AUM ADMINISTRATION LEGO POLITICS (Anguilla Political Nuisances)

“Superman Strikes Again!”

Over the last few days the several talk shows seem to have had a field day with conspiracy theories. According to reports I seem to have been at the center of all of them. But what else is new? Yet I must confess that it remains a puzzlement to me how powerful someone who has never been Chief Minister or Executive Council can be. By the way that is not a misprint --- I mean “Executive Council”. It seems that any controversial decision made in any Government of which I was a part is credited to me. Not to the Chief Minister or Executive Council as a whole --- to ME. This applies to the Hughes Government 1994 – 1999, as well as the Fleming Government 2000 - 2010. An even greater indication of this mysterious power is the fact that even though I have not even sat in the gallery of the House of Assembly for over four years, no name resonates from those august Chambers more than mine. As someone said my spirit haunts both Executive Council and the House of Assembly.

I am not a regular listener to any of the programs in question but as a matter of policy our party tapes all Talk Shows. It gives us an opportunity to listen at our convenience in the event that anything of interest was said or if any statements of a defamatory or libelous nature were made. Our experience has taught us that the AUM “loudmouths” can be very effective in their use of lies; half-truths; and mischievous insinuations. It is also important to have such programs taped because it is dangerous to rely on reports from even ones most loyal supporters --- for in their anger they often do not get it quite right.

I have not listened to the more than six hours of tapes from these shows as yet; but I have double-checked some of the reports that I received from concerned supporters and I am amazed at the reckless comments that were made by some inexperienced guests; hosts; and co-hosts. One of the callers seemed justified in the view that it is alright to abuse persons by his statements on radio but dares anyone to take legal action against him. And one of the hosts believes that he can cloak his selfish grievances in the raiment of biblical references. There is no question that many of the statements made on those two programs could result in some form of legal action and not necessarily from me in particular.

But I have chosen not to wait until I do a clinical evaluation of the tapes to respond to some of the questions I was asked by a number of persons, including loyal supporters, on Saturday; Sunday; and Monday night. These questions came as a result of some of the statements they heard on those talk shows. My supporters wanted me to make a response quickly because they felt that ignoring these statements could cause them to gain some credibility. I have therefore taken their advice with the knowledge that one of the hosts has declared his candidacy in the next general election and may very well intend to use many of the half-truths and insinuations as the basis of his political campaign. I have come to the realization that what I may consider a statement that is too ridiculous to be taken seriously; can be embraced as truth by many casual listeners. It happened in the last general election and we are determined that it should not happen again. 

Here are some of the questions I was asked since those programs were aired and my responses. (Please note that some of these questions were not necessarily in response to direct accusations but prompted by mischievous insinuations and half-truths): 

Ques: Is it true that you own ten percent (10%) of the shares in the Water Corporation? 

Ans: The Water Corporation is a Statutory Body owned 100% by the Government of Anguilla. No Anguillian or Non-Anguillian company or individual owns shares in the Water Corporation. And I do not now own nor have I ever owned a single share in the Water Corporation; Anglec; National Bank of Anguilla; or Social Security. Neither does my wife nor any of our children (to the best of my knowledge) own any shares in any of these entities.

Ques: Do you own shares in the Water Plant at Crocus Bay? 

Ans: I do not now nor have I ever owned any shares in the Water Plant at Crocus Bay. 

Ques: Did you sign the contract for the Water Plant at Crocus Bay?

Ans: The original contract for the Water Plant at Crocus Bay was signed by the Minister of Infrastructure in 1999. This was approved by Executive Council of which Hubert B. Hughes was the Chief Minister. The Water Plant in Crocus Bay was therefore commissioned during the Hubert Hughes Administration of 1999. 

Ques: Did you have anything to do with lighting the fire at the Corito Landfill site? 

Ans: The simple answer is no! Can anyone really imagine me sneaking in to the Landfill site and setting fire to old metal and vehicles? Even the suggested motive, namely to destroy the waste required for the Waste to Energy Project, is ridiculous. And furthermore I cannot think of anyone who I would entrust with such a fool’s errand on my behalf. 

Ques: Did you receive a dividend check of US$400, 000 from Government of Anguilla in respect of your shares in the Water Plant on Crocus Hill? 

Ans: First of all I am not a shareholder in the Water Plant. Shares in the Water Plant on Crocus Hill were sold in January 2012 by invitation to a number of Anguillian companies and private individuals. Not being a shareholder, even if dividends were being paid, I would not expect to be entitled to any. Shares in the Water Plant were sold during this AUM Administration. I am proud that a number of Anguillian companies and individuals were able to purchase 43% of that facility. 

Ques: Did you have the stand pipes in the various villages turned off? 

Ans: First of all I was not the Minister of Infrastructure so I was not responsible for standpipes. But it was indeed our Government’s decision in response to their abuse. At the time very few persons used the standpipes as a main source of potable. But other persons in community were using them for commercial purposes as well as to wash their vehicles. The Government of the day dealt with the matter by making water for the indigent available directly to their homes for a reduced rate that included the first one thousand gallons free of cost.  

Ques: Is it true that the present Government has erased all the debt owed by the former Government and now has no more debt? 

Ans: According to the Chief Minister’s Budget Speech for 2014 read in the Anguilla House of Assembly on December 2013; as of November 30, 2103 Anguilla’s Public Debt stood at EC$226.16 million. If you add to these figures some EC$30 million owed to public servants that would bring the total debt to more than EC$250 million. When the AUM Government came to Office they reported that total Public Debt was EC$172.03 million. Obviously not only have the present Government not erased the debt; they have in fact increased it.

Ques: Is it true that when this Government came to Office they met a deficit of some EC$70 million which they erased in three months? 

Ans: First of all the deficit which the Government spoke about was for the most part a deficit on paper. The past Government had already paid for approximately 60% of it during the time it was incurred from its savings/reserves. The remainder was paid for through a variety of loans already accounted for in the Public debt figure of EC$172.03 million. The AUM Government had absolutely no revenue sources to reduce that “phantom deficit” because their monthly revenue was always less than their monthly expenditure. The continuing story about reducing an inherited deficit is therefore total nonsense and a huge lie. 

It is interesting that try as we may these facts do not prevent the AUM talk show hosts from repeating the same nonsense. I was also amused to read an article in the paper written by a clergyman politician that included similar inaccuracies for which I will not hold him responsible at this time because I feel duty bound to correct his mathematics. However, with a general election just around the corner and new parties and politicians jostling for position it is expected that some of them will be up to their old tricks. While others, fresh from other avocations, will be trying hone their skills in a business that is seldom kind to the faint of heart. 

