ADDRESS TO THE NATION

Fellow Anguillians, over the past two weeks I have addressed you on the present state of affairs in Anguilla. I stressed that for us here in Anguilla with leadership responsibilities we will no doubt continue to have another very difficult and challenging year ahead under the existing financial and economic circumstances being experienced globally. I reminded you that during these difficult times what is a fundamental necessity, is sound, steadfast, visionary, selfless, humble, realistic and pragmatic guidance through conscious and stable leadership in every segment of our society and especially in the leadership of government business – which I am afraid is absent in Anguilla at this time. Further in my addresses I highlighted among many other things the following: 

1.The style, approach and attitude of our Chief Minister Hubert Hughes has created an atmosphere of political instability, and that creating conflict with investors when there is no justification for such conflict is not in best interest of AXA. And that the unnecessary, disrespectful war of words from the CM with respect to the British Governor, the minister responsibility for Overseas Territories Minister, the Secretary of State and the British Government as a whole serves not meaningful purpose at this time.

2. The situation in Anguilla calls for an atmosphere of patience, understanding, peace, partnership and mutual respect between Britain and ourselves…. Not threats of another revolution, no threats of violence and bloodshed.

3. We need to look beyond the charges and denials of the past year. In particular, we need to look to better days of collaborative partnership and the forward movement of Anguilla from its current state of affairs. We need to engage the British Government in a civil, intellectual, respectful and mutual dialogue as it pertains to all aspects of the Anguillian situation. This I am afraid, will not be accomplished with the style, attitude and approach of our present Chief Minister.

4. We should all hold our Chief Minister, his advisors, henchmen and his colleagues accountable to the people of Anguilla for the truth. No more tall tales, no more imaginary wars in order to obtain independence, no more political destabilization of our Anguillian society to hide the inadequacies of his government and blaming his weaknesses and failings on everyone else.

Fellow Anguillians, I said all of that with the hope that the Chief Minister, his advisors, henchmen and his colleagues will pause for a while and think of the impact that their approach and attitude to the overall development of AXA have negative consequences. I had hoped that the CM would realize:-

1. That his abusive, disrespectful, combative and confrontational style, attitude and approach toward the British are impediments to serious dialogue in dealing with the budget situation;

2. That his call and that of his cohorts for a fight-- and his utterances of violence are negatively affecting our tourism industry and scaring developers and financiers away. We have already heard of vacation cancellations by some tourists. Certainly that banner at the roundabout only adds to the apprehension that our visitors now have to visiting Anguilla;

3. That the fear he and his colleagues have planted in the minds of the civil service and many Anguillians, has now created an atmosphere of uncertainty and confusion about the future of Anguilla;

4. That the call for independence by him, his advisors, colleagues and henchmen without an outline plan or clear path, has further frightened most Anguillians into a state of hopelessness and despair of the future. This has been compounded by the racist and disrespectful comments from his platforms by persons who should know better;

5. That the present series of independent rallies further serves to polarize the people of Anguilla and at a time, as he puts it, that we need to come together in the best interest of Anguilla and its inhabitants.

6. that the division in his government, which he has confirmed, needs to be addressed if investors are to have confidence in the political stability of Anguilla.

7. Fellow Anguillians I could go on and on about how the style, attitude and approach of the CM, his advisors and colleagues are affecting Anguilla today and causing serious obstructions for us getting through these difficult financial and economic circumstances being experienced globally. The CM and team have failed to realize the harm that they are causing to our blessed island Anguilla. I am, however, confident that you the people of Anguilla have all recognized this and you are now quietly sending a clear message to the CM that you are disgusted with his attitude, style and approach to the issues confronting AXA.

While the CM continues on his present path of attack, disrespect and confrontation, we have heard of a letter written to him by the Governor regarding allegations of wrong doings by the Hon Walcott Richardson. This is another issue that the CM needs to deal with urgently, so that the people of AXA can be informed with the factual information., and in keeping with his promise for transparency, I call on him to publish the contents of that letter so that we all would be aware of its contents and would be able make up our own minds about the allegations.

Fellow Anguillians, Anguilla is at the crossroads, how we operate going forward will determine where we end up. I again wish to make it abundantly clear that the AUF is not prepared to agree to any budget that includes further cuts in the Civil Service, further reduction in the salaries of civil servants or further increase in taxes on the people of Anguilla. Therefore I urge the Chief Minister and his government to get to the negotiating table with the British Government and in a civil and non-combative manner, agree to a budget that is in the best interest of all Anguillians. The Chief Minister should also note that his call for Independence is not the answer to the budget impasse he has with the British government. He must also be reminded that he has until April 30th 2011 to get the budget approved. Under no circumstances can Independence be achieved by then. So his focus must now be on negotiating a budget for 2011.

Fellow Anguillians, All of us want ANGUILLA to be in a position where we would be able to maximize the opportunities that will be available to us as a result of the global economic recovery that is forecasted------So I urge Chief Minister to:

1.Tone down his rhetoric and call on his team to do the same;

2.Focus on governing Anguilla and not on a self-serving war with the British;

3. As frustrating as it may be for our capable team in the MOF, Accept Minister Bellingham offer of consultants to assist with the preparation of a budget that could be assented to;

4. Establish a broad base private sector team of professionals to assist the local technocrats in preparing a budget/additional recommendations prior to the arrival of the consultants from the UK.

5. Carefully study the Watson Expenditure report on “potential savings in Government expenditure” with the view of adopting any recommendations that are seen as useful for the budget process and which would not plunge Anguilla into an irreparable financial and social position.

6. Focus on resolving the divide within his cabinet so as to restore political stability to Anguilla, and;

7. Quickly move to bring closure to the allegations made against Mr Walcott Richardson.

Fellow Anguillians the aim of the Chief Minister should be to restore civility to Anguilla, where Anguillians, residents and visitors to our shores can live in peace and without fear of violence and victimization. The AUF certainly recognizes the need for us not to contribute or to be involved in or fueling of the present disrespectful, abusive and combative attitude of the CM and his team. We recognize that the bigger picture is Anguilla and all Anguillians, and we must play our part to ensure that we do not contribute to anything that would jeopardize the future that we all so desire and deserve. The AUF is therefore suspending our planned public meetings for Jan 22 and 29th and is appealing to the CM and team to pause, think about AXA and commence work on the real issues which now confront us as a nation.

In Closing, I call on all the supporters and well wishers of the AUF to understand this difficult, but necessary position of the Party and to remain calm and patient. FOR AFTER ALL---WE LOVE HER ,HOLD HER DEAR TO OUR HEARTS……ANGUILLA IS BIGGER THAN ALL OF US.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING—GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AXA.

By: Hon. Mcniel Rogers, Leader of the Opposition.

REASON AND COMPROMISE!!!!!

