“WHO WE GONNA RUN TO?”

Last week the grape vine and the “blogs” were focused on a written statement purportedly delivered by Governor Harrison to Executive Council. Given the fact that Executive Council (EXCO) discussions are to be kept confidential, I was extremely hesitant to cross that sacred “Maginot line” which protects our democracy by ensuring that our decision makers have a place where matters of national importance can be dealt with in an environment, which encourages openness and objectivity. Unfortunately, that confidentiality appears to have been breached not only on this occasion but on many others as well by Ministers of the AUM Government. For example, I have heard the Hon. Evan Gumbs declare openly in the House of Assembly that he did not vote for/support a particular matter in EXCO and on a recent Talk Show both he and the Hon. Walcott Richardson declared that they did not support aspects of the Education Bill in Executive Council. In fact their leader the Chief Minister who continues to lead by bad example, often reports publicly on confidential matters from Executive Council.

 

For clarification it is not my intention “to make two wrongs a right”. It remains a breach of the “oath of confidentiality” applicable to all members of EXCO to take classified information out of the Chambers. But the issues contained in the statement being widely circulated are issues, which I have reported on and questioned as recently as September 2, 2011 in my article: “Woosh!” So my faithful readers would have heard me raise these issues ad nauseam. I do not know whether the Anguillian Newspaper will carry the statement since it is not an official release from the Governor, therefore I have no choice but to quote it in its entirety for ease of reference and to highlight the unimpeachable truths it contains. The statement reads as follows:

 

His Execellency, William Alistair Harrison,
Governor of Anguilla.

"We have just agreed to authorize the Chief Minister to sign a supplementary MoU with Starwood Capital. I have no problem with the substance of the decision --- indeed EXCO had little alternative but to take it. But there are some troubling issues of governance lying behind it on which I should like to make a statement.

 

Last summer the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary announced to the press that they had concluded an MoU with Starwood in respect of the latters purchase of the debt secured on the Viceroy resort. In fact this “MoU” had been concluded without authorization from EXCO, without the benefit of the advice of the Tourism Investment Committee (TIC) and without having been seen or negotiated by the Attorney General’s (AG’s) chambers. Only one senior public officer was consulted, who failed to inform her colleagues until after the event.

 

The Chief Minister would have been well aware, from his previous term as Chief Minister, of the correct procedures to follow; and he should have ensured that the Parliamentary Secretary was also aware of them. No MoU should have been signed until it had been seen and negotiated by the TIC with the participation of the AG’s chambers. And EXCO should have taken the final decision.

 

Given that the Chief Minister was aware of the correct procedures to follow, it seems unlikely that this incident was part of a wider pattern of his attempting to bypass the correct procedures of Government --- as in the case of the near disaster of the Social Security loan, and an attempt to dismiss the Board of ANGLEC. In this case, the consequences of the Chief Minister’s and Parliamentary Secretary’s conduct were serious. The TIC eventually negotiated a valid MoU with Starwood, and it was duly signed. But the negotiating dynamic was made exceptionally difficult by the concessions the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary had already made. These concessions limited the amount that Starwood were to pay the Treasury whatever the actual price of the debt note. Whilst it is impossible to be certain how the negotiations would have otherwise turned out, it is clear that the ill-considered conduct of the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary have cost the people of Anguilla up to EC$18 million, a loss we can ill afford.

 

I trust the Chief Minister will follow the correct procedures in future and ensure that his Minister and other advisers do likewise."

 

Diehard AUM supporters have derived a false sense of comfort by saying that this document is a contrivance of the “meddling opposition”. My response is: “Does that mean that the comments made are not factual?” All such doubters need to do is simply look up the Government Media Report of July 30th, 2010. It is in the Anguillian! The other point these diehards have raised is that the Governor is trying to embarrass the Chief Minister. My response is: “Does this mean that the Chief Minister is above the law and the need to practice good governance?” First of all the Governor did not make the statement publicly and secondly he had sound grounds to admonish the Chief Minister and his colleagues to abide by the laws, rules and procedures that have been established to guarantee good governance for the people they have been elected to serve.

 

"Well... not personally"

I have said in my column and on various media that anything that I say about the political situation in Anguilla I publish under my own name. I do not and will not use the cowardly route of anonymous “blog entries” and other social media where very often, as obtained in the last election campaign, the intent is to mislead and distort the truth. I have been commenting in my column on these issues for more than a year. In this context, I could go back as recent as a few weeks to show the consistency of my views of the Government’s behaviour and the damage it is causing. However, I will go back even further to my article of a year ago (almost to the day), when I commented on and predicted the likely outcome of the manner in which the Chief Minister and his colleagues were conducting the affairs of state. My article appeared in the Anguillian of September 24, 2010 and was entitled: “So Shall It Be In The End”. Here are some excerpts from that article:-

 

The Scenario

 

“On Friday July 30th, 2010 the Anguillian carried an article based on a press conference held by the Chief Minister, Hon. Hubert B. Hughes and his son the Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes. The actual press conference was actually held on Tuesday July 28th and as a consequence the news had already been circulated on the various broadcast media that Viceroy Resort was sold to an investment group, Starwood Capital Group (SCG); an MOU was signed; the new buyer would be paying US$ 40 million in taxes, and; the Government would be receiving 9% Alien Land Holding Licence fees on every villa sold.

 

Understanding the long process of negotiations associated with such deals many persons were stunned by this announcement. And especially so when the Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes stated: “Last week the property was up for sale this week it has been sold.” The Chief Minister further stated that the Parliamentary Secretary was given the task to redeem some of the taxes lost under the previous MOA. We have more or less quashed the MOA and have formulated an MOU.”

 

What was most ironic about this press statement is that whereas the AUM politicos in the recent election campaign had been accusing the former Government of conducting their negotiations in secret here are they now presenting an MOU negotiated by HAYDN alone! In fact after this press statement a number of Ministers of the Government denied having any knowledge of the transaction and in particular the MOU. Transparency Indeed!”

 

AUF Good Governance Practices

 

“The past AUF Government had a very organized system for dealing with the negotiation of Memorandum of Agreements. A first draft would be produced by senior technical officials on a committee called the Tourism Investment Committee (TIC); followed by a presentation by that committee to Ministers of Government; then the preparation of a negotiating stance to be agreed in Executive Council. Once the first negotiating stance has been agreed more discussions with the investor takes place and that process is repeated several times until a final document is ready to be presented to Executive Council for final approval before signature.

