“THE PEOPLE”

Considering the scope of individual endeavor, it is a matter of “will” that every one embraces their personal responsibility, often we seek to shift that responsibility on to others, and so we are quick to hold our political environment responsibility for of our state of affairs. In society, political leadership is always viewed as the responsible mechanism for social solutions, when in fact, much of our woes come from the conduct and state of our politics. Many believe that politics is a game, it is not! Politics is actually how society is influenced, and how the lives of people become different, our politics often determines whether or not the country excels or will endure hardship of any proportion. It all hinges on how the politics of the country influences the people. People must be free to engage and be political, that is how we shape our society and people must not be afraid to associate with those they feel are better models of influence, it is about creating an image of trust. How our politics appeal to reason and compromise is a major indicator of how our society is influenced, because people expect our political leaders to always have answers, and must always have an available option. When the brightest and best among us fail, we rely of good political decisions to solve the problems of society. One of those last resort options is compromise, which in fact often, makes the difference. The politics of the country must inevitably produce good and trusted leader, leaders with stability, leaders with good and accepted judgment, and leaders with a vision, so that the people have hope in the future. Leadership is about “the people" and not ideology, it all about the advancement and well being of “the people.”

The book “politics and people” referenced two great politicians of the past: A Queen and a President, it speaks of the British Queen Elisabeth 1 and how she reigned over a weak second rate power in the years 1558 to 1603. France and Spain were eager to make England part of their Kingdom and tried to lend the Queen’s hand in marriage to their prince. The Queen actually entertained both of them without a firm yes or a no; meanwhile she was very busy building up the defenses of England, especially the navy. Her interest was to build England into a mighty force. At the time when King Philip of Spain decided to attack England, the English navy was ready, fought the fight and won the war, that’s when England became the world’s greatest power and established colonies in the New World. At the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death, after a reign of 45 years, she had become England’s greatest queen and never married. Franklin Delano Roosevelt deliberately lowered his rank and become a very humble man as the President of The United States. Millions of Americans trusted him as if he were their father. At one point he was overheard placing a phone call to a Miss Perkins and identified himself as Frank. Miss Perkins replied Frank? I don’t know any Frank. Asked him, whom he was with? He chuckled and said, ‘With the United States, this is the President. He would accept calls at almost any time, even in his cabinet meetings from average people and interacted with people about the very common things. The story is that this President was a loving man who really cared about people; two different politicians with two different leadership styles.

Anguilla’s undeclared war with the British, as declared by Chief Minister Hughes might be an appeal for a popular uprising against the British. The people of Anguilla always seek new horizons and it might indeed be time to structure a new framework where our people enjoy more autonomy. No one expects that this would get done through means of insults and inappropriate statements coming from our Chief Minister. The appropriate arsenal in the hands of a politician is “A plan.” Average people expect their political leadership to always have a plan. After years and years of talk along these lines, it is probably time for our Chief Minister to table a plan of action. Representing our country abroad, it is not acceptable diplomatic language for our Chief Minister to diminish, or undermine us as a people; the objective should always be to make us, and our country look good. This now declared war is a well known chorus for many years which, seem to always come up at the junction of frustration. In politics, culpability is always the magnified lens through which the opponent advances their ideology, and therefore there must always be a target, there must always be blame, a strong political leader must have a plan, a plan to improve the image of the people, not to diminish us to objects of another land in dishonor and disrespect. It might be time for the people of Anguilla to rise up and dignify our character; maybe the views of the Chief Minister do not represent the majority of us. We are all well aware that the Chief does not enjoy an honorable position at the table of the British Government, but the established, hard and historic fact is, Anguilla is a British Territory and “the people”? Proud British citizen!!! WE have no desire to be either French or Dutch. We must stand up for our dignity as “British people, proud of our heritage, be proud of who we are!!!!”

By Elliot J. Harrigan

“HARD LEE! CAPTAIN HUBIE!”

So far July has been a month of significant events, which have brought considerable attention to our heritage as a people. July 12^th was the premiere viewing of “Nuttin Bafflin”, a documentary film by Anguillian, Mr. David Carty.  Mr. Carty is a man of many labels, but perhaps the most pertinent to that project are historian, boat builder and conservationist. I am unable to more aptly describe the film and the atmosphere at the Da’Vida Restaurant during the presentation, than what Mr. Marcel Fahie wrote in his review in the Anguillian last week entitled: “A TRIBUTE TO THE EARTHY STRENGTH, TENACITY, ADAPTABILITY, INVENTIVENESS, LOVE OF AND PRIDE IN COMMUNITY OF BOBO JOHNNY”.  In fact, it could even be considered sacrilegious for me attempt to do so.

Mr. Fahie said it all --- so I am content to simply quote him in part as follows:  “--- it covers the movement through the whole range of social, economic, cultural, religious and political life and the factors therein that have contributed to what is today the national sport by acclaim.  --- I went through a whole gamut of emotions, as I was absorbed in viewing “Nuttin Bafflin”. I experienced, joy and happiness, excitement, amazement, great pride, surprise, satisfaction; but also sadness, anxiety, sympathy, anger and vexation.  Above all I experienced a renewing of my love for patrimony given to us by God. My determination to cherish the Rock, to continue to ask God to bless Anguilla and to nurture and keep her …” A testimony in my estimation to the quality and content of the production as well as the variety of sentiments it engenders in all Anguillians --- indeed all who came to be a part of that historic occasion. It catalogues the parallel courses of our development as a nation and that of boat racing. THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE!

On July 22^nd, the Anguilla Bar Association celebrated the achievements of Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC. It began in the morning with a special sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in her honour simulcast from Anguilla throughout the OECS. And in the evening it culminated in a Gala Dinner, again at Da’Vida’s Restaurant, with the appropriate toasts, reflections, announcements and awards.  In the very brief biographical note in the souvenir booklet Dame Bernice is described as “diplomat, jurist, constitutional lawyer and distinguished Caribbean legal scholar.  However, during the reflections on her life many additional attributes and talents were exposed, which suggest that she is truly a woman of vast accomplishments.

