... IF HE [CHIEF MINISTER HUBERT HUGHES] IS IN HIS COFFIN

Mr. Colville L. Petty OBE

It has been widely claimed that our Honourable Chief Minister, Hubert Benjamin Hughes, will not be a candidate in the 2015 general elections, so I thought it would be useful to put on record, for the benefit of present and future generations, a brief history of his involvement in elections in Anguilla. Also, I shall comment on the possibility of his candidacy in 2015.

Hubert has been contesting elections since 1961. On 16th November that year he, Kenneth Hazell and Walter Hodge were defeated by Peter Adams in the election to choose Anguilla’s representative in the Legislative Council in St Kitts. Hubert contested that election as a member of the Robert Bradshaw-led St Kitts Labour Party. One thing about him is that he has never denied or disguised his high esteem for Bradshaw. As recent as Wednesday 19th February 2014 he told Keith Stone Greaves’ Anguilla Talk – on Radio Anguilla – that he was always an admirer of Bradshaw.

During the revolutionary years (1967 -1969), Hubert kept a low political profile. He did not contest any of the local elections held during that period. Actually, he dared not because he was strongly opposed to the Revolution. As a matter of fact, he took the position that there was never a Revolution. To quote him at a political meeting at the Webster Park (1981): “The Anguilla Revolution was not a revolution at all, but a skirmish . . . It was lawless people who, for selfish reasons, decided to make some sort of demonstration using the people sentiments”. But once a British administration was established in Anguilla, Hubert was back on the political stage contesting elections. The first one he contested was on 15th March 1976 as an independent candidate in the Electoral District of Road South. He beat the two other independent candidates (Camile Connor and Everet Romney) and was the sole opposition member in the Legislative Assembly. Ronald Webster, whose PPP won six of the seven seats, was appointed Anguilla’s first Chief Minister.

But Webster’s six seats did not save him when Hubert moved a no confidence motion against him on 1st February1977. The motion had the full backing of Webster’s ministerial colleagues, so Webster lost the vote (5 to 2) and Her Majesty’s Commissioner appointed Emile Gumbs as the new Chief Minister. Hubert was appointed political adviser to the Chief Minister but his dissatisfaction with the Gumbs Government, primarily because he was not given a ministerial post, caused him to leave it, within a matter of weeks, and to later join forces with the dethroned Ronald Webster.

When general elections were held on 28th May 1980, Hubert, a member of the Ronald Webster-led AUM (which won six of the seven seats), beat Urban Hazell of the ANA, in Road South, and was appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Tourism and Communications. But Webster’s Government lasted less than a year. Webster had some irreconcilable issues with Claudius Roberts, his Minister of Social Services, whom he fired – and Hubert resigned in sympathy with Roberts (his staunch political ally). Thereupon, the Commissioner dissolved the Assembly on Webster’s advice and fresh elections were called for 22nd June 1981.

The result was victory for Webster’s APP which won five seats including that of Road South where Hubert of the AUM was defeated by Maurice Connor. But Hubert was not out of the Legislature for long because when Webster called a snap election for 9th March 1984 he (Hubert), who ran as an independent, recaptured his seat from Maurice Connor of Webster’s APP which was soundly beaten winning only two seats (Island Harbour going to Nashville Webster and Sandy Hill to Osbourne Fleming). It was the Emile Gumbs-led ANA, which included Belto Hughes (Hubert’s political twin), that formed the new government having won four of the seven seats. On 11th March 1984, two days after the elections, a press release from the ruling ANA stated that Hubert Hughes had applied for membership of the ANA and that his application was approved. The next thing, yer know, Hubert was appointed Minister of Finance. But he and most members of the ANA had much difficulty working as a team so on 19th February 1985 Governor Baillie revoked his ministerial appointment on the advice of Chief Minister Gumbs.

After being expelled from the ANA, Hubert found himself back with Ronald Webster as a member of his new party, the AUP. In the 1989 general elections the AUP won two of the four seats it contested, the winners being Hubert Hughes and Belto Hughes. But it was the Emile Gumbs-led ANA that won three seats which formed the government with the assistance of Osbourne Fleming (Independent).