Part of the art form in politics is the skillful use of reasoning and compromise. Most people reject dogma because it tends to frame the rationale for autocracy; “Reasoning” is the key word in persuasive logic and builds on the theory that it is an acceptable determination that politicians use facts and logic to persuade or influence people that their ideas will meet their needs. This make people feel at ease, but this is often done through fear and trickery as well. Compromise is an agreement in which you give up something in order to get something from another person or group. It is said that the American political philosophy is built on compromise and the Constitutional Convention of 1778 was able to frame the Constitution of The United States of America only because delegates with different ideas were able to reach the Great Compromise. There are three points you should particularly keep in mind about facts and logic. (1) Statements that appear to be factual may very well be true ---- but they may also be false. Where they are false, reason based on them can mislead you. (2) Alert readers and listeners can find out whether such statements are true by doing research (3) even when the factual- types statements are true you can still be misled if the logic is faulty. The real objective is influence, even while politicians try to influence other people they also work the art by accepting and utilizing part of someone else idea to achieve their goal, this too is known as compromise.

The British Government is executing a very skillful management of the budgetary process for Anguilla and its economic pursuit, There is no doubt that there is bias in the way they want to deal with this government, simply because they themselves have thrown up red flags and sound obscure warnings of which the British have taken notice. There is also strategy in all of this because the end result, when all have failed, it remains an absolute responsibility of the British Government to ensure the solvency of the island whether that is through their astute management and control or the alternative, a similar situation of Turks and Caicaos which would mandate them to inject the necessary financial means to correct the situation. The problem we have on the island is that our government does not understand the level of diplomatic reasoning the British is applying and therefore is not responding in like manner.

The question is; what is the United Kingdom’s interest? As I see it, they are bound by United Nation’s conventions and declaration to guarantee the rights and privileges of those Dependent Territories they still posses, so it is, and should be a very keen interest of the British government to ensure that the Government of Anguilla governs responsibly at its own expense primarily and not theirs, and therefore they are obligated under their own stresses to enforce those specific guidelines in precarious times as all of the world is experiencing, because certainly if Britain has to make the necessary input in our budgetary matters it would be at the expense of them managing the island directly, which is an option. Smart government is obviously being eluded here. The way our government is conducting itself from The Valley Anguilla in the North Eastern Caribbean is ridiculous. The cry that Britain wants our Paradise is pure nonsense, overstated, unnecessarily perpetuated, and ridiculously insinuated. Where is the evidence of this? If you want to convince a bank to refinance your personal situation you have to present them with a well drafted letter with fact and logic to influence their direction and not run to the police.

The letter of January 10th 2011 from The Minister for Overseas Territories, Mr. Henry Bellingham to Mr. Hubert Hughes (GoA) The Minister advised Mr. Hughes that he is convinced that the Government of Anguilla is not competent enough to prepare a balanced budget for the years 2013 and asked Mr. Hughes to step aside from the process and agree for him to pay two independent experts to draw up and implement a three year fiscal forecast and a three year cash-flow management plan to be publishes by the end of February 2011. The Minister actually despised the fact that the island does not have the ability to chart a fiscally sound course going forward. The Minister appears to be telling Mr. Hughes that he feels it is a deliberate attempt in their failure to reduce expenditure for the island because doing so affects the present salaries, wages and personal emoluments of the Ministers and civil servants and referenced to a report by Mark Watson that this is the real problem the country faces, which is a major share of the total expenditure of the island. He further mentioned that between 2007 and 2009 the wages and salaries of government increased by 23 million and called on the civil service to be rolled back to 2007 levels and introduce prudent cuts in the salaries.

Our Government has not responded with Reason and has not shown Compromised. They have not provides a rebuttal report on behalf of the country indicating their rationale, which they could have been assisted with if so requested by the vast resources of Caricom and or the OECS, and provide a counter argument. Instead; Mr. Hughes Asked; what is our choices, and he chose confrontation with the British by heading to West End and giving a speech for the open consideration of Independence from Britain. The last paragraph of the Minister’s letter states “I hope that the Government of Anguilla chooses cooperation over confrontation. I believe if Anguilla has a documented valid counter argument, it would be considered, that is part of the process to substantiate our case; the British argument is supported by report after report while our government has not represented the island well by providing a report of any kind while screaming aloud, the British is coming, the British is coming. Whereas, Hughes’s government is now viewed as obstructionists and part of the problem, The British has a legitimate claim and a fair argument. They did not ask to increase taxes, The British called for reformation of the tax code. Increasing taxes is our government’s simple alternative because they have refused to cut back on the legitimate areas that caused the increases in the first place. And failed miserably in what make politics the great science and art form of government, ‘the ability to reason and compromise.’

By: ejharrigansxm

“WE WANT THEM OUT”

Our political discourse is now driven by anonymous forces whether that’ll be persons calling in on the many radio talk shows or those utilizing the social sites available to carry on a conversation or make a statement, either way these people prefer to be heard and not seen. The social media site axareality is actually a direct link to Anguilla politics. In recent weeks there is a constant cry from activists utilizing this site saying “WE WANT THEM OUT” Obviously a cry like this would most likely not be heard nor take seriously because of the nature of the site, here activists post their opinions and comments which are largely not in favor of the performance of this government and reflects the frustration being experienced on the island. Such postings and commentary should not be dismissed because they reflect growing opinions of people who want their message out with anonymity.

We all must be careful not to dismiss calls from AUM for independence. While this might not reflect a popular opinion it has stimulated serious discussion in recent weeks. It must be noted that such a call will indeed take on significance and must be treated with a degree of seriousness coming from a sitting Chief Minister. Considering that AUM is a force in our political discourse today, such a call would resonate. AUM won the last election and therefore they command a significant following. AUF as the next legitimate political force on the island must equip its self with a trustworthy alternative for the people because the current atmosphere on the island will damage AUM and its political credibility simply because the way this appeal is handled is indicative of a group clutching for straws and not taking the business of government serious. Present calls 'to get them out' are reactionary because this government has failed in its execution of governing and has embarked on a direction that has not come before the people in any form. AUF must oppose the independent call not from an opposition standpoint but pure logic. There is reason to acknowledge that independence is an option in the final analysis, but not just yet. But AUF must not make the same mistake as AUM by inciting the public in open campaign on an issue that has not met minimum scrutiny in judgment, recognizing however, that it is probably a legitimate call to arms to begin the process of educating the people through forums, open discussion and debates on the pros and cons, the challenges, and goal ahead to our political future. Open campaigning in a governing period is destabilization of the political process. Both parties tend to engage in this at interval which perhaps incites anger and stress on the electorate. We must engage through alternative informative means.

The chant “WE WANT THEM OUT” is one that would perhaps fall on deaf eyes, but it should bring to the attention of this government the disenchantment of the voters out there, many whom have voted them in office and are now seriously disgusted with the ongoing situation on the island and want to see civility together with a vigorous debate on the issues the country is currently confronted with. The opposition Leader the honorable Mc. Neil Rogers must be commended for his call for respect for ourselves and The British government and to cool down the revolutionary and violent talk with promise for bloodshed. He further asked the Chief Minister to be ready to carry on a civil dialogue and intellectual engagement on the issue of greater self determination. Former Finance minister Victor Banks must also be highly commended for raising the level of the debate in his latest column calling for a greater level of autonomy in the internal management of our country pointing out that full internal self government is an option. Mr. Banks clearly seems willing to challenge Mr. Hughes on the premise of Anguilla’s constitutional development, asserting our fundamental right to Full Internal self Government. He almost categorized the present independent movement as human sharks in a feeding frenzy for power and supremacy. The questions that must be asked will this government yield to any degree of logic or we’ll have to join in the chant “WE WANT THEM OUT “to bring civility back to the country.