 

This process could take considerable time if there are significant points of difference between the Government and the Developer. And very often the Government would hire consultants from the United States or elsewhere to provide advice in cases where there are legal and commercial issues/practices not familiar to our jurisdiction. In fact the methodology for negotiating with foreign investors during the past AUF Administration was considered to be a best practice in the OECS region.”

 

AUM Mockery of Good Governance

 

“I said in my column last week that the Chief Minister and his colleagues strongly believed that the rules are for everyone but them. It is the kind of behaviour strongly associated with persons who have sociopathic tendencies. And I say this in the context of the arrogance of the Chief Minister after so strongly accusing the past Government of closed negotiations to be boasting in his press conference that he had appointed his son to “redeem some of the taxes lost under the previous MOA.” He did not appoint the trained economist, Deputy Chief Minister, Hon. Edison Baird nor a committee of Senior Technical Officials seized of the intellectual memory to deal with the Viceroy MOA; --- he appointed his son!”

 

My Predictions & Comments

 

"... secrets and higher beings are not formulae
and you appear terribly unwise to suggest so.
Having said this, it makes me happy
to see you so confident and comfortable
in your Not-Knowing."

Many of us believed that MOU that they purported to have signed was an innocuous document. However, we later discovered that the MOU was actually signed on July 27, 2010 on Starwood Capital letterhead by the Chief Minister and witnessed by a Senior Government Official. That is, the same MOU in which the Chief Minister instructed the Parliamentary Secretary to redeem supposedly “lost taxes” and giveaways by the past government. HAYDN actually did quite the opposite as follows:

 

• He fixed the value of the real estate for the purposes of calculation of the various stamp duty and alien land holding license fees as not to exceed US$105 million. My comment: Revenue will be lost if the value exceeds US$105. Even if that were considered to be unlikely, given the circumstances of the sale it would have been a better deal to set a minimum rather than a maximum.

 

• He increased the number of exemptions for refurbishment to six times in twenty years rather than four times as in the original MOA. My comment: Is this how we redeem lost revenue from taxes?

 

• He removed the payment of the Resort Resident Asset Levy in most cases. This is an ongoing stream of revenue established in the original MOA for the life of the project that in time would exceed all up front payments. My Comment: He has sacrificed revenue for future generations for upfront windfalls. Obviously, simply to make the Government look good in the short term.

 

• He removed the section dealing with increases every five years of the annual levies payable by condominium owners and fixed the rate at no more than US$ 6.50. My comment: Again! Is this how we redeem lost revenue from taxes?”

 

My Conclusion

 

“What the Parliamentary Secretary did by having the Chief Minister sign this seriously flawed MOU had to impact the efforts of the TIC in eventually negotiating the MOU now being proposed to be presented to the House in a few days. The fact is that even though the document did not go to EXCO or the House it could have been argued to be legally binding given the fact that it contained the Chief Minister’s signature witnessed by a senior civil servant. This reality may have taken away a considerable amount of the TIC’s leverage in negotiating a more favourable agreement. While I am confident that what they have worked on will be a considerable improvement on the travesty that the Parl. Sec. negotiated --- they will not be fully satisfied with the outcome.”

 

"... Lawd... survival is all in your hands! Help!"

It is quite possible that many persons read my articles with some “sceptism”, given the fact that I am the Leader of the AUF --- so I feel vindicated by “the purported statement” of the Governor, which has captured the essence of many of the issues I have been raising. Hopefully, once the integrity of the statement has been established people will look more critically at our leadership. In fact it is a fair question to ask whether this is the kind of leadership we want when we become an independent nation. And an even more troubling question in the face of such a reality: “Who we gonna run to?”

By: Victor F. Banks

Victor Banks is a former Finance, Economics, Commerce and Tourism Minister on Anguilla. He is presently the leader of the Oposition Anguilla United Front Party, writer and author of a weekly political article for the Anguillian News Paper, lyricist, and a self-employed entrepreneur.

... THE RESULTS OF GOD NOT LIKING UGLY ON ANGUILLA

"... It wasn't me!"  

The answers to our problems don't lie beyond our reach - they exist in the obviation of the Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM) from the realms of power on Anguilla. What is required now is for Anguillians to pull together, confront boldly these real incompetencies we face, and take responsibility for our future once more... by any means necessary.

For too long, as a people, we have failed to meet these responsibilities under the covering of Democracy. It is only by understanding how we arrived at this utter mess that we'll be able to lift ourselves out of this predicament.

Though we have known for decades that our survival depends on finding ways to keep this visionless utter mess out of government, only God knows what happened on Feb 15, 2010. The results are that we are living through an era where there is neither short-term gains nor predictable long-term prosperity; where the next payment is borrowed; and where there is no opportunity to invest in our future... the results of God not liking ugly.

CUTTING THROUGH THE CHASE!!! "The Game of Politics continues " ……...........

His Execellency, William Alistair Harrison, Governor,
and the Hon. Hubert Benjamin Hughes, Chief Minister of Anguilla. 

The argument tabled for some time now has without doubt exacted itself to today’s current situation on the island. Now it is clear that the extreme and radical posture of the government or principal leadership elements, have not done the governing process well up to now! Thus far the country is no better off today than that day February 16, 2010. The Governor has now decided to declare his position on a critical turning point issue in the affairs of the island, which may bring some degree of clarity to the tension between the two aspects of the governing mechanism of the island and the actual relationship between the Governor’s cabinet and the elected government of the people.

This story actually exemplifies how the game of politics is played by real power players. It is now over one year and the neglect to address this matter, which did cause uproar by the government; the Governor knew that was red meat, and refused to pitch it to angry people who felt that he had trampled on the right of their selection for government. The Governor held the high ground and allowed the government to develop a trend of conscious or unconscious errors to the extent that they would defame, and cause consequential damage to themselves. Being conscious of public descent he felt comfortable at this point to reveal the actual report, red meat or not, at this time the government has cooked themselves and so is the red meat, “now well cooked.”

Stories like these must be reported from a prospective of critical analysis because the people must have all the facts, even from various sources and the people must judge for themselves. Our weekly column offers the opportunity for friends to give their point of view without sensor and objectively offer suggestions and or unsolicited advice, of which we may never know if taken, but it is our duty to make a contribution as we see it.

