ANGUILLA’S NOT SO PROMINENT POLITICIANS ACCUSED OF RAPE

There is a somber warning disturbing parents on Anguilla; of parroting concerns about certain political candidates’ alleged criminal behaviours. The alleged criminal conduct is directed towards certain prominent politicians of the Anguilla United Movement (AUM) – only scaling the jaws of the justice system on technicalities for such serious crimes as Statutory Rape and/or Child Molestation and Drugs.

Intelligence in the United Kingdom and Anguilla are feverishly analyzing intelligent material; while this has prompted several women on Anguilla to admit to similar teenage indecent attacks. One young lady, a teenager then now living in the United States, personally revealed to us that she had to wrestle Hubert Hughes’ grizzly strong hold to freedom, subsequently fleeing to safety.

More women are calling in as we report.

Statutory Rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Many countries do not use the actual term "statutory rape", simply calling it rape or unlawful sexual penetration among a variety of other titles. These laws rarely apply only to intercourse, but rather to any type of sexual contact.

Child Molestation is what most parents even more dread. It’s involving a range of indecent or sexual activities between an adult and a child, usually under the age of 14. In psychiatric terms, these acts are sometimes known as pedophilia.

What is more disturbing it that children from such illegal and immoral behaviours remain fatherless by these said weasel-bag Politicians. Actually, when one specific Politician talks about his sons; he is intentionally lying about a crime he once committed - a crime which produces a well poised, educated, good-mannered and an industrious young man. A proud son, by a decent young woman – raped!

But how did an Anguillian Judge rule?

In May of 2003, then Justice Ian Donaldson Mitchell CBE QC, now disgraced, slammed the door in the face of a minor whom alleges that the then Prime Minister of Antigua, the Rt. Hon. Lester Bird, grisly raped her. In fact, the Anguillian Judge hadn't abated in his steadfastness to vindicate that brute; all because our very own decent attorney Joyce Kentish representing the minor failed by a matter of minutes to file documents.

The charges against the “Bird” by the minor, which were “masturbated”, were trespass, drug dealing, sexual seduction, negligent invasion and breach of his constitutional duty as Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, abduction, unlawful carnal knowledge, statutory rape and malfeasance in public office. These are some of the vilest charges of corruption that any criminal can be charged with, apart from the crime of murder itself.

A case that, if justice was served may have set a precedent, which could have been the litmus test for wiping out this level of corruption by these set of vile scavengers.

Ms. Kentish later suffered a Nervous Shock.

This election, when thinking Corruption my fellow Anguillians, ask yourself this question:

Can the Opposition be trusted… with your daughters? That's Anguilla's Future…

Protect you children’s future; keep your children safe…

Vote for the Anguilla United Front.

CONFUSION REDUNDANCY

Early this morning we have analyzed that we are leading in every district and this election is set for a record breaking all 7.

Think about that for a minute – it's “confusion redundancy”.

Hundreds of you owning a stake in Anguilla are desperate to change a political process that's been dominated by confusion of interest. You have given your time, energy, and passion to bring about change; and it's working.

I cannot thank you enough for all you've done, but there are still hundreds of Anguillians who remain on the outside of the political process. They are skeptical of politicians and disillusioned by the partisan gridlock of the convergence of confusion.

Right now, we have an opportunity to reach out to those people and show them that the Anguilla United Front (AUF) is a party of unity uniting the Anguilla Diaspora; and is fit for purpose on day-1.

No other political party on Anguilla has shown such unity in an election campaign, and we are grateful for your generosity.

This level of support will be invaluable as we head toward our general election in which grassroots participation will be more important than ever. That means reaching out, making phone calls, and building this movement one person at a time.

The emptiness from the dreamwork visionless confusion has resorted itself to been insignificant with their spreading of false hope – their goofiness needs a reality check.

Thank you very much for your generosity and support.

BRITAIN'S RIGHTS... OR INDEPENDENT YOU MAY?

A devolved government is government which is devolved, either wholly or partially, from state level to a more local level. Unlike a federal system, such devolved administrations exist in statute, not constitutional law, and can have their powers broadened or narrowed, or can even be abolished, by an act of the legislature overnight. In contrast, regional administrations in federal systems have a constitutionally guaranteed right to exist with constitutionally defined powers.

Scotland, Ireland and Wales operate under a statutory devolved system of government. Anguilla like the rest of the British Overseas Territories (BOT) have had abandon in governments by the British; devolved in practice - even theory, but not in reality.

Case in point: November 16, 1965 – British Parliament passed the Southern Rhodesia Act which provided that no laws could be made or business transacted by the Rhodesian Legislative Assembly. The Court held in Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke 1969, that even if there was a principle which recognised the need to preserve law and order in territory controlled by a usurper, such a principle could not override the legal right of the British Parliament ‘to legislate’ for a territory under the sovereignty of the Queen in the UK Parliament.

The British government has every right to protect her constitutional rights and interest wherever it may lead, regardless to any international convention.

The British government have given us as BOTs one choice – abide or bye bye – and that too is democracy.

But then again – show me a successful “Black State”… and I would show you “Good Governance”.

A vote for the Anguilla United Front government is a vote for continue economic growth, peace, prosperity and good governance on Anguilla.

SAY NO TO VERMIN AND VILE BIDDERS

Mr. Rodney Rey and Ms. Joyce Kentish are excellent examples of Integrity in public service and private life on Anguilla. They are knowledgeable, dedicated, honest, qualified and have served Anguilla selflessly with distinction. The whole of Anguilla respect their nobility and cherish their commitment to Anguilla’s continue success. I “personally” believe that these noble servants would be recalled to serve under a re-elected Anguilla United Front (AUF) administration.

This is the kind of commitment an AUF administration will be equipped in transforming the political process on Anguilla by bringing together the committed and the best brains, by working across party lines in establishing honest and robust in-depth debates on the many issues affecting Anguillians while delivering the best solutions offered.

“Honest” has its literal meaning only.

Elections must mean more than just a slogan called ‘change’ or ‘trading places’. The Anguillian electorate has long come to the realization that political-catchphrases are borderless and infinite; and a distant relative to pragmatism. This is why we have continued to change the political process on Anguilla for almost 10 years now; one of the first nations in the Americans to do so.

Democracy guiding philosophy is that people should have decision-making power in proportion to how much they are affected by the decision. You and I must be honest with whom we chose as our caretakers for the future advancement of Anguilla.

It’s time that we as Anguillians put political childishness, tribalistic-dispositions, and personal differences aside and unite as one Front to meet the challenges ahead; and for a continued strength and endurance for a successful nation building.

It’s not the place and time; and the stakes are too high for sampling of “political-concoctions” which are seriously harmful even in minute doses. Anguilla must never again entertain “confusion-specialist” in our political process; and as a grown and respected nation globally, we dare not revisit emptiness and belittlement.

Now is not the time to auction our children’ future to a disorganized, visionless and clueless bunch of vermin and vile bidders.

I strongly believe that the quality of leadership is reflected in the standards that leaders set for themselves and not simply sufferers of “self-impotence syndromes”.

We have done it right for over 40 years Anguilla, and I will never underestimate your improved intelligence; you have the decision making power.

Just imagine a government influence by Propagandist, Misinformed and Seriously Dangerous Haydn Hughes; Reputation Assassinator, Senseless and Confusion Specialist Hubert Hughes; Corrupt "Kittitian Mutt" and Chauvinistic Pig Don Mitchell; Stone-Age Harry Wiggins; Confrontational Percy Thomas; Narcissistic Sutcliffe Hodge; and Impressionist Yanchie Richardson.

Anguillians never ‘vote-for-cup’!

Election Day 2010...

THINK!

LET’S PROVE TO THE CYNICS THAT THE TRUTH CAN BE EVERY BIT AS PERSUASIVE AS IT IS POWERFUL

I support the Anguilla United Front (AUF) party because they don’t seek to perfect the say-anything-to-win-guttered politics – they seek to end it.

This is personal for a whole lot of Anguillians who lived through the empty politics era; that when we walk away, the same old politics wins every time - the Dreamwork Visionless Opposition’s nutshell mentality fear-mongering approach, decades of false starts, disunity, trials and failures delivering failed leadership and governments. That's what all the people who benefit from politics as a game are counting on.

Imagine you are bending your backs, sending your children to universities to return and be led by a non-reciprocal leadership arrangement. This is where we expect leadership from the top. We are sick and tired of having the least qualified elected representatives in the region, if not the world.

If you care about winning this election and changing the country, it's not enough to complain about a past we can't change when our challenge is to win the future - which is why we have decided to change the politics on Anguilla forever. Let us stop the Visionless Opposition at the gates on Election Day 2010.

This is the kind of politics the AUF’s party has sought to change with its team of qualified professionals to lead us through 2010 and beyond. But as an Anguillian, it disgusts me that the Visionless Opposition continues to twist politics and lie just about on everything to win an election.

The truth matters, but how you fight the lies matters even more. We must be determined never again to lose any election to a lie.

This election, the attacks are vile and endless. Some of you may have heard about the disgusting lies about our government perpetrated by the deceptive mediocre forums or (certain) accreditation seeking commentators with their phony reports and uneducated analysis from their non-refereed sources - twisting arms trying to distort the facts and savage our efforts. These attacks smear our leaders’ Christian faiths and deep patriotism, and they distort their record of more than two decades of public service.

