With every new year many persons pledge to adopt new and more positive habits. Many of the pledges are short-lived because of a lack of discipline. As a community can we identify changes that if they were made would help to better our individual lives and therefore our communities? Do we have the discipline to make those changes? Can we be forthright with each other and therefore hold each other accountable when we are falling short? Some hard truths must be examined if we genuinely want to better our lives and our communities.
In many respects we are pretentious and very often refuse to accept our circumstances. That failure prevents us from appropriately addressing our circumstances. Many of us enjoy years of plenty without preparing for the years of struggle. This is seen at a national level and at an individual level. At a national level Governments appear to be highly motivated in their decision making by a desire to be re-elected and to outdo the former administration in terms of its ex-gratia payments or gifts to the electorate under whatever description coined for the occasion. Should a system of a fair wage for a fair day’s pay be pursued with any bonus payments only being made in circumstances merited by performance or do we prefer to foster an entitlement environment? The decisions of our leaders play a significant role in the culture created.
Some families in Anguilla are struggling. This is undoubtedly true but is that obvious in how they live? Not always. Too often persons try to keep up with their neighbours rather than accepting and responding appropriately to their current circumstances. The result is that the hole they are in is dug deeper, with implications for the development of their children. Apparent luxuries and social engagements are pursued while the basic care and needs of children are often left unfulfilled. Will we see adults conducting themselves responsibly in 2026 so that they address their needs and those of their children before pursuing their wants?
Children are often weaponised when “loving relationships” between their parents turn sour. Mothers make demands of fathers for maintenance that do not take into consideration the father’s means. Some fathers with the means to do better treat their children’s needs as secondary to their social life, preferring to party and treat the fellows at the bars. Some mothers deny fathers the opportunity to have a relationship with their children because they are angry with the father. Friends and family of parents who weaponise their children in their disputes with one another or neglect their children often condone and support such behaviour by their silence and engagements with these parents.
Young adults blame their circumstances on the failure of their parents to thoughtfully plan and manage their lives and for therefore failing to ensure they had certain advantages in life. Many often resort to suggesting that the success achieved by others is as a result of who they know, rather than accepting the work they did to achieve success. Young adults should accept that there comes a time when they must take charge of their lives and it is their efforts that will play a significant role in determining their success. Sacrifice is necessary to get what you want. Owning your own vehicle, land, home or obtaining a degree will always remain elusive if funds are spent on the latest fads, to attend every fete, or to travel extensively. If certain desires are to be realised certain life changes must be made.
In 2026, hopefully some hard truths will be faced and some tough decisions made resulting in improved lives.