Last week’s column generated quite some reaction and a very intelligent debate on the prospects of adequate and new political leadership for the island on another facet of the phenomenal social network. The country has probably drifted from reality and has entered into a zone of difficulty, now becoming untenable. This matter concerns everyone and the subject matter highlights the fact that a new vision for the country must be tabled with critical criterion, a plan that must include the elements of a progressive society which should be exposed for public consumption, not in an election season but right now, so the people can judge without the pressure of political choice.

By: Elliot J. Harrigan

“YOU'RE NOT THAT EASY TO FORGET!”

Dame Bernice V. Lake QC

Anguillians were stunned last week by the untimely passing of two prominent nationals, the late Captain Cardigan “Cardi” Hodge, an outstanding pilot and businessman and the late Dame Bernice V. Lake QC, one of the region’s pre-eminent jurists and a distinguished scholar, especially in matters of Constitutional Law. The entire community is saddened by the loss of these exceptional Anguillians who were great ambassadors for our island in their several fields of endeavour and made us proud through their acclaim abroad. But my condolences go out especially to the families, close friends and colleagues of the deceased in this, their period of bereavement and sorrow. We cannot imagine their feelings of emptiness and distress over the loss of those they both loved and adored. They will be dearly missed. May their souls rest in peace!

It is not to diminish in any way the contribution of Captain Cardigan “Cardi” Hodge in the field of aviation and airline services to the region that I have chosen to dedicate the rest of my column today to the life and work of Dame Bernice V. Lake QC. It is well known that Captain “Cardi” frequently exceeded the call of duty to ensure that his customers reach their destinations within or outside of the Caribbean to fulfill their travel objectives whether for vacation, business or health emergencies. And there are those who will sing his praises and express their sincere gratitude for many, many years to come. He was highly respected and loved by many.



Captain Cardigan “Cardi” Hodge

However, Dame Bernice has so overwhelmed me by her contribution to the overarching issues of constitutional development and the protection of human rights in its broadest definition --- issues which affect the lives of all the peoples of our region and indeed all human kind --- that it would be irreverent not to extol her virtues in some manner during this sombre period. But even more so on a personal level, over the last five years my relationship with “Dame Bee” (as I affectionately called her --- with her permission) became respectfully cordial and in that sense any apology on my part for deciding to speak endearingly about her in my column, would be most disingenuous indeed.

I recall on another sombre occasion twenty-six years ago when Dame Bernice had the privilege of eulogizing her sister, the late Hon. Albena Lake-Hodge, she repeatedly use the phrase “we are just ordinary people”. While that “phrase” may describe her humble attitude in her most private life, I must say that there was nothing “ordinary” about Dame Bernice --- she was an extraordinary woman and many other superlatives may characterize her. Reflections on her life by those close and dear to her during the recent celebrations in her honour by the Anguilla Bar Association, perhaps for the first time in a public setting, exposed the more intimate aspects of Dame Bernice as a mother, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a homemaker, a gardener of exotic plants and orchids, a curator of various antiques, a seamstress, a designer, a baker, the list goes on. The obvious question to many persons, as it was to me --- is how did she find the time to be all of these things while pursuing a most stressful career as an advocate and a jurist? And again not an “ordinary advocate” --- she was one of the pre-eminent advocates in our region. The point I am making is that Dame Bernice found the time to identify with the preoccupations of “ordinary people” and never lost that attachment to the people whose causes she lived to defend and protect. And many of her close friends especially those she welcomed to her home were “ordinary people”. There was nothing pretentious about her. Dame Bernice knew and remembered her roots!

Inevitably, those who know the early period of my acquaintance with Dame Bernice, going back to the early eighties when we were on different sides of a political divide, would question the mutual friendship that we developed. Indeed, there seemed to be no love lost in that relationship and perhaps there may even have been the appearance of an entrenched hatred. But outside of the normal rancour of political campaigning there has never been any disrespect. In fact I can readily say that I was impressed by her tremendous intellect and her amazing clarity of mind in processing complex issues. And truthfully, in the arena of local politics her loyalty was never to individuals but rather to principles and policies consistent with her genuine belief in what was right in matters of national importance. In that regard, she did not support any Government because of personal or political association but rather on the basis of adherence to what she believed were sound policies and the existence of due respect for the rights of citizens. Her assessment of the handling of such issues determined where she would place her support during elections --- not party politics. Dame Bernice was not a creature of political expediency!

It was in the last Constitutional Reform Exercise beginning in 2006 when I began to explore, under her guidance, the concept of fundamental rights and freedoms more critically than I ever did as a practicing politician, when I came to appreciate and understand the driving force behind her approach to constitutional development and the protection of human rights. And it was only after I showed a genuine interest in understanding the linkage of these two issues to the overall relationship with our administering power that she brought me under her tutelage. Her tutelage was of the style that allowed me to question even the most central aspects of her philosophy --- but the outcome was inevitably my agreement with the premise and the reinforcement of her position. Dame Bernice was an excellent teacher!

During the period of public consultations for the last Constitutional Reform Exercise I prevailed on Dame Bernice to devise a presentation that would explain the important aspects of Constitutional Democracy and how they operate within a State. Ours was the awesome task of explaining to “the man on the street” the intricacies of the constitution and how it should function for the furtherance of the interest of all citizens. I was amazed when Dame Bernice developed a power point presentation, which illustrated in the most comprehensible form, a paradigm of Constitution Democracy complete with graphics. It is important to quote what she said: “I think of the State as a WHEEL. At the HUB are the citizens with their fundamental rights; the RIM of the WHEEL is your constitution; and within the WHEEL are the institutions of Government, which are the RADIAL SPOKES which link and connect the RIM to the HUB in a predetermined way so that the WHEEL keeps its circular form and runs smoothly.” She went on to explain: “the fundamental rights are the core values which guide the growth of society and the Constitution is the Supreme Law which keeps the State in social balance.” What followed was a clear outline of what constituted the various parts of the “symbolic wheel” and their function. There could not be a clearer illustration of a complex process than what Dame Bernice devised. Dame Bernice was a master at grass roots communication!