One of my supporters in reporting to me about the conspiracy theories that were crowding the airwaves and gathering spots over the weekend remarked: 

“Superman Strikes Again!”

Fortunately, I have been blessed with modesty. Trust me! I wont let it get to my head! Hold the kryptonite!

By: Victor F. Banks

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

FOUR YEARS "ANGUILLA UNDER MOLESTATION" (AUM)

Cora Richardson-Hodge - general Secretary of the

Anguilla United Front (AUF), and District-2 

Candidate.

Fellow Anguillians.

As General Secretary of the Anguilla United Front Party and Candidate for District 2 for the AUF, I have been given the privilege, on behalf of my party of addressing the nation on this milestone, namely, the last four years of this AUM Government’s term of office.

On February 19th 2014 the AUM Government reported on its stewardship in a public meeting at the Highway Tyre Shop. The presentations of the AUM platform Speakers on this occasion seemed a desperate effort to put a spin on the Government’s failure to achieve anything tangible as well as a desperate attempt to make the case for another five years in office.

Let us review some brief highlights of our AUM Government’s performance over the past 4 years. During our Government’s first year in office, our Ministers of Government imposed taxes such as a 7% fuel tax, a (7%) communications tax, a 6% payroll tax which the government has dubbed an “interim stabilization levy”, and a 150% increase in property tax. All of this in spite of our Chief Minister’s words that you “cannot tax a dead economy”. The AUM party has now manufactured excuses as to why these taxes had to be imposed. However, let us not forget the reason why the AUM was elected in the first place – the people of Anguilla were told that Mr. Hughes and his team could fix the economy and that they would do so without increasing taxes.

The AUM party in 2010 campaigned on the basis that they were fully aware of the condition of the treasury at the time, but that they had a secret plan in order to get Anguilla back on its feet which did not include taxes. It is now 2014, however, and we are yet to see that plan.

Let us talk about the Interim Stabilization Levy in particular. Our members of Government, in explaining why they imposed the Interim Stabilization Levy, have neglected to inform us of one critical point, that our Government, in a letter dated 19th January 2011, told the British that they would balance the budget in only three (3) years. This short time frame created undue stress on the Government and in turn, the people of Anguilla, to find funds needed to balance the budget. This is how the Levy came into being. It works like this: 

Each employer is obligated to pay 3% on the salary of each employee, regardless of whether that employer’s business is making a profit or has the ability to do so. If the Levy is not paid, then the employer is subjected to serious penalties, which could potentially sink the business altogether. This Levy has been crippling businesses in Anguilla since it was imposed by this Government. When the Levy was passed in 2011, our Government assured us that it would last for only two years.

In addition to this Levy being an unfair tax, the manner in which the tax was imposed damaged businesses that were barely keeping their heads above water. Entities such as Brownhill and Malliouhana Hotel closed almost immediately upon the imposition of this tax. Many smaller businesses are still suffering greatly as a result of the Levy and some have had to reduce the number of employees in order to survive.

Our AUM Government also says that the Levy is paying pensions and civil servants, but if this is in fact the case, then it means that our Government’s promise to roll over the Levy into the National Health Fund could not be true. In fact, on 23rd January 2014, the Ministers of Government in Executive Council agreed to suspend the Health Fund Board until our Government figures out when they will implement the National Health Fund. The Minutes for this Executive Council decision can be found on the Government of Anguilla website.

The question you must ask, fellow Anguillians, is whether the suspension of the Health Fund Board means that our Government will not be creating a National Health Fund in the foreseeable future, and that the Interim Stabilization Levy will remain as an income tax. In fact, in January 2014, our Government cut the Health Authority subvention by $43,000.00. This means that our Princess Alexandria Hospital now has less money available to provide critical care to residents and visitors alike. This further shows that we will not be seeing a National Health Fund anytime soon.

In 2010, the Government also allowed its junior members, namely, the Parliamentary Secretary and the Elected Member for Sandy Hill, to negotiate a new MOU with Cap Juluca, which had the effect of giving to the Developer pond lands, seven acres of beach land and other national assets belonging to the people of Anguilla. Our Government also removed from the previous MOA the opportunity for Anguillians to own 20% in the hotel. The developer was given unlimited use of the pond and was given permission to take out the coral from the sea. The Chief Minister also allowed the Parliamentary Secretary alone to negotiate an MOU with Starwood Capital Group on the purchase of the Viceroy Resort. This negotiation caused the Government of Anguilla to lose $18 Million Dollars in taxes. For some reason, our Government did not make this MOU public and Anguillians were therefore not made fully aware of the extent to which our Government gave up monies which could have been used to assist in decreasing the amount of taxes which were imposed on us since 2010.

Fellow Anguillians, many bills have come to the House of Assembly for approval since 2010, but at the last minute were pulled back by the Chief Minister because our Ministers of Government (those who pass the laws that affect each and every one of us) did not understand the contents of the bills. For instance, in 2012, Ministers of Government approved the Property Tax Amendment Bill in Executive Council. It was sent out for the public to review on 19th October 2012 and taken to the House of Assembly just a few days later. In the House, however, our Chief Minister pulled back the Bill and stated the following: it “could create contribution to hardship in Anguilla and also to stalling general progress for the people in Anguilla; could impact our very culture as to how we accomplish certain things, especially in property development.” And so, the Bill was removed from the agenda in order to go for public consultation.

Now, these are just the highlights of our Government at work these past four years. What I can tell you is that for the past four years, our AUM Government has been consistent in creating and keeping a dark cloud over our island. Even though they promised that they would turn things around in six weeks, our Government has repeatedly given the following reasons as to why they have not been able to get things done: 

• The Public Service is corrupt and therefore they are holding Anguilla’s development ransom.

• The Opposition is obstructing the AUM Government’s ability to get things done for the country.

• Our AUM Government’s hands are tied because we are not independent. If we were independent we could get everything done.

• The Governor is sabotaging their efforts.

• The British Government wants to keep the people of Anguilla under suppression and is not cooperating with the AUM Government.

• Victor Banks writes a weekly column in the Anguillian Newspaper and is preventing our Government from doing their job.

But you may have noticed that despite all of these excuses, neither the Governor; the British Government; the Opposition; the FCO; the Foreign Investors; the Public Service nor the Constitution:

• Could stop the Chief Minister (in the midst of serious economic troubles in Anguilla) from getting a refund on his twelve-year old telephone bill in the amount of $40,000.00.

• Could stop the AUM Government from lowering import duties on vehicles at the time family vehicles were being brought into Anguilla.

• Could stop the lease of Government lands to supporters of the Government to build shopping centers and guesthouses.