By the time of 1994 elections, on 16th March, Hubert Hughes and Ronald Webster had parted ways again. Webster formed a new party, the AGG, and Hubert held on to the AUP with himself and Belto winning two of the four seats it contested. The other seats went as follow: ADP – 2 (Victor Banks and Edison ‘Eddy’ Baird); ANA – 2 (Eric Reid and Kenneth Harrigan); and Osbourne Fleming (Independent).

The new government was a coalition of Hubert Hughes’ AUP and Victor Banks’ ADP – with Hubert as Chief Minister. Because Hubert and Victor were longstanding political enemies – nobody expected the coalition to last its 5-year term, but it did. Ironically, it was Victor who told a public meeting, many years earlier, that Hubert would never accede to a position of political leadership in Anguilla because, to quote him (1981): “Jah will never give power to a baldhead [Hubert Hughes]”.

Jah having proved Victor wrong in 1994, proved him wrong again when he gave power to the baldhead a second time following general elections held on 23rd February 1999. The elections resulted in another coalition between Hubert’s AUP and Victor’s ADP, with Hubert as Chief Minister, but it went into collapse mode within a matter of weeks. Victor and Eddy had accused Hubert of “Yeltsin-style leadership” and vowed to halt it. To this end, Victor left the coalition, on 21st May 1999. Eddy did not leave. He refused to follow his party leader. His reason: “I am not going to jump out of a plane without a parachute”. So he did not jump, and I can still hear Victor, on the evening of 21st May, at a political meeting in South Valley, crying: “I am standing alone! Will somebody help me?” But nobody answered his call.

Following Victor’s departure, Hughes’ Government, with Eddy’s support, limped on for several months. However, it could not conduct any business in the House of Assembly because of lack of a quorum. Eventually, Hubert took the Speaker to the High Court to compel him to convene meetings of the House. The issue revolved around whether a two-thirds quorum of the 11-member Assembly, plus the Speaker, was eight or seven. The Speaker took the position that it was 8 while Chief Minister Hughes held it was 7. When Justice Adrian Saunders, on 12th January 2000, ruled in favour of the Speaker, Hubert had no choice but to demit office. General elections were held on 3rd March 2000. Hubert’s AUM won two seats (Hubert in Road South and Belto in West End), while Victor’s ADP and the Osbourne Fleming-led ANA – which campaigned together as the AUF – won four seats resulting in Osbourne heading the government as Chief Minister.

The AUF led by Osbourne Fleming formed the government for a second time following the February 2005 general elections when it held on to its four seats. Edison Baird’s-led ANSA won two, while Hubert won the only seat of five which his AUM had contested.

Five years later, in the 2010 general elections, Hubert was appointed Chief Minister for a third time when his AUM – which included Eddy Baird – won four seats. It was the first time any of the political parties that he led gained enough seats to form a government on its own.

A synopsis of Hubert’s involvement in elections reveals the following: when he contested his first election in 1961, as Anguilla’s representative in the Legislative Council in St Kitts, he was 28 years old. It means therefore that he has been involved in electoral politics for some 53 years. Anguilla began holding separate elections under its own constitution, in 1972, and since 1976 Hubert has contested every one of them. He lost only one – in 1981. To date, therefore, he has contested 10 general elections (won 9 and lost 1) a record in Anguilla’s electoral history. No one in Anguilla has contested more general elections than him. By 2015 he would have sat in the House for 36 years – another record.

Despite Hubert’s lifelong involvement in politics, and despite him having said that he will not contest the 2015 elections, many people feel that his name will be on one of the ballot papers. They are of the view that he will run again if he believes that the AUM cannot be returned to power without him; that he will run to earn the distinction of being the first person to be appointed Chief Minister of Anguilla for a fourth term; that he will run to go down in history as Anguilla’s first Premier whenever a new constitution comes into force; and that he will stay on long enough to lead Anguilla into independence and become Anguilla’s first Prime Minister. They say he is physically fit to carry on.

