ANGUILLA... A DISRESPECTFUL NATION?

Recently while conversing with a friend we came to the realization that Anguilla is a young budding nation and probably one of a few select nations if not the only nation to have all of its national leaders still alive: Ronald Webster, Emile Gumbs, Osbourne Fleming, Hubert Hughes and Victor Banks. This amounts to a national treasure but it’s a treasure that will not always surround us and its time we begin to think about how we honour our leaders. It’s time we the people explore the option to create a national cemetery monument for our leaders. This monument must be reserved only for persons who served a Chief Minister, no Minister, National Hero, Civil Servant or ceremonial elite allowed. This monument is reserved for those who served Anguilla at the highest elected level. In light of this the society reserves the right to recognize these people at the highest level. I suggest this monument be located at the highest point of the island so that our leaders may symbolically watch over us for eternity. A perfect location would be at the site of the old court house on Crocus Hill. This site would create a merger of history, law, revolution and leadership. This must be done now, without any delay, as the vanguard of the 1967 revolution and the creators of a modern Anguilla is about to fade away; in five years it’s possible we would have missed the opportunity. If necessary for the sake of history as sometimes politics takes precedence over good sense, we might need to make it mandatory that this site be the final resting place for all Chief Ministers, our former President prior to recolonization and any other name designated to future leaders.

Anguillians as a people also need to pay greater attention to the condition of the cemeteries that litter the island. There is neither cleanliness nor order. Graves are not marked, the landscaping not maintained and the indiscriminate buildings of vaults are not sustainable. If humanity was burying its dead in vaults and steel caskets as we are presently doing the world would be a giant cemetery. It might not be culturally popular but cremation might be the best option. Recently, I visited a cemetery where they are now storing not burying the dead in above ground vaults; this again is taking funerals to another unsustainable dimension. Cemeteries are not just burial sites but also important repository of history. For example I am not sure how many of us as Anguillians are aware of the fact that the public cemetery at Sandy Ground is the site of three very different burial grounds going back to slavery. We have the larger section that is presently used, however beside it in a now dilapidated wall and broken tomb stones are the burial ground going back to 17th Century. This burial ground however is divided into two sections, the front section with the marked tomb stones was reserved for Whites only, the back unmarked and overgrown section consists of the part reserved for Blacks. This separation of the dead is not a legacy we are proud of but it’s an important part of our history.

 
In closing I hope we begin to take our history serious and begin preserving it for future generations. In the divided society we presently live I can only hope this proposal not become a political foot ball.

By: Statchel Warner

AND YOU THOUGHT THAT UNELECTABILITY WAS A MEANS TO AN END?!

SCAM ALERT!!!

So here is the Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM's) latest, namely Lyndon Webster (Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster's brother) and Haydn Hughes (unknown father), have administered two Facebook pages... two corresponding pages... running side by side... named "Leaks Anguilla". 

Recently they have used one of these pages to attack you, the good people of Anguilla, and blame yours truly Realist Spikenice, subsequently deleting his ability to respond via the said page.

I want to make it abundantly clear to all those who have felt the wrath of these unintelligent animals, that I have in no way, form or fashion, or association in any such indecent and immoral behaviours - whatsoever. You know my style and class. Alternatively, my sole purpose is to counteract the said kinda filth emanating from these imbeciles specifically, and in general, a futile and childish AUM Party.

Realist Spikenice alone, is quite capable and competent enough to challenge, defeat and demolish all of them... ALL, similar to April 2015.

And let me make it abundantly clear to Haydn and Lyndon, that if the AUM fails to keep you two queer lil-bois in check, I will have no alternative but to release the deepest corruption on record of the inner circle of your party.

You have been warned...

Watch this space!

By: Realist Spikenice

A REALIST SPIKENICE'S VIEW

The problem with most of these former Directors and shareholders of the 2 indigenous banks on Anguilla is that they think that banking is business as usual - it's not. The ECCB has the right to reject any bank. The decision is ECCB's, and ECCB's alone... or any Central Bank for that matter of fact.

We do not have a right to the ECCB currency - it's simply an arrangement. Our natural currency right is the British Pound Sterling. We simply can not spend and do as we please with the EC$ and not come under its rules and regulations however draconian some of these rules "may" appear to be.