They are nothing short than being childish and pathetic style anonymous attacks. The same tactics the Visionless Opposition has used again and again, and as we've learned, these attacks, no matter how bogus, can spread and take root if they go unchecked.

But not this time - we're fighting back. And when I say "we," I mean that literally. I know the Hon. Victor Banks is committed to fighting every smear every time. He'll fight hard and stand up for the truth. But he can't do it alone.

Whenever you hear the truth from the AUF’s party, we need you to email the truth to your address books. Print it out and post it at work. Talk to your families, relatives and neighbors. Call your local radio stations. Write a letter to the editor. If lies can be spread virally, let's prove to the cynics that the truth can be every bit as persuasive as it is powerful.

You must listen and/or attend the AUF party’s campaign meetings or call a core where you can find the truth and push back on these smears. Take action in your hand – take action now. So when your inbox fills up with trash and the emails of smear and fear, find the facts, and help defeat the lies.

The Hon. Victor Banks and the AUF party are committed to bringing our country together to meet the challenges we face, but we know that power gives up nothing without a struggle - and to win the chance to change Anguilla, we must first defeat the hateful tactics that have been used to tear us apart for too long.

With your help, we can turn the page on an era of divisive politics - but only if next time you hear these attacks on your government, you take action immediately.

The fight is in full swing - we won't let them steal this election with lies and distortions.

Thank you very much for you generosity and support.

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL IN THEORY MAY NOT NECESSARY BE POSSIBLY ATTRACTIVE IN REALITY

Where economic activity gained momentum in any country, it promoted economic growth and social stabilization. Over the years, this growth was the result of an increase in budget expenditure which also helped the social stabilization process. You may refer to it as behavioral economics or socio-economics; any extenuating circumstances positively or negatively affecting one will have a direct impact on the other. A perfect example is the “global recession” – which was started by the “Government of Anguilla”.

But there are some interesting areas of concern we need to seriously consider when thinking about diversifying our economy:

What has been our inflation rate? What is our/the commodity? Would the global economic state of affairs affect the rate of exchange we appreciate with the US dollar relative to the other currencies we are expecting to trade with? Where are the needed infrastructures (legal and physical)? How about our status as an EU territory (part of Britain), in relation to regional trading treaties, consumer standards, and regulations compared to the EU/Britain’s? And last but not least - who are our markets – the OECS, CARICOM, NAFTA or the EEC?

And then there are Intellectual Property laws and conventions which we must adhere to. A proper shipping infrastructure must be in place together with effective Maritime legislation. Will we be flying the Union-Jack, American or the Anguilla’s national flag on your envisioned Shipping Industry? Therefore, new regulations will have to be established or followed – that’s entailed trust.

And then the question of manufacturing of who’s raw material, at who’s expense, at who’s profit and lost? A key challenge for diversification on Anguilla is the lack of natural resources, outside of Salt, that can translate revenues into sustainable development; and human and institutional capacities are still weak.

Then you spoke about cheap labour in an over inflated economy – doesn’t sound logical to me.

The reality is that, what is beautiful in theory may not necessarily be possibly attractive in reality. Anguilla’s industry capacity is limited to Tourism, Fishing, Finance, Services and Salt - outside these are the derivatives complementing their main industries. One can argue whether or not Transshipment is an industry. In my opinion it too is a derivative, a loophole, a golden gift for which greed and selfishness have seen its remnants.

Most ideas on diversification are derivatives… simply areas complementing our unique existing industries - however inactive some are - but nothing new or novice in any form or shape. They are simply areas where government has already laid some infrastructure however, through lack of vision with a high dose of jealousy, selfishness and greed; we have failed ourselves and continue to blame governments for our lack of vision and unity; or simply waiting on some investor to come to Anguilla and spend their hard earned money on us for nothing – only to be kicked in his/her arse as we brag how much we have milked them… downright despicable!

In my opinion, despite the many challenges that remain for Anguilla to emerge from the fragile situation we were shoved into, the government hopes of new and potential discoveries in its niche Tourism and Offshore Finance markets will bring much needed additional revenue to our economy; and have made good gains despite the volatile markets and the global financial crisis.

We as a people must be in tuned with government’s initiative of creating employment environment opportunities and policy initiatives which have fundamentally revised ideas and expectations about their application of different forms of market orientated solutions. The days of handouts are over – now is the time to take the bull by its horns... let’s be vigilant; and stop blaming our governments.

THE NEIL ORDEAL

The constitution is purely law; a governing legal document which should evolve with time; like the holy bible does on morals or ethics. As a matter of fact – it’s the “legal” bible for the continuation of democracy and/or good governance.

One can argue that there’s nothing amoral in contravening an Act or a legal power; it’s simply illegal to do so. Illegality has its place in the Court where with a “burden of proof” and actual “evidence”; a judge and/or a jury determine guilt.

Ethics purely deals with morality/immorality behaviours. Morality means a code of conduct or a set of beliefs distinguishing between right and wrong behaviours. This can be displayed purely through public perception or fact; or upon a verdict held by a court of law.

Examples: the “Talk Your Mind” radio talk-show case against the Government of Anguilla (GOA) was not deemed unethical. And yes that case did contravene constitutional and international human rights convention laws. On the other hand, the GOA minister’s case against Ian Donaldson Mitchell CBE, QC, has put the defendant's morals into question - the court held that he is a liar with cost.

Again, the USA (greatest nation on earth today) Constitution proclaims that all men are created equal and free – yet slavery was legal and no women were allowed to vote. Now that’s where ethics and legality merges or divide. Was such an act unethical – yes! Was such an act illegal? – no!

Therefore one can argue that an unethical status may only be bestowed where immorality has been proven or thereafter such decision held by a court of law... my head is spinning and becoming confuse.

In my opinion our constitution (Anguilla) is irrelevant and meaningless - giving its inferiority to an unwritten-constitution (UK) sovereignty. Furthermore, there is no international recognizable citizenship noted as “Anguillian” – it’s purely a myth. The more honest our politicians are with this realization; it saves a nation’s embarrassment.

Why is it unconstitutional to be an American but not to be a Brit or a born Kittitian before Anguilla’s separation from ST. Kitts, when none of them were born on Anguilla? Where does loyalty lie?

The Hon. Neil Rogers remains one of us, deep rooted and cares a hell of a lot more than many, about Anguilla. He holds or held nothing more than an economic citizenship in another country; which many of the others hold or held.

The Hon. Hubert Hughes once held a United Kingdom economic citizenship, before the BOTs citizens were recognized British citizens, which gave him some status and meaning to his life however defiant and ungrateful he become. Did he renounce such before becoming an elected representative? Wasn’t there a high level of uncertainty by that decision? Or was it or is it reciprocal? Or perhaps we are still blinded by a no-reciprocity myth?

However, we must be careful cutting off our noses to spite our faces or cursing the hands that once fed us. It’s shameful to be in Opposition to gratitude and success.

Bearing in mind that public office does not mean public rights to private and family life; let us attack the Hon. Neil Rogers on his political behaviour not on his citizenship – it matters not. Take this matter to Court or shut up. You have no other power with one right which may be meaningless – the right of not to vote for the Hon. Neil Rogers.

But in reality you may not have a better choice.

VIRUS ROCKS POLITICAL COLONY ON ANGUILLA... WHO SURVIVES?

More hysteria and shock on Anguilla, a small British dependency in the Caribbean, after reports on political prostitution’s trails of death stench.

We reported on the 19th October 2009, what researchers revealed is a serious endemic on Anguilla, where almost all of Anguilla’s political whore houses long standing residents have prostituted themselves to get into political office; and that this transparent immorality has been transmitted throughout the whole political colony on Anguilla.

We further found out and reported on 1st of December 2009, through expert journalistic work, that law authorities probing the circumstances surrounding a road traffic accident earlier this year involving an Anguillian Politician, the Hon. Edison Baird, have narrowed their findings to an attempted act of suicide.

What was in doubt was whether Mr. Baird’s flings with the Government of Anguilla in London (2007) and thereafter, and his subsequent cohabitation with the Hon. Hubert Hughes are a direct consequence of what is presumed his suicidal condition was difficult to confirm.

A new finding was rumoured today via Anguillian Transparency’s Facebook page; and it looks pretty serious for Anguilla’s political future. Sources rumoured that the reason for Mr. Edison Baird’s suicidal attempt in June was when Opposition’s sources rumoured that the Hon. Victor Banks may be HIV positive; contracted through his infidelity with his other political prostitutes. If these rumours are true, The Hon. Edison Baird may have transmitted the virus to the Hon. Victor Banks.

It is rumoured that the whole of the political colony on Anguilla involved in political prostitution may be HIV positive.

The political future on Anguilla is in turmoil following this revelation, since it has been revealed by researchers in October that Ronald, Kennedy, Sam, Emile, Jerome, Pam, Victor, David, Julian, Marcel, Leroy, Osbourne, Eric, Fritz, Eddie, Belto, Kenneth, Statchel, Kenswick, Donna, Davon, Terry, Curtis, Sutcliffe, Haydn, Walcott and Wilmoth may all have contracted HIV through committing political adultery.

It is also rumoured that Haydn Hughes has the added condition of fleas from too much dog fights.