Frankly speaking, he looks in good shape physically. For a man who will be 82 next year, Hubert doesn’t have a single strand of grey hair on his head. And oh he likes to boast about how fit he is. I still remember him back in 1985 telling a public meeting: “You know I went to the disco the other night and I heard the lil boys say: ‘Eh, eh! How [come] Hubert Hughes could dance so long? I never see a man dance so long!’ I said: ‘Man, I always keep fit!’”

Actually, one seldom hears of Hubert being sick. As far as I can recall he was sick three times. The first was on 25th August 1986 when Eric Reid, Minister of Health and Lands, landed a powerful left hook to his head, in the House of Assembly, throwing him to the floor. He was disoriented for a while but recovered shortly after with some assistance. The second time was in 1989 when Statchel Warner disclosed, at a political meeting, that Hubert was not well – that he was suffering “from verbal diarrhea”. And the third time was in May 2013 when the motor vehicle he was driving ran off the road in George Hill and he ended up with a fractured rib. After brief hospitalization he was fit as a fiddle again.

Time may prove me wrong, but it is my firm view that, barring death, Hubert will lead the AUM in the 2015 general elections. Already I could hear him bragging that he is the cleanest politician in Anguilla – that he is “squeaky clean” and does not take bribes. By the way, several years ago, a foreign businessman offered him a bribe and Hubert did not hide it. Listen to him at a public meeting (1985): “This [wristwatch] is the only bribe I get. But yer know how I get it. He was very clever. He slipped it on my arm. But the way he did it I feel somebody tell him: ‘Hey, you got to push that on da man arm, yer know, because he don’t take bribes’”. Hubert went on: “When I was given this watch I was so frighten . . . I run straight to the Governor with it. I say: ‘Oh Lord, Mr Baillie, dem bribe me!’”.

And, by the way, I do not think he can be bribed not to contest a seat in the 2015 general elections if he feels strongly that the AUM cannot win without him. Furthermore, knowing how Hubert loves politics, and has lived politics, I cannot see him not wanting to die, naturally, in politics. For him to do otherwise would be like committing suicide. That is why I hold the view that the only way he will not contest the 2015 general elections is if he is in his coffin. Another reason for so thinking comes straight from Hubert’s mouth. I heard him over Radio Anguilla, shortly after his recovery from his May 2013 vehicle accident, saying that he was in good shape – that his blood pressure was 120 over 70 and that his doctors were so impressed with the state of his general health that they said he could live for another fifty years. Could one imagine Hubert living another fifty years and not being actively involved in politics? I cannot. Hubert’s name will be on a ballot paper come 2015.

Mr. Colville L. Petty OBE

Colville L. Petty is a columnist for The Anguillian Newspaper. He is also a political scientist, author, writer, historian and curator for the Heritage Collection Museum on Anguilla. He is the immediate past Supervisor of Elections, and a former Permanent Secretary o Anguilla.

ANGUILLA'S CHIEF MINISTER HUBERT B. HUGHES IS A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR, ACCORDING TO HIS FORMER FINANCE MINISTER

An Open Letter to the Chief Minister

In 1989, Statchel Warner, then an Anguilla National
Alliance (ANA) candidate disclosed, at a political
meeting, that Hubert Hughes was not well – that
 he was suffering “from verbal diarrhea” -
otherwise known as "constantly chatting Shit"! 

Dear Mr. Hughes, 

I listened to a clip of your presentation in the Anguilla House of Assembly on Monday April 28, 2014 and I was amazed that as the most senior Member of the House, both in terms of age and service, you continue to believe that the only way to advance yourself in politics is to destroy your opponents --- “ by any means necessary”. The means that you have used most liberally, over the years that I have known you in politics, is the “LIE”. You seem to have absolutely no qualms about lying about anything or anybody --- simply to enhance your image. You have found a way to denigrate any youngster offering himself/herself for political office in Anguilla if they do not appear to support you. Many an aspiring politician has been intimidated and terrorized by your fabrications and defamatory statements.

On the subject of your LIES I speak from experience having taken legal action against you on several occasions. In response you have apologized for and admitted to several counts of lies. The letter and audiotape of your confessions as a liar will be available shortly on the AUF Website for the public to read and listen to.