The various speakers were appropriately extravagant in their accolades and expressions of admiration for Dame Bernice and her life’s work. And the sincerity of their comments was obvious in the common threads, which ran though all the presentations and the impromptu anecdotes, which illustrated them. From her professional colleagues to her family, their stories illuminated the trails she blazed through the region. Let me lift a small testimony from the biographical note I mentioned earlier. It reads: “Dame Bernice Lake’s career is distinguished by two major themes: commitment to securing a climate of constitutionalism in her region, and to the protection of human rights and women’s rights. She was the chief architect of the Anguilla Constitution in 1975 and a member of the team, which framed the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, in 1981. She was very active in her communities of Anguilla, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, she spearheaded Justice Corps in Anguilla, Antigua and St. Kitts and Nevis which provided free legal services to safeguard against constitutional violation of the Peoples of those territories.” A testimony in my estimation to a woman committed to creating an environment for the optimal expression of human rights within our communities. A woman who constantly expresses pride in her upbringing and the lessons, which inspired her fearlessness and tenacity in pursuing the goals, she set for herself. THE PRODUCT OF A PEOPLE!

Even though it is not typically considered, a milestone year, on July 25^th the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley celebrated its 181^st Anniversary since its dedication. It was obviously built before the abolition of slavery and as a consequence most likely built by slaves. It is also the oldest church in Anguilla and the oldest Methodist Church in the OECS. There is only one other standing building in Anguilla purported to be older than Ebenezer, that is, Wall Blake House. Considering the fact that all of my paternal forebears worshipped at Ebenezer, I do feel a great sense of pride and history to belong to and to be a product of the oldest church on Anguilla.

I can recall several years ago, when we were removing the concrete plastering from the original rock and limestone walls --- obviously placed there at a time when looking modern was “in vogue” --- it “dawned on” us that we were uncovering the handiwork of our ancestors. Perhaps it was a similar feeling to uncovering one of the lost pyramids but in this case “lost in plain sight”. On that occasion bruised by the “coal chisels” and “marl hammers” --- we could vividly imagine the hard work of our ancestors (probably slaves) laying the stones for those solid “eighteen-inch” wide walls almost twenty feet high at some points. Our forebears built this fortress to their God, which has withstood the hostile elements of nature over the ages --- a refuge, a haven, a sanctuary, an altar and a testimony to the contribution of Methodism to the lives of the Anguillian people. More than nine generations of Anguillians worshipped and were schooled and trained at Ebenezer.

Mr. Christian Richardson, a product of Ebenezer in a powerful and inspiring tribute to the Church on its anniversary last year said:  “Time was when the main doors of Valley Ebenezer Methodist Church used to be deliberately left open all day long every day. The idea and the purpose was that anyone who was then passing through a dark patch and a dark moment in life could enter the church and find Light, the Light of Christ, and let himself or herself become inflamed with the Light of Christ, thereby dispelling the darkness by which their lives were then overcome.

Time was in the past darkness of “dark night Anguilla” when people would choose to come at night and sit for hours on the steps or on the paved platforms of the Church, or even lean their backs up against its walls and talk, debate and discuss, and socialize generally, for hours. It must not have been necessarily on a night or evening when there was a church activity or meeting going on. It could have been any night. It stands to reason that such persons felt that just being by the church was really a matter of feeling oneself full of light in the face of the darkness that was everywhere around.” A testimony to a church, which was the shaping ground for generations of Anguillians who used Ebenezer as an institution for community building, training, fellowship, stability and hope. THE MONUMENT OF A PEOPLE!

But whether it is boat racing, exceptional individuals or inspiring buildings --- our people must be reminded of the heritage, which is ours. And we should continue to find ways to preserve, celebrate and promote any aspect of that heritage which will cause us to appreciate who we are, where we have come from and what we must do to secure the future for generations to come. Not only for those of us who call ourselves Anguillians but so that all who come to our shores, for whatever reasons, can sense the pride that radiates from within our people.  So that being Anguillian will no longer be the “flavour” but rather the “stock” of the “melting pot” of the many persons who will inevitably make our island their home.

This month of reflection will bring us to the heart of the Anguilla Summer Festival during a period, which marks the emancipation of the very slaves who would have helped to build Ebenezer. As usual many will forget the reason for August Monday and the conditions which had to be overcome to ensure some measure of freedom for us as a people. While some of us will remember the hard times which we have endured in every generation --- there will be many who will take the present for granted --- and entertain no real thoughts of the future.  There will be those who will use the holidays to unwind and relieve themselves of stressful issues for a time; there are those who will use the holidays for getting together as a family; they are those who will take advantage of the business opportunities; they are those who will take an off-island vacation; they are those who will be out to have fun as well as those who will be out to cause trouble; they are those who will find the time to rest and there are those who will find the time to work. In short, everyone resident on Anguilla will have an opportunity to do what suits him or her best. Quite naturally, it will also depend on what one can afford.

But whatever the choices made the principal purpose of the Summer Festival Holidays is to provide an atmosphere of merriment and amusement, steeped in the tradition of celebrating the abolition of slavery. Such an atmosphere will require the participation of people both as an audience and as performers and producers. And the success or failure of the festival is usually measured in the level of enjoyment brought to the audiences as well as the amount of money they spent. But no period of celebration is without a context and this Festival falls in the heart of a recession. The question arises then: how will this festival be different?

As the United States struggles with its huge debt and deficit issues it appears that the greatest nation on earth is falling asunder. And while many of us may be awake on the dawning of August 2^nd on the beach in Sandy Ground listening to the final sounds of the biggest beach party in the region --- the American people will be concerned about the debt ceiling and how it will impact its standing in the global economy. The fact that we are extremely susceptible to the vagaries of the United States economy must make us equally concerned.

But despite these realities, visitors and residents alike will be looking forward to the usual entertainment. And many apprehensions will abound. For example: Will the usual revelers be sufficiently moved by the rhythmic sounds of the many bands to come out on J’Ouvert Morning putting aside their worries at least for a day? Will the Calypsonians capture the essence of this period of our history in their melodies and lyrics for posterity?  Will the various pageants celebrate extraordinary talent rather than superficial beauty? Will the parade of troupes depict important aspects of our culture, history and tradition? Will the winds be favourable for an enjoyable week of boat racing? Will the season be a time for refreshment and merriment or a chance to spread hate and perpetuate violence? Will our St. Martin friends and family come over?  There will be a reason for everyone to enjoy the holidays even as the future seems ominous.

It occurred to me as I look forward to a safe, enjoyable and “incident-free” week of celebrations that there are lessons to be applied from the journey of our people over our history. The parallel courses of our development as a nation and boat racing, to which I referred earlier, instruct us. The Democrats versus the Republicans; the Chief Minister versus the Governor’s Office; the Chief Minister versus Developers; The Chief Minister versus his Minister for Social Development; the Chief Minister versus this British in his undeclared war; and so on, can all benefit from a principle and practice, which ensures the protection of life, assets and a fair outcome for the people they represent. They must all know when it is time to call for a “HARD LEE!”