What a sad day on Anguilla… who is left to lead?

THE OPPOSITION IS HELL BENT ON BRINGING ANGUILLA TO ITS KNEES

The opposition is planning to throw the kitchen sink at good governance, political stability, economic development, peace and a nation’s prosperity.

At their destructive drawing board they are trying to derail or destroy successes on Anguilla - this including a mailing that misleads voters by falsely disparaging the Anguilla United Front’s (AUF) relationships with present and future investors. The mailing carefully uses a quote from a member of the AUF’s party and mimics the design of that member’s mailings - apparently with the hope that the electorate offended by the negativity will think it came from the AUF camp.

The Opposition is hell bent on bringing Anguilla to its knees.

The case has never been clearer - this kind of politics needs to end. And you have the power to end this kind of politics come Election Day 2010. With just weeks to go before Christmas and the elections early 2010, our dreamwork visionless opponents have revealed their commitment to politics-as-usual; their pouring in of negative mailings, radio talk shows, internet chat rooms and forums, phone calling, and attack websites and blogs - clouding the election process with their negative vile campaigning.

Instead, we put our faith in you; and your commitment to continue peace and prosperity have gotten us pretty far. We are in a position to win this election wholesale and this is what we are depending on you for. We know we can because there is power in numbers; and together we can move mountains.

With the increasingly negative attacks from our opponents… Anguilla stay positive… and take note.

Thank you very much for your generosity and support

SOMETHIING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES

This process has been a real human experience - there's a strong community and generosity of spirit that has emerged among the Anguilla United Front (AUF) supporters. It's a feeling that's bigger than the excitement of a typical political campaign. It's the feeling of a movement; and that movement is in the whole of the country, as shown by the record number of people getting involved.

We knew there was an opportunity to change politics, to make it about hope and a shared passion for our common future. And we knew that other people who feel the same way would come back into the process or decide to participate for the first time.

We're closer to something historic than anyone ever imagined we could be. We are predicting winning all 7.

It's the culmination of talking and listening and building the kind of organization that engages people. It's the product of a whole lot of hard work and consistent effort by our teams of organizers and volunteers.

We admire the Hon. Victor Banks’ extraordinary capacity to bring people together in pursuit of their dreams - to make them believe against all odds in something bigger than themselves and inspire them to work to achieve it - we are encouraged that he is qualified, willing and capable to be the next Chief Minister of Anguilla.

Words can't explain how proud we are of him, and of you, for being a part of this momentous occasion.

Thank you for your generosity and support Anguilla.

POLITICAL PROSTITUTION ON ANGUILLA MAY HAVE CAUSED SUICIDAL ATTEMPT

Reports on Anguilla are that Law authorities probing a road traffic accident earlier this year involving an Anguillian Politician, the Hon. Edison Baird, have narrowed their findings to an attempted act of suicide. Immediate attempts to reach the Commissioner of Police, Keithley Benjamin to confirm such is still in progress.

The Hon. Edison Baird returned to Anguilla on Sunday, July 26, from St. Thomas where he had been receiving treatment and recovering from injuries sustained in a road accident in June. He was welcomed at Wallblake Airport by the Chief Minister and a number of well wishers.

This revelation seems to coincide with a London university recent research on political prostitution on Anguilla where it concluded that almost all of Anguilla’s political whore houses long standing residents have prostituted themselves to get into political office on Anguilla.

Whether Mr. Baird’s flings with the Government of Anguilla in London (2007) and thereafter, and his subsequent cohabitation with the Hon. Hubert Hughes are a direct consequence of what has been presumed his suicidal condition, is not yet confirmed.

What we can confirm is that most people, with intense emotional and/or physical pain, judgment are clouded by that pain and as a result consider suicide as a means of trying to end that pain. Please do not confuse ending your pain with ending your life; as the two are very different.

If you are suicidal, you probably are suffering from clinical depression and have a chemical imbalance in your brain - and cannot possibly think straight because of it. This is something beyond your control and does not demonstrate weakness - you just need some treatment. This imbalance can occur for several reasons, from genetics to a traumatic life experience, and it is extremely common for people to have this imbalance, so do not feel like you are alone - you are not.

The longer Haydn Hughes takes to tell the truth about his infidelity with Chairman Fritz Smith and the other AUF members, the more likely he too may soon be suicidal.

THANK YOU

Fellow Anguillians

Your generosity is what will make it possible to mount a winning campaign. For that, we cannot thank you enough.

The Anguilla United Front (AUF) believes that the most extraordinary and deeply humbling result is the people – thousands of you - who have taken ownership of this campaign. It’s a thunderclap over the political process. It means our campaign has more supporters than any campaign in history at this point in an election, and it’s a wake-up call to our current politics.

It means ordinary people are coming together in unprecedented numbers to take back their political process. It means you are defying the pundits, rejecting their cynicism and negativity, and embracing the hope that we will continue changing things for the success of all Anguillians.

It means we are building a movement so big, so deep, and so personal that our collective voice is undeniable; that no deceptive mediocre forums or (certain) accreditation seeking commentators with their phony reports and uneducated analysis from their non-refereed sources - twisting arms trying to distort the facts and savage our efforts - can hoodwink nor stand in our way of the thousands of personal success stories to share. Stories that ring true with passion and a hunger to maintain good governance, political stability, continue economic development, and a nation’s prosperity.

But even though so many of us share a common goal, our success is not inevitable. It’s impressive and inspiring, but the work continues. We’ve demonstrated that we can defy expectations and turn the political process on its head but now it’s time to build on our milestones of success.

We need to stay focus; keeping our eyes on the ball; and as the ball shoots for the goal – be in position for the rebound… just in case. We need to continue working inside our own communities, by reaching out to our friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. We need to identify our common ground and work together for the common good.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

WE OFFER HONESTY

The Dreamwork Visionless Opposition’s nutshell mentality fear-mongering approach, decades of false starts, disunity, trials and failures delivering failed leadership and governments are campaigning in this election for those who benefit from politics as a game.

The selfish special-interest industry on Anguilla has only grown since the last election, and it will spend more money than ever this time to try to own our political process and dictate our policies on Anguilla.

The Anguilla United Front (AUF) is not going to play that game. We are making it abundantly clear that people like you have always and will always dictate Anguilla’s policies. We're going to continue transforming the political process on Anguilla by bringing together the best brains in establishing the ‘Anguilla Think Tank’. We believe in honest vigorous in-depth debate on the many issues affecting Anguillians while delivering the best solutions offered.

The term “HONEST” has its literal meaning.

To do this, we need to dramatically multiply the number of people who own a piece of this historic campaign, because the only way we can win is by making this campaign belong to as many people as possible. Let the visionless bunch know that campaign isn't just about money; and our democracy shouldn't be either. It should be about people and people's demands are simple.

The AUF continue to deliver those demands: continue Leadership which ensures that the work of the people is properly done and done properly - quality leadership with the qualifications a nation so yearns – the kind of leadership that elevates, with associated respectability; equal opportunity for all at home and abroad with the hope that their voice matters in a political process that too often leaves to many Anguillians out; maintaining local law and order, reliable healthcare, and an education that will give our children the chance to compete and succeed globally.

You can take ownership of our democracy. It's definitely no turning back to those dark-ages nor trading places.

We are deeply honored that so many people have put their hope and faith in our campaign.

When we succeed, it will be because you made history and took control of our campaign's destiny.

We know that we can do this together.

Thank you very much for your support Anguilla.

THE SCORECARD – DONATE TO ERADICATE

Fellow Anguillians

The Opposition and their pundits still measure success solely in dollars and cents; and though we will hold our own on that scorecard, we can prove a more powerful point. We can prove that it's people, not dollars and cents, that should be the measure for campaigns.

So while the opponents track the mad chase for money, we will set our own course and our own goals - the breadth of support for a movement that seeks a new kind of politics; and the depth of people's commitment to political stability, economic development, peace, and a nation’s prosperity.

We can do this with your help; there's power in numbers. If you're ready to be part of this movement, now is the time to stand up and be counted.

I know what I'm asking is hard; that politics and politicians have disappointed you so many times before, to the point where sometimes it seems easier just to tune out and walk away.

But what you have to remember is that when you walk away, the same old politics wins every time; the Dreamwork Visionless Opposition’s nutshell mentality fear-mongering approach, decades of false starts, disunity, trials and failures delivering failed leadership and governments. That's what all the people who benefit from politics as a game are counting on.

Please generously donate to eradicate this kind of politics on Anguilla once and for all!

That's why we need you. That's why we cannot do this alone. The Anguilla United Front is not just asking you to trust its ability to continue changing this country – its asking you to trust in yourself; in your own instincts; in your own sense of possibility. In your own sense of what's right.

If you're ready to go down this path, there are thousands of others ready to go with you.

Thank you very much for your support.

UK Anguillians Confirm the Hon. Victor Banks

Fellow Anguillians

Reports are that the Hon. Victor F. Banks’ performance in governments stood above the competition in this general election as he continued to show the qualities and judgment that will make him an excellent Chief Minister. This was a unanimous resounding breath of fresh-air at a town hall Anguillian assembly in Slough, England a few days ago where hundreds of Anguillians living in the UK were assembled.