Even as I write to you today there is yet another “letter before action” to be sent to you in a defamation matter against Osbourne Fleming; Evans McNiel Rogers; Kenneth Harrigan; Eric Reid; and myself, Victor Banks, for statements you made when you appeared on the radio program “On the Spot!” aired on Klass FM (92.9) on September 13, 2013. My colleagues and I in the past Anguilla United Front Government have taken this joint action in the interest of dissuading young and aspiring politicians from following this shameful path.

... 80+ year old Anguillian Chief Minister is said to contest
next general elections to pay for LIES!

Mr. Hughes, it is my understanding that you have decided that at the end of this term you will no longer seek political office. At the age of 80 I would consider this to be a sensible decision, despite the fact that you seem to be in excellent physical condition. You are indeed blessed in this regard. Yet, it is also in this regard that I am concerned that you seem content to be leaving a legacy of lies; defamation; and character assassination. Most discerning Anguillans consider this to be the style of politics that you have embraced over the years. But few Anguillans hold this style of politics in high regard. From your presentation it is apparent that you have no intention of changing that style even down to your last day of office. 

As usual the essence of your presentation on Monday was to find a way to place me in the way of blame so as to exonerate yourself. And as usual you again exploited the shelter of parliamentary privilege in the House to deliver a cowardly stream of lies to the listening audience. You constructed that litany of lies, in order to blame others for the severe damage you and your Government caused to the Water Production and Distribution System in Anguilla since coming to Office. The situation of water in Anguilla is worse than at any period since the Anguilla Revolution and the blame must be placed squarely on the incompetence of your Government. You because of your unwillingness to negotiate effectively with GE, the Water Producers in Crocus Bay, have allowed that plant to be dismantled and shipped out of Anguilla without a viable alternative. To make matters worse there are letters signed by you indicating your willingness to lease the said lands for tourism development without any clear provisions made to secure the infrastructure for future water production. If this is followed through, your actions will negatively impact the provision of water services to the people of Anguilla for many years to come. Mr.Hughes you cannot blame this on any other Government but your Government of the last four years. This is your baby! It has your DNA! 

Mr. Hughes, I must admit that my first response to your cowardly and lying comments in the House of Assembly on Monday was ANGER. However, as you continued to expand on your lies; your response to the Leader of the Opposition’s challenge that you should present the documentation and repeat your comments outside the shelter of parliament evoked PITY. 

Mr. Hughes for ease of reference let me quote the statement you made in the House of Assembly. After establishing clearly that you were speaking about me you said: 

On 25th August 1986, the Hon. Eric Reid, then Minister 

of Health and Lands, landed a powerful left hook to then 

Opposition Leader Hubert Hughes' head, for LIES, in the 

House of Assembly, throwing him flat to the floor. He 

was disoriented  for a while but recovered shortly after

with some assistance. 

“….. that same Minister of Finance, documents came from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he put, he demanded that certain amount of extra money be put on to the unit of water --- it was supposed to be 2.5 he said put on an extra 1.5 “For the kickbacks!” That comes from the Foreign Office --- all those documentations are there, where the former Minister of Finance at the time he was negotiating with this company for kickbacks. ---- 2.5 and 1.5extra.” 

Mr. Hughes this is the first time that you have made an accusation about me and have been so specific. You said: “ he said put on an extra 1.5 for the kickbacks” In this context, even though you have said it from the shelter of the House of Assembly I take this accusation very seriously. I also took note of the fact that after you were challenged by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers to produce the documentation to the House you remarked: “the only politics you all can do is to go to the High Court and intimidate people” . It is obvious from this statement that you feel that it is all right to slander and defame others --- but you believe that those persons do not have the right to defend themselves and seek justice in the judicial system. You seem to consider that defending oneself against slander and defamation is intimidation. It is obvious Chief Minister that you don’t quite get it! If you defame anyone he/she has the right to sue you! If anything it is the defamer should be considered the intimidator. 