• Could stop the Chief Minister from travelling all over the region and the world.

• Could stop the Government Ministers from holding up critical legislation for the Education Department.

• Could stop the hiring of additional Tourism consultants who have special “friends” in Government.

• Could stop the construction of wharves in St Maarten, the overall cost of which still have not been fully disclosed.

• Could stop the changing of MOAs to MOUs yet all the while giving more favourable concessions than the previous AUF Administration gave.

• Could stop one or two family members of the Chief Minister from controlling a significant amount of work on the island.

Fellow Anguillians, as you have seen, many significant events have occurred in Anguilla over the past four years. However, the degree of transparency and accountability that the AUM Party promised during the 2010 campaign has not been delivered.

Take for instance the ECCB takeover of the indigenous Banks. The Chief Minister agreed for the ECCB to come into Anguilla and take over our banks. In doing so, however, the Chief Minister failed to ask critical questions before assessing whether this was the best approach for the banks, their shareholders and Anguillians in general. The Chief Minister failed to obtain clear and precise information about the process:

1. What are the stages of the process?

2. How long will it take?

3. What factors would cause the process to be extended?

4. How to deal with the public relations aspect of the process in order 

to ensure that investment and confidence in Anguilla are not 

affected?

5. How will the performance of the incoming officials to the Bank be 

assessed? 

6. Who do the incoming officials account to?

7. Who do we complain to if there are personal and personality issues 

arising from persons involved in the takeover?

8. And so on…

We know that ECCB in recent weeks issued a press release stating that they needed more time, but as of now the people of Anguilla have not been given any real information, and we do not know how long ECCB will be in control of the banks or what is to happen to properties where Anguillians are in arrears at the bank. Anguillians run the risk of not only losing their investment in the two local banks, but they also run the risk of losing their property, their inheritance and in some cases their livelihood. And yet our Government cannot give us any answers.

Fellow Anguillians, these are indeed difficult times. While our members of Government are flying around the world enjoying life and being paid by your tax dollars to take off two days during the week to campaign in their Districts, our people are suffering. Many of us are home without jobs; our children have graduated from High School and are home because they also cannot find a job. The cost of basic food items like eggs, tomatoes and water have increased and people are reduced to buying just the bare necessities. Some people are unable to feed their children, put food in the fridge, or buy clothes and shoes to wear. Electricity is being cut in many homes, and an alarming amount of homes are on the auction block because people cannot afford to pay their loans.

So, in the midst of all of this bad news, in the midst of a stand-still, ineffective Government how can we move forward as a country, for the benefit of ourselves and for the benefit of future generations?

Well, we as Anguillians have to pull together and help each other as much as possible. If our neighbor needs a cup of rice and we have it to give, we must give it. It is good that many Anguillians have taken up agriculture again, planting food for themselves and others which eases our burden a little.

On an island wide level, we have to challenge our Ministers of Government to create a stable investment climate so that investors do not shy away from our shores as a result of what could be viewed as fractured, unstable leadership in our country. Creating a stable environment will not only benefit would-be investors, but would move the country in the right direction. This will assist in more job creation, getting our people back out to work, training our young people to take on positions in the private sector, decreasing the escalating rate of crime and violence and generally getting Anguilla back on the road to the prosperity.

Our Government has congratulated themselves for signing a number of MOUs over the past four years, but how many of these MOUs have translated into actual jobs for Anguillians? How many of these MOUs have translated to putting Anguillians back to work and enabling them to support their families once again?

The question that we must ask ourselves fellow Anguillians is whether our existing AUM Government has the ability to lead us out of the wilderness where we have been for the past four (4) years.

To date, our Government has shown us a lack of transparency, nepotism and cronyism in favouring their family and friends, allegations of corruption, conflict of interest, increase in taxes and lack of good governance, all within a four (4) year period. The 2015 election campaign has already started and our AUM Government is seeking another five (5) years in office, a total of ten (10) years. Are we as Anguillians prepared to accept our fate with a Hubert Hughes dynasty for another five (5) years? This is what we have to consider, as we go into the 2015 General Elections.

It is time that we recognize that there is hope for Anguilla. The last election has taught us that our choices on election day impacts all of us for at least five (5) full years. There is no doubt that the AUM Party has been unable to lead our country forward.

The Anguilla United Front Party, fellow Anguillians, is presenting to you in these 2015 general elections, a team of candidates qualified, ready and prepared to bring Anguilla back from the poor social, economic and financial position that it is in currently. Our AUF Party, with our dynamic mix of experience, qualifications and youth, and under the leadership of the most proficient person to lead Anguilla in these times, Mr. Victor Banks, stands ready to move forward. We are more than capable of charting a new and exciting future for Anguilla.

Stay tuned over the next few months, Fellow Anguillians, as the Anguilla United Front presents to you a party that will lead our country back to prosperity and a leader that will guide us to stability, renewed economic activity and much needed civility.

Thank you, God Bless You and God Bless Anguilla.

Cora Richardson-Hodge

Attorney at Law/Politician

THE ANGUILLA UTTER MESS (AUM)

AUM: pompous, greedy and detached from reality? 

Election is drawing close and the vultures are trying to look good. The members of the AUM are no different from the others. The AUM recently celebrated its 4th anniversary in office and have been bragging about their accomplishments and mini failures, in light of this we can only expect their noise to become louder and louder the date for election become closer.

The signing of an MOU’s is supposedly a symbol of future development and prosperity yet the people of Anguilla continue to suffer. The AUM just like the AUF fails to understand that Anguilla cannot continue to count rooms in villas or private houses as hotel rooms. For example Solaire is not a 50-room hotel, it’s a project with houses/villas intended to be sold to individuals who may in the future decide to rent them. That is not a hotel.

The benefit of projects that are listed on the AUM brag sheet are minimal, limited and hollow, as empty as were many of the MOU’s signed by the AUF. A major difference between both administrations projects are size, recently AUM is boasting of 30 rooms or 50 rooms like this will significantly improve our tourism capacity. Also when taken into context, the necessary linkages between these projects and the greater economy or the tourism master plan is totally missing. AUM boasts of increased visitor arrivals but fail to mention that the number of long stay visitors continue to decline.

The darker questions that need to be answered by the present government are: 

1. We closed our tourism office in White Plains NY and moved marketing to Florida with the signing of the new contract. Why is the Government of Anguilla still paying any member of the old staff? We also hired a marketing agency in NY, a decision that has taken vital resources away from the Anguilla Tourism Board, yet we are paying a third party I understand as much as forty thousand (40K) United States currency to work with the NY offices. The question the people of Anguilla is asking is if this worker more beneficial to Anguilla in NY or would their contribution be greater in Anguilla.