The meeting looks at Mr. Banks’ passion and personal conviction; patriotism and commitment to Anguilla’s continue economic development and sustainability; his ability as a unifier in maintaining political stability on Anguilla; his experience and qualifications; and his charisma, respectability and great ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

This was in contrast to what were said about Hubert Hughes’ sporadic confusion and confrontational behavior and Mr. Brent Davis’ inexperience and rookieness. Surprisingly such names like Don Mitchell, Harry Wiggins, Percy Thomas and Sutcliffe Hodge were mentioned with less favourable taste.

The Anguillians present were unified about the kind of change in attitudes of the people representing the Anguilla Diaspora; and the faith that the Hon. Victor Banks is the candidate to facilitate these changes. He has shown commitment time and again that united, we can make a difference; and that he will work across lines of party, race, & religion to make progress in Anguilla.

We know working across party line is not easy, but the Anguilla United Front (AUF) continued to reinforce this message of unity and commitment to incorporate the best minds in reaching such greatness on Anguilla. True, real, and honest change we believed is vigorous in-depth debate on the many issues affecting Anguillians while delivering the best solutions.

With peace, political stability, economic growth and a nation’s prosperity in mind – VOTE AUF!

We thank you very much for your support Anguilla.

WE NEED TO RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER

My United Nation Anguilla

A house built on a strong foundation should withstand floods and high winds. The Anguilla United Front government is built on a strong foundation of solidarity and common purpose - we are our brother's and sister’s keeper.

Yet even for patient and generous people, the burdens continue to be overwhelming. The world economic catastrophe has crippled our nation. There are countless problems remaining to be solved and a clueless brain-dead Opposition busy launching smear after smear loaded with lies, rumours and innuendoes.

But we know that rebuilding is an opportunity; a chance to create something stronger - a foundation that can serve as the rock on which dreams are founded.

Our focus is on strengthening the fundamental elements any community needs to thrive: maintaining local law and order, reliable healthcare, and an education that will give our children the chance to compete and succeed globally.

But to do this we must reject the kind of outdated, misinformed, misguided, visionless, disingenuous and clueless change on offer. These failures expose an arrogance in our current Opposition - a detachment from the lives of real people and an indifference to the consequences for the least fortunate.

To rebuild in the wake of this recession and get our country back on course, we need to renew our commitment to one another. We need to return to this core principle of our great nation by honoring our responsibility to our fellow citizens.

I am my brother's keeper. I am my sister's keeper. And that foundation is what makes all of us stronger.

Thank you very much for your support Anguilla.

MOBILIZE THE TROOPS

My United Nation Anguilla

When I decided to openly support the Hon. Victor F. Banks to be my next Chief Minister of Anguilla, I accepted that the opponents would dig through records looking for something to attack. I didn't realize that on Anguilla, the Dreamwork Visionless Opposition would go all the way back to their stash of lies, rumours and innuendoes venomising gratitude, success, peace, economic growth, political stability and a nation’s prosperity on my God fearing tranquil home – Anguilla.

Now is the time for the Anguilla United Front Supporters to fully mobilize the troops and unleash - by any means necessary. It’s time to respond to each of the shameless Opposition’s desperate attacks directly and honestly. But when we respond to each attack, we will be fair and honest like each and every fair comment we have made over this political campaign so far.

It's going to take all of us to change this game once and for all. Characteristics must be made known before the electorate makes known their commitment of support; and must be truthfully scrutinized and fit for purpose on day 1.

The nutshell mentality of certain electorate’s tribalistic blinded support is fast coming to an end on Anguilla; and some candidates are still endeavor to use by all means necessary in maintaining this status-quo through fear mongering cynical methods – specifically the kind of chauvinistic piggish parroting attacks levied against our women, in a cruel attempted to bruise reputation.

This emerging pattern is disturbing - the campaign of "inevitability" becomes more desperate and negative by the day.

This must cease to exist; and must be reflected at the polls - if we are to elect competent leaders prepared for the challenges and opportunities of today’s marketplace with the clarity, confidence and efficiency to take us as a nation forward. These qualities must be reflected in the standards they set for themselves and not simply sufferers of self-impotence syndromes.

But we as a nation have to do more to stop this kind of politics once and for all on Anguilla. These attacks take attention away from solving people's problems and exact a real cost on our political process.

Thank you very much for your support Anguilla.

AN AWAKENING

My United Nation Anguilla

There is an awakening taking place in Anguilla today. We are facing a set of challenges we haven't seen in a generation - and if we don't meet those challenges, we could end up leaving our children an Anguilla that's a little poorer and a little meaner than we found it.

Anguillians are hungry for a different kind of politics - the kind of politics based on the idea that we are all connected as one people, that we all have a stake in one another.

I learned years ago that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.

You and I can make that happen. On Election Day February Day 2010 vote for hope, political stability, peace, continue growth and a nation’s prosperity.

Vote for the Anguilla United Front with Anguilla at heart.

Thank you very much for your support.

We Are Knocking Them Into Resignation

Fellow Supporters

You've already heard about the growing energy to our campaign. Our campaign has tremendous momentum, but there's a lot to do before the general election 2010.

What has happened to the campaign since then has been even more remarkable. Here’s what happening - the Opposition is nervous as once supporters join new allegiance. Our campaign has hit the Opposition so hard that we are knocking them into resignation.

Now is the time for everyone who supports continue stability, growth and prosperity to make one thing perfectly clear: we are here, we are serious, and we are going to be heard – we are committed to stand up and be counted.

We know that we are not too far from the victory-line February Day 2010; but it’s there where complacency normally competes and wins the race. It's never time to relax - it's time to double down; it’s time to deliver. Now is the time to turn all of the energy and hope you've invested in Anguilla into action.

Feeling is truly believing and the Anguilla electorate has witnessed a corrupted and incompetent visionless Opposition in office before, producing paralyzed governments and a nation’s status diminished as she bowed her head in bewilderment. However, through strength and endurance we have heard from ordinary Anguillians from every region and every walk of life who want to continue feeling that pride of knowing that Anguilla is in safe hands with an Anguilla United Front’s Government.

Just imagine a government influence by Propagandist and Misinformed Haydn Hughes, Reputation Assassinator and Confusion Hubert Hughes, Corrupt "Kittitian Mutt" Don Mitchell, Stone-Age Harry Wiggins, Confrontational Percy Thomas and Selfish Sutcliffe Hodge?

This will rock the core of political stability, good-governance, peace, growth and economic prosperity on Anguilla.

It’s scary Anguilla… wake-up!

Vicious Attacks On Our Women

Recently the Opposition launches vicious attacks led by their chauvinistic piggish men, on our hard working and ambitious young lawyer and Anguilla United Front’s candidate, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge; following her most honest and inspiring speech on our platform in her district a few nights ago. Cora has been weathering days of the Opposition’s relentless, divisive, and reputation charged attacks.

But we know this pedigree of attacks. Over a year ago, similar chauvinistic piggish attacks were launched against Dame Bernice Lake QC; Hon. Donna Banks; Ms. Ann Edwards and quite recently on Mrs. Lolita Davis-Richardson from our naturalized Kittitian Mutt, Ian Donaldson Mitchell CBE QC via his blog – Corruption Free Anguilla.

Why does the Opposition hates our most ambitious and productive women on Anguilla?

We are demanding the Opposition to stop parroting lies, innuendoes and rumours; and distracting the electorate from the real issues affecting this nation.

The electorate must reject the Opposition’s propaganda mouthpiece, Mr. Haydn Hughes, as parroting a malicious attempt to smear, defame and distract the electorate from the pressing issues of the day.

The Anguilla United Front party appreciates the contribution of our women in society and does not shrink from its implications that our country can truly fulfill its divine purpose when we work in partnership with our women. We respect the fact that Anguilla was founded, in part, on the backs of our women.

Tell the Opposition to respect our women otherwise, Haydn Hughes as Opposition’s mouth-piece will continue to elevate smear after smear against our hard working women on Anguilla.

Thank you very much for your support.

The Vision Of A "Blinded" Dad

The back-door 1982 Anguilla Constitution was a disguised blessing in our revolution; coupled with its much needed safeguards and/or protections. Before that, ministers of government under the disguise and protection by the Crown dictated, corrupted and manipulated the system without regard to age, experience or qualification in return for political support and/or personal interest.

Admission into the civil service for example was for the unambitious, lethargic and/or incompetent. Those whose abilities did not warrant an expectation to succeed in the open professions, where they will encounter the competition of their contemporaries; and where there is no opportunity of trying their fitness for purpose.

Quite arguably, the subsequent appointment of Mr. Stanley Reid to the post of Establishment Secretary, presently the Hon. Deputy Governor, witnessed a more meritorious and transparent system of Public Administration for Anguilla. Evidently and kudos to his credit was the suppression of strategize-positioning inaugurated for specific selective execution and/or saved opportunities awaiting preparation for, by identified individuals - oppose to an open merit based system. And not to mention his initiative in government’s pursuits against renege scholarships, subsequently recovering on breaches ignored by his predecessors.

And then there was that urgent need for the abolition of patronage; amateurism and inefficiency; secrecy, lack of accountability and ducking of responsibilities; transformation of the old miscellaneous collection of self-centered personals in public offices – with their replacement through merit and professional efficiency, into a modern integrated civil service.

