CHAOTIC EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP "DISCRIMINATION" AMONG ITS TERRITORIES... AS GOVERNING AUTHORITIES CARE LESS?

Immigration/Customs A Serious Concern - Anguillians Harassed, Dignitaries Passports withheld!

Nonreciprocity (bestowed on British Overseas Territories' citizens) - 

other than condoned citizenship "discrimination"... what does the term 

means?  "Constitutional Ignorance and/or Institutional Racism"?

Anguillians living in St. Martin/St. Maarten have expressed frustration over the continued difficulty they have at the Blowing Port of entry. The Immigration and Customs seem to follow extraordinary adherence to set protocol, according to which officers are in place at a particular time of the day. Many Anguillians coming home continue to be harassed because of what is deemed insufficient training or deliberate attempts to exercise extraordinary authority at the port. For instance, Anguillians residing in St. Martin having a French passport are often subjected to filling out immigration forms and are given time to stay on the island, while most pass ports show place of birth. In other instances, born Anguillians with a St. Martin’s spouse, and family members, even with Be-longer status are often subjected to extra scrutiny and harassment; in some cases, getting a new passport to which the Be-longer status may not yet be stamped, the officer seems to want to deny entry. In one incident, the Officer was asked if records within her computer system would not be able to confirm this, if by co-incidence the person in question did not travel with the old passport. It was surprising to know that there was no functioning system at the port that could assist in such cases.

British Overseas Territories whilst under the sovereignty of the United 

Kingdom, continue to maintain their own rules regarding immigration

requirements different from the visa policy of the United Kingdom. 

Anguilla has a minimum visa-free stay from “zero” to a maximum of 3 
months granted to holders  of British, and all European Union citizens 
pass port holders alike  however, brands European Citizenship status, 

with expected rights and courtesies when travelling.

Another very important note of concern, during the inauguration ceremony at the House of Assembly when the newly elected Government was sworn in, invited guests, born Anguillians and dignitaries from St Maarten/ St. Martin were all subjected to extraordinary immigration enforcement while attempting to enter the island for the ceremony. In what was considered unfortunate, officials from Dutch and French St. Maarten felt unwelcomed or subdued when their passports were withheld by a supervising immigration officer. Because of this, it was clearly noticed that on June 1st when Anguilla Day was officially celebrated, no St. Maarten / St. Martin officials were present.

Similar cases are reported of actions taken by Customer Officers at the port. Coming over on the week end prior to the Anguilla Day celebrations one custom’s officer in particular, seemed to be quite vigilant in subjecting us to extraordinary scrutiny. The officer appears well equipped in her function, but also appears very overzealous asking, if you have anything to declare, we answered “no, we are over to go to church and the Anguilla Day events”, she hesitated then said, “can you put your bags on the counter?” and asked us to open them up, we complied. At one point the officer asked, “Why do you have so much clothes just for the week end? Here is where I thought the officer was intrusive and out of control, while she was digging deep into the suitcase, I had several pieces of dry cleaned clothing in the usual plastic covering, and I asked the officer to be careful, they are dry cleaned clothes. She asked don’t you have anything new? Then she asked my wife to open her bag, she again repeated her observation, “Why would you bring some much clothes just for the week end?” Well, I flipped at that point and said, “You know, I’m coming home, and I have the right to bring as much clothes as I wish, and further, you don’t sound like you are from here!” Then she flipped, she turned to me and my wife and said, “Whether I sound like I’m from here or not has nothing to do with me doing my job!” I responded by saying, “and if I’m coming home where I’m from, I don’t expect a foreigner to be harassing me this much, I just want to go home!” By that she understood that I was actually a born Anguillian, just coming home, heading to “the suburbs;” Island Harbour.

She got the message, and she said you can go! My daughter was in the parking lot waiting, as I entered the car, here comes a lady with one shoe, smiling, she said, “the officer asked me to give you this shoe, you did her just right!” Then here came a gentleman, who was in line behind me, stuck his hand out, shuck my hand and said “great, that was great!” Now these two incidents happened to me, but just hours prior, my younger daughter arrived at the port and was subjected to similar questions; why so much clothes? What’s in that bag? etc. and immigration gave her one day to stay on the island as a St. Martiner. In many instances this kind of enforcement is necessary, and is commendable that officers would endeavor to carry out their duties with precision and good effort; it also does not matter where the officer may be from if best qualified. Certainly the best qualified person would demonstrate best skills and best custody of such sensitive duties. Then we learned that this officer is a troubled soul who has been moved from port to port because of a steady stream of contention with arriving passengers and even her colleagues. At the blowing Point port may not be the most suitable place for such an officer.