AUM - THE TREE  

"Man-made disasters are no less intimidating and

while, as a tiny Caribbean island, we may escape

the threat of global terror, we cannot lose sight

of our vulnerability to man-made disasters"

(Securing Anguilla in a Mass Casualty Situation) - 

Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett (Permanent Secretary

of Education, Sports, Youth and Culture in 

the Ministry of Social Development).

It is understood that the Anguillian in question was not or still is not legally entitled to work in the USA. It is also understood that the Government of Anguilla laundered funds through a friendly marketing firm to pay for an Immigration Attorney in NY on behalf of this worker. Apparently paying the legal fees of overseas Anguillians is the new policy of the Government of Anguilla. If this is the new policy why was it necessary to hide the payments? If its not the policy then it is a misappropriation of Government funds and those responsible must be punished. Politicians cannot approve or sign cheques on the behalf of the Government therefore if the above is true, the circumstances must be investigated. The people need to know the role of the politicians, the position of the Permanent Secretary and if anyone in the Tourism Office was aware or participated in this matter. 

2. There is a lot of excitement by the AUM about receiving a new fire truck from the development on Crocus Hill. However the people need to know what happened to the agreement the Government of Anguilla had with that entity to rebuild the Department of Fisheries Office. Did the Minister trade the office for a fire truck while people tax dollars continue to rent office space for the Fisheries Department, after paying rent for several years? 

3. There is great fanfare about turning waste/garbage to electricity, undoubtedly a good idea if it can be scaled to the needs of Anguilla, however very little seems to be known about the company making the proposal or any of its shareholders. Yet the Government seems to be moving toward an agreement.

4. On the issue of the commercial banks, the people need to know what is the plan? The Government has been very quiet since it was able to indirectly punish many of its opponents with the ECCB take over. The position of the government is unknown. Does it agree to the ECCB plan or does it have ideas or a plan of its own? 

5. Electoral Reform, the Chief Minister have made some very interesting comments about this issue, it appears that he wants to redraw the political landscape to suit his political agenda. Rather than opening up the electoral system, he wants to close it down. Rather than moving in the direction of running candidates at large, he wants to further fragment the electoral map by creating more small constituencies in the areas where he is popular in order to consolidate his support. Such a plan is dangerous for the growth and development of democracy on the island. The position of the British is also called into question. 

These are just a few of the issues that plague Anguilla but many of these issues go directly to the heart problems facing the community as they call into question the ability and sanity of the present leaders. The big question is if the AUM means well but it is clueless about what is required for national development, or if it is just pompous, greedy and detached from reality?

By: Statchel Warner

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

ANGUILLA NATIONAL ELECTIONS FLEA-MARKET 2015

“Little Black Books … Big White Lies”

Mr. Victor Banks

It seems that the remainder of this year will be filled with political maneuvering, posturing, promises and an assortment of lies. In a strange way I have a great sense of sympathy for the voters. Aspiring politicians are already jockeying for position in the race and I am certain that the question that will arise in the minds of many persons is: “What is the prize?” I am not certain whether some of the latest politicians are aware of the hazards of the vocation, and the stress it places on an individual, his family and friends when he/she decides to take that path. In many ways it is not a calling for the faint of heart or persons who are averse to criticism and slanderous personal attacks.

You become fair game for anyone desirous of “putting your business in the street” or “dragging your name through the mud” once you decide “to throw your towel” in a political race. In fact, persons who hitherto fore may have been almost anonymous — become the targets of the most vicious and hostile commentary much of which may be totally untrue. In fact, the statements from such detractors go back several generations, exhuming dead stories that have absolutely nothing to do with the candidate or the office for which he is running. Indeed, the circumstances of one’s birth, and the manner of the same, may become the subject of many debates and discussions throughout the campaign. Anything and everything goes.

It is the right of any citizen if he/she so wishes to run for political office — so my comments are not by way of discouraging anyone from so doing but rather of sharing my experience. I believe that prospective candidates should have a clear idea of what they are getting into. And, as a politician for more than thirty years, I feel duty bound to let them know that it is not a “bed of roses”. It is also a fair question to ask: “If it is such a nasty job — why do so many of you guys continue to go on?” I am certain that the answer, even if not expressed, includes a bit of arrogance. However, there are several politicians who genuinely relish the opportunity to serve and get great personal satisfaction from doing so. I would not therefore take the liberty of suggesting what any politician’s motives are but I am certain that in every case there is a motive. The voter can only hope that that motive is in the best interest of Anguilla and its people. As a good friend once said: “It is a dirty job — but somebody has to do it!”

Herein lies the dilemma for voters. They are at best confused and this is why, as I indicated earlier, I have great sympathy for them. There is so much false information around them that they do not know what to believe. There are so many different candidates running in the various constituencies that they do not know which to choose. There are so many new parties coming into the fray that they can’t determine what ideas, policies or ideologies the various platforms represent. There are so many talk show hosts turning into candidates that they can’t tell the difference between journalism and political hype. There are so many incestuous relationships between the church and the state that they don’t know whether they are hearing the word of God or the political rhetoric of ambitious mortals. There are so many promises flying about that they don’t know what to believe. There are so many rumours bandied about in the social media and via traditional grapevine that they can’t distinguish between gossip and “serious talk.”

If the political soundstage in 2010 can be likened to a few amateur performances in a village theater, 2014/2015 promises to be a professional production streamed internationally — since everyone will be using the latest communication technology. So instead of confusing just a few voters in Anguilla — overseas voters; the international media; tourists; potential investors; and friends of Anguilla will also be swamped with lies and misinformation. Who will prevail in such a politically charged environment will depend on the way in which the voters process this mass of information; their assessment of the performance of the Government over the last four years; and their determination not to be fooled again.

My sympathy for the voters in this confused state has led me to put together a list of some “dos and don’ts” as a guide for managing through this maze of political posturing, rhetoric and lies. 

LETS START WITH THE “DON'TS”: -

• Do not pay attention to any document being circulated that does not clearly identify the author or authors responsible.

• Do not accept any statements of a libelous nature uttered in the House of Assembly where Elected Representatives can abuse and defame their political opponents without being sued.

• Do not pay any attention to any statement that begins with the words: “Dem say!”

• Do not decide to vote for anyone or party that tells you that they have a plan that they will reveal after election.

• Do not accept any information as valid that cannot be spoken on a public platform. In other words, beware of the whispering campaign.

• Do not accept bribes for your vote.

• Do not take any politician serious who tells you that while in Government “his/her hands were tied”.