Stanley Reid urgently addressed the urgent need for the improvement in management in the civil service; the development of a more modernized and friendlier environment; with clear aims and objectives while delivering more efficient services. Today, Anguilla can boast its most qualified and efficient civil service to date; with its ongoing positive transformational successes.

The Hon. Stanley Reid is destined to be the first Anguillian-British Governor by the ending of 2010 – guaranteed.

But our heartless unsympathetic dreamwork visionless Opposition still makes mockery of our patriotic giant, Mr. Eric Reid’s disability (the Hon. Stanley Reid’s dad). Mr. Statchel Warner reminded me the other day that “the worst thing in life is to be born sighted but lack vision”. And that simple sentence resonates and speaks volume.

But the eventual choice of Deputy Governorship for Anguilla was not an easy one for the British. There were other great men, with similar qualifications and qualities - the likes of Dr. Rev Niles - but then there were other men… there was Ian Donaldson Mitchell CBE QC.

With Mr. Mitchell's relationship with the Opposition and their lack of vision, we hope that they have not lost their sight as well.

A PATRIOTIC WAKE-UP CALL

This has never happened on Anguilla before; this amongst to Treason. No one has ever degraded our institutions and civilization as disgraced and corrupted Ian Donaldson Mitchell CBE QC (questionable character). In such a rough economic climate, born Kittitian Mutt with Anguillian citizenship has been displaying his highest level of senility, by threatening economic prosperity and the direct livelihood of Anguillians as a whole.

This disgrace must be dismembered from any meaningful board of directors on Anguilla. He must leave Anguilla… willingly of forcefully! We had enough of Don the con; this is beyond acceptance – he must go.

As former UK Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, rightfully stated, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right”, and as such, I am petitioning the Immigration Minister, Chief Minister Hon. Osbourne B. Fleming - as a measure of good governance and patriotism - to look seriously at this matter and to rightfully enforce the said principles on Anguilla (British Overseas Territory) by removing such enemies of the state through deportation forthwith. It’s much wiser to lose an idiot, than to lose a whole nation.

Just imagine a government influence by Haydn, Hubert, Mitchell, Harry, Percy and Sutcliffe? This will rock the core of political stability, good-governance, peace, growth and economic prosperity on Anguilla. It’s scary Anguilla… wake-up!

However, one of the things we are mostly proud of about the Anguilla United Front's (AUF) campaign is the level of civility and consciousness displaying on our political platforms. No other party has built a campaign involving so many Anguillians as true stakeholders; for which we are very much proud. It speaks volumes not only about the kind of campaign we're running, but also about how we want politics on Anguilla to be.

So many of us have been waiting so long for the time when we could finally expect more from our politics, when we could give more of ourselves and feel truly invested in something bigger than a particular candidate or cause.

This is it. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We have changed politics for which we seek.

Now it's going to take every one of us reaching out, organizing, and giving our all to make victory a reality.

Thank you very much for your support.

A Scary Moment

Election Day February Day 2010 is fast approaching and each vote is crucial to political stability, continue growth and a nation’s prosperity. Our plans are to win every district as a clear mandate in achieving your goal.

As of right now, we have our volunteers across the nation delivering a remarkable achievement we can all be proud of.

We know one thing for sure - our time has come, our organization and movement is real, and come February Day 2010 – there will be no trading places. At this moment in history, the stakes are too high and the challenges too great to play the same old childish games with the same old tried-tested-and-failed leadership and government expected from our Dreamwork Visionless Opposition.

There will be those who say it cannot be done. But we know what we have seen and what we believe - that when ordinary people come together we can still do extraordinary things.

Start a conversation with your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else who will be voting about the issues important to them in this election. Right now people like you are making phone calls, emailing friends, and doing everything they can to reach voters before February Day 2010.

Imagine this scary moment - imagine a government influence by Haydn, Hubert, Mitchell, Harry, Percy and Sutcliffe?

Please do what you can to help avoid this on Anguilla.

Thank you so much.

Ambiguity and/or Innuendoes?

In clearing up ambiguity and/or innuendoes, Anguilla has agreed to “study” the impact of low taxation on the country's economy.

A report for the British government last month said Anguilla and other overseas UK territories must find new methods of raising taxes as they battle the economic crisis.

Whereas the report does not specify the action that should be taken in every case, but it could include raising significant extra revenue through income tax, value-added taxes, a consumption tax and corporation tax. The report further states that many of the territories were running out of money as tourism and finance withered away amid the worldwide economic meltdown.

The Turks and Caicos have already exhausted their government reserves, while in Anguilla reserves are forecast to run dry by the end of the year, the report added.

The British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have sovereignty over their own tax affairs. Many will fiercely defend their reputation as low-tax economies.

The Minister of Finance, the Hon. Victor F. Banks confirmed that the British government will fund the “study”; and has suggested that any recommended tax changes would depend on wide public “consultation”… first.

Appreciate your understanding very much.

February Day 2010

With extremely close races in District #1 and 5 shaping up, we need to win every district we can come February Day 2010. It's time to put an end to the say-anything-to-win politics of the past. Together we can face the challenges of the future with a new kind of politics and a new kind of leadership under the most capable hand of the Hon. Victor Franklyn Banks.

Our volunteers are working hard in building this unprecedented network of support for the Anguilla United front campaign. For the first time in a very long time every vote is significant; every vote will count.

You can help get out the vote by making calls to supporters; tell John, to tell Paul, to tell them all. Making calls is fun and easy, and you can make a big difference in this crucial fight for Anguilla’s prosperity. Try making five phone calls, and I promise you'll want to make five more.

Now is the time to turn all of the energy and hope you've invested in Anguilla into action.

Thank you very much for your support.

THE FACTS

Fellow Anguillians

We've got a fight on our hands. Malicious Lies, Rumours and Innuendoes are pulling out all the stops to defeat good governance, continue growth and a nation’s prosperity. We must maintain that strength and endurance which sustained us over the years through these rough times. The destructive Dreamwork Visionless Opposition is blanketing the country with deceptive radio talk shows and chat-room forums over the internet with their phony reports and uneducated analysis from their non-refereed sources, twisting arms trying to distort the facts and savage our efforts.

We know their game. Frankly, under the old rules of a nutshell mentality fear-mongering approach they were nearly impossible to beat. But now, thanks to educated you, the rules are changing. All the lies, scare tactics and vile politics in the world are no match for the incredible work of the “Anguilla United Front (AUF) with Anguilla at Heart” and supporters like you. That's exactly what frightens them so much - and it's what we as a team is counting on.

After decades of false starts, disunity, trials and failures delivering fail leadership and governments from the Opposition, we are now just a short time away from you delivering a clear mandate for concrete stability and continue success on Anguilla. As election draws near, you can bet that the Opposition will hold nothing back. That means that the “AUF with Anguilla at Heart” will need the extra resources to beat back whatever destructive attack they can dream up next. Those resources are you in numbers.

Here's the bottom line: it's never time to relax - it's time to double down; it’s time to deliver.

If this election is all about guaranteeing good governance and a sound government for every Anguillian and generations to come, it worth everything we could throw at it. This fight for Anguilla is about capable teamwork tackling our toughest challenges; it’s about whether or not we can still do big things on Anguilla.

I believe we can. And the Hon. Victor F. Banks believes we can. But what really matters is your full support and together we can take Anguilla to the next level... together.

Thanks so much for your support.

A Word Of Encouragement

I have an unusual request for you.

I've written a few times before and I'm sure you've already heard about what's happening; from the building support to the growing energy on the ground. Our campaign has tremendous momentum, but there's a lot to do before the general election 2010.

Here's the challenge...

Our ground operation is in full swing, and we're well on our way to gaining massive support around the country. Volunteers have taken on serious responsibility in their local communities. They are the backbone of our campaign and the Anguilla United Front (AUF) could not do this without them.

Our success depends on the motivation and dedication of these everyday people. They have their own families, their own jobs, and all the other responsibilities of their lives, but they have volunteered to take on this important role in our campaign because, like you, they believe in the sincerity of the Hon. Victor F. Banks to take this country forward.

Please take the time to share with them a word of encouragement. Share with them the common bond that binds us - belief in each other, belief in this campaign, and belief in this country.

Our crowds are massive; and undecided voters are coming out of our meetings decided. We have seen in Blowing Point a few days ago that the crowds and energy have been incredible. You can feel the energy that this is something more than just a typical political campaign.

Our momentum has hit the city of Blowing Point so hard that many of the Hubert Hughes’ supporters have confirmed their new allegiance to Anguilla United Front’s (AUF) Candidate, Mr. Curtis Richardson. The Road South electorate is realizing that fundamental change is within reach.

The improbable is now possible.

Now is the time to take the next step and be a part of this historic moment. It's critical that we maintain this national campaign infrastructure in the next few weeks if we are going to maintain good governance, continue growth and a nation’s prosperity.

Thank you very much for your support.

Is The APP Anguilla’s Waste Management Corporation?

It's been said that the company he keeps knows a man. That adage has been used by mothers for as long as there have been teenagers – to help them learn discernment when choosing their friends.

Most of us can recall a time when our parents warned us to ‘choose your friends wisely.’ Suffice it to say, they were referring to the way in which others would judge us in accordance to our friends, as well as the influence our friends would have upon us.