On June 5, 2008 Dame Bernice delivered the Walter G. Hodge Memorial Lecture on the topic: “Constitutional Democracy Governance in Twenty-First Century Anguilla: Illusion or Realizable Aspiration”. It was a comprehensive presentation that dealt with the history of regional constitutional evolution; the particular and peculiar circumstances of Anguilla; a historical account of our colonial relationship that shows the persistence of a common thread of adherence to the principle of self-determination and full internal self-government over a period over forty years; as well as the legal basis for the pursuit of that assertion. There is no question that that lecture should become the main document for making a strong case for full internal self government, which every constitutional exercise has endorsed over the past fourteen years. In fact Dame Bernice makes the point in her lecture that the existing Anguilla Act of 1980 under which “Anguilla is currently administered expressly contemplates Anguilla’s attainment of full internal self-government”. She then concludes: “the right to opt for constitutional advancement in the form of full internal self-government as a State in Association with another independent country is a right which Anguillians have never relinquished and is a position of entitlement from which they have never resiled. To give up that right would be to betray the principles and cause of the Revolution and to compromise the sterling contribution of our revolutionary heroes who fought so bravely in the quest for freedom.” It was through such arguments based on historical facts and supported by the relevant legislative provisions that Dame Bernice advised the past Government to pursue a constitutional status of full internal self-government. The present Constitutional Reform Committee would be well advised to consider this approach. Dame Bernice was an invaluable asset to the furtherance of constitutional evolution!

The circumstances of Anguilla during the period of her education caused Dame Bernice to travel to other parts of the OECS to learn and practice her profession. It is as a result of that reality that she spent a considerable period of her life in Antigua a country that embraced her as one of its own. She had chosen a profession, which at that time in the region was dominated by men. But it would appear that, that situation was more of a welcomed challenge than a deterrent, for a courageous young woman whose athletic background had prepared her to take competition in her stride. Her success in overcoming the early hurdles which attend most professionals in a new environment earned her tremendous respect and her capacity for effective work; long hours; and her tenacious defence of her clients interests soon propelled her to the top of her profession in Antigua. Her reputation spread among her colleagues in the OECS and the wider region and the rest is a matter of history. Dame Bernice firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with as an advocate and as a jurist to be respected in scholastic publications, lectures and journals. Dame Bernice was a regional stalwart in the field of law!

But first and foremost Dame Bernice was a woman of exceptional strength of character who lived her belief in the inalienable rights of all humankind in every aspect of her life --- both as a private citizen and as a professional who could advance its practice and exercise within the community and region in which she lived. She never believed in paying lip service to these fundamental elements of natural justice and as a consequence her genuine activism was both respected and legendary across the Caribbean. Dame Bernice was a champion of social justice.

The softer side of Dame Bernice was the fortuitous preserve of those who had the opportunity to get to know her. But unfortunately many may have been too intimidated by her overwhelming presence in public life to venture across that threshold into familiarity and friendship --- a zone of relationship, which those who have been so privileged to enjoy, hold in the highest esteem. Dame Bernice was a caring, kind and dedicated friend.

It would be an impossible enterprise to capture all of the wonderful attributes and achievements of this great Anguillian Lady in even the most comprehensive account of her life and service. Neither could we expect to give adequate acclaim to the important aspects of her legacy in such an abbreviated presentation. One thing we are confident about is that the history of Anguilla and the OECS can never be complete without mention of her enormous contribution to the advancement of social justice in our region. Dame Bernice will be fondly remembered. And let me say on behalf of the many lives you touched during your short sojourn among us: “Dame Bee! You’re not that easy to forget!”

By: Victor F. Banks

Victor Banks is a former Finance, Economics, Commerce and Tourism Minister on Anguilla. He is presently the leader of the Oposition Anguilla United Front Party, writer and author of a weekly political article for the Anguillian News Paper, lyricist, and a self-employed entrepreneur.

PRESS RELEASE: Dame Bernice Lake Q.C

The Valley - The Hon. Chief Minister of Anguilla, Mr. Hubert Hughes, his Ministerial Colleagues, and members of the Anguilla Public Service were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Bernice Lake Q.C. over the weekend. The Government of Anguilla extends condolence to the members of the Lake family who no doubt will mourn her loss greatly; as will the entire legal fraternity and the country at large.

Dame Bernice possessed an exceptional ability to defend her beliefs without fear or favor, was single minded in her protection of basic human rights, was outspoken on many matters regardless of the repercussions to her personally, and worked tirelessly in the development of Anguilla over many years.

With the depth and breadth of her legal knowledge, and enormous experience she gained working in the region over the last half century, it is no surprise that she figured greatly in the development of our Constitutions over the years. Her capacity to distill the elements of society into constitutional and legal language that stood the test of time was a testimony to her formidable intellect, and carefully honed cultural skills.

As one of Anguilla’s first legal scholars she made an entire people proud when she figured prominently in many cases over the years. Her successes in the fields of law and academia did not come easy, but may be attributed to a committed family structure and the tenacity that naturally comes from being Anguillian. While she made her home in other OECS countries over her career she never shied away from her roots as an Anguillian. In fact she celebrated it, and wore it as a badge of honour.

The country benefitted immensely from her contributions to society since she retired here some years ago. Not only could she be called on to lend advice on any matter that needed an objective opinion, but also provided this advice free of charge as in the case of the revision of our constitution.

Her voice could often be heard on the air waves on talk shows setting the record straight on many legal matters, or even opining on issues of the day. This drive to share her thoughts, wisdom and experience with the general public spoke of a deeper need to assist in steering this beloved island of ours in the right direction.

Dame Bernice will be dearly missed by her family, the legal fraternity, and the Government and People of Anguilla. May her soul rest in peace.

By: Merwyn F L. Rogers
PS Chief Minister's Office, September 13, 2011

“EVERY PARSON CHRISTEN HE OWN CHILE FUSS!”

Former Chief Minister of Anguilla,
the Hon. Osbourne B. Fleming:
"... I gonna speak the truth!"

It was refreshing to hear former Chief Minister, the Honourable Osbourne B. Fleming on “To the Point” last evening Monday, September 5, 2011. Mr. Fleming took pains to be calm and deliberate in his presentations and set the parameters for the interview very early in the session. The Host after a very short period of protestation, seemed uncharacteristically willing to cooperate and after a time could even have been considered very cordial indeed. During the “call-in” section of the programme, quite surprisingly, a number of the “usual callers” who would normally be extremely critical of guests who are not AUM supporters --- complimented Mr. Fleming on his performance. In fact, one of the callers seemed tearful and came pretty close to asking forgiveness. There are those who found this part of the programme to be quite amusing because many of the callers were pleading for cooperation from the very groups and individuals they had been maligning just a few months ago. Mr. Fleming used such occasions to score valuable political points without rancour or indecorum.