A cry for “hard lee” requires mutual respect and trust as well as a readiness to give up some benefit or advantage for a greater good, namely, safety and security for all concerned.  Can such a useful principle save the United States from a rendezvous with financial and economic disaster or save our Chief Minister from the ignominy of leading Anguilla into a state of economic dependency and all the indignity, which such implies?  Chief Minister it is time to call for a “hard lee!” You cannot safely cross the several “vessels” you are at once engaging, and navigate the good ship “Anguilla” into the calm waters of economic recovery --- even in these baffling winds of global recession. Hard Lee! Captain Hubie! Lest we all perish!

Victor F. Banks

Sachasses Estate

July 26, 2011

"PRINCIPLED DEFICIENCY"

The Government: The function of government in principle, is the embodiment of a systematic inclusion of all of the social elements composed in a structured form to guarantee the well being of the people. Government is first and foremost about the people of that society from which it emanates. The politics of society is a neutral framework from which society allows various groups who feel capable enough to manage the above network. The election process is a more complex organization that determines, and validates the preferred group. The process must be free of bias, of illegality and must emphasize validity. When the country goes through the election process and these procedures are followed, it must satisfy society that through a fair and faultless process emerged “the Government.”

The government now goes to work and is mindful that they are here, not to manage “the people” but those fundamental components that are geared towards making a difference, and improving the circumstances surrounding “the lives of the people.” It is a basic biblical principle that man is subject to God only, and he alone must one fear. It is also a general principle that one man rules over another to his hurt and that depends on the position he holds, that plays out in society under strategic order. But what we also see is how the principle of subjection and jurisdiction plays out. A policeman apprehends a common man for an unlawful act, and a judge and jury of his pairs may sentence him to death; in time, another man with that very uniform may very well apprehend that very officer for similar violation or act, and he may be subject to the same judgment from another judge sitting in that judgment seat. We often call that criminal justice, but in fact, it is justice according to our social order, often unfair, incorrect and uneven, but justified. The objective should never be the person, Judgment must come because of the violation of those principles we elected to live by, even with the division of the state “Church and State.” We “fare God only.”

The People: The common phrase; the last word belongs to the people, is very substantive and has very strong implications. And so the people must not be confused in believing that they control the government. That control was exercised and abdicated in a neutral choice in that fair and faultless process mentioned above. In that process, “we the people” gave “rights” to the government to administer, control and govern to make society better, and therefore the group you chose has the authority to perform without your interference. Society is largely civil, and orderly; we know this because those in isolation (prison) are much less than we free people. And such is the case when “the people” are not happy, there is an orderly process to communicate that dissatisfaction, for each of us to take turns and walk in the office of our Honorable Chief Minister and pound his desks saying we are not happy, is not civil; here is where other organized groups or even those who lost the vote in the process come into play. Composed under the very same principles, they function as a voice for a segment of the population in an orderly form. You may organize and discuss strategy and be lead, this is also called representation, and is part of the civil conduct of our society. This also weighs very heavily on society and comprises “the voice of the people”

The Country: Follow the principle, you would notice that there is really no complexity, plain and simple order. That is how society functions. Where we get disorder, is when we rebel against “order” and sometimes for good reason, often for the advancement of said society. But another element plays out here, which is called “good judgment,” judgment is entrusted to people who have proven able. According to the basic principle, our goal is to achieve “efficiency” Now! The politics of the country is fair game, because the system allows for winners and losers; almost winners and barely losers; here is where order gets disguised and we all are caught up in persuasion, influence, opinions, viewpoints and arguments. As a writer, a principle ethic is; if you don’t know the story, do not write it. So a major part of the task of a writer is reading and research, everything that provides information on that subject. You must compose your thoughts, and express the composed accurately as possible. If you have not done your research, stay away from being liable when you write, and if you are a writer you know how!

The Airport Incident: The incident of closure of Anguilla’s International Airport is one that should have been alarming to everyone. The first question which was most likely asked; “which party these guys from?” I found it very hard to comment because much is not known other than, through attempts by the Chamber’s of Commerce’s press conference. And it was noticeable that there was significant restraint in that conference not to place blame. Not once was the term government used, whether that signifies irrelevance or helplessness on the part of the Government, we don’t know. It also might have been an omission on the part of the Chamber’s spokesman. But government is relevant in these situations, as the framework speaks of above. It is a necessary and adequately responsible for government to inquire and report to the people the actions of the control men at the tower, and why they failed to execute their duties in that collective form, and in so doing, significantly damaged, and embarrassed the country, but not to go off on a tirade of any kind. Bear in mind, we are not to victimize the “people” our business is to ensure that society on a whole functions well for us all. The Chamber did not invoke the responsibility of the Minister whose portfolio the airport falls under. Being one of those prominent arms of society with neutral shared responsibility, looking out for the social-economic and commercial interests, and not under the umbrella of government; should not be viewed as protecting government from it responsibility or its deficiency in any form. It’s the role of government to investigate the actions of the control tower and provide the people with adequate answers. I contend, that not only the airport, but the systematic embodiment of our social network, is perhaps now, failing the people, shifting of blame in consequential matters as these, “Is troubling,” and represents the best case of “Principled Deficiency!!!!”

By Elliot J. Harrigan 

“A FIGHT TO THE FINISH!”

For yet another year the John T. Memorial Race was both entertaining and safe. I would like to congratulate the organizers (past and present) for continuing to improve the quality of the event and for a job well done.  It must be noted that for the main race, a rider with an obvious handicap emerged the winner. His name is Walter Grant Stewart of Guyana. And despite the fact that the national team participated it was obvious that a large number of Anguillan spectators were rooting for Mr. Stewart despite the fact that he was “not from here”. It demonstrated that cycling fans seem to have a great respect for exceptional sportsmen regardless of their origin.

I am sure that our local cyclists have also been inspired by the way Mr. Stewart proved that by practice and a determination to excel, any handicap could be overcome. Much respect to the winner of the race for his effort but to every single participant as well --- you are all winners by virtue of your participation in an event, which is bringing cyclists from all over the region together. I am especially pleased that the name of my friend the late John Oliver Thomas is memorialized by this event --- he was a pioneer in the development of the sport in Anguilla and the sub-region.  I am sure that he would have been proud to know how the passion, dedication and effort he instilled in the young cyclists whom he nurtured has been manifested in the staging of this prestigious regional competition. Like many other Anguillians I felt proud.