Shareholders in banks don't own the banks... owning such bank shares/stocks are very much quite different from owning shares/stocks in a private company. Central Banks e.g ECCB, are the money power’s centralized controllers, whether they are private or publicly owned - and globally, there are very few. They are not operated for profit, and ownership of a certain amount of stock in these Central Banks is, by law, a "condition of membership" in the Banking System. These or such stock may not be sold, traded, or pledged as security for a loan, and dividends are, by law, a percent per year.

None of the indigenous banks on Anguilla, irrespective to the opinions you may have heard from the misinformed, has a "Right" to be part of the banking system. It's simply a "Privilege". And, I honestly believe, giving the conduct displayed today, that any such future relation with the Central Bank (ECCB), has seriously been damaged, outside of the normal stress or difficulties surrounding our indigenous banks.

Fellows Anguillians, our choices are scarce - and it's a do or die choice. It's nothing special or exceptional about us. The ECCB can simply reject us, therefore our only other option is the Financial Services/Bank of England. And guess... the rules are even more draconian.

So here is our final option - immediately pay all you owe or meet its consequences,; reject the ECCB's inevitable (a must) banking legislation; reject the Bank of England; give the depositors back their monies; and monies left to be given back to the shareholders.... to perhaps run as a mortgage company.

Are we Jackasses or something?

... honestly Jerome Roberts... I'm sorry!

By: Realist Spikenice

ANGUILLA LOOSE CRIMINALS ON STEROIDS - POLICE ON HIGH ALERT

My Fellow Anguillians

Being ignored causes the same chemical reaction in the brain as experiencing a physical injury, and this Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM) is bent on metastasising such chronic mental injury to you the good people of Anguilla. Do not be misled by such high levels of immaturity and incompetence - their record is now archived in the history books of Anguilla's dark and gloomily era... never to be revisited.

Yes, we heard you, and you can be assured that your government is fulfilling your mandate, and methodically working in the best interest of all Anuillians to ensure that the scale and costs of the various government options going forward are comprehensive and transparent.

My people, the road ahead may be rough... as there will never be no yesterdays tomorrow, irrespective to option pursued. In politics, we seem to forget quite easily from soundbites... and though we are not in any blame game, we do respect history, and that's not a sensible or credible option to tripeat... Failure - the other cheek of the same asshole.

We are at a time where there are challenges on the horizon for us as a people, and on this charter, we are in for some turbulent times, turbulent waters ahead. And given the turbulent waters, we need a steady hand to stay the ship. Now is not the time to take a chance or to give Incompetents a chance to try a thing, my fellow Anguillians.

As peaceful law abiding citizens we will need your help. Let us work together - it's all about you.

By: Realist Spikenice

ANGUILLA INDEPENDENCE, POLITICIANS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The discussion about political independence, accountability and, more broadly, governance of Anguilla is nothing new, it’s been discussed since the days of the first Republic some 45 years ago. The core principles of British colonialism and its relationship with the descendants of the African slaves always highlight the need for independence. However the concern is always the readiness of the people and more importantly the vision and attitude of the leaders. This has made support for independence from the people a marginal issue over the years and lacking any official support from the leaders.

In the past since the first republic was destroyed in the wake of the British invasion and occupation, Anguilla had a fledgling independence movement that failed to gain traction but did manage to reopen discussion on the issue. In recent weeks the topic is again on the table but only due to what many consider another high handed British intervention in the local economy. Sadly many of the laws the British are seeking to introduce are necessary for future growth and development. In light of that, the initiative for such laws policies and procedures should have originated with a thinking and visionary local political cadre. It cannot be over emphasized that proper accountability and transparency are needed to make an independent Anguilla successful. Success requires a complex understanding of global politics and supervision of the financial sector with elaborate accountability arrangements for the public sector and a solid public education programme. Based on past experience our policy makers interest in political independence is low outside of the increased status it is likely to bring coupled with the freedom to increase corrupt behavior and practices. 

In order for political independence to become a reality in the future, Anguilla need to have a much broader debate about the development needs and the institutional and organizational structure of independence and this debate must be stimulated by the desire of Anguillians to take control of their destiny.