Mr. Fleming used his stature as a past Chief Minister to get his message across and did so with both the dignity and grace befitting that image. It was a soft touch. But it was an effective touch. He was able to make the entire interview an opportunity to clarify a considerable amount of misinformation, which has been rampant in the community during and since the last election and to educate on certain aspects of Government. The Host constrained by parameters within which he was unaccustomed to operate, had no choice but to “go with the flow”. In the end he also (the Host) was the recipient of compliments for a well-conducted interview. Of significance was his open criticism of Ministers of the AUM Government who he described as “not having a clue”

"I don't have a clue..."

One caller used the atmosphere of cooperation and patriotism, which Mr. Fleming cleverly devised, to suggest that I should be persuaded to stop writing my column in The Anguillian. Clearly showing that for many members and supporters of the Anguilla United Movement cooperation and patriotism means unconditional adherence to the policies and politics of the Chief Minister and his colleagues. In this regard, though Mr. Fleming was most effective, it is uncannily obvious that many of them do not and will not ever understand the point being made that this Government is using the wrong “style, approach and attitude” to deliver on their promise of economic recovery for the people of Anguilla. And I remain flattered that many of them continue to believe that my column stands in the way of the Government’s ability to function effectively. However, I am also disappointed that so many Anguillians have not yet grasped the importance of constructive criticism in the democratic process and of how the intolerance of leaders to criticism can lead to authoritarianism and dictatorship.

Mr. Fleming’s interview on “To the Point” stands in stark contrast to that of the Chief Minister on the same program some weeks ago. In fact, while Mr. Fleming may have been equally assertive in putting his points across he was never abusive or offensive. The Chief Minister, on the other hand, viciously attacked the British Government, the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Permanent Secretaries, Developers, the Opposition and other private citizens. The Host in recognition of this difference asked the obvious question (loosely quoted): “Under your tenure did you have problems with the British Government, the Governor, the Deputy Governor and other public servants?” To which Mr. Fleming responded that he did, but never allowed them to be a part of discussion in the public media. I can attest to the fact that as a Government we handled such issues professionally in full awareness of our various responsibilities under the constitution. Mr. Fleming said as much!

It was my intention this week to make a national address as the Leader of the Anguilla United Front in the face of the many concerns Anguillians have been expressing regarding the plight in which they now find themselves. However, in the wake of Mr. Fleming’s interview I have decided to postpone it. That address would have appeared in my column and aired on the various broadcast media. My reasons for doing so are quite simple. It would be superfluous to make such a presentation so quickly on the heels of what I consider an outstanding performance. And even though Mr. Fleming spoke in his private capacity he made a number of points, which the AUF associates itself with, yet would be unable to make effectively as a Party without appearing self-serving. I have therefore decided to write my usual column further encouraged by that caller who saw the tenor of the interview as a great opportunity to “silence the journalist”. My silence can only be achieved when the AUM acts like a responsible government; adheres to the principles of good governance; abandons the strategy of lies and deception; accepts that they too must abide by the principles of integrity, transparency and honesty; and operates in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I will never accept that Chief Minister be allowed to behave like a “dirt bike” with impunity while everyone else should fall in line.

While there are a number of issues that were common to both interviews, there is one that the Host asked of both the present and former Chief Minister, which I feel moved to expand upon. The Host asked them (loosely quoted): “What are the issues prohibiting the exemption of transfer fees under the Stamp Act granted to the Conch Bay Development Project during the previous administration?” As the former Minister for Economic Development who spearheaded this initiative I feel duty bound to clarify the issues surrounding this matter. Mr. Fleming in his interview deferred to me for a more in depth and informed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the concession. One point must be made, however, and that is that this amendment to the Stamp Act was not specific to the Conch Bay Development and although they were the first beneficiaries they were not the first local developers who requested such a concession. The concession shows that the AUF Government was concerned with the capacity of indigenous Anguillians to participate in our development and was prepared to do what was necessary to ensure that they have a competitive advantage in their own country. Let me explain!

  

Anguilla former Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Commerce
and Tourism, Hon.  Victor F. Banks

Our Government in 2001 in the wake of the downturn in the global economy and exacerbated by the events of September 11, 2001 embarked on a deliberate program to restore fiscal stability in Anguilla. This program contained public sector projects including roads, seaport and airport development but also providing incentives for attracting significant investment in a major Golf Course, a Mega Yacht Marina and an Offshore Medical School. The response to our program was of such a magnitude that on November 30th 2005, we had to place a moratorium on foreign investment in large tourism accommodation projects. The purpose of the moratorium was to give Anguillian families the opportunity to participate in that area of tourism development. We felt that if foreign development in that sector continued at the pace it was going it could stifle and close out local investment.

We firmly believed that it was important that local Anguillians with the land resources be able to leverage their way into this sector without having to sell their land. And since expatriate companies owning tourism projects had the advantage of access to capital for financing such projects because of their international network, Anguillians would be at a disadvantage having land without available sources of capital to finance them. At least three Anguillian families took up the challenge but they immediately realized that to effectively carry out the development of these projects the land resources would have to be placed in a corporate entity owned by the family. Despite the fact that they would not be actually selling the land based on the Stamp Duty Act they would be required to pay transfer fees of five percent. Such a cost even before a developer is identified by a family which is “land-rich but cash-poor” could be a real impediment to realizing their development objectives”. In fact, it would effectively force them to sell their land outright rather use it as an empowering asset.

In recognition of this obstacle to Anguillian empowerment, our Government pledged to amend the legislation to facilitate the conveyance of such properties into corporate entities (companies) without the burden of stamp duty. On May 20th 2008, in the circumstances of assisting the Lake Family of the Tanglewood Estate in achieving such transfer of lands in a timely manner our Government through Executive Council agreed to temporary arrangements until suitable amendments could be made to the Stamp Act to address the general concern. Executive Council instructed the Attorney General to “craft a suitable amendment or amendments to grant of stamp duty (full or partial) on transactions designed to facilitate the conveyance of property from undivided family estates to corporate entities one hundred percent owned by the same families for tourism and other development purposes.”