But my pride suffered a serious setback when on the very same day of the race I received a phone call from a friend of mine in St. Maarten, who is not a belonger of Anguilla, expressing concern as to whether my Chief Minister is of “sound mental capacity”.  I was unable to get the gist of what he was saying since he was in competition with Exodus and Pantha Vibes International whose new releases were dominating the airspace at the Hope Center booth, where I was being refreshed, during the race. I therefore told him that I would call him back. Whereupon I quickly proceeded to a more quiet location to call him out of a genuine interest in ascertaining the details of my Chief Minister’s well-being. My friend then explained that the Chief Minister was invited by the Minister of Justice for St. Maarten to give an address on the occasion of International Justice Day and instead used the opportunity not only to attack the Governor and the British Government but he embarrassed his hosts --- the St. Maarten government as well.

My friend went into detail to relate the incident but I told him that while I had some confidence in his recollection I would prefer a copy of the audio recording if he were able to avail himself of such.  Not to be deterred by my request my friend sent me an audio recording of the speech promptly the following day. You may be surprised to know that on this auspicious occasion your Chief Minister spoke for three minutes and twenty-one seconds flat. I have therefore decided that to ensure that the context of his comments is made clear I will quote the full text of his address as follows:

“Good Morning! For me this is a rare opportunity to be able to address the people of Anguilla, St. Martin and St Maarten. We are all one people. My cousin Denis Richardson was Lieutenant Governor of St Maarten and Albert Fleming’s mother was born in Anguilla. So we are one people! And over my years I have always wanted to be French or Dutch instead of being British. Not that I hate Britain. I admire a lot about Sir Winston Churchill he was the wartime leader and he was great! Harold MacMillan more modern did a lot for the liberation of Southern Africa --- the famous “Winds of Change” speech, in former Zimbabwe, Rhodesia. William Wilberforce fought for the emancipation of the slaves.

So there are a lot of great British people but unfortunately Britain has an undeclared war against the people of Anguilla. And justice does not exist in Anguilla. There is no democracy because we are governed by a British Governor’s dictator. Too much power in the hands of one man --- that cannot be a democracy.

The Governor interferes even with the justice system. He can order the Attorney General to take criminal cases out of the Court. And he manipulates every system in Anguilla. And therefore the only option for us is self-determination. It means therefore that Anguilla will have to do like all the other former British Dependent Territories in the region and seek total independence from Britain.

I want us to understand that we must maintain that European heritage. This is the heritage we knew and we were indoctrinated into as such. And we benefit from the European Union. The European Union is always clamouring for functional cooperation. I tried that but the British stalled it. I wanted functional cooperation especially with the French in terms of infrastructure, seaport and airport facilities, water and electricity. The British stalled it. The French was going to build an airport in Anguilla --- the British stalled it. Now we have to be struggling with Dutch St. Maarten and Juliana to get our tourists in.

So the British have undermined the livelihood of the people of Anguilla and I want the world to know that there is an undeclared war and we will fight until we are free. Thank you for the opportunity and good morning!”

My friend was concerned that the Chief Minister would decide to come to such an important ceremony where he was invited to speak on a specific topic and use it as a platform to continue his fight against the Governor. Furthermore, that he should even suggest in his remarks that his host the St. Maarten Government and Juliana Airport were in some way giving him a difficult time to provide access for tourists coming to Anguilla.

When I listened to the recording for the first time I realized that I am so immune to the effect of such tirades over the past fifty years, since Mr. Hughes ran for office in 1961 for Bradshaw’s Labour Party, that I did not react immediately.  It was only when I placed the speech in the context of the ceremony and the venue, that it dawned on me that Mr. Hughes has no real sense of what is required of him when he represents Anguilla and Anguillians abroad. Anguillians would have expected the Chief Minister to make a speech equal to the significance of the event and the honour bestowed on Anguilla by virtue of being invited to participate.

Let me make a few points about the Chief Minister’s remarks some of which I find inappropriate for such an occasion; totally sensational; inaccurate and inconsistent. For example:  

·       To say that the British has “an undeclared war against the people of Anguilla”, to residents of St. Martin-St Maarten could suggest that the British Government has a motive to keep us in a colonial arrangement against our will. While in truth and in fact the British Government has provided us with a clear path to independence if we wish to take it.  

·       To say that justice does not exist in Anguilla to an audience outside of Anguilla does not assist our efforts to promote our island as a premiere jurisdiction with a good environment for investors and tourists alike. To further exacerbate the damage in this statement he also goes on to say that the Governor interferes with the justice system and can order the Attorney General to take criminal cases out of court. 

·       While saying that he intends to seek total independence from Britain he encourages us all to maintain our European Heritage and pursue the benefits available to us by virtue of being a part of the European Union --- a status we derive from being an Overseas Territory of Britain. It shows that he does not understand our relationship with Britain as it relates to the European Union. 

·      He claims that the British stalled his attempts to develop functional cooperation with the French. In making that statement it is obvious that he confuses the European Union (EU) concept of “regional cooperation” with the term “functional cooperation”. “Regional cooperation” for the EU means formulating projects with reciprocal benefit to Overseas Territories, which can become eligible for EU funding. As a member state of the EU, Britain will support, not stall such projects. “Functional cooperation” in its common use in the region is more of a political/administrative arrangement.  The Chief Minister’s continues to persist in his naïve belief that the French Government is going to build an airport in Anguilla with no strings attached. This is ludicrous to say the least because such an arrangement could only be another business deal. 

·       On this same point about the French and his airport, the Chief Minister suggests that because it is his position that the British stalled the delivery of that facility he is now struggling with his hosts (St. Maarten) to get tourists to Anguilla. In making that statement he is in fact undermining the continued efforts by this Government and the former Government to facilitate more efficient passenger transfer arrangements from Juliana International Airport to Anguilla. It would be interesting to find out how the St. Maarten authorities would treat this comment. 

·        He ends by ramping up his vilification of the British by claiming that they have “undermined the livelihood of the Anguillian people” and then uses this as a point of departure to declare to the world that he is engaging the British in a fight for freedom. The same empty rhetoric, which he has been using to incite the people of Anguilla into an unnecessary revolution for independence. While in fact the British Government has already agreed a clear and unobstructed roadmap to that goal. Obviously, like his hero Sir Winston Churchill the Chief Minister seems bent on becoming a great wartime leader. 

I am uncertain as to what the Chief Minister was seeking to achieve by such a display of “washing his dirty linen in a foreign public”. Is it simply posturing? Or is it in keeping with this Government modus operandi, namely, rather than negotiate in an environment, which allows for respectful exchanges and deliberations they prefer to use any available “bully pulpit” or “puppet show”? 