• Denounce anyone who tells you that God will punish you if you do not vote for his/her party.

• Be suspicious of any conversation with a candidate or his/her surrogate that begins: “We are one family!”

• Do not vote for anyone simply on the basis of something you expect them to do for you personally. Let them tell you what they will do for the island.

• Be wary of candidates who agree with everything you say.

• Be wary of candidates who talk too much about themselves.

• Do not take for granted anything you read on political blogs.

• Beware of any politician who finds it necessary to declare: “I am clean!” Make your own judgments based on the record.

• Beware of any candidate who can only advance him/herself by calling down other people.

• Beware of candidates or platform speakers with “little black books”. They are usually black with lies.

• Beware of candidates and platform speakers spouting conspiracy theories. It is usually a means of making excuses for their own incompetence.

• Do not be fooled by fear tactics. Denounce the politics of fear.

• Do not condone abusive politics and threats from political “loudmouths”.

AND HERE ARE SOME “DOs”:-

• Read things for yourself. Don’t simply accept what others tell you.

• Ask specific questions of your candidate as to how he/she will represent Anguilla at home and abroad once elected.

• Support candidates on the basis of what you believe they are capable of doing for the country.

• Read the Manifestos presented by each party so as to understand what they stand for and hold them to it.

• Listen to the presentations by every candidate in your district and try to learn more about their background, experience and preparation for the job.

• Form your own opinions on issues based on facts not hearsay.

• Get a copy of the Constitution so as to understand the separations of powers and the responsibility of the various actors and agencies of the Government.

• Make an effort to understand the voting system so that no one can fool you as to your rights as a voter and how to cast your ballot.

• Read and listen to only official presentations on the electoral process.

• Find out from creditable sources how Government works so that no one can mislead you about the Governance process.

• Report any incidence of voter intimidation to the relevant authorities.

• Make sure that you are registered in the correct constituency.

• Know your candidate.

• Vote wisely.

This checklist may not be exhaustive but I am sure that if you follow most of the items you will be able to avoid the confusion and silliness that will attend the days ahead. Hopefully, we all will be able to survive this period unscathed by the ruthless attacks of desperate politicians, and the pungent odor from little black books with big white lies!

By: Victor F. Banks

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

ANGUILLA DAYS UNTIL ELECTION

Ms. Aurjul Wilson

Anguilla’s Supervisor of Elections

Fellow Anguillians, as you know our national election is exactly one year ahead. And as we know on Anguilla everything that seems simple… is difficult, every inch could become a mile and minutes become literally years, I am urging you to make sure that you are registered to vote. For some reason, Anguilla is one of the countries where every fives years something majestic always happens with your right to vote – names disappeared off voters’ lists, candidates not registered, and deceased eligibility to vote... and voting. In the real world this is ground for “electoral fraud” or “vote rigging” - an illegal interference with the process of an election… but as we say, “only on Anguilla”, where unaddressed criminal activities become the norm.

So… if you're unelectable and looking for a way to make a difference in your community, and correct a perpetual wrong… register your son and daughter, their friends and yours, encourage them to do likewise, and make sure that your name is still registered. Next election might be the most significant of yours and generations’ lives.

Oh… for next election I am open to all opinions… and still to be convinced not to support the Anguilla United Front (AUF) and Mr. Edison Baird (SmartArse).

GET REGISTERED TODAY!

By: Wilful

ANGUILLA CHIEF MINISTER SETTLED POLITICAL SCORES BY CRUCIFYING HIS PEOPLE

After due consultation with the Monetary Council, the 

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) [above] has been 

directed by the Monetary Council to exercise the powers 

conferred on it by Part II A, Article 5B of the ECCB 

Agreement Act 1983 and assumed control of the Caribbean

 Commercial Bank (Anguilla) Limited (CCB) and the National 

Bank of Anguilla Limited (NBA),” said Chairman of the 

ECCB Monetary Council, 

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, 

the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

I was waiting for the next two or three weeks to hear the faith of the local banks but I understand that since NBA books close at the end of March, the fabled ECCB Chief might not make an announcement until sometime in April or May 2014.

This is interesting because our Chief Minister in and effort to settle political scores and punish some less than honest Directors on the bank boards has apparently agreed to not only surrender control of the local banks but have also surrendered ownership rights. Banks in Antigua was taken over restructured and returned to the people of Antigua, however in Anguilla our fabled anti colonial champion and Savior to many not only agreed for our local banks to be taken over by the ECCB but also agreed for the two local banks to be merged, then for the single local bank to be merged into the St Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank (SKNANB). 

Over the last few months the ECCB have been busy deconstructions the local banks, breaking them into pieces, seeking to sell the pieces SKNANB either cant handle or don't want while the people of Anguilla have been sitting quiet listening to the Chief Minister blaming the local Directors for the Crisis. The local staff at the banks sees a dark future but is scared to say anything because they are all worried about their jobs.

By: Statchel Warner

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

ANGUILLA TODAY IS IN THE HANDS OF AN IRRESPONSIBLE EVIL, A BUNCH OF LOOTERS, AND THE COUNTRY IS COLLAPSING.

EVIL LEADING TO DESTRUCTION

Mr. Statchel Warner 

The present government by all accounts seems to have depravity as it motive, economic plunder as its goal, lies, fraud, force and economic manipulation as it method and the economic destruction of Anguilla as its only result. Those persons that dare mention what is happening on the island are denounced by persons with varying agendas as reactionaries who oppose everything and refuse to support the lesser of evils. Personally I have been told that I oppose every step, measure, slogan or premise of this government and of the past administration but I am proud of my stance.

Anguillians are living under fear, fear to react, fear of victimization, fear of further economic ruin. Even those who a few years ago believed that their wealth would have protected them from political victimization and economic ruin, now realize that both action and inaction by the Government can be detrimental to everyone.

Anguilla today is in the hands of an irresponsible evil, a bunch of looters, the country is collapsing and we will soon be left to starve. Over the years we have watched, the health and education system collapsed, the financial system have collapsed, the energy sector that revolves around Anglec is in ever growing chaos. The social fabric that have allowed this country to survive for hundreds of year are torn. Youth on youth violence has reached an alarming level, yet we have leaders and influential people that are willing to declare all is well.

Leaders who rather than accept responsibility for their actions or inaction prefer to blame the past government, foreigners or the British for the social ills. Leaders that lost their moral compass and only incentives are the economic incentives and benefits they currently receive from a decaying system.

The belief that is propagated within the society that no matter how bad we are doing the other islands are doing worse is flawed and when coupled with government policies and a populace that is increasingly semi-skilled and under educated are leading to economic enslavement, social destruction and political chaos.