Well, nothing could be more indicative of this sort of relationship than the one formed between Ian Donaldson Mitchell, Harry Wiggins, Palmovan Webster and the Anguilla Progressive Party (APP), Hubert Hughes and the Anguilla United Movement (AUM), Edison Baird, Haydn Hughes, Sutcliffe Hodge and all other independent candidates - Anguilla Political Pimps & Prostitutes.

Seems as though the APP has resorted itself to becoming the ‘bin’ of Anguilla’s politics.

We have honestly been doing our best to velvet-glove the APP; and whether the APP wants this garbage their endorsement or not, they have gotten it… sadly.

Certainly many in the APP will be quick to distant the correlation between them and their associations, and that they did not solicit their support - but not in the Waste Management Industry.

A vote for the APP can be a vote for destructive and vile politics, arrogance, confusion, disunity, lies, innuendoes, deceitfulness, immaturity, and an unqualified and guesswork trial and failure - delivering failed leadership and government; a would be dark chapter in the history of Anguilla’s politics.

But again… perhaps it is unfair to suggest that the association is synonymous since it still lacking cohesiveness and chemistry; and clothed a dreaded history. But it seems to us that the mere fact that those political NO-Brainers wish to endorse the APP is indicative.

Opposition’s Position: NO!

THE KNOWN FACTS FROM THE OPPOSITION’S POSITION ON NOT KNOW

They have NO organization; NO leader; do NOt have the political maturity NOr IQ to understand any MOU or MOA; they said NO to electing competent governments.

They said NO to Cruising; NO to Yachting Marina; NO to Airport Extension; NO to the Dolphin Discovery; NO to a Casino – with NO alternative vision to lure tourist numbers or continue economic growth to Anguilla.

They said NO to a Ports Authority; NO Port development for Anguilla - that’s a NO to trading. They said NO to Transshipment – that a NO to windfall revenues; do NOt kNOw that the globe is in an economic recession and they really do NOt kNOw how to get out.

They do NOt like NOr respect Civil Servants and hate Customs and its duties. They do NOt care about economic growth and prosperity.

They want to change the Health Authority to NO kNOwn alternative; said NO to a National Health Insurance; and hell NO to a Medical University. They do NOt want any more learning institutions on Anguilla and do NOt kNOw about your kids’ future.

They said NO to the experts' advice about our indigenous banks amalgamation with NO kNOwn alternative; NO to our indigenous banks lending government funds; NO to our Social Security investments; NOt kNOwn how to implement immediate plans to broaden our nation revenue base; NO to Taxes but have NO idea how we will pay our way.

They said NO to select Boards Directors on the basis of merit and professionalisms - however limited in a small community - as corruption, rather than the realization of convergence. They do NOt have any respect for characters.

They said NO to the British; NO to good governance; NO respect for the rule of law; and NO to a police state. They do NOt care to kNOw NOr introduce any new alternative legislation NOr have the vision.

They [Opposition] repeatedly say NO to, and are clueless to Anguilla's potential.

This destructive Dreamwork Visionless Opposition resorted itself to the party of ‘NO’ - with the ‘we don’t kNOw’ alternative policy regarding how to solve… we don’t kNOw anything. There is NO coherent alternative approach – instead, the ‘set of I don’t kNOws’ are wasting time destructively criticizing government’s successes.

Oh yesss!… they are very much interested in one piece of legislation – the Freedom of Information Act. But that’s only because they are in ‘NO’ position.

Should the Opposition resign?

New Leader Assumes Office On British West Indies Isle (2010)

Mr. Victor F. Banks was sworn in today as Chief Minister after his Anguilla United Front (AUF) Party won five of the seven seats in the Legislative Assembly of the British dependency.

Mr. Banks’ victory came at a time when the nation is in its worst economic difficulties due to the crippling recession.

In a victory rally with supporters earlier today, Mr. Banks said, retrofitting Psalm 94:16 –“you rise up for the AUF against our political opponents now friends. Now I am asking you to stand with us in taking this nation to the next level, in the face of any challenges that will come our way.” Mr. Banks continues: “our message of hope, unity and strength going forward will generate the kind of opportunities necessary for Anguilla’s prosperity. Let us start the liberation process and lay the foundation for our reconstitution, stability, security, economic growth and prosperity for our new nation. Under my leadership, we must enter this new awakening with resilience, trust, obligation, togetherness and appreciation… let’s get to work!”

Chief Minister Banks has been the longest serving Minister of Finance on Anguilla and has worked with every successful Anguilla Government Administration. Since Anguilla’s dependency on Britain in July of 1971, Chief Minister Banks is the first tertiary educated head of state on that British Overseas Territory.

The two other seats in the assembly went to the Anguilla Progressive Party's (APP) Ms Palmovan Webster and independent candidate Mr. Edison Baird; leaving former Chief Minister and Opposition leader Hubert Hughes’ party, the Anguilla United Movement AUM) without representation for the first time in over 25 years.

CHANGE?

The Opposition lacks cohesiveness and chemistry; and instead of realising a best suitable qualified leadership for Anguilla, it preferred to ridicule and destructively destroy reputations with its fear mongering smeared campaigns.

It’s embarrassing for too long now, that while an intelligent globe seeks to select their elite to compete and lead; we were yet deselecting our elite and electing our non-intelligent animals. Where their arrogance and unpreparedness were much focus of attention and entertainment at international forums and head of states gatherings; only returning to a gullible nation with a general term, an overused word – Informative!

We are tired of outdated, misinformed, misguided, visionless, disingenuous, clueless candidates who are simply suffering from cases of self-importance.

The Anguilla United Front Government has effected that kind of change for Anguilla - the change that elevates, with associated respectability. The kind of meritorious change which demands instant attention, not seeks. Leadership which ensures that the work of the people is properly done and done properly; quality leadership with the qualifications a nation so yearns.

This election the choices couldn’t be simpler – a destructive dreamwork visionless loose-cannon Opposition; or crystal-clear continuation of good governance, real growth and a nation’s prosperity?

Anguilla… THINK!

A Shameful Opposition

It’s a shame contending with an Opposition that do not mustard neither the Political Maturity nor the IQ to understand a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) ... and you yet asking this nation to trust you with your immaturity and lack of or bogus intelligence?

It is inherent upon us to demand such intelligence for our kids; likewise a nation so yearns.

Those dark days of trials and errors are done – we demand guaranteed precision governance; a qualified government of the People, by the People, for the People.

We are not going to be bamboozled back into embarrassment; back to the days when we had the least prepared and most arrogant laugh-at representation in the whole of the Western Hemisphere.

This new nation will continue to advance, grow leaps and bounds sadly beyond the Dreamwork Visionless Oppositions’ comprehension. Where the sky is others' limit; it's our stepping ground.

The path of destructive politics, division, disorganization, greed, lack of IQ, unqualified and guesswork trials and failures by the Dreamwork Visionless Oppositions’ nutshell mentality fear-mongering approach, delivering failed leadership and governments are over-with forever.

The Leader Of The Opposition Health is Apparently Gravely Deteriorating

The nation is in a state of shock and is very sadden about the apparent deteriorating health of the Hon. Hubert Hughes, Opposition Leader, after a dismal appearance in a live warm-up debate on radio, Up-Beat FM - 24th, October - with the Deputy Leader of Government business and Leader of the Anguilla United Front Party (AUF), Mr. Victor F. Banks.

His disgraceful debacle and wellbeing worried both his nephews, both physicians, so much that it is reported that they summoned him to their clinic for a complete medical check-up.

Listeners reported of obvious sudden involuntary sleep disorder, slurred voice, lack of attention and a serious lack of memory; displaying symptoms that the Hon. Mr. Hughes may be suffering from Narcolepsy and/or Dementia.

Narcolepsy symptoms are characterized by excessive sleepiness, dreaming during naps and experiencing dream-like hallucinations as you fall asleep. Loss of muscle control (called cataplexy) that occurs with emotion, such as laughing or anger are also symptoms; and may explain why the Hon. Opposition Minister seems to be constantly dishing out gobbledygook uncontrollably.

However, symptoms of Dementia were long known in the diplomatic circle where he long loses his integrity, for lack of memory or failing to tell the truth, that he neither studied nor holds a degree from Britain’s prestigious University, the University of Oxford, the oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world - and is regarded as one of the world's leading academic institutions. An in-depth record search reveals that neither the name nor the person: Hubert Benjamin Hughes - attended or read for a degree at that learning institution.

The “Honourable” Opposition Leader, Mr. Hubert Benjamin Hughes, has long contended that he holds a degree in Finance and Economics from that learning institution.

In light of this revelation: should the “Honourable” Opposition Leader make known his academic accomplishments?

Anguilla Oppositions diagnosed with Swine Flu

The Anguilla political oppositions have been diagnosed with swine flu, the Minister of Health office confirmed to the nation just a few moments ago.

The oppositions gained instant notoriety in July when in the face of their irresponsible destructive criticisms on irrelevant accusations on government’s fiscal irresponsibility; the United Kingdom Government still find it prudent to complement government’ foresight. This was in the midst of the recession when the G20 heads of governments, including Britain’s, were asking its members to inject cash flow to rescue their economies and turn around the recession.