Earlier last week it was all about the Deputy Governor, the Honourable Stanley Reid's transfer of Permanent Secretaries. On that occasion his audience was extended to the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the President of the Caribbean Development Bank; the UK Representative for Anguilla; The Foreign Secretary; the President of the Civil Service Union; the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Governor. Again it escapes me what the Chief Minister and his advisors hope to achieve by appealing to such a wide audience most of which can in no way change the issue under consideration even in a Court of Law. 

In fact, they also took the matter into the public domain via one of their usual “puppet shows” and thereby invoked a number of vacuous threats from callers against our Anguillian Deputy Governor. Yet another time the usual “callers” ascended to the issue of birthright to construct their case against an Anguillian’s decision or action. They brought the entire team of Ministers (with the exception of Mr. Baird but with the inclusion of his “rumoured replacement” Mr. Roberts) to launch their spirited attack. It was a circus for real! 

Don’t get me wrong! The past Government has had its differences with appointments by the Public Service Commission never mind with the Deputy Governor. However, we have always restricted those disagreements to face-to-face discussions; written correspondence and Executive Council. This approach was available to the present Government and even more so since these transfers only become effective six months from now.  There was therefore a lot of time for amicable discussions and perhaps even reconsideration. Unfortunately this “broad pa” approach, which the Government has adopted and dubbed “transparency”, can be counterproductive. In fact, it may even make the parties involved become even more entrenched in their positions.  And any good points made in the Chief Minister’s ten-page letter may be sacrificed. Keeping in mind that every public servant may be transferred within the service for various reasons in the interest of the Public Service as a whole.  

But I am not here to comment on the transfers in question, I simply want to make the point, yet another time, that an adjustment of the approach, style and attitude of the Chief Minister, his Government and his advisors is requisite to achieve a more effective environment and conditions for dealing with the affairs of Government. After all! Every race must not be not about a fight to the finish!

Victor F. Banks

Sachasses Estate

July 20, 2011

OBAMA SAID …………………….

The most charismatic leader of our times, and since Martin Luther King; is locked in tough discussions to bring America back. The world is watching how America handles its economic problems, no less affected than the world’s smaller communities. Faced with near disastrous consequence since 2008, the unemployment situation is unprecedented. It is said, that press reports do not nearly do justice to the real situation, and people are hurting terribly. Obama Said, “Congress must work to resolve the burning issues the country faces to ensure that the people of America are prospering once again!” faced with a tough challenge from Republicans who are fighting to destroy his presidency, it is a real fight for the first Black president of America who met a country in serious decline. America’s debt is the major concern; but Republicans appear to be trying to clean up the actions of the Tea Party, after bursting on the scene quickly after Barack Obama took office. The Tea Party, overwhelmed with hatred for a Black President, disguised their actions with a sincere cry for the country to go back to the constitution, rein in spending and make government smaller. The Republicans now make the “Tea Party” relevant under the banner of America’s debt, in the age of Obama. Because of political correctness in America, the most extreme elements in the Tea Party and The Republican's far right fringe, are simply getting away with what is clearly an attempt to marginalize America’s first black president and see him fail, while playing a card of wild deception, labeling Obama as the president who wants to “spread the wealth around.” Obama said, “It is not fair.” I don’t need the hundreds of thousands of dollars you are asking me to keep; I want a “Bill” that protects the country and the poor people. This is tough stuff “We might as well eat our peas now”!!!!

America’s problem, magnifies what we face on Anguilla unimaginably but, one on one, it’s all the same, so, when Obama spoke about “Peas;” it brought the message home to me, and I actually equated the situation in Anguilla with that of “America!” It emphasizes hardship, simple put; we know what that means! And we love peas in any style. The significance of the message being, that the situation is serious whether it’s here or there, and has the potential of getting worse; “Let’s do the tough stuff now” to see progress in the future! Then I said, maybe, just maybe, the Honorable Jerome Roberts is correct! Why repeal the bill in the “House”, if the expectation is, we’ll have to revisit this situation again! Will the “Levy” imposed by this AUM government bring in the needed revenue to change the situation of the country? “Maybe we should eat our peas now!” No one expects our honorable Chief Minister intuitively, to make this case effectively enough and cause the opposition to withdraw their “Repeal” effort, but if they have been following the debate, they would capitalize on the apparent division in AUF’s position, with the former Chief Minister honorable Osborne Fleming supporting an amendment; and make that changes now, since it does not appear as though the opposition has the “titanium spine” to mass the population against the “Repeal.” “It is Obama who Said, “Let’s do the tough stuff now”, is that for AUM to amend this “Bill” or for AUF to repeal it? Our Chief Minister relishes the idea that his opposition is kicked to the curb, while Obama is locked in deadly debate with “his” opposition, on his crisis. The Opposition of this country must be a viable partner in government, and a voice for the minority, and must be heard.

Our government must show empathy with the people, and come clean under present circumstances. If the debate on another MOU could result in the controversial ejection of the opposition leader form the House of Assembly, we must ask what the end result is. Did this passing mean jobs, jobs, jobs? Why would the speaker of the House take such drastic measures against a Representative of the people on such an issue? The actual concept of the MOU is an ideological shift of this government to depreciate standard practice which has work in the past for many years, the AUF’s “MOA,” actually produced meaningful project for the island and put our people to work. The MOU is still to rise to the threshold of success and producing jobs for the country. I understand that both are simply administrative tools with very little practical, legal difference. But I contend that there is a psychological difference, and any business man is bound to feel more relieved under a “MOU” memorandum of understanding, and would feel more compelled by a MOA “Memorandum of Agreement.” Understanding must be the antecedent in getting to a firm “agreement.” We must ask ourselves, why hasn’t the many MOU’s produced jobs yet?

By: Elliot J. Harrigan 

“CLEAR FOR TAKE-OFF!”

I was very concerned when a number of people called me on Sunday afternoon to complain about the closure of the Capt. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. I felt that in the midst of these challenges we can ill-afford to lose the little we have to the uncertainty of interrupted air transportation services. Obviously, I would never consider that it was a situation that the Government would deliberately cause ---unless there was good reason. From my usual attitude of fairness I determined that it must have been a major issue that needed to be addressed. And lest someone would have misinterpreted my interest in the matter, I decided to stay clear of the Airport until it was resolved. My position is that even the perception that there is something political about such a situation would be unhelpful to its resolution. I live here! I love my country! And I want to see Anguilla return to its former glory. All politics aside! 