The perception of Anguillians have changed dramatically in the last few days and even political parties that in the past supported the status quo are now questioning the behavior, arrogance and intentions of the colonial master. However this new wave of attention is unlikely to be self sustaining and only followed in the wake of the recent order in council. Therefore its life cycle is likely to equal to the life cycle of that order. Upon the conclusion of that order it is highly likely the status quo politicians will return to their business as usual approach to governing.

The challenge of political independence in the future is that on the global scene is that there will be a continued blurring of national and international boundaries, financial conglomerates will continues to have more resources than countries even industrial countries, politicians will be constantly forced to rethink their national structure and strategy in order to be in a position to effectively supervise the new realities. The emergence of international standards and codes across a wide section of the financial sector will remain an area of concern and maybe an opportunity for growth. The systemic banking crisis that in recent years has crippled small economies like Anguilla is unlikely to end anytime soon. In the case of Anguilla it is clear that weak regulation and supervision, and sometimes political interference and neglect contributed significantly to the crisis.

The dilemmas that Anguilla faces come for its failure to act and put proper systems for governance in place to foster growth and development. Anguilla needs greater transparency as only transparency will help to safeguard integrity as publish activity gives politicians and civil servants better protection than the veil of secrecy that pervades the present system. Independence and integrity also reinforce each other as they offer both groups legal protection so long as they fall within a system that has clear rules for the election, appointment and removal of politicians and civil servants. A package of creative and forward thinking rules that are capable of supporting the integrity of the politicians and civil servants in a system that can accommodate rapid growth and change. This leads us to the need for accountability; accountability gives additional reasons why politicians and civil servants must keep their integrity.

The growing number of issues and concerns that the general public and to a greater or lesser extend that the British have concerning the vision, policies, behavior or honesty of the local politicians must be addressed. According to QC Don Mitchell these problems can be summarized as follows

• The lack of proper macro-economic and fiscal policies.

• Improper management of public funds.

• No framework document setting a ratio on debt to revenue.

• Lack of proper reporting to the House of assembly.

• Ministers of Government imposing, waiving and varying tax rates and levies without proper authorization.

• No actuarial assessment of Anguilla’s contingent liabilities.

• Failure of the The Minister of Finance to place estimates promptly before the House of Assembly

• Excessive expenditures by government departments.

• Failure of the statutory boards to accurately report their financial performance

In the final analysis these are problems that must be addressed if Anguilla is ever going to progress. It can only be hoped that the local politicians and civil servants, find the political will to tackle these problems before it becomes a national embarrassment where the colonial power is forced to become even more arrogant.

By: Statchel Warner

BE NOT FOOLED ANGUILLIANS...

The Anguilla United Movement (AUM) 2010-2015

The Anguilla Public Finance Order 2015 was predicated out of the Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM) incompetent Government then lead by the Hon. Hubert Benjamin Hughes and the Hon. Haydn Hughes, his son, signing of the Fiscal Responsibility Framework (FFR) 2013, without even a quorum in Parliament. You the electorate will remember the rush by that set of incompetents to rush-through such legislation without a Quorum, in order to gain a meagre few dollars to make their election campaign look good – sold their souls for a few pieces of silver. Her Excellency was quick to point out - by design - that no point-of-order was moved on the floor in respect to any such lack of a quorum.

We can recall the Hon. Chief Minister Mr. Victor F. Banks unstinting efforts to bring all on-board to negotiate and agree suitable amendments with the UK Government before signing the FFR Agreement. Such “olive branch” to assist the then set of Incompetents in this enterprise was disrespectfully refused. Getting consensus on a few issues was relatively important in putting Anguilla in a more favourable light with regional and international agencies from whom it may seek assistance. All other British Overseas Territories ratified their FFR which favoured their respective territories, but for Anguilla, which this quagmire is a direct result of such incompetence.

We are also of the opinion that the UK Government designed the imminent vacating of the local Deputy Governor position to fill this post of Chief Financial Advisor (CFA) with a UK technocrat. In other words, your new Deputy Governor will be a British Technocrat who will also fill this roll - unless changes are made now that we know the game played. 

Now we have to fix this… but let us not forget from whence it came. 

Selective memory?