The question is where do we go from here? Where is the next generation of leaders?

By: Statchel Warner

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

WHY REALIST SPIKENICE IS “NOT GOOD FOR ANGUILLA POLITICS”... AND HIS MANIFESTO.

My Fellow Anguillians, Brothers and Sisters

You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger that have consumed us here on Anguilla. In the eloquence of President Kennedy, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” The nation of Anguilla now begs the question, “What have you done for me lately?”, a people crying out,“It aint nothing going on but the rent” – food and water shortage, no electricity, no jobs, extremely high healthcare cost, no help… the sanctity of my people has been diminished to the lowest of lows.

We are one people. And our time for real change has come. You want this because you believed so deeply that in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it. Love for country must have a defined meaning, and it's not hiding, it's not self, it's not family and it's not friends… and it matters not who make that commitment, once it has been done to benefit all of us as one people. 

This is why under my Administration after winning in 2015, come 2020 elections, I would have legislated that parties and/or candidates considering running in general elections on Anguilla must present a written and electronic manifesto to the Supervisor of Elections and the electorate 6 months to the date of the next general election, as a prerequisite for such candidacy, or have such candidacy null and void.

This will be the moment we will tore down barriers that have divided us for too long; an end to that last minute say-anything-to-win hidden agendas; when we can rally as a people, of all parties and ages to a common cause; when we finally gave Aguillians who have never participated in politics a reason to stand up and be counted.

This will be the moment when we can finally beat back the policies of fear and doubts and cynicism, the politics where we tear each other down instead of lifting this country up. This will be that moment.. the moment for our Head-of-State to be honest about the choices and the challenges we face, who will listen to us and learn from us, even when we disagree, who won't just tell us what we want to hear, but what we need to know.

I'll be that leader who will finally makes healthcare affordable and available to every single Aguillian, that ends investors abuses, that introduces a National Minimum Wage. I'll be a leader who harnesses the ingenuity of farmers, and entrepreneurs, free this nation from the tyranny of insurance companies and oil once and for all. And I'll be that leader who will restores our moral standing as Anguillians.

Hope is what I saw in the eyes of the young woman and men trying to survive on Anguilla. Hope in the eyes of frustrated youth who resorted to gun violence, not because he/she can't do better, but because they don't see better, don't know better, lack mentorship, lacks recreational facilities... and where possible too costly to partake. So they live out an illusion, and we mourn and pick up the pieces of their destruction. Hope is what lead many Anguillians to brave the many electrical and water shortages that plaques them day-in-and-day-out. Hope is what I hear in the many Anguillians voices in chat-rooms and forums. Hope is that fresh new blood – those ordinary people who are willing to do the extraordinary things..

Hope is what led me here today to announce my candidacy for the 2015 General elections on Anguilla, and to present to you my Manifesto from 2015 and beyond. And if you give me that chance in 2015, I promise you to bring all your hopes to reality, and that I will be that leader you've long hoped for on Anguilla.

My fellow Anguillians, let Hubertism, this Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM) be the last political disaster you've experienced on Anguilla. 

REALIST SPIKENICE “NOT GOOD FOR ANGUILLA POLITICS” 2015 MANIFESTO

• As a sovereignty of Britain, Anguilla future Constitution must be Written and Unwritten, and where written, must be compatible with International Laws, Conventions, Treaties, Human Rights Conventions, and any other signatory the British Government is party to, and in cases of a conflict, the latter supersedes.

• Parliament remains supreme.

• Laws will be enforced, and serious consequences for omissions.

• Any one interested in running for Parliament on Anguilla “must” disclose all interest 6 months prior to registering his/her candidacy, together with a written and electronic manifesto to the Supervisor of Elections and the Electorate, or such candidacy will be null an void.

• Electoral Reform, to a single Head-of-State through a Single Transferable Vote/Alternative Vote system.

• Number of Parliamentarians decreased to Three (3), maximum five (5), through a First Past The Post System.

• Each Executive member of government, in his/her constituency, to have a fully functioning Office,with at least 1 Adviser, 1 Secretary, and 1 Treasurer – to be further debated and determined by Parliament.

• Overseas voting to be introduced.

• New registration computerized voting system to be introduced.

• Every Anguillian (home and abroad) will have the right and privilege to vote in general elections on Anguilla. The said will be registered to vote in the 2020 general elections equipped with a computerized generated Registration Card and Number. Any voter refusing such right and privilege, the said shall be charged, not less than US$100.00, to be determined by The Supervisor of Elections, and accrued for each election thereafter refused. Such cost must be paid before eligibility to vote in any subsequent General Elections on Anguilla.

• The Electorate to trigger referendums on "issues of importance" by amassing petitions signed by 5% of voters over a six-month period.

• Voters to force a By-Election for any Parliamentarian found responsible for “serious wrongdoing”.

• Government Ministers will be found accountable for actions of “serious misconduct” by their Departments.

• The electorate to force Parliament to move a Motion or Bill if 250 or more voters petition for it.

• An immediate end to the powers of micro-management by government ministers.

• A comprehensive salaries review, and the introduction of an Independent Salaries and Means Commission to deal with salaries for Government Ministers and Civil Servants, and Civil Service Reform, by the end of 2015. 

• A freeze on Public Sector pay pending review and recommendations by the Salaries And Means Commission. 

• Civil Servants to receive Fifty percent (50%) of outstanding salaries owed to them by Government by the end of 2015. 

• Cut Ministers of Government pay by 33 percent (33%), followed by a freeze, pending review and recommendations by the Salaries And Means Commission. 

• A Bill to approve the “necessity of travel”, “and cost”, for Government Ministers, to be debated and approved by Parliament, by the end of 2015.

• Spending cuts up to a third (33%) in all other ministries apart from Health and Education period.

• A team of British medical experts to work with the government of Anguilla on the introduction of the long awaited National Healthcare Scheme within the first year in government, with an immediate free health checks for all concerned nationals on day-1 in Office. Older persons benefiting through such a scheme, and where that said person has not made certain contributions, but are entitled to real assets,  the said assets may be bonded by such scheme. 

• The Ambulance services to be properly regulated and privatized under the National Health Scheme for Anguilla.

• The relocation and development of a new Education Department and facilities.

• A new Comprehensive Secondary School with auditorium, museum (with the aim to incorporate The National Trust, the Heritage Collection Museum, Anguilla’ history, and the teaching of local history as a core-subject of the curriculum), gym, conference rooms, research labs, library, and computer rooms - complete with security and full parking space. 

• A complete state-of-the-art Six Form in same locality. 