It was therefore both disappointing and disturbing when the first call I received this morning, Monday, July 10^th, was that the Chief Minister was on the radio blaming the entire issue on the past Government and the establishment of a Port Authority.  Even a modern day “Houdini” would be challenged to perform such a trick that would cast the blame, for what appears to be an industrial action, on a Government that has not been in Office for almost seventeen months.  Furthermore, a decision to close an Airport is implemented when the proper conditions that provide for the safety of the users are not in place. Whatever the political interests, the regulatory requirements for the safe operations of an airport facility must be met. Indeed, both private and commercial airline operators themselves would not be prepared to risk flights in or out of a destination when these conditions are not guaranteed. In other words, whether the Airport is run by a Government Department or by a Statutory Body (like a Port Authority), such decisions are not supposed to be subjective or political, they are to be based on the conditions, literally, “on the ground”. 

For the Chief Minister to adopt his usual approach of casting the blame at a time when he should be getting to the root of the problem --- or at least, in the interim, trying to use moral suasion to get the Air Traffic Controllers back on the job is, to say the least, disheartening.  It seems that he would prefer to fall back into his comfort zone where he can simply blame, accuse or attack someone or some group of persons --- rather than address the matter as a leader who is in charge and prepared to accept full responsibility for what happens on his watch.

Many of you may have observed the manner in which a number of Presidents of the United States have dealt with the actions of Air Traffic Controllers on strike. While they are Federal Departments and Agencies responsible for such employees those Presidents have elevated the issue to a National Emergency. None of those Presidents blamed any previous Administration or Agency for the problem. Their first order of business was to keep the Airports open and safe.  Apparently, our Chief Minister’s first order of business is to seek political mileage and “cuss out” someone or some group of persons, particularly his political opponents, before he gets down to addressing the problem responsibly. More “smoke and mirrors”.

Persons who are not inclined to “connect the dots” on issues of this nature may underestimate the gravity of what has occurred and is occurring even as I am writing. There are closures and there are closures. There is a clear distinction between the Airport closing as a result of a natural disaster or condition as opposed to closing because of an issue that is related to the management of the facility or the conduct of the employees. Natural disasters and conditions are typically beyond our ability to control, whereas management and staffing issues reflect heavily on the quality of the destination. In each case Anguilla as a destination is affected both in terms of the service to its own people as well as the service to the other people and markets we seek attract. However, when this occurs as a result of an issue, which is under our control, there is the additional impact of negative publicity, dissatisfied customers and unhappy service providers, which exacerbates the problem even further. 

In this context, it may be instructive to list some of the effects of the closure of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport over the last two days based on my research as follows: 

·         A number of private jets bringing visitors to Anguilla were inconvenienced. One was redirected to St. Martin. Two were forced to leave early. Those international operators may not be willing to service Anguilla in the future. 

·         None of the Scheduled Airlines could bring their passengers into Anguilla or take any out. Those passengers were inconvenienced in many ways and had to make separate arrangements at additional costs. 

·         None of the locally owned Charter Services could operate and as a result customers who had made arrangements to meet tight travel deadlines were unable to do so and charters already arranged and possibly paid for have had to be cancelled and refunded. Future bookings could also be in jeopardy. 

·         Hotel guests coming to Anguilla or already in Anguilla in this very slow period of the year have cancelled or have left earlier using other routes and methods because of the uncertainty. 

·         Some Hoteliers, to save face, have had to give complimentary accommodation and services at a time when they need the revenue and may have lost future bookings. 

·         A number of ancillary services like car rentals, restaurants, water sports etc have lost business. 

·         The Government has lost revenue. 

·         Our image as a destination may be tarnished. 

It has not yet been established what the circumstances are which have caused all the Air Traffic Controllers to be sick at the same time. No epidemic has been identified and none of the illnesses reported are similar. Obviously, the only reasonable conclusion that may be drawn is that this is some form of industrial action. Far be it from me to challenge the right of any worker or group of workers to protest any conditions of work, which they deem to be unfavourable. However, I would expect that they would inform their employers as to their concerns before they decide to take actions of this nature, especially, when holding jobs, which have such far reaching consequences. I have not been able to determine, up to the time of writing, what prompted this apparent industrial action or what triggered it. What I will say, however, is that what the Chief Minister and his colleagues ought to be trying to determine is how they could assist the Port Authority in resolving this matter. They would have had to do the same thing if it were a Government department. When it comes to industrial action in a sector, which impacts the whole country, it is indeed a national issue. It should not be about the Chief Minister rushing down to the Airport intent on bullying the Manager and employees into opening the airport. It requires sensitive negotiations taking into account what could well be genuine grievances rather than the use of silly threats in an attempt to gain an audience.  

As I mentioned earlier the Chief Minister tried not only to blame the past Government in his remarks but also the Port Authority. Again it may be instructive to explain why the Port Authority exists and why it is helpful to the Government of Anguilla. Some persons may have noticed that this is the only Board, which the Government did not “mess with” when it came to Office. The reason being that the establishment of a Port Authority Board was one of the pre-conditions for the disbursement of the EC$ 25 million, which the past Government negotiated with the European Development Fund (EDF) and which this Government was able to utilize to meet recurrent expenditure requirements in 2010.  

But the Port Authority exists for other very important reasons to our national development. Firstly, because the area of air and sea transportation requires a very expensive infrastructure, it is therefore one, which cannot be readily addressed within the normal government departmental structure where the competition for funding is normally skewed towards more social issues. As a consequence the capital costs for such kinds of development are best achieved through financing arrangements, which are directly tied to the effective management of the facilities as a separate business entity. This separation allows for more flexibility and creativity in financing arrangements, including private participation.  

Secondly, as a separate entity, the Port Authority can do its own borrowing based on its own business plan. This allows the Government to reduce the weighting of such loans in its borrowing portfolio and thereby get more financing for other critical infrastructure or social projects.  In addition, the Port Authority arrangement will also take off a considerable percentage of the existing loan obligations for port facilities now being held by Government for the Airport and the Seaports.  This will further give the Government more borrowing capacity. Is this not what the Chief Minister has been arguing for, that is, less restrictions on borrowing? 

Thirdly, the Chief Minister continues to complain that the British Government wants him to lay off public servants. With the establishment of the Port Authority automatically one hundred and ten (110) workers have been removed from Public Establishment allowing the Chief Minister to demonstrate that he has made reductions in the size of the public service. As a separate entity the Port Authority would then be able to apply more flexible and creative ways of managing and deploying its employees to create better efficiencies than those possible in usual public service arrangements. 