By: ejharrisxm

“A FEEDING FRENZY”

Last week in my column I paid due respect to the “brilliant presentation” made by the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers, as he sought to bring Anguilla and Anguillians back to a state of reason and balance. Already the New Year began as 2010 ended with the Chief Minister continuing to “provoke panic, alarm, subversion and diversion on our streets and in our prisons”. Mr. Rogers’ comments demonstrated sound leadership throughout his speech but in particular he spoke with great wisdom and understanding when he said among other things:

“The situation in Anguilla calls for an atmosphere of patience, understanding, peace, partnership and mutual respect between ourselves and Britain. Not threats of revolution, violence and bloodshed. We have struggled long and hard and without bloodshed to reach the status Anguilla now enjoys. While we desire to press forward toward greater self-determination, we must do so the correct way so that our deeds and history would not condemn us in the final analysis. We need to look beyond the charges and denials of the past year in particular, to better days of collaborative partnership and the forward movement of Anguilla from its current state of affairs …… we need to engage the British Government in a civil, intellectual, respectful and mutual dialogue as it pertains to all aspects of the Anguillian situation. This I am afraid, will not be accomplished with the style, attitude and approach of our present Chief Minister.”

To my mind this admonishment by the Leader of the Opposition in and of itself gave us a clear indication of what needs to be done at this time to move Anguilla forward on a pathway to a successful resolution of the issues we now face. I was therefore shocked to hear the shameless response by the Chief Minister to that presentation as he again launched into an almost maniacal attack on his usual targets --- but most of all in a manner most unbecoming of his lofty office, he referred to Leader of the Opposition as that “poor little robot Niel”. He then proceeded in his usual indecent manner to question the decency of others simply because they oppose his overbearing rants on the public media. Even after that and other derogatory remarks, which I will not assist him to promulgate, he challenged the distinguished Leader of the Opposition to a debate. As someone remarked he must have been hoping to retaliate for the severe bruising he received during his last encounter with Mr. Rogers in the House of Assembly.

But despite all of the foregoing there have been some positive developments. These probably came as a result of the Opposition’s comments on several media about the behaviour of the Chief Minister and his cohorts as they continue to create an atmosphere of instability to advance their Independence agenda. It appears that the wider community is becoming aware of the absence of any real basis for the call to arms and for waging an “imaginary war of Independence.” Even some of the AUM supporters are calling for the Chief Minister in particular as well as some of his more boisterous supporters to tone down the rhetoric and get on with the business of governance.

I was particularly pleased to hear that a concerned grouping, comprising both clergy and lay persons from different walks of life, met separately with Government and Opposition requesting that they seek to deflate the level of hostility in the atmosphere because they considered it not to be conducive to the stability required to enhance the investor and customer climate. The group reportedly suggested that it would not be necessary to establish which side initiated the situation --- but that each side should agree to relax its aggression. The bad news is that immediately following these talks with the Chief Minister and his colleagues they then proceeded in their next public meeting with the same personal attacks on Members of the Opposition and their supporters. In fact, the Chief Minister himself made statements that are now being processed for libelous action.

It is also to be noted that in the last few days there seems to have been a shift in the strategy of the AUM party and they are now claiming that they are not considering Independence now --- but rather educating the people about the option of Independence. While previous actions and recorded statements by the Chief Minister and his colleagues in no way substantiates this claim --- I am extremely happy to hear this and would encourage my colleagues and our party to participate fully in this educational process. In fact we have been doing so long before this apparent reversal of strategy. Such a reversal however, reinforces our position that there was never any urgency or compelling reasons for the behaviour of the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary to hurry the discussion on Independence in the first instance. Does it mean that the many points that have been made about their “style, attitude and approach” have forced them to reconsider their position or is it that they underestimated the intelligence of the Anguillian Community? In either event I will continue to use repetition to advance the educational process by quoting some more insightful comments from one of my readers as follows:

“Does anyone actually believe all those jets came here only for our beaches, architecture, cuisine or service when there are beautiful beaches and resorts all over the world? Whether we talk about “tranquility wrapped in blue” or “feeling is believing” the message is the same: the feeling of tranquility is the reason we have built a tourist economy. While we may be developing other sectors in the future, we must ask the Chief Minister how we could pay civil servants, at any number or salary, if accommodation tax, surcharges on electricity, duties on supplies, and the precious Social Security funds ceased to come from all the tourism and related businesses with thousands of unemployed hospitality workers --- if this instability destroyed that “feeling” and the confidence in safely coming to our shores? How exactly would independence replace those revenues?

Why is seeking Independence at this time such an urgent matter when other independent states in our region are facing the same and in many cases worse circumstances than we are now experiencing? There is clearly no inherent financial benefit to being an independent country. The whole world has seen how Greece and Portugal have struggled and nearly destabilized the entire European Union. The global banking system standards wouldn’t disappear with independence of Anguilla. The same financial standards would apply to our credit rating whether affiliated with the UK or not, and only a fool would expect that rating to improve for 14,000 people on an island with but one major industry that is dependent on the rest of the global economy. We are not in a financial crisis alone, and we cannot escape it alone.

Why do the rest of the Overseas Territories who also have service oriented economies like Anguilla continue to want to maintain their links with the UK? While the UK may not provide the financial grants and gifts that many have argued have been “due” to us for infrastructure and other developmental needs, those links continue to afford access to education, employment, and in some cases, health care -- in addition to confidence among clientele in Tourism and Financial Services. Nearly every line of every budget is linked, directly or directly, to our hospitality sector -- certainly in the period in which we’ve been asked to balance the budget. What the Chief Minister seems to be missing is that we are actually more independent as an Overseas Territory than if those ties were severed. Those links enable us to create our own wealth while avoiding the humiliation of dependence on foreign aid that has characterized so many newly independent nations.

Would independence be more conducive to attracting clientele in Tourism and Financial Services? With money laundering at the top of the watch list, and as yet, very curious questions surrounding the $200 million loan the Chief Minister approved from a nonexistent business somewhere in Texas, have we not already glimpsed the unsavoury possibilities of borrowing without attending to a balanced budget and developing a plan to adhere to global credit standards? All of that without mentioning the umbrella of global security in a new world since 1967, changed forever in September 2001.”

I am indeed grateful to readers of my column who make my job easier at times by providing such extensive “quotable comments”. Indeed, while I may not entirely agree with all aspects of the statements --- they present reasonable arguments for analyzing the “pros and cons” of the issue of an Independent Anguilla and enables readers to be more widely informed. If writing my column on a weekly basis provides such a platform it gives me another reason to resist the temptation to succumb to pressures from those persons who suggest (some genuinely) that perhaps my writing is an obstruction to the Government’s efforts to manage the affairs of state. In fact, one of the members of the concerned group that met with members of our party suggested that I should “cool out” on the writing for a time. My response, were I in attendance, would have been that even if that were a strategic move in a period of challenge such as this --- the personalities with whom we are dealing do not have a sense of the principles involved and would therefore misinterpret such a concession on my part. In fact based on their present behaviour they would be most likely to consider a request that I should not write to be a justification or proof of the correctness of their position that I should not be allowed to write in the first place. It is this “one-way street” approach to democracy which has been nurtured by a self-serving doctrine called “national government” that is being espoused by the Chief Minister as a launching pad for the “Chavez-style” leadership and that has been to some extent rationalizing the victimization, lack of civility and disregard for procedure which has characterized this Government.