• Introduction of Child Tax Credit for working parents with child between 3 months (where no such Paternity Law sanctioned) and Kindergarten age. Under such scheme, parents must be in fulltime employment, child must be in care, and parents combined earnings total less that $24,000.00. 

• Enforcement of laws to hold parents accountable for child school attendance with sanction penalties, and to ensure guaranteed place in education or training for all 16 and 17 year olds. Guarantee people aged 18-24 a job, work experience or training place if they are unemployed for more than six months after school leaving age. 

• Home schooled kids must be monitored, and standard public school curriculum examination be given randomly, with shortcomings to be addressed and necessary immediate action taken. Home-schooled kids are not to be seen in public without a guardian, during school hours. The Consequence is to lose such privilege to Home-school. 

• Provide university and further education scholarships for the top 5 Secondary School “achievers” leaving ALHCS annually to attend a "United Kingdom University".

• An immediate lifting of all Immigration illegal restrictions, as it relates to British/EU citizenship.

• An immediate and total banning of all illegal restrictions on movements of goods, labour, and nationals of French and Dutch St.Martin/St. Marteen, including vehicular moments. Registered vehicles in either territory will be free to drive in any of the three territories. 

• Joint border surveillance and security controls with English/French/Dutch Immigration,Customs and Police forces at borders and exclusive seas.

• Authorities with or without consent may, in cases of high security operations, be given rights to enter each other’ territorial waters and air spaces – the territorial authorities must be subsequently notified and criminal processed in that territory before extradition. 

• Strict Immigration controls, ensuring only economic migrants who will bring the most value to the economy are admitted, and establish an annual limit for non-EU economic migrants.

• An immediate break to the automatic link between staying in Anguilla for a period of five years and being able to settle or gain British Citizenship.

• New legislation confirming all births on Anguilla, its Keyes, and territorial sea and airspace, irrespective to circumstance, will be deemed Anguillian with full rights and privileges, if apply objectively, within 6 month.

• A new state-of-the-art main Customs facility.

• A new Customs’ vehicle assigned to each Customs port. 

• 10 New Police surveillance vehicles and a number of bicycles added to the fleet.

• Increased front line police in various towns patrolling on foot and bicycles.

• A fully established Community Police Force with effective powers.

• Expert police from the UK and/or Caricum, to join the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) at various seniority or levels.

• When vacant, the position of Commissioner of Police to be advertised, and selection to be broad, from throughout the United Kingdom and its territories, and Caricom, including any Anguillian senior police officer serving any part of the globe that meets the qualification.

• Immediate new breathalysing legislation and polices powers to breathalyse suspects believe to be driving a vehicle under the influence of Alcohol. 

• New DUI legislation, and the selling to a minor cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

• New police powers to fine and/or shut down businesses that contravene the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to a minor.

• Allow the police to use approved measures to deal with anti-social behaviours, without criminalizing young people unnecessarily, and allow/support concerned individuals or groups to improve the rehabilitation of offenders, and pay providers for results.

• The decriminalization of Marihuana possession on quantity. Persons in possession of up to two (2) spiffs/joints shall not be criminalized or charged.

• Value Added Tax V.A.T. introduced.

• The Levy will be repealed at the first session of Parliament.

• Immediate Introduction of the National Insurance Scheme.

• Revamp Social Security Scheme to maximize contributors’ benefits, and to coincide with the introduction of National Insurance and National Health Services.

• Directorship of any statutory body to be by tenure, to not exceed a defined time.

• Immediate lifting of illegal Customs Duties on all foods bought VAT and shipped directly out of the EU, bounded for Anguilla.

• Immediate lifting of Customs Duties, and the Price control on basic foods (flour, sugar, rice, milk,water, salt, raw meats and vegetables, plants, agriculture seeds, etc.)

• The introduction of Income Tax at a threshold at which people start paying income tax at $12,000 by 1 January 2016.

• The introduction of Inheritance Tax at a threshold at which people start paying Inheritance Tax at $12,000.00.

• By Order-in-Council, new Planning Legislation to be introduced.

• By Order-in-Council, new Land-Tax Legislation to be introduced.

• Impose further introduction of "Accommodation Tax" on the value of all properties (single or combine, whether or not occupied by paying tenants, and at standard basic rate if unoccupied) over $1m, and the prospects of introducing Capital Gains Tax to bring it into line with Income Tax in the future.

• Scrap Stamp Duty for the purchase of homes $1m and under. 

• Vehicular Third Party Insurance to be incorporated in Driving Licenses. This ensures that all cars will be insured to drive on the roads of Anguilla pre-insured. Owners of vehicles may further comprehensively insured where necessary. 

• Vehicular Road Tax to be incorporated in fuel charges. This is simple commonsense – if you don’t have fuel, your vehicle cannot drive. This will also diminish, or ease the burden on your electricity bills by spreading the cost across the full spectrum of buying fuel at the pumps on Anguilla, and this will also benefit our environment.  

• Improved legislation on Road traffic Negligence/Recklessness at a lower threshold, higher cost, leading to criminalisation. And where the guilty dies, his/her property will be addressed, if not comprehensively insured.

• Full Labour Legislation, given full consideration to EU Regulations.

• National Minimum Wage in line with average earnings, taking in consideration recommendations from the Independent Salaries and Means Commission, to be introduced within the first 100 days in government.

• Anguillians overseas to receive same incentive packages for jobs on Anguilla as their overseas counterparts, in any area qualified, for up to a maximum of three (3) years.

• Investors who received incentives from the people of Anguilla, through their government, to invest on Anguilla, must be in financial standing at all times, or risk closure. Under any such circumstance, incentives will be calculated as government shares. 

• In every area of opportunity, understudies “MUST” be Anguillian and/or British, and made permanent within 5 years, sanctioned in law, and agreed upon in all future Memorandums of Understandings. Any such further educational/developmental etc. of such individual understudying during this period, must be met in partnership with The Developer, The Government of Anguilla, The Government of the United Kingdom and/or through the European Union (EU) Overseas Territories Financial Assistance Schemes.

• An immediate partnership viability of our untapped resources, including Fishing and Salt - whether with Britain, the EU, Japanese, or Chinese. 

• New farm lands allocated, and tax-free concessions on all forms of agriculture seeds, plants, machinery, furniture and vehicles. 

• Restore State ownership of the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). We will explore alternative sources of energy, wind, solar and solar thermal etc.

• Restore State ownership of Water Supply. 

• A comprehensive long-term systematic infrastructure development scheme, with an immediate study to be carried out, and Bill taken to Parliament immediately there after. EU founding will be guaranteed for any such study.

• Publish online all items of government spending over $10,000.00.