Finally, as a separate business entity the Port Authority is able to respond to issues related to its operations more quickly.  It removes the day-to-day administrative responsibility from the Government and allows the persons with the appropriate technical expertise to make the decisions. In this arrangement, the role of Government is a regulatory one, namely, to ensure that the Authority provides a fair service to all users at an equitable price. The Government having enacted the enabling legislation has the necessary monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that the Authority keeps in line without having to be actively involved. In the case of the present Chief Minister he can now easily find someone to blame whenever things go wrong. It is unfortunate, however, that he seems to think that by disbanding the authority or changing the Board members the regulatory issues, which govern the operations of the airport will disappear.

I hope that I have made the point that the situation at the Airport has nothing to do with the previous Government or the Port Authority as opposed to a Government Department. The root of the problem needs to be uncovered. Underlying grievances, which require resolution, cause industrial action or strikes. They usually occur when all else fails. The question then is what needs to be done to resolve this obvious impasse?  What is most curious about this particular action is that no one has given a reason. Which means that there is no effective communication on the matter.  

These are the facts --- as we know them! The Airport Manager ordered the closure of the Airport because of lack of coverage by Air Traffic Controllers. The Air Traffic Controllers have all come down with a variety of illnesses. Some of them have presented medical certificates to prove their condition --- others have taken the discretionary three-day sick leave. The Airport Manager has not presented any communications from the Air Traffic Controllers regarding the situation.  

To put it bluntly, the silence is deafening. No movements at the Capt. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport! With this fiasco and no good news on the tourism projects, namely, Flag, Solaire, the Fountain Beach and others --- when will this economy take-off?   We long to hear: “Victor! Poppa! ….  Alpha! Uniform! Mike!  Clear for take-off!

Victor F. Banks

Sachasses Estate

July 12, 2011

SOCIAL DISORDER? Or consequence of a Failed State!!!

It is an uncharacteristic ill, for us to have to deal with the recent spate of attempted suicide and suicide by hanging in our small community. Is this social disorder or the collapse of our moral footing? In a conversation with a prominent figure, who finds it appalling that there have been three suicides by hanging in recent months on the island and government has not as much as addressed the matter in any form. The elected responsibility of every government is basically socio-political and such issues mandate government to at least comment on what appears to be a new phenomenon of distress on the island. The conversation went on to assume that under normal circumstance, three murders, or even attempted murders of any kind would draw quite some attraction from the community, but these unnecessary taking of individual lives seem to trend towards an acceptable peril.

Society is actually a major dependency on the social systems that characterizes the nature of the country, and this is proven true according to the kind of society one may chose to live. There is major discontent right now in The United States of America because, some characterize the social system as burdensome on the country and others believe that the distribution of wealth as pertinent achievement, is being unfairly and disproportionally dispersed, whereby the underprivileged and unfortunate has not been sufficiently guaranteed their rights of social security through the safety net system. In Europe we see the most dependent on the social structure of some of these countries turned to street warfare against their government that is no longer able to protect and provide such benefits which they have come to accept as normal. In Anguilla we are not a privileged society to enjoy such benefits and therefore we live and we die without the guarantee of a social safety net. But we have always been a people conscious of our neighbor’s welfare and for our island to simply accept three suicides by hanging in less than six months without being adequately addressed represents a major shift in our moral equity.

The question that comes to mind is what is the distraction? Why haven’t we recognized the disorder? Everyone is perhaps just too busy with their very own circumstance. Anguilla is hurting terribly in more ways than one. It is said that single mothers are in terribly despair, at risk of losing their homes, ignoring their parental responsibility and trying to over dose themselves to avoid the shame and disgrace. Several hundred disconnections of electricity on a monthly basis leaving the young and old in darkness, without the luxuries they have come to know and enjoy. These incidences of economic consequence on the island indicate that the country is in serious decline and perhaps seriously drifting into crisis. A very serious question that should be tabled right here is, is our government in denial? Indications are, this is a developing crisis, and we hear nothing from government. Where is the Minister of Social affairs who are well paid on a monthly basis, and the rest of the Ministerial body who often are photographed once per week attending a single meeting, and are safely registered on the payroll of Government, doesn’t the Minister have a word of comfort and or assurance for the people? Aren’t there social professionals within the ministry that can address such matters? The island needs comfort and to hear from their elected people to assure them that this crisis will not encompass the population in any mass form.

There is a crisis looming and government should not pretend that they don’t understand. The former, Honorable Chief Minister Osborne Fleming out of concern, hinted, that government needs to seek adequate assistance from the British Government under present circumstances. This was also echoed by the former Finance Minister Hon. Victor Banks on live radio, stating, there is a case to be made to the British government on behalf of the country. Our pride, or our ignorance must not lead to the seduction of evil creeping into our society under these serious economic conditions as a permanent solution to crisis in our lives. The passion for suicide as a quick and permanent solution to personal problems must be reversed; persons with such intent must be sort out, and counseled.

As a people, we have entered a period where we have accepted and deliberately embraced our politics, as a weapon of division that has isolated neighbors, friends and families; I dear say that today’s politics on Anguilla has become a divisive tool. What happened this week in the “House of Representatives” is self explanatory and indicative. If our elected Representatives, all being elected on equal platforms by the people, and do not have the will to respect each other and demonstrate kindness in the honorable “House” but at all time must show their endeavor to subdue by all means necessary, then indeed our moral footing is in question. From all indications the opposition raised a point that made the actions of the House superfluous, The “act” is already agreed on and signed by both parties, which made it enforceable, which in my mind, made the session redundant and gave it the appearance that the government was about to do nothing but again repeat its action on the issue to raise the consciousness of the people that, “we have signed another MOU”. Since February 2010 a number of these have been signed without any substantive work on the island. If the Speaker must control the House with a heavy hand to demonstrate command, then the objective of the function is lacking, and such actions could very well exemplify the state of the country.

By Elliot J. Harrigan 

PRESS RELEASE

On Monday, July 4, 2011, the birthday of the United States of America, the greatest democracy on earth, the Speaker removed the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers, from the Anguilla House of Assembly. The Member had protested at the very beginning of the session that a number of questions submitted, in a timely manner, to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Assembly were omitted from the Order Paper or Agenda for the meeting. He explained that a number of these questions had been previously submitted and were not answered by the Minister responsible and did not reappear on any subsequent Order Paper.