But I would not want to leave the impression that there is no need for a greater level of autonomy in the internal management of our island. In fact, successive Governments have seen this as an ideal arrangement for a mature and modern Anguilla. And it is recognized that such an arrangement requires certain responsibilities as well as check and balances to ensure the preservation of certain fundamental rights of every single Anguillian. Dame Bernice Lake, our very own homegrown constitutional expert, set out that historic reality in a power point presentation she gave some four years ago:-

“The golden thread running through the history of our relations over the past forty years has been the unswerving assertion of our “right of self-determination.” The modernisation of the relations between the two peoples must be seen through the prisms of that persistence with such clarity as to signal the emergence of the status of full internal self-government as a meaningful expression of the spirit of partnership upon which that relationship is to go forward.

a) We were slated to enjoy full internal self-government under the West Indies Act 1967 and the Associated Statehood Status. Under the Act each state had full control over its constitution (and thus internal self-government), while the UK retained responsibility for external affairs and defence. The British Monarch remained head of state but the Governor now had only constitutional powers,

b) Lord Caradon said “Anguilla would not be forced to live under an administration which it did not want”.

c) The contractual arrangement made in 20th -23rd May, 1975, between the British Government in the person of Miss Joan Lester the Minister charged to negotiate a settlement with Anguilla and to steer the constitutional arrangements which could bring the revolutionary impasse to and end. The British government re-affirmed the position declared by Lord Caradon that ‘Anguilla would not be forced to live under an administration which it did not want’. Miss Lester and Sir Duncan Watson unequivocally agreed that “in the future Anguilla would have such constitutional advancement as and when Anguilla asked for it.”

The compelling desire for this status is demonstrated in our recent history by:

l.) The 1998 initiative undertaken by the Hughes’ Administration; There was a call for an “Autonomous State”.

2.) The Carty Committee on Constitutional and Electoral Reform had as its recurring theme the right to determine our status and the need to be fully responsible for our internal affairs;

3.) The Mitchell Commission found that ‘full internal self-government’ was the aspiration of the majority of the people who made representations to that commission.”

What this all points to is that there has always been serious discussion about “full internal self-government” in the context of Anguilla’s Constitutional development. However, it is important to highlight that our long history of struggle for “self-determination” has been constrained by a clear understanding of the need to advance with caution and care as we seek to navigate those precarious waters which threaten to toss us into a sea of uncertainty where our fundamental rights and freedoms are in peril of “human sharks” in “a feeding frenzy” for power and/or political hegemony.

By: Victor F. Banks

      Sachasess Estate

      January 18th, 2011



ANGUILLA’S FALSE PICTURE THAT PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS

Anguilla is a country presently receiving hugely negative connotations to its name amongst the peoples of the world – where its reputation has been mostly ruined and shot down by its Chief Minister, and even in part by the British Government. Far from the country whose people were labelled as a bunch of self-righteous pricks parading around exclaiming their superiority.

But do you know that roughly two-third (2/3) of Anguillians are not in sync with their government?

Anguilla is a country full of loving, educated, creative, insightful and helping people. It is predominantly of African-descent where probably every culture from around the world mingle, and tourism our main industry. We are not an ignorant people. We know what goes on in the world for the most part, thanks to our state-of-the-art telecommunication systems, the Internet and Ras-B from Up Beat Radio...lol!

We don't think of the French as smelly with oily and cheesy foods, nor of the English as racist snooty lunatics and their women as easy-meat, nor of Australians as good surfers and mongoose eaters, nor of Asians as dorks who are religious fanatics and full of incest, nor of Muslims as terrorists, nor of Brazilians as good football/soccer players and sexy women, nor of Mexicans as drug kingpins and smugglers, nor of Canadians as backwards liberalists, nor of Russians as mafias or supports organised crime, nor of Africans as having sex like rabbits or aids-ridden mites... no matter what anybody else thinks. Ok... yes we have our share of ignorant people who think like that, but are you going to tell me that Anguilla is the only country in the world that with people who think like this?

Therefore, what we are witnessing now on Anguilla as a government must never be the only impression you gained about Anguilla. I am sure that you know of many ignorant and arrogant governments around the world, but you know too that they themselves are not a true reflection of the masses they claimed to represent. Well... except it’s a president of a civil service association! The reality is that our electorate was once again fooled in 2010, and as a friendly law abiding people we may be stuck with a bunch of incompetent childish apeshit idiots... constitutionally for five years.

Imagine not one representative in government who isn't a retarded monkey who cannot tell a plus from a negative not even to sustain our only industry - Tourism. Well... but for its “devolved minister”. And though Circus Liberation’s audience is small and of insignificance, they paint a thousand negative words about us as a people. The sad reality is that our masses “may” have to constitutionally suffer through this comic episode for four more “long” years.

By: Realist Spikenice

HUGHES’S INDEPENDENCE / By Email?

Responsible leadership is thoughtful leadership with deep consideration of your objectives, your determinations and consequences. We can now safely say that this government has entrapped its self into exactly what was expected of them, both from the opposition’s stand point and that of the British Government. One would likely have assumed that it was quite early in the tenure of this government and because of the thrill of victory on February 15th 2010 a methodical approach to governing was side lined and it was a rush to govern. Clear thinking, concerned Anguillians, both supporters and non supporters of this government had hoped that there would be a sincere and serious conversation with the people about the nature of the crisis we face and how these problems would have been tackled, instead we have a continuous rambling with much of the same words over and over again; it is now a fore gone conclusion that there has not been an in-depth study of the situation and nothing to reveal.

It is clear now, the kind of chaos that is being imposed on us, simply because of the lack of appropriate leadership. Much of what we are witnessing right now comes from self inflicted frustration whipped in the campaign as a strategy to mislead the people, when we were told; we have the answers, we will never tax you, we will make Britain pay and we will bring back Flags project, only if you elect AUM. Now that we have a functioning AUM government these frustrations have reached dangerous proportion, endangering the future of our country. The Minister for the Overseas Territories in his response to Mr. Hughes’s request to remove the Governor from the island appeared to respond by telling him, “I was waiting for you, with the same old nonsense you tried in ’95 and ’99 “I knew you would come with that.”I took time and studied your file, your history, your remarks, your insults and the way you govern," so I’ll tell you right now, “None of that, for that reason the Governor stays an extra eighteen months “deal with that.”

What we have now is a government contained within the perimeters West End to Sandy Hill struggling to find a stream of influence has no voice in the very serious affairs of the country and is not heard. It is very unfair to us a civilized people, for our government to be venting their frustration from our most powerful office “The office of the Chief Minister. No one with clear thinking and in their right mind would accept Hughes’s call for independence seriously, simply because in the simplest form, to introduce such a life changing exercise to a people must be done from a position of dialogue and consultation with said people. It is quite ok for this to be done from a party’s position with intentions to influence their supporters, but to get on the regional airwaves speaking on behalf of the country without the minimum consultation, and not substantiated by any reasonable logic is out of bounds and incites instability, moreover, such a move deserves a vote of no confidence from the people. It provides insight into the mindset of a government that wants to lead us into the future. No one can take this serious; not “Hughes’s Independence.”