EU Overseas Countries and Teritories (OCT),

and Outer Most Regions (OMR)

The newly elected government got a solid reporting on this two weeks ago, when they returned to St. Martin to say thank you to the Anguillian-St. Martin Community. Several persons stood up and complained of the embarrassment and frustration they endure at the Blowing Point port, and asked government to do something about it. Here is where Government learned, or was told how the officials they invited to the island on the day of the inauguration were treated at the port, several persons in this meeting travelled to the island for the occasion and were subjected to the conditions applied. One gentleman said he had to advise the officer to look carefully at his past port, “I am a born Anguillian.” In said meeting a particular supervising immigration officer who appears to have a habit of over controlling was singled out; ironically, this was the same officer who handled my wife for her Be-longer status, and when I sent her to her back office to review her computer system for the information; there was no computer and no system with such information at the modern Anguilla port at Blowing Point.

In this meeting, my cases were not brought up, but one person indicated, this immigration officer is well known for what might be termed misuse of authority, subjecting, in so many instances Anguillians to unnecessary treatment at the port.

Speak Truth to power

By: Elliot J. Harrigan

BREAKING UP NEWS ON ANGUILLA

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) 

It has been said that a top Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Official, while on the island of Antigua, was reported as saying that the Anguilla United Movement (AUM) Government, under former Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes, had demanded a crisis-evaluation on the two indigenous banks on Anguilla, described as dangerously corrupt, dysfunctional and out of control - namely: The Caribbean Commercial Bank , and The National Bank of Anguilla. The official swears that his institution had no issues with the functioning of these financial institutions on Anguilla, which he recounted as significant. 

The new AUF Government of Anguilla is reported to be working vigorously, with full support from the UK Government, to ensure that the scale and costs of the various government interventions in your indigenous banks are comprehensive and transparent. According to one government official on Anguilla, "there is no need for any alarm, as there is no immediate threat or disruption, as every aspect is under advanced control."

Meanwhile, these social medias have been inundated from the rejected and defunct AUM cronies in the wilderness crying foul, and making irresponsible, often childish and unfounded accusations, and calling for a "referendum on banking issues". LMAO! Let it be known that this AUF Government of Anguilla wishes not to burden you, the good people of Anguilla, further with any taxes, and are anxiously considering ways and means to lessen the burdens placed on you under the incompetent Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM).

Sourced

ANGUILLA UTTER MESS (AUM's) POLITICS OF FEAR... AND SILENCE

Mr. Statchel Warner 

It is cowardly to write an article in a pseudo or pen name, it is intellectually criminal to write it under another person name. I am not happy about the recent article posted giving the impression that I wrote it. I am also not happy because such an article is meant to instill fear in the hearts and minds of Anguillians. It’s meant to destroy the little consumer confidence that remains in our local banks and economy. 

I will tackle this in two parts. Firstly I will say why I don’t support the AUF as a party but willing to support selective policy initiatives. Secondly, I will address relevant points mentioned in the article as negatives but if implemented could have a positive impact on the economy.

I don’t support the AUF because in my opinion it’s a strange cold blooded (asexual) animal. It’s an animal without an internal conscience, it has little sense of right and wrong, it depends on the external environment of public opinion, vigilance and condemnation to keep it walking the straight and narrow. It’s Leader in terms of education and awareness is eons beyond the former Chief Minister, yet his leadership style is weak and lacking because he don’t make waves, he is contented to just merrily rowing his boat down the stream.

Why I say it’s asexual, take a look at the recent appointments to the various boards especially Tourism, and explain to me what are the visible lessons learned from the past. Tell me this animal is not asexual or masturbatory. The old boys and girls club is back in swing while the animal hibernates and silently reproduces itself.

Irrespective of the banking crisis or the state of the economy there are issues that the present Chief Minister should have come to office ready to change. For example the immigration policy where spouses of Anguillians have to buy time for continued residence. He told me he knew it was wrong when it was first introduced but he was not the Chief, well you are the Chief now so fix it today, it’s not a matter that needs to be taken to the House. Also fix it for children born on Anguilla, and students that are educated here, let them not suffer the indignity of also buying time. Stop giving the people of Anguilla the impression that residence on Anguilla can only be determined by the British Nationality Act. I am not anti AUF or Victor; I am anti stupidity, corruption and greed.

In terms of the other members of his team, I think the Minister of Home Affairs means well and has great potential but I am hoping that she stands up for what is right and not be easily led. The Minister of Social Services is a smart guy but mentally lazy. The Minister of Infrastructure is loose cannon. The Chief Minister /AUF decision to incarcerate him within the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Utilities & Housing was its best decision and I don’t anticipate a cabinet reshuffle. However, I believe it would be in the best interest of the youth for Minister of Social Services and the Minister of Home Affairs to be immediately switched.

AUF also need to understand that the salaries of politicians are too high and their decision not discuss this issue will not make it go away. After all they are the ones who burden the people of Anguilla with these exorbitant salaries.

I support the Chief Minister efforts to keep the banks local, even though I suspect we won’t agree in our rationale. I think both of us believe the banks are local assets but I get the impression Chief Minister also believe they should remain in the hands of his unethical bed fellows that caused many of the problems.