• Work with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on the amalgamation of the two indigenous banks on Anguilla, and its future branding.

• New Consumer Protection Legislation and Agency to be introduced.

• The amalgamation of Anguilla Tourism Board and the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association as one Board. The Tourism Department will be a fully run government regulatory Office (watch dog).

• An immediate review of the rules governing the Anguilla Taxi Association, with a view to introduce highly regulated private hired radio vehicles. Operators to have five or more vehicles, with drivers.

• A comprehensive study on the strength of the Radio Waves of the Caribbean Beacon, and the effects it has on the people of Anguilla, with a view to regulate and standardize. With such modern technology hovering, the need for such Radio Waves strength just maybe outdated and cause more health risk than usefulness.

• With assistance from the the UK Government and/or the EU, build a high security Goal to house not less than 500 inmates!
  

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA GLOOM AND DOOM ECONOMY PAYS MOST FOR INCOMPETENCE?

Why is Anguilla's Government paid more than the Broader and Bigger Caribbean?

 A NECESSARY OBJECTION!!!!

HM Governor of Anguilla Christine Stott... Is the UK

Government concern? Does this contravenes good 

government policy? Does The Framework for Fiscal

 Responsibility applies to Ministers of Government

salaries as it relates to Value For Money?

It was actually one of the corner-stones of the demise of AUF and their rule which started in the year 2000. The campaign was gaining momentum, in fact the 2010 elections was a predetermined win for AUF according to supporter’s analysis; they thought they had it wrapped up by the record only until news break of the outrageous salary increases the Government paid itself. The civil service core was also partner in the very large increase in salaries. It became an outrage! It was Mr. Joe Hodge who took particular interest in the story, he broke down the figures to decimal configuration and compared the salary scale of the government of Anguilla to that of the rest of the region and the general Eastern Caribbean. It was an outrage with intensity as Mr. Hodge passionately disagreed and stood in opposition. It was termed an abuse of power, enforcing such an exorbitant increase in their incomes with associated perks. Anguillians played a deaf ear and did not react in like kind, but issued a stunning defeat at the polls, a language understood very well by politicians. The issue hit home at a most undesirable time for AUF; but the people spoke with a stinging rebuke of no confidence, emphasizing a clear lack of judgment and judicial prudence in the affairs of the people.“It was a necessary objection!”

VFM: Value For Money - The Framework for Fiscal 

Responsibility. Anguilla: a dead economy, produces

nothing, one Industry, 14000 people, a British liability - 

and yet the Highest paid Head of Government in the

world compared with GDPs

In spite of the objection and grave concern, that subject was not a hard hitting issue on the platform of AUM because opposition members also got favorable increases in their salaries; more-over they were eying the desirable sums if they were to be elected to office. And, indeed AUM did become the government. The issue became an issue in the budget going forward and AUM was forced to deal with it. In great deceit, the AUM government impressed upon the people the need for them (the government) to reduce their afforded salaries considering budget requirements, so they claimed to reduce their incomes by 20% and that of the civil service. Word came later, that of the grave deceit and the word in contention was “deferment!” Meaning that 20% of salaries was set aside to be paid later at a more favorable time; but certainly salaries would be paid in full in due time. As the debate lingered on, the honorable Chief Minister tacked on a bill of $40,000 of yester year, claiming payment due to him for government business done at his home, he paid himself the full amount. It is an outrage when we equate average income by heads of state of the region with several times the population of Anguilla, what they are being paid per month. Just for reference; according to the information at hand our Chief Minister earns a monthly salary, approximately EC$33,700.00 while the Prime Minister of Jamaica earns approximately EC$16,000.00 and Trinidad approximately EC$18.000.00. These amounts are reported according to regional information.

AUM "BEFORE" Feb 2010: "... there is no regulation on government
salaries - we need forensic accounting - corruption!" AUM "AFTER"
Feb 2010: "Oh how sweet it is!"

Now that, “we the people” of Anguilla know the gravity of the peril we face, with no improvement in the economy the situation is impacting every person on the island, the issue of how much our ministers in government are paid must be termed a “Necessary Objection” and the people must seek to have their voices heard on this important issue. Our state of affairs cannot afford these salaries and we will stand with honest leaders; this “must” be emphasized in the upcoming campaign and become a platform issue in the next election. It is said that because of our geographic location to the US, we must align ourselves with the thinking of the United States and its currency and as such, salary comparison of the broader Caribbean cannot be configured in our interest. It is also said that our Parliamentarians and Ministers are paid comparatively with those of St. Maarten’s; another “necessary objection!” ST. Maarten in particular, has in excess of 100,000 people trampling the streets of the French / Dutch sides every day, and St. Maarten is in fact a very productive little island, bringing in an excess of two million tourist per year at their ports, our comparison, a bare 60 to 65,000 annually. There is also a vast disparity in work load between the two territories which must have a definite bearing on the earning capacity in government. There is no rational or justifiable reason why Anguilla, being in such chronic negativity economically, should be burdened with such high salaries for such less effective functioning of government. Until Anguilla positions itself stronger economically, the present salaries of government must be a “necessary objection”. And to be using the averages as identified, there is “No comparison!”

By: Elliot J. Harrigan

DAME DR. BERNICE LAKE'S VISIT AT PEARLY GATES

Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC

Anguilla’s celebrated and eminent jurist, an exemplary legal luminary who courageously challenged wrongdoings and bravely stood for righteousness - Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC, deservingly taken up her place in Heaven. As she stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind her.

She asked, "What are all those clocks?"

St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move."

"Oh," said Dame Bernice Lake, a lawyer who desired a more just society, with that distinctive smile, "they must be lawyers, whose clock is that, Mr. Thomas Astaphan?"

"That's Judge Gumbs’ (Brother George Gumbs), the Prophet. The hands have never moved, indicating that he never told a lie."

"Incredible," said Dame Bernice, a noble lady who has done so many good deeds that she was deeply revered by people from all walks of life, humble, accolades of a saint. "And I am sure that other one is mine?"

St. Peter responded, "That's Dr. Pastor Cecil Richardson’s clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Pastor Cecil Richardson told only two lies in his entire life so far."

An academic who was admired by all academics - pros and cons, a human being who had no greed, no delusion, and never displayed disdain for the oppressed. A true believer of democracy with all her soul and conducts, "Where're the Anguilla Politicians’ clocks?" asked Dame Bernice.

"They are used as turbines, generating electricity" said St. Peter.

An intellectual giant, a masterful advocate, a lady of full integrity, a lawyer who have always desired a more just society, "Good for continued Renewable Energy on Anguilla", she chuckled.

May her soul continue to rest in perpetual peace.