In accordance with Executive Council’s request the Attorney General’s Chambers drafted the appropriate legislation, which, after the required period for publication in the Official Gazette was taken to the House of Assembly and passed on January 5, 2010. Governor W. Alistair Harrison gave his assent to the Bill on January 8, 2010. The Bill entitled the Stamp (Amendment) Act 2010 is very specific in its intention as follows: (1) Where beneficiaries who are relatives of each other have inherited real estate and that real estate is owned in common by the relatives who intend to use that real estate for the development of a project, the administrator or executor of the real estate may apply under subsection (2) to the Executive Council for the waiver of Stamp Duty. The Act goes into considerably detail to ensure that all conditions of the application are met and if Executive Council is satisfied that the application “enhances the economic development of Anguilla”, it may waive wholly or partially the payment of Stamp Duty. The penalty is equally strong “any person who fails to comply with subsections (5) or (6) commits an offence and is liable to summary conviction to imprisonment for a term of 2 years or to a fine or both. The conviction shall not preclude the payment of the waived stamp duty.

Former Speaker of the House, Hon. David Carty

Following the passage of the Act in the House of Assembly, the Ministry of Economic Development brought the specific waiver for Conch Bay Development Ltd for approval at the very last meeting of Executive Council under the past AUF Government. Executive Council approved the waiver of the stamp duty in full. The calculation of Stamp Duty for 361 acres based on a very high valuation of approximately US$800,000 per acre at 5% stamp duty would yield an estimated US$14,000,000 in revenue. It would, however, be prohibitive to most Anguillian landholders who are simple restructuring the ownership of the family estate into a 100% family owned entity. Government recognized that their desire to empower indigenous investors would be improbable without such support and felt that the revenue in question though waived in the short term could result in the creation of jobs, business opportunities and an increase in future revenue flows contemplated in the MOA. But Anguillians would then have the opportunity to retain ownership of their land while participating fully in their island’s development.

I have gone through this level of detail to make two important points. Firstly, that the AUF Government had a clear vision of how to empower Anguillians for participation in their own development meaningfully and secondly, that all the legal procedures for achieving that objective were followed. The questions being raised by the Host of “To the Point” suggests that the granting of the waiver is being held up by the present administration. Based on the Chief Minister’s comments it appears that even though he has expressed public support for the initiative he seems to be viewing it as a facility specific to the Lakes family rather than a general incentive to all qualified indigenous land owners who wish to restructure their holdings for developmental purposes.

Anguillians have tried white chicken chili, turkey chili,
 chili con carne, chili without beans, vegetarian chili,
what was supposed to be Cliff Huxtable’s super spicy chili,
 and even a really weird one that had green olives and raisins (which wasn’t too hot).
But boy Anguillians had never tasted chili like this one before... 

In the face of the unfounded criticism that the previous Government gave away everything to foreign developers it would be important to highlight such concessions as well as the favourable MOA’s made to all indigenous developers. The AUF was certainly true to the credo that “charity begins at home!” Every nation, including our mother country makes concessions, which position their nationals at a competitive advantage. The AUM Government must now demonstrate that it is paying more than lip service to their call for national development. The Parliamentary Secretary negotiated an MOU for a foreign investor in three days yet for eighteen months the Government cannot sign off on a document already approved in Executive Council and passed in the House of Assembly. As the older folk used to say: “every parson christen he own chile fuss!”

By: Victor F. Banks

Victor Banks is a former Finance, Economics, Commerce and Tourism Minister on Anguilla. He is presently the leader of the Oposition Anguilla United Front Party, author and writer of a weekly political article for the Anguillian News Paper, lyricist, and a self-employed entrepreneur.

“THE GAME OF POLITICS” Anguilla needs leadership!!

The honorable Chief Minister said recently; “I’m not happy! In all my years of politics, I was only happy working for Ronald Webster.” This is quite a confession, and signifies clearly that the mind set of our Chief Minister is still part of the “old guard.”

Not exactly the change we were looking for.

Since the time of Ronald Webster, we’ve entered a new century and a brand new era, one would think that our political class had prepared themselves to lead the country into a brighter future. Ronald Webster is the only real leader the island has known, tasked with the mammoth responsibility of leading Anguilla out of the wilderness. History would reveal that his tasked was accomplished most effectively, which lead the people of Anguilla to believe that he was appointed by God to carry out the mission and accomplished it with grace and honor. Since then, the island has not been blessed with a leader of such characteristics.

To fulfill the task of leading the country into prosperity there must be a clear mission, and the people must know about it. The political class of today is plagued with a lack of definition, a lack of distinction and clarity. No one seems to have a clear mission for the country or where the future would take us! The people of Anguilla have recognized this, and have refused to endorse any particular group with full confidence as Mr. Webster enjoyed during his term as political leader, and more specifically as the revolutionary leader of our time. No one since Ronald Webster passionately embraces the responsibility of leadership of the country with that unbiased attitude, “sincerely on a mission.” Anguilla needs a leader, a political leader with poise, a good sense of economics, conscious of the moral high ground and a good social academic. The Game of Politics has diminished, and poisoned the characteristics of good men we know but certainly, the country would produce the next genuine leader in real time. The honorable Chief Minister, longing for the return of those likable days is probably vague rhetoric. The People of Anguilla are much smarter today, and much wiser and have no interest in choosing between a worrier and a politician, “not today,” we have our worrier, there will not be a second revolution in our time, and while we are still blessed with the likes of the great “Ronald Webster” we remain a grateful people for the mission he accomplished. We’ve been brought out of the wilderness and into the land of plenty, but we simply can’t find our way.

Anguilla needs a leader on a mission to succeed in leading the country into prosperity; this is the mission at hand, this is the task before us as a country. It must be said right here, that one must step up, and know their calling; while history will record Mr. Ronald Webster as the greatest leader of our time, a worrier, a man who remained focused on the mission until accomplished, it will also show that he was not a good politician, the very people he lead from a life of misery, are a people slow to anger, but unforgiving. No one learned this lesson like Mr. Webster himself. Being greatly honored for his task by a grateful people, who gave him the honor to lead them into prosperity; he failed. Was it that he too was caught up in “the game of politics?” and became a victim of its divisive and treacherous characteristics which divided the people? We must remember this, said people, never again elected Mr. Webster to office, in his several attempts thereafter, a real life story of our time.

"... your play or my play next?!"