By: ejharrisxm

“LORD HAVE MERCY! SEND DOWN PERCY!”

Once again I have taken advantage of the opportunity to take my annual vacation but I still remain committed to writing my column and faithful to my loyal readership. Last week I was approached by a number of persons who commented: “You mussa got goat mouth!” Their conclusions were based on the fact that I was “spot on” in my predictions that the Chief Minister would use the slightest delay in the authorization of the budget by the British Government to “provoke panic, alarm, subversion and diversion on the streets and in the prisons”. I also suggested that “he and the Parliamentary Secretary will once again return to their comfort zone by attacking the British and calling for Independence”. In this context, the Chief Minister’s presentation on Up Beat Radio dubbed “Reflections on 2010” was scandalous. Let me congratulate the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers for his excellent, comprehensive and well-delivered Address to the Nation in which he exposed the Chief Minister’s lack of sound leadership over the past eleven months in vivid detail.

The Leader of the Opposition summed up the entire matter brilliantly in his address when he said; “Fellow Anguillians we should all hold our Chief Minister and his colleagues accountable to the people of Anguilla for the truth. No more tell tales, no more imaginary wars of independence, no more political destabilization of our Anguillian society to hide the inadequacies of his government and blaming his weaknesses and failings on everyone else”. He then went on to ask a number of pertinent questions regarding the Chief Minister’s behaviour, not the least among which is the absence of any kind of documentation or evidence to support the spurious claims upon which he is building the case for a revolution for Independence.

I have said before and I must again repeat that no military revolt or civil disobedience is necessary to achieve independence from Britain --- there is a clear path to that status outlined in our partnership agreement and subsequent policy papers from the Ministry for the Overseas Territories. In fact, not even a war of words and insolent exchanges is helpful. As the Former Speaker of the House of Assembly aptly put it: “You can almost get Independence by email!” Not a single territory of the former British West Indies have had the need to fight a revolution to achieve Independence over the last fifty years. Why then is Hubert inciting the people of Anguilla to the streets to fight a politically contrived battle for Independence? Who will be the enemy? The British Government has clearly indicated that it has no intention of standing in our way once it is the expressed will of the people. In fact our dialogue over the last twenty-five years has been to seek an advanced status within the colonial arrangements that the past Government posited as “full internal self-government”. No British Government has prevented Anguilla from pursuing the option of Independence --- neither the Labour Party nor the Conservatives. On the contrary the remaining British Overseas Territories have consistently argued to remain a part of Great Britain.

Just two days ago someone “half-humorously” sent me a text message advising me that I should be careful to ensure that my passport would still be valid when I return home. Further suggesting that the Independence Movement was gaining ground quickly and I may have to get time on my British Passport. My reason for even mentioning this obvious joke is to highlight the fact that people need to know what going into Independence will mean for the average Anguillian. What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? Therefore in essence what Hubert and his team should be doing is educating Anguillians rather than leading them into a fight literally blindfolded. Not knowing whom they are fighting and/or what they are fighting for. Indeed what we need is resolution rather than revolution. But the Chief Minister obviously is not concerned about resolving his differences with the British Government he seems determined to have a revolution for his own personal aggrandizement and glory.

The night before I left for my vacation someone called to let me know that there was a sign going up at the roundabout rallying Anguillians to unite to fight for their freedom as they did in 1967. Or words to that effect! The clear message being that there is cause to fight now! All this based on the Chief Minister’s unsubstantiated claims that the British Government would not authorize the Budget until Government agreed to significant layoffs and salary cuts to the public service. Supporters of the Government strongly believe the allegations made by the Chief Minister that the British Government through the Governor is intent on bringing down his Government. Hubert has further led them to believe that there is collusion between the Opposition and the British to achieve this objective. And the justification to incite revolution and civil disobedience is that the only way for the Government to deal with the real economic challenges that face us is to go into Independence. It seems that it is on this false premise on which the Chief Minister and his colleagues are selling the notion of Independence to the Anguilla people.

It would be most instructive to hear some of the many questions asked of me by a number of Anguillians just over the last two weeks. For example:

• If we were to go into Independence would we then be able to borrow as much money as we want?

• If we were to go into Independence would we still have to pay taxes?

• If we were to go into Independence could we still have the privilege of getting a European Passport?

• If we were to go into Independence who will be in charge of the civil service and the police force?

• If we were to go into Independence who will be responsible for defending our 200 mile economic zone and our shores?

• If we were to go into Independence will Anguilla get more foreign aid?

• If we were to go into Independence will we still have a Governor and will he/she be able to provide the checks and balances necessary to prevent political victimization and ensure good governance?



While these are just a few of the questions one thing is certain, that is, that the wider Anguilla population does not know enough about what Independence means to make an informed decision in the event that there is a referendum to determine the wishes of the people. The Chief Minister’s approach is to use fear tactics to achieve his objectives. The Leader of the Opposition puts it rightly when he says that such an important national decision requires, indeed, demands the transparency to which this Government has been paying a significant amount of lip service over the past eleven months. In fact, their brand of transparency has been “selective” serving only to contribute to lies, misinformation, victimization and slander of all who are perceived to oppose them.

While the Chief Minister is calling for unity at this time after having incited many to violence just about a week ago--- he still continues to suggest in the whispering campaign that there is a conspiracy between the Governor and the Opposition to bring down his Government. And despite his irresponsible threats of violence and insurrection --- to date there have not been any overt actions taken by the Police Force. In fact, in my estimation, the hostile expressions of the Chief Minister and some of his less seasoned colleagues have not provoked any retaliatory response from the Governor’s Office --- all the aggression has come from the Chief Minister himself. If there is an enemy out there standing in the way of the Chief Minister as he seeks to deliver on the promises for which he was elected --- it can only be he himself. He continues to go to Executive Council! He continues to have meetings with the Governor! But he has not addressed any of the important questions raised by the administering power in a civil and professional manner. He prefers to govern from the streets. Where emotions and passions can be manipulated by the irresponsible and baseless utterances of this egotistical leader whose reputation for lying has been well documented over the years.

While the Chief Minister talks about Revolution and a fight for Independence the most important challenges facing our economy are placed on the back burner. In fact, he seems intent on advancing the theory that Independence will fix the situation. Get rid of the British and all our troubles will be over! But while the Chief Minister persists on creating this “smokescreen” a number of perceptive Anguillians are questioning the wisdom of creating an unstable environment while we are seeking to attract both investors and tourists to our shores. How can we fix the economy when we are scaring off investors and visitors alike by inciting violence? Why is seeking Independence at this time such an urgent matter when other independent states in our region are facing the same and in many cases worse circumstances than we are now experiencing? Why are the rest of the Overseas Territories who also have service oriented economies like Anguilla continue to want to maintain their links with the UK? Is our present status more conducive to attracting clientele in Tourism and Financial Services?

