The Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) came into office in 2020 on a mantra of ‘Change Can’t Wait’ – and party members continue to tout that mantra. The APM has certainly been front and centre of certain recent infrastructural changes. Some persons have, however, been quick to point out that all but one of the recent infrastructural achievements were well in hand under the Anguilla United Front Government (AUF) – and the APM has ben granted the privilege of being in office for their completion. These changes, irrespective of whether initiated or completed by a particular administration, are welcome changes.
The APM administration has heralded increased costs for the populace in the form of new taxes in areas that affect all and sundry. These are changes that many persons feel could have waited. The fact that the only persons known to have seen an upward change in salary, in recent months, are parliamentarians and this has left many persons unsettled. This is particularly so when they consider their worsening circumstances, in the face of the apparently improved circumstances of parliamentarians. The parliamentarians’ salary change is one that many feel could have waited.
Some changes that I believe certainly could have waited are the cultural changes that are manifesting themselves. One of the most criticised political leaders in Anguilla’s history was the Honourable Victor F. Banks. He and his Government’s policies were regularly subjected to criticism. He and his colleagues accepted that ascension to high political office opened them up to public scrutiny, which involved justified and unjustified criticism. Elected AUF officials were not known for subjecting their critics to personal attacks via social media platforms. Sadly, the same cannot be said of members of the APM administration. One obvious change since the APM took office is the personal attacks by APM elected officials on citizens and residents who dare to be critical of their actions or policies. Persons have described this conduct as unprofessional and unbecoming of our elected officials. The stark contrast between the behaviour of AUF elected officials and APM elected officials has been the subject of comment. It is a change that many believe could have waited.
Another disconcerting change which I believe could have waited, is the apparent bridling of many qualified and experienced public officers. Apparently, public officers who have dared to comment adversely on policies with national implications have been the subject of discussions between APM elected officials and the management of the Anguilla Public Service. New public service rules have now been published, which many feel limit the ability of public officers to contribute meaningfully to discussions on matters of national interest. This is certainly a change that many persons feel could have waited.
Many citizens, including some public officers, now exist in a state of fear. They are reluctant to freely express themselves for fear of retribution. This is something many feel was not a consideration under the AUF Administration. Mr. Banks, in particular, was known for treating friend and foe alike.
The cultural changes, which many believe could have waited, have been attributed to the youthfulness of some elected members of the APM. This is disheartening, as many persons had hoped that the ascension of younger persons to high elected office would have resulted in improved standards in political and national discourse. The APM administration has not yet marked two years in office, so there is still time for this unwanted cultural change to be reversed.
The recent resignation of the Member for Valley North, Mr. McNiel Rogers, has resulted in a further opportunity for a new face in the House of Assembly. At least one young person has announced her participation in the race for the Valley North seat. It is incumbent on that individual, if successful, to ensure that her attitude is one of inclusiveness, tolerance and respect thereby encouraging all persons to freely participate in discussions on national issues.
Some changes can and should wait!