The Agenda was circulated more than seven days before the planned sitting of the House, and based on proper procedure, the Clerk is obliged to accept additional items for the meeting for the final circulation three days before the House is convened. Upon presenting its questions the Opposition was told that the Clerk to the House and the Speaker were both absent and as a consequence no additional items could be added to the Agenda. The Leader of the Opposition questioned the validity of this excuse given the fact there is a Deputy Speaker with the distinction of having served as Speaker of the said House for eleven consecutive years as well as other persons in the service who have substituted for the Clerk and who could have prepared final Agenda. Having made such a feasible arguments, the Leader of the Opposition felt confident that in this age of advanced communication, the Clerk and the Speaker should have been contacted to ensure that these questions were included on the Final Order Paper.

The lay out of the Agenda as established in the Rules of Procedure is arranged so as to ensure that Opposition’s questions get first attention in the House of Assembly thereby the Government as the majority cannot prevent the business of the minority from being heard.

What is also worthy of mention is that none of the two Government motions on the Agenda were of an urgent nature. As a matter of fact the MOU’s that they presented to be debated and approved by the House had already been approved by EXCO and signed by the Chief Minister and the Developer. They were therefore “deliberations after the fact”. In other words “mock consultations”.

At the beginning of his presentation on the first motion, the Leader of the Opposition expressed some concerns about the relevance of the debate on the motion and requested clarification from the acting Attorney General (A.G.). The Leader of the Opposition was concerned as to the impact of debating such a motion when it had already been approved by EXCO and signed by the Chief Minister and the Developer. At that time the Attorney General was absent from his seat. In the circumstances, Mr. Rogers continued with his presentation until the acting Attorney General returned. Mr. Rogers then posed the question to the acting A.G. who was in the process of answering when the Speaker intervened and prevented him from doing so. It was then that Mr. Rogers remarked that it seemed to him as if there is a concerted attempt by the House to silence the Opposition. The Speaker seemed to have ignored the remark but was then prompted by the Member for West End to demand that the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw the statement. When so requested by the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition replied that he was not prepared to retract his statement, without being granted the opportunity to explain the reasons for making it. To which the Speaker ruled that she would not allow any such explanation and demanded an immediate retraction. The Leader of the Opposition refused to retract his statement and the Speaker called on the Sergeant-of-Arms to effect his immediate removal by reference to Section 48 (1) of the Rules of Procedure.

The Members of the Anguilla United Front (AUF) strongly protested this action taken by the Speaker and contend that it does not measure up to the charge of “disorderly conduct” which would trigger such action under Section 48(1) of the Rules of Procedure. We consider the Speaker’s actions to be high-handed and her excuse for the omission of Opposition’s questions to be unacceptable. Furthermore, the statements that she made regarding the Opposition’s right to ask the Attorney General a question on point of law related to a matter being debated in the House demonstrates a woeful lack of understanding of the Rules of Procedure.

It is our view that this and other decisions that the Speaker has taken over the last sixteen months may be interpreted as deliberate attempts to silence the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly.

Information Division
Anguilla United Front
July 5, 2011

HATCHET MAN!!!

Let’s put some perspective to the current state affairs of the island, except for the absurd, in a democracy, people are free to collaborate, team up and pool resource. There is distinction in service, and perhaps anyone having the privilege to serve country and the people learn through intimate interaction and close up mingling, part of the complexities of human conduct and behavior. One of the reactive principles of humanity is to “walk softly but carry a big stick” which, in its simplest form means, reserve some attitude, the time will come when you’ll really need the arsenal.

Most people interpret politics as a massive game played on the minds of people by people who feel that they have the power to manipulate. Politics touches all of humanity in some form or the other and is the principle equalizer, adjuster or eliminator at the point of necessity. To bring this home, let’s note the day this government took the solemn oath to serve this country, standing before God and man! The Honorable Chief minister is usually a smooth operator when all the balls are in his court and he plays a vicious hard ball! Well, like most of the hard hitters who burst on the scene during the campaign; they have, just about receded in the back ground. Competence is a major requirement, and in government, more so! But now appears to be a fading device in this government at a time when it is most required. The danger faced is to allow discontent to infect the masses, then, is when you’ll need to apply that reserve arsenal I spoke of above. Actually, there might not be any lack of competence in this government, but more so, confidence; because our Honorable Chief Minister is the most honorable serving politician in the House and he has vast perspective from both sides, the supposed Honorable acting Chief, Mr. Baird is a close second with equal experience on both sides of the fence. Our Minister of Home affairs is a Teacher of international stature and our Minister of works is an experienced CEO of private business.

The campaign the island experienced recently was a game changer in our politics, AUM raised the stakes to crucial levels and was terribly brutal and insensitive, in-sighted the masses with high intensity arrogance. It’s the game of politics, and the players, often play themselves, and each other. If that is not so, then economics is not a thing edged in stone, and no one has a crystal ball; that then becomes the game changer. Back to the inauguration, all smiles and honors conferred, all hopes, and a strong sense of “payback for AUF” It set the motion for the Honorable Chief to issue a declaration of confidence, quote; “Give me one year and six months and I’ll turn this economy around.” The last promise on the table unfulfilled. There is still hope; I am making this reminder because there if there is a rabbit in the hat he has to jump, now!!!

Things are tough, friends and foes alike agree that it’s not about AUF or AUM anymore, neither of these parties has the power to change the circumstance the country is facing. It is about the people, the last option to make a difference, because the situation on the island is heading to critical proportions from the individual standpoint and that for family of this country, one by one. With the application of the “stabilization levy” which strikes a note of personal consequence for everyone, no one wants to speak up for AUM, nor the Government, and it appears that no one within government wants to defend this tax. One man stands out! It was refreshing to see the Honorable Jerome Roberts who stood up, in spite of all the odds and said, face front to the chartered body of commerce on the island, “The Chamber of Commerce” made up of average business people, in direct conversation on the devastation of the tax, “this Levy would not be repealed!!” These are the words of the honorable Jerome Roberts. The Honorable Mc. Neil reported that FCO instructed him that, this Government is the sole sponsor of the Levy, and totally responsible for the introduction and application of the tax, Honorable Roberts, stands for government, against the people on this levy. What we have now is a developing crisis; AUF has started a process, by going to the masses for their approval to repeal this “Bill.” Government must accept this or the masses will march this government out.

That reserve competence held by all those capable Ministers in theater must come into full play post-haste. The actions of Roberts, reminds me of when he lashed out at The Honorable Baird, on national radio alerting the public of the circumstances surrounding the East End Clinic. That brings to mind, that only in time will everyone know the scope of one’s elected capability, and without doubt, the honorable Mr. Roberts is the only voice, volunteered, consolidated voice of reason for AUM right now, against “the people; we might be seeing right now, in full swing; the AUM’s “Hatchet Man”

By Elliot J. Harrigan