I was particularly moved by an email I received from one of my loyal readers entitled: “To What End?” I have no choice but to include it in its entirety in my column and you will understand why! It reads as follows:

“Dear Victor, I confess I missed the rally on radio on Saturday night and only saw some of Niel’s presentation on television Sunday, but enough to hear him make the remark that the current CM has asked you to lay down your pen. Please, please don’t! Your courage, focus and clarity seem to be all that stands between us and a reckless determination to be “free” to borrow from drug lords or terrorists --- who else would want to lend Anguilla an untenable amount of funds? It seems we only need a reasonable plan to satisfy the British regarding the budget. But back to the questions: Who would come to our aid to maintain our security if beholding to unscrupulous creditors like the ones from Texas? Who would protect us when we can barely keep young boys from aspiring to gang memberships and to manage a constant crime rate, much less potential fanaticism? What ultimate health care protection would we have? Which country could we hold accountable to help educate our youth? (To what other end?) What Dr. Frankie Hughes said at the tourism gala is so true: it seems that we can only dig out of this hole by optimizing out tourism product --- to what further depths would we plummet if this instability continues to take down the Union Jack and sends the last few tourists and investors scurrying away to unpredictable climes? Do we return to exporting salt? Learn to make goat cheese? What could possibly restore our economy if those last vestiges of confidence were removed? I am sure that I am saying what many others are saying --- and likewise hoping you will continue having the courage to speak out, but please educate me if I am wrong, Victor! To what end? If I thought for one moment we’d actually be better off being apart from any global power in the post 9/11 world, I would be the first to rally --- but does the “independence” voice call out with any vision to strengthen tourism, investment, our banks, or protect us from becoming a haven for drug lords and terrorists wanting to launder money? If I missed something, please tell me! You know I sincerely respect your judgment and appreciate even a few moments you might spend in a reply (and in confidence). With kind regards.” To what end? Indeed!

I thank this Anguillian observer for the insightful observations. And I close my case with the remarks made in the letter from Mr. Bellingham the Minister for the Overseas Territories: “I hope that the GOA will choose cooperation over confrontation and that we can look to a future where the UK and Anguilla Governments can discuss a mutually supportive relationship which reflects the needs of Anguilla and protects the UK’s interest”. I find no trace of highhandedness by the Minister in any part of this letter. In addition, the Chief Minister should take the time to note that the Minister deliberately mentioned that he was sending a copy of the letter to the Minister for DfID --- who is, by the way, the Minister responsible for British Financial Aid and Technical Assistance. Could there be a subtle message in there that they are keeping a window open for more substantive financial and technical support?

Why are we? And why is the Chief Minister and his supporters following this unnecessary and destabilizing course of action? According to the children of my generation when faced with a frustrating situation: “Lord have mercy! Send down Percy!”

Victor F. Banks

Sachasses Estate
January 11, 2010

CIRCUS LIBERATION REVIEW

Despite talks of recession, austerity measures and increase taxes, circus audiences couldn’t resist “Circus Liberation” billed as “The British Is Coming”. Yes, the Circus is back and touring with its latest performance unconstitutionally ignoring administrative principles claiming that its Devine purpose is to "defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Anguilla - a barmy called for independence without true democracy... the birth of a dictatorship.

At the start of the show there is an opinion that there are too many tricks and horrors going on and you don’t know which to look at first, but within seconds it becomes clear that each artiste will have their own time to ‘shine’. You quickly will learn that the show is for the asylum of the criminal insane or the senile.

And as the curtain goes up, we kept our eyes open and braced ourselves for an onslaught of totally shocking, frightening and unashamedly evil depravity about a Britain. The performance seems definitely more hammer than slaughter and keels over well short of its own hype with its “smoke screens” and dazzling array of jaw dropping circus acts and Jackass style stunts with crude antics and ever amazing illusions which will have you there wondering what on earth they can do to amaze you next... yet it just keeps coming.

To be fair though the show's intentions are good, yet it is hard to follow as you are more aware of the performers’ criminal intent rather than the story being told. Those corrupt gory, gory, characters - it’s like a hellish tale from the pits of hell... scary!!

My favourite though is the comically macabre character who charges himself up with over 300,000 volts of electricity, via an electrode in his butt, and sends lightning bolts shooting out of his mouth, with dodgy threats; as the law authorities patiently awaits his underestimations.

It's really not a show for the extreme thrill seeker, the faint hearted, the music lover or the under 12. You will be slightly taken aback due to the various characters in the show selling “insubstantial concocted” ideas, illusions made to look realistic and spectacular, of an “independent Anguilla”; as they go around scaring the living shit out of people. And though there were some children of various ages in the audience, it’s not the type of circus most parents should allow their under 12 years old to be watching.

Ok, but for the “gymnast” who is very talented and can play the weirdest illusion you can imagine and not believe.

The show can best be described as a mixture of shock, horror and stunned amazement and lots of lunacy to make you laugh your ass off; though most rated it PG (Pure Garbage).

Follow Circus Liberation for future performances on the “To The Point”, “In Your Face”, and “On The Spot” radio programs weekly.

Future performances will be based on the theme: “LAST WARNING - CHOOSE COOPERATION OR CONFRONTATION!”

The show continues on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the old East End School.

By: Realist Spikenice

FACE TO FACE WITH HAYDN HUGHES

FAIR AND BALANCED

The paradox of a government in function, two friends back to back with deep rivalry steeped in optimism for a better day, a better way; Can this hold true for the success they seek or just the reflection of a government without cohesion. The real story why Edison Baird is a politician without a coat, left without influence in the Hughes Government. After an initial discussion, I followed the trail and pursue the story in form of practical investigative journalism. Clearly this is inside business and even though there is fracture in the ranks nobody wants the beans spilled and certainly Eddie has been tight lipped all along. There is real life theater between Haydn Hughes and Eddie Baird which brought both of these men face to face in dialogue on government business. I am lead to believe there is no way Eddie would function in harmony in this government, simply because he sees Haydn as a selected figure with the over bearing attitude of grabbing influence and peddling power. In Baird’s own words” Haydn is not an elected official and he should not be the one trying to run the government.” Eddie holds the strong view that Haydn asserts himself in the ministerial function of government without having the competence of electoral approval; he sees the practice as meddling. Such over-reaching was clearly evident in the process of negotiating with Cap Ja luca and Flags, the point of contact for these two men, when Eddie looked Haydn in the eye face to face and said in effect “you are a Nominated Member of the House and do not have the authority to handle these discussions,” reminding him that he Eddie has political responsibility to the electorate and the people of Anguilla, a responsibility not entrusted to Hadyn Hughes, actually making that phrase famous.

It appears that this exchange triggered the descent in the collective function of the government. To stabilize matters Jerome Roberts was brought in to minimize the damage and prop up confidence with the AUM faction and from an inside perspective all effort was made to minimize the role of Eddie in government, and therefore Jerome was promised Eddie’s portfolios; Handed to the Governor, bringing the business of governing to a screeching halt with disapproval. Eddie remains adamant and feels that with him in the present position his most effective work would be done in the executive council where he is geared to challenge the government on key issues or perpetrate his own agenda for the people while C.M. Honorable, is fast asleep. Mr. Baird relies heavily on his many years of experience in the house and is now determined to exert more independence, raking as most experience and most senior member. Insiders of the party indicate that Haydn and Baird are clearly at loggerheads because in conducting business Haydn always feel the he is the smartest man in the room and he speaks and disseminates information to the public for government without understanding how the system works. Reference made to the fact that Haydn jumped the gun and made a public statement and, in fact mislead the public that Voice Roy Hotel was sold and the treasury would receive $44.million, when actually it was a matter of refinancing of debt and sale of the loan. The property holder of the Voice Roy hotel remains Barn’s Bay Development LTD.