All this lack of foresight was after the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, unveiled a $1.1 trillion (£747 billion) rescue fund for the global economy at the end of the G20 summit in London.

Government commitment to cutting public expenditure has seen government reluctantly cutting civil servants salaries; a measure the oppositions felt wasn’t far enough. Oppositions are hell-bent on further decreasing civil servants numbers and further reducing their pay. This is at a time when the Government of Anguilla has attracted its most qualified civil servants to date.

Anguilla – a free-market base economy – has seen skyrocketing uncontrollable cost of living in the midst of the recession at a time when other countries around the world were reducing theirs. In 2008, acting under advice and much concerned, the Government of Anguilla was forced to increase civil servants salaries – a civilized move which was met by much denunciation from the oppositions.

The Government of Anguilla has pledged to do everything within its power to protect its civil servants wellbeing at any cost and promised to repay cuts in the future.

In his confident but charismatic nature, the Health Minister extended sympathy however jovially amuses the media when he said: “perhaps this is Almighty God sending a clear message to the electorate - to keep their distance.

Hubert Hughes, the least informed but still in his attack mode said to the nurse at his bedside, “I’ll be just fine, some jabs will do.”

The Health Minister said he plans to get the H1N1 vaccination soon, but only after the majority of Anguillians receive it first.

As the oppositions head off to seclusion while they recover, the government of Anguilla will use this opportunity to correct much destructive criticism, lies, rumours and innuendoes perpetrated by the Dreamwork Visionless Oppositions.

HAYDN HUGHES GONE MISSING

Haydn Hughes' Facebook and Anguilla Transparency's Facebook have refused to debate the real issues affecting your children, yourself and this tranquill nation and have gone missing. To this end, find him out to be a compounded-liar and you will be removed from their Facebook contacts forthwith. This guy is armed and dangerous with, a loose cannon shooting filth and spreading lies, rumours and innuendoes across this Christian nation.

The Government and people of Anguilla are on a high alert for any gobbledygook filth blanketing the nation; and are asking specifically the young to be vigilant of any sightings. The vulnerable must seek immediate cover as these destructive elements tend to prey on the weak, the less educated, the innocent and the disenfranchised electorate.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Mr. Haydn Hughes please notify the authorities immediately.

... and you thought that he was only a political prostitute.

The 5th Season

It is the Silly Season once again and I can’t help but reminisce how mush sillier we Anguillians become around this time. Though not late summer, this season is characterized by exaggerated news stories about frivolous matters for want of real news; real issues… they called it politics… we called it bullshit. And in the Anguilla context, we are in a constant state of… whatever you call it.

It’s the season where you, the disenfranchised electorate’s intelligence, are repeatedly belittled, trust prostituted and/or postulated, brainwashing exaggerations, innuendoes and frivolous discourse saturate the atmosphere; where political discrimination become the norm.

Frankly speaking, the electorate is weary of the relentlessly tainting and hoodwinking of our political atmosphere with purposelessness and echoing deafening waves backed by tribal patronage.

Let us not bush our chances for a brighter future through false choices, tribalism, omissions, false hopes and a dreamworks visionless opposition.

Let us not allow gluttony, disrespect and deceitfulness ‘glaucomaed’ our vision to global ills.

In the midst of this Silly Season… THINK!

Wisely.

ANGUILLA ILLEGAL PROSTITUTION RING

Recent finding by a London university research on Political Immoralities shows that Anguilla has the largest number of Political Prostitutes per capita in the Western Hemisphere; and further suggests that Anguilla has the worst political climate for virgin Politicians. It concludes that the electorate has allowed political prostitutes to run rampant, screwing people left, right and centre unfettered.

This is most surprising for Anguilla, an island where prostitution is outright illegal.

Researchers revealed that since our dependency on Britain in July of 1971, almost all of Anguilla political whorehouses' long standing residents have prostituted themselves to get into political office, where political parties pimped to enjoy the benefits of their whores, and special interest groups pay to gain favours through pimps and independent prostitutes.

This transparent immorality has been transmitted throughout the whole political-colony on Anguilla. The researchers’ findings revealed that since Hubert Hughes’ promiscuous Vote-Of-No-Confidence on 1st February 1977 - Ronald, Albena, Emile, Jerome, Pam, Sam, John, Joyce, Clifton, Victor, Eddie, Neil, Evan, David, Julian, Leroy, Fabian, Statchel, Alan, Maurice, Lolita, Camile, Merrit, Rugby, Everet, Cutwin, Valencia, Bertram, Barbara, Conrad, Arrindel, Watkin, Roberts, Osbourne, Nesmous, Eric, Orealia, Ophelia, Eddie, Belto, Kenneth, Terry, Curtis, Lorenzo, Cardigan, Sutcliffe, Haydn, Brent, Walcott, Patrick, Wilmoth, Elkin and Iwandi have all sinned and felled short of their political matrimonial vows by committing political adultery, a glorified sin by all political enthusiast on Anguilla.  

Their findings however revealed that Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge was screwed most and hardest by every political party on Anguilla before been dumped. As one islander puts it in colloquial terms: “he got laid proper!”

Researchers at Yale’s Political Infidelity Research Institution (YPIRI) in the United States concluded that candidates suffering with Permanent Political Vengeful Syndrome (PPVS), a condition associated with political prostitution, will show signs of grave arrogance, dishonesty and integrity-deficit and will transmit disunity, mistrust, confusion and instability - resulting in an economic derailment or nation disaster. The real danger of being a political prostitute is that such disingenuous politicians are only seeking to satisfy their political whims rather than the interest of the nation.

However, the condition is not debilitating and can be cured by compromising narcissistic behaviours. Most political prostitutes when cured, contribute earnestly to economic growth, stability, and social development of their societies.

ANTICIPATED FIRE AND BRIMSTONE WAS A POP!!

The much anticipated interview between the opposition’s host of the Radio program - On The Spot – and the Hon. Mr. Victor F Banks - deputy leader of government business and present leader of the ruling Anguilla United Front party, was one which has seen added government support and brings much clarity to the destructive accusations propagandised by our Visionless Oppositions.

The Hon. Minister has eloquently acquitted himself fearlessly and accurately to the much surprise of the electorate who anticipated fire and brimstone turns out to be a pop; that even the host of the program was supportive with kudos and condoned most of government’s hard work and initiatives in taking the nation forward.

Much of the oppositions’ concern was the sale by our indigenous bank, National Bank of Anguilla, of a prime and secure beach front property with a hotel at Cinnamon Reef; a property which the Government of Anguilla has indirectly purchased through a subsidiary investment company of the Anguilla Social Security, for the development of a much needed hospitality learning institution... a government of the People, by the People, for the People.

As a single industry economy, the Government of Anguilla is mindful and of the positive view that such an institution is vital to growth and sustainability of this industry and in turn, a vibrant economy.

Anguilla swept the medal board at the TASTE of the CARIBBEAN in June, when a young Anguillian Team confirmed without doubt Anguilla's position as the premier culinary destination in the Caribbean. Team Captain Chef GLENDON CARTY (of Ripples and Cap Juluca), a 35 year old Anguillian gained a Gold Medal for his performance and was subsequently voted overall 'CARIBBEAN CHEF of the YEAR 2009" - a highly respected and sought after accolade.

In his rounds of clarifying much lies, rumours and innuendoes from the destructive Dreamwork Visionless Opposition camps, the Hon. Minister is scheduled to appear on the program – In Your Face – 97.7FM UP-Beat on Saturday evening.

Who Am I?

Realist Spikenice is a fairly taught pragmatic independent thinker who believes in the provocation of realism and concerned issues; with the dissemination of opinions, viewpoints or imaginaries, and maybe some lampooning! I am simply a Realist that spike nicely.

At no point, has the Anguilla United Front Party made contact with me (personally, electronically or post) with contributions of any material disseminating via Anguilla Concerned Rumours; Anguilla Concerned Rumours Facebook Page; or Realist Spikenice’ Facebook Notes.

Realist Spikenice’s independent ‘reality crusade’ started roughly over 2-years in an effort to stimulate and educate the electorate as to the much unwanted and untruthful damaging filth propaganda circulating over the internet by our retired Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judge – disgraceful Ian Donaldson Mitchell (Corrupt de-Don) – about our beloved tranquility. All this was at a time when the Oppositions were engaged in his support while destructively destroying our nation home... Anguilla.

If you were a recipient of my emails over the years, you would if attentive, observed my disclaimer which read:

Neither the Government of Anguilla, United Kingdom or the United States of America nor any elected official, member of any opposition party or any law enforcement agency contributed to any part thereof nor is responsible for any such discourse aforementioned or its dissemination. Unauthorised amendments and/or editing and dissemination of this initial discourse are strictly prohibited without my prior written permission and may be unlawful. However, an excerpt(s) may be use for base or expanding discussion.

I therefore request of you, to please let’s be respectful to each other’ intelligence and independent thoughts.

Realist Spikenice believes that voting is not simply about dictating conscience but rather an educational process where on Election Day you are given an examination; the results are your future success... or failure. This ritual or consciously tribal selection process which has plague Anguilla from the dawn of elections must come to an end if we ought to build a successful nation.

No one should vote for these empty vessels Oppositions out of sympathy or a slogan called change, but rather not vote for them because they are clueless, disorganized and destructive for the future growth, development and stability of Anguilla.

