hallmark of a well-functioning democracy to engage fully with the people, understand their challenges, facilitate their participation in decision-making and create solutions that will improve the ongoing relationship between the state and the people. Oftentimes, politicians believe that effective consultation is simply a check mark on a long list of superficial engagements. Keeping up appearances is what some may subscribe to and what some believe is all that is necessary to be an Elected Member of Parliament. To the contrary, such behaviours may be an indication of a growing, yet subtle, dictatorship.
Sadly, the people do bear some responsibility as we oftentimes complain about the leadership of our country, but fail to make better decisions when general elections are in full swing. Are we repeatedly so captivated by the hype and political pageantry that we ignore the importance of substance and character? Are we so engulfed in instant gratification that we fail to see the long term consequences of our decisions? If there is ever a time that we need take a second look at how we engage on a political level as a society, it is now.
It is so interesting how recent developments have illuminated the “Do as I say but not as I do” lifelong proverb. The proposed new Order in Council, amending our Constitution without any meaningful consultation, is a glaring example of the déjà vu and same old attitudes that persist, irrespective of which party wins an election. It is sad that our politics somehow continues to regurgitate these washed up tactics and it is not surprising that people have grown weary and tired of such. The proposed Marina Project in Sandy Ground has sparked much debate, and rightfully so, on the cost of development. Many are crying that Anguilla needs to diversify its economy, and this is true. But how exactly is building a marina in Sandy Ground diversifying our economy? Diversification in this context speaks to creating alternative pathways of economic development and revenue creation through sustainable methods. A project, like the one proposed in Sandy Ground, is heavily oriented towards the tourism industry; an industry which many analysts have stated is one that continues to be extremely vulnerable, particularly in the context of small island developing states and the ever growing threat of climate change – this being further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists suggest there will be other pandemics in the future as well; a growing threat to the economic models we have pursued.
It would seem that the community members in Sandy Ground have a significant battle ahead of them. On the one hand, the now Opposition orchestrated and signed the MOU for the Marina Project before leaving office, and on the other hand, the newly elected APM administration, who may have conveniently identified with Sandy Ground residents during the campaign, are now indicating their desire to move forward with this project, which is a major source of contention. Even more troubling is the lack of specific details as to how the project will be constructed – the lack of a blue print that people can view, interrogate and analyse the impact.
While the Premier has called for patience among the people until an environmental impact study and a social impact assessment are completed, people should also be aware of who will be conducting these studies and assessments, and carefully examine whether there are any potential conflicts of interest in this process. We must not be so naïve as to think that all environmental and social impact studies are conducted independently of political influence – this is something we must be ever mindful of.
It would be interesting to note how this situation will unfold. Are the people of Sandy Ground prepared for the long haul in this battle to secure their homes and preserve their way of life? If that is the case, then they must work even harder to ensure that the studies that will be conducted are independent, or at least are independently reviewed for a second opinion. Secondly, the residents must not just be seen to oppose, but to perhaps offer alternative sites where marina projects can be constructed that would be less intrusive to persons and their property and safer for the environment. The will of the people is a powerful thing. It is shaped by the people themselves and cannot be bent to the likes and fancies of any political class or politician. Let us work together to build consensus in this instance. It is not too late, there is always a better alternative. This requires real consultation, responsible leadership, more creativity and cooperation.