It seem clear to me that Eddie is fed up with this circus and is prepared to assert a higher degree of leadership over government business within his Ministry. No doubt Jerome, not being able to capitalize effectively on any clear position in government may soon be disenchanted and chose to support Eddie who seems ready to lead the country.

The public must be informed that from an administrative position there is total chaos in government; there is an outcry for pragmatic political leadership for the country and fears of a total breakdown of competence, leaving a void in the political direction of the country and the lack of competent and effective negotiating has projects stuck at that level. The picture that is painted is that there is no answer to questions, no leadership, no competence and no execution. What we have is a constant drumbeat toward confrontation with FCO and the British Government. Word is that the current budget of the Anguilla Government is now subject to higher approval than FCO another wedge in the crack, which will bring mass chaos to this country.

By: ejharrisxm

“EITHER FISH OR CUT BAIT!”

Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011. It is a wish that I sincerely extend to all Anguillians; those who live among us from lands both near and afar; individuals and companies who do business with us, and; visitors who come to our shores to savour the many the delights of our blessed homeland. All of you contribute in some way to making Anguilla a special place in which to live. We hope that this New Year will be one of deliverance from the many challenges we faced during the past year --- even while we remain mindful of and grateful for the many blessings that we received as well!

Last week in my final article for 2010 entitled: "We'll take a cup of kindness yet!" I raised a number of concerns coming out of the Budget debates. In particular, I pointed out that the Chief Minister and some of his colleagues in Government chose defiance as opposed to dialogue and posturing rather than reasoning to gain the approval from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the 2011 Budget passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly on December 23, 2010. Let me quote the exact section in my article: "The Chief Minister must settle down and explain the differences in the Anguilla situation and outline to the British Government the negative impacts of its recommendation on a small and extremely vulnerable state like Anguilla. But most importantly he must also be able to present a sound proposal as to how he intends to retire the deficit and restore fiscal and economic stability over the next three years. Such a proposal may even suggest that four rather than three years would be more feasible for returning to a balanced budget position. There needs to be dialogue rather than defiance --- reasoning rather than posturing. And while it may be late I strongly suggest that a defensible case can still be made." I was simply saying that the relationship between the Chief Minister and the British Government did not need to be antagonistic.

I also need to quote the section that followed as it almost predicts the course of action that I believed the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary would pursue in the event they felt strongly that the British Government would not authorize the budget. I said: "Many persons have asked me whether I believe that the British Government will authorize the budget." My response has been that "I would hope so!" And my main reason for expressing such a hope is that if that does not happen I fear that the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary will once again return to their comfort zone by attacking the British and calling for Independence. I also need to make the point that if the FCO does not authorize the budget promptly the Government can still proceed for another four months without having passed one for 2011. This allows us a further opportunity for dialogue and reasoning. Will the Chief Minister seize this opportunity or will he once again provoke panic, alarm, subversion and diversion on the streets and in the prison cells of Anguilla?

My predictions were not to be taken lightly. I was horrified by the Chief Minister's interview with Ras Bee of Upbeat Radio on New Year's Eve when he proceeded to rant and rave about a British conspiracy "to takeover Anguilla for its own benefit" and that we must "bind ourselves together to fight off this British challenge." But perhaps the most alarming of his many comments during that interview was his suggestion that a clear message needs to be sent to the British Government as was sent by the prisoners on September 23, 2010 when they were prepared to burn the prison down after being told by the Chief Minister and his colleagues that the Governor asked for his resignation. Hubert stated clearly in the interview that "the rest of the Anguillians need to follow from where the prisoners left off!" The only probable interpretation of this reckless statement is that law-abiding Anguillians should now follow the example of persons being rehabilitated in Her Majesty's Prison to force the British Government to authorize the budget by violent measures. Is this the kind of leadership that we need in Anguilla at this time? How will inciting the population to violence help Anguilla's case --- or make the case for the British Government to authorize the budget? How will the creation of such instability bring any sense of security to both local and foreign investors? How will this help to attract visitors/tourists to our island? How can you turn an economy around in such an atmosphere of turmoil?

The Chief Minister arrives at the conclusion that there is need to start another Revolution from a spurious premise that the British Government wants to destabilize Anguilla for reasons that hold absolutely no water: (A) He expresses the view that the British Government never accepted the results of the last General Election. (B) He accuses the British Government in collusion with the past government of squandering our resources so as to bring Anguilla to a level of indebtedness that would break our resolve for self-determination. (C) He states that the British wants to impose drastic measures that will create a situation that would cause every staff association in the public service to strike and thereby bring down the Government. (D) He wraps up the entire conspiracy with the closing argument that the British Government gave the Governor an additional year so that he can effectively destroy Anguilla because they like what he is doing. I will deal with his reasons in order.

(A) For those of you who have been paying attention you would have noticed that the Governor immediately swore in the new government after the last general election without any hesitation. All the challenges that the Government has been experiencing to keep itself together have come from within that party itself. It was not the Governor who suggested a reshuffling of the Cabinet --- it was the CM because of disagreements within his own party. Rightly or wrongly the Governor has in fact been trying to ensure that the Government stays together in keeping with the outcome of the election. The people did not elect --- nor did the Governor appoint Jerome Roberts to create discord within the AUM --- they elected four AUM candidates to form the Government and the Governor dutifully swore them in as the Government. The Governor did not trigger the internal wrangling in the House of Assembly between the Hon. Edison Baird and the Hon. Jerome Roberts both members of the present Government. Neither did the Governor contribute to the discontent associated with the Parliamentary Secretary impersonating an elected member and then presumptuously carrying out the function of de facto Deputy Chief Minister and in some cases de facto Chief Minister. Where is the evidence that the Governor does not accept the results of the past election --- it is the Chief Minister and his colleagues who do not wish to conform to appropriate conduct as set out within the Anguilla Constitution. The Governor must accept the will of the people as made clear in their choice of a Government but that Government once elected must act responsibly and in keeping with proper procedures.

(B) The record shows that the British Government gave the past Government as much of a difficult a time when we sought to finance our budget as the present Government now faces. The past Government stood its ground on the importance of its request and made the case. We presented proposals for retiring the deficit given the known circumstances at the time --- proposals which included negotiations with investors, austerity measures, revenue measures and the reduction of debt repayment obligations through the Policy Based Loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). We did not get an easy reception from the FCO Minister and his advisors when we went to London but neither did we threaten to resort to violent measures to achieve our objectives --- we used reasoned proposals. For the Chief Minister to suggest that there was collusion between the British Government and the AUF Government to pile up debt and thereby suppress the will of Anguillians for self-determination flies in the face of the facts. It is my view that this is a part of Hubert's ongoing plan to create instability on Anguilla so that he can emerge as a hero of a new revolution having not earned a historic place in the last one. As someone said: "Hubert wants to start his own Revolution so he can replace the Honourable James Ronald Webster as 'father of the nation'". As I said in one of my earlier pieces and I quote: "No military revolt is necessary to achieve independence if that is what the people want --- our relationship with the British Government has given us a clear path in that regard ….. We need experienced and qualified constitutional advisors to help us navigate these unfamiliar and even unchartered waters --- not a war of words and insolent exchanges." It is time that Hubert stops fooling the people that violence is the answer to our challenges.