Keen observers of Anguilla politics must conclude that there is a very serious vacuum in the reality of the job; people actually see politics as a “game” a game that consequently is played against the people. Our present situation is a very clear example, until we have another framework, our leaders must be willing to maneuver, take some, (political punches) give some and win for the good of the country, there must be no sobbing. Obviously the players on stage today are an informed group, and know our system of governance very well, if not, this was a grave over sight of anyone seeking the office of governance. It must be assumed that certainly, they understand process, process that quantifies success for the people of Anguilla; the people must be the beneficiary of good political leadership within our system of governance. The economic situation of the country must take precedent over any continuing squabble between the Governor and the Chief Minister, we cannot have a government so pre-occupied with internal chaos that the people continue to suffer. When all is said and done, the Governor answers to no one on Anguilla, and what might seem ironic, is that his work appears very well acceptable to his superiors. We want to see a focused government and leadership in the total interest of the country, irrespective to conditions, and we look to our elected government to provide this. Is our government leading the country into prosperity or simply caught up in “the game of politics?” are we winning? (Refer to introductory remarks) Or are we seeing a warrior go down in defeat?

By: ElliotJ.Harrigan

"WOOSH!"

 

Many persons waited in anticipation for the “much talked about” massive rally which the Chief Minister publicized for the epicenter of his Constituency, Blowing Point on Saturday, August 27th, 2011. It was touted as an important meeting to inform the people of Anguilla how his efforts to deliver on the promises he made to them eighteen months ago have been thwarted. The Chief Minister was passionate and animated on the several talk shows and interviews leading up to the meeting about what he described as deliberate schemes by the British Government, with the complicity of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Opposition and a number of Senior Public Servants to sabotage his plan for Anguilla’s development. I was told that the attendance did not reflect the high profile, which the Chief Minister and his supporters attached to the meeting. However, in all fairness, it may well have been the case that the radio audience made up for the low turn out in the very heart of his traditional political stronghold.

A number of persons who had the opportunity to listen to the Chief Minister in his presentation have expressed to me their frustration in not being able to determine exactly the purpose for the meeting. Apparently, many persons, his supporters included, expected to hear something concrete about his plans and strategy to improve the economic situation in Anguilla despite his complaints about sabotage. There seems to be a general consensus among persons from all sides of the political spectrum that after eighteen months of the “blame game” it is time for the Chief Minister to do what he was elected to do, that is, take responsibility and lead. In fact, I was told that the entire meeting did not take on the “flavour” of a Government in control. On the contrary, both the demeanour of the speakers and the offerings from the podium exuded the feeling of a Government in crisis.

It seems that the entire population has become inured to the rude, abusive and rancorous conduct of the Chief Minister in his Press Conferences; Interviews; Speeches and other presentations. In fact, there is a tendency to dismiss his most outrageous comments with a shrug and a casual riposte: “You know Hubert!” As a consequence of that widespread attitude the Chief Minister has been able to construct monuments of lies and half truths which have not only led to the distrust and denigration of his opponents but have also created an illusion of himself as being an honest and sincere leader. To build this false image, anyone and everyone, including family and friends are dispensable. “I am clean!” He proclaims. That seems hardly a characterization of a self-admitted liar.

The recent arrangements/agreements between the Government and the Temenos and the Viceroy Projects have been the subject island wide discussion. The transparency with which this Government purports to cloak itself needs to be disrobed --- and a number of questionable matters may well justify investigation. For example, the question has been raised to me as to why it is that the Chief Minister’s sons appear to be receiving an inordinate share of the limited opportunities in the construction sector? Or what is the story on the land leased by Government to one of the CM’s tenants to build a shopping mall in the Spring Path area? Who is the actual owner of that shopping mall? Who is building and/or financing it?

The number of conspiracy theories, which the Chief Minister has woven with circumstantial and/or contrived evidence, should not evoke his surprise that such insinuations could be leveled at him and his family. Quite recently he has made libelous comments about the Chairman of our Party, Mr. Fritz Smith, to imply illegal conduct in his role as Project Manager of the Airport Expansion Project. But I have noticed that neither the Chief Minister nor his offspring respond kindly to any allegations of corrupt practices pointed at them. The Parliamentary Secretary was both incensed and defensive when questions were raised about his participation in a fast ferry service agreement with Viceroy. Yet he is quite comfortable when he casts aspersions on other persons, in a most cowardly manner, on the blogs or in the shelter of the House of Assembly. Nevertheless, I will not shirk from my responsibility to raise a number of questions in connection with the Temenos and the Viceroy negotiations. And in keeping with my principle of not using anonymity or sheltering behind any cowardly contrivance --- I now put these questions on the record in my column and under my name.

Last week the Chief Minister got on the airwaves and insulted Mr. Rizzuto by suggesting that by virtue of having social engagements with the Governor he was influenced to renege on his agreements with the Government. In the same interview he spoke about the inability of Mr. Rizzuto and the Government to come to an agreement on the MOU for the development of the Temenos Resort and Golf Course and commented that he had sent a letter to the receiver informing him of that situation and requesting that the receiver terminates any agreement with Mr. Rizzuto arising out of that auction. That was the last official position from the Government. However, it appears that since that time things have changed.

Over the weekend we heard that there has been an agreement with Mr. Rizzuto. And despite the fact that the Chief Minister read out a letter indicating that he had written to the receiver requesting that any agreement with Mr. Rizzuto be terminated it is reported that this has not happened and the sale has been consummated. I have also been reliably informed that some of the elected and appointed officials as well as the technicians are not privy to these arrangements. Furthermore it is widely circulated on the basis of his own declarations that the Parliamentary Secretary is not in favor of an agreement being made with Mr. Rizzuto on the terms provided.

It is my view that there is need for closure on the Temenos Project and I raised the important considerations, which Government should take on board in arriving at a reasonable agreement, in my June 17 article: “And wid a lotta sauce!” as follows:

1. Will the Government in its negotiations ensure that the Golf Course remains a critical aspect of the GOA’s business plan and promotion strategy such that it remains a public facility to be enjoyed by visitors from all properties as well as local Anguillians.
2. Will the Government ensure that a strict timetable for the completion of the project is in place so that there will be a swift injection of jobs, business opportunities and revenue streams to Government?
3. Will Government ensure that the interests of local creditors, vendors and contractors are negotiated as an aspect of the granting of the Alien Land Holding Licence?