Although the intent of the article is sinister, if the Government of Anguilla liberalizes the Alien Land Holding Licences its can be a significant boost to the economy. It would also remove political and economic bias from the system. British oversight of the Banks is not necessarily bad, maybe now they can monitor the accounts of politicians. Deposit insurance to protect Anguillians is an excellent idea. In terms of the Civil Service we got two choices, either we grow the economy or cut the civil service because the present burden is not sustainable. If NBA & CCB have to be merged to create a strong local institution I would support it even if there are some job losses. A broad based but targeted residence programme would also an excellent idea. I would support a Government loan to bail out the banks, but not to hand it over to the economic gangsters. I would expect a new public issue of shares with no connection to the past.

If this article as I suspect is AUM propaganda, all I can say is shut up stop the fear mongering, it is not going to do Anguillians any good. AUM you have no moral legs on which to stand. Spend some time building a new party, you last leader was a national disaster. AUF you need to end the delusion of honeymoon sex as you guys are the only persons on Anguilla experiencing a hand induced orgasm.

By: Statchel Warner

Mr. Statchel Warner studied BSc International Relations, & Cert. Social Services at University of the West Indies. He is an Entrepreneur, Thinker, Writer, Activist, Politician (former Anguillian National Alliance (ANA) Candidate, and Independent Candidate for Road South Constituency in the 2015 recent General Election held on Anguilla).

BANKING OPINIONS FOR ANGUILLA... UNCONFIRMED

My fellow Anguillians.

Governments around the world have long decided, legally, to make a series of large financial interventions to support the financial stability of their banking institutions. In line with international good practice, and good governance, the Right Hon. Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Victor F. Banks, and Government of Anguilla – with full support from the UK Government, are working to ensure that the scale and costs of the various government interventions in your indigenous banks are comprehensive and transparent.

In 2007, financial markets entered a sustained period of instability, causing difficulties for banks across the world, precipitating a global credit crisis, and a widespread economic downturn… and Anguilla, being not in a vacuum, but also a highly valued and respected global financial partner have suffered parallel and direct consequences – contrary to some Illusionist. The Anguilla government ability to service the indigenous banking community debt obligations, like many other finance ministries around the world, will take actions to:

• protect depositors in banks suffering insolvency or a severe decline in market confidence;

• maintain liquidity to allow “our” banks, whose failure would threaten the overall financial system, to pay claims and outstanding borrowings as they fell due;

• ensure that banks whose failure would threaten the overall financial system would have sufficient capital to cushion them from losses caused by further deterioration in the financial markets; and

• encourage banks to lend to creditworthy borrowers.

Your government is methodically considering recapitalization, loaning, nationalization, or introducing and offering relevant schemes such as liquidity, credit guarantee, and asset protection - to cushion your indigenous financial institutions.

In essence, you… my fellow Anguillians, can be assured that this competent AUF-Government will do what is "legal" and "just" and "right" to protect you and secure what is yours – The Caribbean Commercial Bank and The National Bank of Anguilla... because it's all about you.

We are also concerned with the irresponsible, often childish remarks, made via these social media from expected knowledgeable political pundits. Let it be clear - this AUF Government of Anguilla has at no time wish to burden you the good people of Anguilla further with any taxes, and are very much busy with your concerns, considering ways and means to lessen the burdens placed on you under the previous AUM Administration.

The Right Hon. Chief Minister, and respected Minister of Finance, Mr. Victor F. Banks, will address the nation in the not too distant future.

We thank you very much for your understanding.

By: Realist Spikenice

NECESSITY VS IRRESPONSIBILITY...

Both are makeshift crafts loaded with black people... the one on the left is out of pure desperation and necessity... the one on the right is a condoned and irresponsible act by law enforcement authorities on Anguilla.

The one on the left represents hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers fleeing Libya, where hundreds have reportedly drowned after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean. This take to the sea is a direct aftermath of an US-led military operations for regime change in Iraq, Libya and Syria - unrelenting military offensive by imperialist powers over two decades has plunged the Middle East and large swathes of Africa into chaos and conflict... and as the chickens come home to roost, many perished along the way.

The one on the right is a disgrace... simply irresponsible behaviour allowed by the authorities on Anguilla for almost a decade now. This makeshift-craft was never built or equipped, retrofitted (number of life-jackets, medical facility and personal etc.), or licensed to carry passengers... moreover, that Anguilla's sea and rescue management is practically unfit-for-purpose.

These are the kind of illegal activities... serious health and safety risk... and a disaster in the waiting, that the authorities on Anguilla allowed. It must stop now. This continued irresponsible stupidity is not simply through the lack of laws on Anguilla, but rather a neglect, in the interest of unprotected-fun, irrespective to the potential lost of lives. I am sure that laws and regulations are in place. Can you imagine the suits from this impending disaster? Even those witnessing such a disaster can sue for shock.

Both acts are desperations... though one is out of necessity... and the other is purely a fantasy. I'm hoping that our new Commissioner of Police will enforce a legal and commonsense approach going forward.

Anguilla, we must be bold... It's time that we take responsibility head on... and avoid this inevitable disaster. And yes, it happens once a year too much!

... remember... what sweet in goat mout' will sour in his bam-bam!

By: Realist Spikenice