(C) The Staff Associations in Anguilla have traditionally been very vocal when issues of salary are being discussed. In fact the much talked about salary increases by the past Government was an effort to mitigate the inflationary effect of the period of prosperity which we experienced in Anguilla between 2004 to 2008. Gas prices were on the rise and as a consequence the price of all goods and services; rents were increasing; wages in the private sector were increasing, and; public servants as a consequence of all of these were crying out for more pay. In fact during that period the Government lost a number of its public servants to the private sector. Because the consolidated fund is the source of payment for all public servants when that fund is depleted the public service is affected. The public service has been considerably understanding in this period of challenge and many consider themselves fortunate to have had salaries sufficient to withstand cuts. Civil servants in the higher echelons of Government have worked with this Government and the past Government to come up with reasonable proposals to respond to the reality of the global recession --- but the politicians must follow through, to quote the Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers, with the appropriate style, approach and attitude. Hubert need not suggest that the British Government is forcing public service associations to strike and bring down the Government --- what he should be doing is using their expertise to make the case in a rational and factual way.

(D) To say that the British Government gave the Governor an additional year because he is doing a good job in destroying Anguilla does not merit any substantive response. Really! What would a mighty nation like the United Kingdom have to gain by employing Senior Officials in the FCO a high level department which deals with Britain's international foreign policy initiatives to destroy Anguilla? The FCO’s budget for administering Anguilla is minuscule compared to its obligations worldwide. Hubert is either delusional or willfully misleading Anguillians for his own ends. It is also insulting to continue to compare the situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with Anguilla. The level of maladministration that triggered Britain's presence in TCI is well documented --- "not alleged". The effort that Hubert is putting into destroying our country's good name could be better spent settling down and fixing Anguilla's economy. It should not matter who he deems responsible based on his illogical conspiracy theories.

The President of the Public Service Association made a speech that to my mind reverberated many of the conspiracy theories that the Chief Minister has been promulgating. And while I must congratulate Pastor Gumbs for the dramatic improvement in his speech writing and his most impressive delivery --- it seemed to me just another political speech that begs the question: "Who is Pastor Gumbs representing in the Anguilla Public Service?" Does he represent the views of the majority of the public service? When last did the Public Service Association have a proper election? It also was an attack on Her Majesty's Government charging them with destabilizing tactics. And forced me to ask the question whether or not he was still a member of the civil service.

The new General Orders issued by the Governor's Office on December 1, 2010 in Section 3.20 states as follows: "Save in the course of their official duties, officers may not, without permission, speak in public or publish in any manner or broadcast on radio or television anything which may reasonably be regarded as being political in nature. Officers may, however, publish in their own name matters relating to subjects of general interest or give broadcast talks on the radio or television on such matters. In cases of doubt prior reference should be made to the Governor." I am sure that Pastor Gumbs had the benefit of legal advice particularly in his slanted accusations about HMG using desperate efforts to cripple our standards of living. It seems that Hubert's reckless approach to inciting hate-filled remarks is taking root with other political personalities because I also noted the same reasoning, language and words recurring in the New Year's Address by the elected representative for East End. How can we encourage our up and coming politicians to raise their standards and refrain from the irresponsible politics of fear and mudslnging.

Having said all that I have said so far let make the point clearly that I have made in my October 15, 2010 column: "Were it the case that the FCO did indeed suspend the Constitution it would not be power being taken away from the AUM --- it would be power taken away from Anguilla!" No sensible Anguillian would want the British Government to intervene politically and administratively into Anguilla’s affairs. However, if we continue to incite violence as a tool of governance --- a radical response may become the only option. And the truth of the matter is, as occurred in 1969, many Anguillians may even welcome it.

The Chief Minister's talk of bloodshed and a willingness to die for what remains a spurious threat by the British Government (for which he is still to produce documentary evidence) sounds like the ranting of a desperate despot. And his suggestion that we take example of the prisoners and stand prepared to burn something down in support of his Government’s style, approach and attitude is to say the least irresponsible.

While the Governor and British Government are not perfect or without an agenda of their own --- they are at least professional. Anguillians must not be led to believe that the Chief Minister's approach will make a positive difference in our present plight --- in fact it will erode any gains we have made by creating an unstable environment in which no one will want to invest and to which no one will come. The clear message that needs to be sent to the Chief Minister is that he is in charge and it is time to settle down and do what he was elected to do. Govern! Not to lead a group of "ton ton macoutes" as in the days of Pappa Doc Duvalier's Haiti or a "mongoose gang" as in Sir Eric Gairy's Grenada. Like the old fisherman said to his colleague: "You are here to produce --- either fish or cut bait!"


Victor F. Banks
Sachasses Estate
January 4, 2011 

HUBERT HUGHES

It is indeed remarkable, that if one fights hard they can achieve, and be so rewarded according to their desire. In Anguilla politics there is no other personality known to the average person, whether that’ll be from the opposition benches or the executive branch of government, than the Honorable Hubert Hughes Chief Minister of Anguilla.

To be fair to the good gentleman, he is a character of exceptional persona. A man with exactly two personalities that works exceptionally well for him. We’ve all known Mr. Hughes as a tyrant (bully) at the podium in the opposition benches for the people; he performs best when he has a target, and is relentless. We know that in the past he has executed very well and often held The House of Assembly for extremely long hours to make sure his point was clear and not misunderstood, to the dislike of many of his fellow members. At one point in the long history of his representation, he became victim to a “Tyson like upper cut” which brought perfect silence in the midst of a House debate, only for the screaming sound of the ambulance extracting him for needed attention, as understood. It was said that he returned to the podium and continued his speech. As life evolved, we know that Mr. Hughes’ aggressor became ill and suffered severe and extensive blindness; Mr. Hughes in his effort with no empathy, extended no compassion but remarked; “we knew he was dumb, but now he is both dumb and blind;’ directly to a fellow colleague, equal in statesmanship, at his lowest ebb in a wish for good health and wellness.

Nevertheless, I know this man, very friendly, tolerant, a gentleman. If one is lucky to perhaps meet him in a social setting or perhaps the supermarket, I am more than certain you can get his full attention, always willing to exchange soft words of comfort, but will no doubt also emphasize a point in opposition to the government. Obviously Mr. Hughes had one last wish in his ostentatious (colorful) political vocation, to become The Chief Minister of Anguilla once again. The Lord has blessed him with that wish. Now there are fierce winds blowing, and a very stormy path; can he rise to the occasion? Meet the challenge? Can he bring to the forefront that fierceness, once again? That Tyson like “upper cut” in return that will silence the rumbling! Can Mr. Hughes bring back that relentless effort to succeed no matter what, and beat back the challenges that confront us! We know this is his prayer. May the good Lord grant him his wish with wisdom going forward this bright New Year, to lead and succeed! We, who carefully observe, miss that impulse which set ablaze the debate in the House, with the careful view that today he has the floor to himself, his opponents, relatively young but sober and vigilant, cannot by good measure, relate in any form to the vast experience embodied by this great man. We see no punch, no fury, like we use to. His budget speech in times past would easily be measured in days, this time around summarized by minutes. Is he giving up the fight? Or this fight’s just too much.

By: ejharrisxm