The point that must be made is that the sale of the Golf Course Project at any price is just the beginning of the process. The Government must now negotiate a business plan with the developer that is contingent on the appropriate responses to the issues raised above as well as others. It must be remembered that Mr. Rizzuto has acquired an asset legally free and clear of all encumbrances. He is not obliged to recognize any of the other creditors. However, Government must use its leverage along with moral suasion to achieve the best outcomes for its people. The Chief Minister must adopt the “wait and see” approach that “the victory is not yet ours!” He should be careful not to shout: “Mission accomplished!” Let the Salamander experience, be his guide!”

The foregoing admonitions have not changed and the events of last week proved my point as the Chief Minister’s ventilated his frustrations with cries of sabotage ---confirming his credo that if anything goes wrong it could not possibly be his fault. After relating his disappointment, he then went on to read a letter from Executive Council under his own signature calling the deal off. My question is what were the assurances given Mr. Rizzuto, which caused him to express surprise at the Government’s position? It is quite reasonable, based on the Chief Minister’s characterization of Mr. Rizzuto as “a good friend”, to assume that there were no impediments to cordial negotiations. In fact, in Mr. Rizzuto’s letter of November 15, 2010, there seems to be some “quid pro quo” arrangements being made by the CM to Mr. Rizzuto long before the auction process took place. I now quote a small section of that letter for your own interpretation as follows: “On a side note you asked me to remove Joe Hylton from Anguilla and in a short time I achieved this. I now need you to finalize the property transfer and award it to CuisinArt Resort & Spa and you will have my personal word that I will complete the project and utilize local workers and create the resort as a great addition to what CuisinArt already has.

The Chief Minister was very strong in condemning the Governor for having a social meal or drink with Mr. Rizzuto but in the case of his insistence on the removal of Joe Hylton as Project Manager of the construction site for expansion of the Resort raises a number of questions. How does the CM’s request for the removal of Joe Hylton relate to the involvement of his sons in the construction of the six new villas at CuisinArt? Were any promises made by the CM to Mr. Rizzuto as an incentive for Hylton’s dismissal as Project Manager? Where were these discussions held? On the other side there are also questions regarding the Parliamentary Secretary. Why is the Parliamentary Secretary so adamant that Mr. Rizzuto should not be allowed to acquire the property? Does the Parliamentary Secretary still harbour resentment against the Resort for not giving him an executive position? Why are members of the Government making public statements claiming that they are not aware of what is happening with the Temenos deal? I believe that there are strong grounds for an investigation into these matters.

A few weeks ago I raised the issue concerning the fact that because of the Parliamentary Secretary’s solo negotiations on a three page MOU for Viceroy written on Starwood Capital Group stationery, we lost upwards of EC$18 million in direct revenue for 2011. The negotiations for this notorious MOU, according to the Parliamentary Secretary (Parl. Sec) in an international media statement dated July 30, 2010, started in New York and culminated in Anguilla. In the Chief Minister’s own words his son the Parliamentary Secretary “was given the task to redeem some of the taxes lost under the previous MOA”. In the statement, which was also carried in The Anguillian, the Parl. Sec used the occasion to gloat and make inaccurate statements about the previous MOA.

The media statement shows a smiling picture of the CM and the Parl. Sec and the three-page MOU carries the signature of the Chief Minister witnessed by his Permanent Secretary. The Parl. Sec’s statement read: “Last week the property was up for sale this week it has been sold.” It is obvious that in his youthful exuberance and inexperience the Parl. Sec was anxious to prove his ability to achieve what the past government had painstakingly achieved using a model, which has become a “best practice” for the OECS. He ignored the objective input of the Tourism Investment Committee (TIC), which the AUF Government established as a negotiating tool, but most of all he neglected to follow the established procedure for good governance, that is, getting Executive Council approval before signing off on any Government agreement with a developer. To further exacerbate this impropriety the Parl. Sec was able to get the CM to sign the document and it seems that one of them was able to get a Senior Government Official to witness the CM’s signature as well.

In writing about this incident in his Confessions entitled: “Who runs Anguilla?” the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Eddie Baird had this to say: “Only the Executive Council possesses the authority to issue a licence and to approve a Memorandum of Understanding. Not even the Chief Minister and definitely not the Parliamentary Secretary, acting outside the walls of the Executive Council, can approve an Alien Landholding Licence or a Memorandum of Understanding. At the time of the Parliamentary Secretary’s announcement, the Executive Council had not even discussed these matters.”

This action by the Parl. Sec was obviously condoned by the Chief Minister, which illustrates what I have been saying continuously that: “the Chief Minister leads by bad example. “ What is also evident, and which can be gleaned from the CM’s ongoing argument about MOU’s and MOA’s, is that he does not understand that any document signed by him in his capacity as Chief Minister is a legal instrument. In this context, despite the fact that the Parl. Sec negotiated an MOU, which was seriously flawed and unauthorized, it was used to tie the Government’s hand to a fixed return on Stamp Duty and ALHL fees. In fact to meet the terms of that MOU and remain compliant with the Stamp Duty Act, Government must now amend the MOU retrospectively to reflect ALHL fees of less than 4%. Just because the Parl. Sec negotiated this MOU without the benefit of experienced technicians --- alone it is reported, at such respectable restaurants as DaVida’s in Anguilla and perhaps equally pleasant environments in New York.

The questions continue! Why did the CM give the Parl. Sec the authority to negotiate am MOU on a 500 million US dollar property on his own? Why did the Chief Minister sign the MOU without Executive Council approval? Why did the Chief Minister decide to move this MOU forward without sharing the details with his colleagues? Will the boasts made by the Parl. Sec about the employment of Anguillian contractors be realized in the upcoming construction works at Viceroy? I believe there are strong grounds for an investigation into these matters.

I listened in on a “lament” between two guys just outside Ashley’s Supermarket. One of them remarked: “Boy tings brown! Tis like a Hurricane hit we country!” The other responded: “Not one two! Hurricane Hubert and Hurricane Haydn! According to Pantha: WOOSH!”

By: Victor F. Banks

Victor Banks is a former Finance, Economics, Commerce and Tourism Minister on Anguilla. He is presently the leader of the Oposition Anguilla United Front Party, author and writer of a weekly political article for the Anguillian News Paper, lyricist, and a self-employed entrepreneur.