By: Realist Spikenice

RECYCLING ON ANGUILLA

On Anguilla with 100% imports, we produce tonnes of waste which ended up in Corito landfill each year, with 0% collected for recycling, compared to some of our neighbouring islands with some recycling over 50% of their waste. There is a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in our limited landfill which is harmful to the environment. Recycling this waste is an excellent way of saving energy, lives, and conserving the environment.

Here are the facts:

• 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
• 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
• 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
• 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

According to data on recycling, on average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish. Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in our dustbins could be recycled. As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted. The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours. Up to 80% of a vehicle can be recycled, and now with the VW revelations, we can save thousands by adding that energy back to the grid.

Satirically in a conversation with a keen recycling enthusiast, when told that 9 out of 10 people would recycle if it were made available... he pause... then replied, "actually that's the figure on recycled relationships..."

I guess they meant human resourcefulness...

By: Realist Spikenice

IT'S NO YESTERDAY TOMORROW

In 2007/8, 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, but the facts are that serious financial malpractices have seriously contributed to the demise of our indigenous banks on Anguilla. 

Whereas the Government of Anguilla ability to service the indigenous banking community debt obligations, like many other finance ministries around the world, may 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.

... these indigenous banks will never be the same again. The Government of Anguilla will have to recapitalize, loan, nationalize, or introduce relevant schemes such as liquidity, credit guarantee, and asset protection - to cushion your indigenous financial institutions on Anguilla. Nothing above is a a must, rather out of concern, financial stability, and investor confidence... which is a priority... but the Government of Anguilla is under no pressure whatsoever to make any rash decision going forward, contrary to misinformed proven incompetent Opposition pundits. 

Our concern is that there are those who believe that because they have shares in these institutions, mean that they own these institutions - no, you don't! The term 'share' means a share in the share capital of a company, which may includes stock, except where a distinction between stock and share is expressed or implied. It simply means that your share value can be bought and sold at will to the highest bidder. Corporations issue shares which are offered for sale to raise share capital.

... it simply means that if, and when your Government bailout the private banks' financial mess... that you the taxpayers will in essence also own shares in these indigenous banks - you will be also a shareholder. 

The question we must ask ourselves is, are we prepared to roll-up our sleeves and clean our own filth, or leave the banks die a natural death? The reality is that banking on Anguilla will never be the same again... it's no yesterday tomorrow.

By: Realist Spikenice

THE COMMON WEALTH MYTH

The Commonwealth comprises 53 countries (including one currently suspended member), across all six inhabited continents. The members have a combined population of 2.1 billion people, almost a third of the world population, of which 1.17 billion live in India and 94% live in Asia and Africa combined.

After India, the next-largest Commonwealth countries by population are Pakistan (180 million), Nigeria (170 million), Bangladesh (156 million), the United Kingdom (63 million) and South Africa (52 million). Tuvalu is the smallest member, with about 10,000 people, just after Anguilla, with roughly 14,000 souls.

There are currently two United States insular areas with the status of commonwealth, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, which has Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning constitutional monarch, and has a royal line of succession in "common" with the other realms.

Now... we understand the "common" part there. But... we are a bit confused about the "wealth" part. And given that we all are in this together... why don't we have common citizenship - like all the other common territories. Guess there is nothing soo common about us.

ANGUILLA RIFFRAFFS SAY NO!!!

UK ANGUILLIANS

Our former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes' choice as UK/EU Representation for Anguilla was a disgrace, to say the least... definitely one who suffers from self importance syndrome. We are hearing that there are "similar" in the waiting or vying for this said position. I am appealing to the Government of Anguilla to choose wisely.

In the past, we have known holders of this said position who have served "Anguillians" through blood, toil, sweat and tears... selflessly, respectfully, and with distinction... who were not Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and on record silently degrading Anguillians as "RIFFRAFFS"... but simple and humble Anguillians who know us as a proud people.

How can they truly represent a people and speak in such derogatory terms or make such disparaging remarks like, "those of us who born here (Britian), and those who just come."

And when they decried government ministers, particularly then Chief Minister Mr. Osbourne Fleming, for posing certain questions on a topic of interest, it was a display of shameful behaviours from so-called professionals… and while you (government) are clearing things up and cleaning house... we most certainly would not stand by and allow this to happen.

HINT: putting this position to a vote, preferably an Alternative Vote, will be welcoming to many we have spoken with.

Sincerely...

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