Why am I status-quo?

The oppositions do not seem to have ideas, inspirations or individuals who can combine effectively to confront the Anguilla United Front (AUF) brand of democracy. They have almost subordinated their thinking and tactics to the AUF’s rather than being novice in their approach or having no principled stand over any issue.

They are disorganized with deep-seated disunity and mistrust between the groupings.

They have resolved themselves to the party of ‘NO’ at any cost - with the ‘I don’t kNOw’ alternative policy regarding how to solve any nagging problems. There is no coherent alternative approach; instead they all are simply wasting time pouncing on the government on matters of tactics and minor hair-cracks and leaks rather than supplying real solid solutions or some other visionary complement.

How insignificantly more must the Opposition felt, where in the face of its destructive criticisms on irrelevant accusations on government’s fiscal irresponsibility; the United Kingdom Government still find it prudent to complement government’ foresight.

And the NOs go on with the I don’t kNOw alternative or introductory legislation on: the Port Authority; the Proceeds of Crime Bill; the stalled Planning Bill; Employment Protection Legislation with a National Minimum Wage; Consumer Protection Legislations etc.

There are various issues on economic, social and other fronts where the Government does not have clarity of policies. Sadly though, our Oppositions do not have the self-confidence to challenge the government on its all round failures.

An opposition, which wants to persuade the electorate that it ought to be in a position of power, has the obligation to be pragmatistic; come up with real alternative policies, ideas and vision; and must not be devoid of new ideas or creative thinking if they feel that the Government of Anguilla has a poor dismal record.

A failure in all these areas concludes that our Oppositions do not have intellectual clarity, the vision or the political maturity to tell the government that the overall security of the country is intrinsically linked with good governance.

But they brag and boast about their greed assures - their personal achievements through detriments of their victims’ derailments. So what have they done for you lately - never assist always desist, no admiration only rejection. Disunited and disorganized as be; they are not fit to lead neither you nor me.

They have simply sit idle-by - waiting and watching for the government to stumble from one mess to another… then destructively criticize.

Tell me why must I waste my vote on them set of losers?

Teamwork or Dreamwork?

At the end of this silly process of electing Teamwork for continue growth and prosperity for Anguilla, the nation must unite at roundtables to create the opportunities for all Anguillians; and discussions for the liberation and reconstitution of our country. We must enter a new stage of unity and trust, struggle and rebuilding; applying all means necessary, working forcibly to eradicate all destructive forces.

Today, not surprisingly we are in an economic-cleansing called a recession, but the reality is that we are way past a hopelessness-cleansing. Sadly so, this will involve a vital part of our parliamentary democracy – our Dreamwork Visionless Oppositions.

Our way forward must be based on confidence, track record, realizing set objectives - a program mapped out which will serve the interest of all Anguillians. Anguillians have proven over the years that we have the capacity to resolve our own issues ourselves provided that we are given the opportunity to do so without destructive and selfish interferences.

Under sound leadership, the Government and people of Anguilla must hold the firm conviction and stance of our legitimacy and legitimate concerns and speak with one accord, one voice, one song.

This election the choices for leadership couldn’t be simpler: continue stability, growth and prosperity or back to the Stone-Age.

This election… Think.

Wisely!

A near miss for the Government and people of Anguilla

The Diplomatic and Intelligent Community decoded what the United Kingdom (UK) Government signaled via the Hon. Chris Bryant, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, this way:

The UK Government expresses confidence in the ruling Anguilla United Front Government in the face of its [UK] rejections to similar BOT’s requests and local Oppositions’ insensitive and senseless, inexperience and destructive criticisms.

The United Kingdom government takes into consideration - that despite Anguilla’s breach on the agreed UK/Anguilla borrowing guidelines, for which the UK Government takes seriously, the UK government is committed to credible partnerships and tried and tested (experience) leadership; prosperity and stability in its territories; and continued good governance and trust established between the Anguilla United Front and the UK Governments.

However, the UK Government foremost takes seriously (emphasis) that the obligation of freedom (independence) is the willingness and ability to stand on our own feet. It reverberates that this can only be realized with immediate and courageous plans to broaden Anguilla's revenue base even in the agony of defeat.

The UK Government further recommended, like the constitution review recommended committees, the use of ‘professional interim consultants’ on incisive advice and actionable recommendations. And with backgrounds in strategy, project management, government and research, and no family ties - they are capable of tackling any task.

Anguillians are still enjoying the luxury of being a tax free nation simply because their government - with the lack of finances, legislation or enforcement - is too weak to intervene in the private affairs of the people. As of such, rather than Orders-in-Council or heavy handedness; interim consultants are less intrusive, affordable, friendlier, and are a ‘more’ flexible way to scale up projects, bring in external expertise and deliver genuine strategic modeling for broadening Anguilla’s revenue base.

It is the absence of such plans, including details on how existing and any further debt will be paid back over the next 3-5 years, and planned changes to Anguilla’s taxation policy, coupled with the Anguilla and UK Parliamentary elections due in 6 months, the British government cannot agree to Anguilla’s entire borrowing request.

The Government of Anguilla and electorate welcome the UK Government strategic intervention and take seriously their administering power concerns.

The Diplomatic and Intelligent Community is of the view in 2009, that if the Oppositions do not have the intelligence to comprehend such diplomacy - then they are ‘not fit for purpose’.

Anguilla Won!

The United Kingdom has expressed its confidence in the ruling Anguilla United Front Government in the face of its rejections to similar BOT’s requests and local Oppositions destructive criticisms. This coded message was sent to the Anguillian Chief Minister, The Hon. Mr. Osbourne Fleming, from the Hon. Chris Bryant, the United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The United Kingdom MP confirmed that despite Anguilla’s breach on the agreed UK/Anguilla borrowing guidelines, the British Government is committed to good governance and the trust established between both governments. However, the UK Government has emphasized that the obligation of freedom is the willingness to stand on your own feet. According to the UK Government, this can only be realized with immediate plans to broaden Anguilla's revenue base even in the agony of defeat.

It is the absence of such plans, including details on how existing and any further debt will be paid back over the next 3-5 years, and planned changes to Anguilla’s taxation policy, coupled with the Anguilla and UK Parliamentary elections due in 6 months, the British government cannot agree to Anguilla’s entire borrowing request.

Anguillians are still enjoying the luxury of being a tax free nation simply because their government - with the lack of finances, legislation or enforcement - is too weak to intervene in the private affairs of the people. However, immediate stringent tax measures must be implemented by our next Parliament no matter which.

Unlike Ian Donalson Mitchell's distasteful and direspectful characterization of the Honourable UK Parliamentarian, Mr. Bryant has demonstrated nothing safe professionalism. This professionalism has baffled our Visionless-Oppositions back to the drawing board… the drawing board of destructive criticism.

Destructive change we can do without.

Racism or Guilt?

Across the United States of America, people have been vehemently protesting Obama’s proposal for health care reform. Thousands have gathered at town hall meetings to show their representatives that they oppose Congress’s plan to completely overhaul healthcare in America. Representatives in favor of the current proposals insist that the protests are due to “people just getting information that’s flat wrong,” such as that care will be rationed, health saving accounts will be illegal, private insurance companies will be driven out of business by the public option, etc. As there is no substantial alternative opposing debate; ‘race’ becomes the issue.

This mirrored the Anguilla’s situation on a critical piece of legislation, the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2010. Misinformation through unprofessional, non-analytical, unsubstantiated, antagonizing filth material, filled with uncalled-for fear-mongering and childish issues. Oppositions are more afraid of losing their ill-gotten gains, than wiping out criminal activities on Anguilla. So much so that the supposedly educated racist culprits are competing for supreme idiocy; though at extreme ends of the spectrum.

Dissatisfactions about proposed amendments to a toothless Act; originally ram through a lame-duck Parliament under duress from our “criminal-coup” (Anguilla Bar Association, the Anguilla Financial Services Association and the Anguilla Christian Council Association) - an Act destined revisiting.

In essence, this Act was treated like a Private Bill.

Ironically or interestingly, these are the said culprits who are interested in ‘Integrity Legislation’ and a ‘Freedom of Information Act’ for Anguilla. If it is good for the Goose, it must be good for the Gander!

Open your eyes and ears Anguillians! A POCA is a ‘catch all’ effective piece of legislation use in the fight against hidden criminal activities. It’s the best piece of legislation any legitimate government should implement. It’s one of the best tools our law-enforcement agencies can equip themselves with.

And does the United Kingdom have a POCA? Explanatory Notes were found here.

Say No, to our criminal-coup and racist Lolita – and let the democratic elected Government of Anguilla lead.

The other option is - to be treated like a child by an Order-In-Council.

Have you wonder why I am quoting 2010?

Prepared Remarks of President Barack ObamaBack to School Speech

Prepared Remarks of President Barack ObamaBack to School Event
Arlington, VirginiaSeptember 8, 2009

The President:

Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.

I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.

I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.

Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."

So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.

Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.

I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.

And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.

Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.

Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.

And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.

And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.

You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.

We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.

Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.

I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.

So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.

But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.

Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.

But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying.

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.
That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.

Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.

I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.

And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.

Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.

That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.

Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.

I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.

But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.

That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.

No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.

And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.

The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.

It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.

So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.