Chief Minister I believe that you have forgotten, conveniently perhaps, that when the Water Plant was commissioned it was under your Government. Any allegations of the nature you described therefore do not make sense. How could a Minister in your Government have the power to overrule you and Executive Council (EXCO) and demand “kickbacks”? How can a Minister of your Government travel to New York and sign an agreement with an international firm without the approval of EXCO and you, Chief Minister? Chief Minister you were obviously not in control of your own Government! You must take the blame for that --- not your Minister!

To further emphasize your point Chief Minister you declared: “those facts are at the Foreign Office. The Foreign Office knows that here is a Minister who has been demanding setbacks.” Obviously, Mr. Hughes you destroyed your own credibility by claiming that the British Government is aware of the Minister’s behaviour and is not doing anything about it. Here you have a Minister in your Government demanding kickbacks and the FCO has never asked neither you nor your Minister of Finance a question about the matter? And four years after that Minister has demitted office no one can produce any documents to expose him and bring him to account?

How could you Chief Minister, who is always ready to destroy your opponents, have misplaced such a damaging piece of evidence? It is clear to me that you were ambushed by the Opposition’s attack of the AUM’s mishandling of the Water project in the House and hurriedly put together another one of your lies to shift the blame to me --- your favorite target. I would like to suggest that on this occasion this can only be categorized as a ridiculous lie --- it doesn’t even make sense.

Mr. Victor F. Banks

Fortunately, for you Chief Minister you have been sheltered by “ parliamentary privilege.” But then you already knew that --- which is why you continue to tell LIES in the House of Assembly. Like the Leader of the Opposition I also challenge you to make those statement in the public domain. And to present the documents regarding these charges to the Opposition and other interested parties. In fact, since you have also implicated the Foreign Office, I must also request that she presents any of the documents to which you referred. 

Chief Minister, I have chosen to send you this open letter because I must point out to the people of Anguilla that there is no sure way to the truth through the shelter of the House of Assembly. And that from henceforth through to its dissolution the House will be used as a safe place to lie with impunity. It is an excellent place Chief Minister, for the AUM’s campaign of LIES. Obviously, to use your own words, I will not be able to “intimidate” you with a suit for the lies you told on Monday.

However, Chief Minister might I on the eve of your departure from politics appeal to your sense of posterity and urge you to explain to your colleagues in the AUM as I have to mine in the Anguilla United Front that parliamentary privilege was not conceived so as to create an arena where there is “no holds barred.” On the contrary the concept of “parliamentary privilege” was devised to protect members when they make fair and honest statements rather than to allow them to make unfair and malicious ones. It was devised to encourage freedom in discussing complex issues rather than granting freedom to deliberately distort the facts. It was devised to encourage democracy rather than to stifle freedom of expression. In short parliamentary privilege is not to facilitate lies but rather to evoke the truth. 

Chief Minister, when I was expressing my frustration with the way parliamentary privilege is abused a good friend said to me: “You know the fact that parliamentarians are called “Honourable” should make them more honest, courteous and accountable while in the House than anywhere else. Why should someone be telling lies and defaming his colleagues in an Honourable House?” Why? Why Indeed!

By: Mr. 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.

THE ANGUILLIAN ELECTORATE SAYS NEW-AUM IS THE OTHER CHEEK OF THE SAME ASSHOLE!

My fellow Anguillians.

Now that I am a candidate in the next General Elections 2015; it’s time that you the electorate unite at roundtables to establish the kind of good government and governance that will create opportunities for all Anguillians - home and abroad; and discussions for the liberation and reconstitution of our beloved nation by entering a new stage of unity and trust in support of my campaign... your campaign.

I've watched helplessly, and felt your struggles under the hands of this Anguilla-Utter-Mess (AUM) incompetent dictatorship administration; applying all your means necessary to survive... while holding the firm conviction and stance of your legitimacy and legitimate concerns. Now you must speak with one one voice, one song, one accord.

Our way forward must be based on confidence, track record, materializing set objectives - a program mapped out which will serve the interest of all Anguillians. That over the years, before 2010, we as a people have the capacity and resolved, to firmly address real issues provided that we are given the opportunity to do so without destructive and selfish interference. That we will prove with confidence, that this knee-jerk, bloop, just-like-that, just-so administration was the kind of failed and costly experimentation we the taxpayers did not worth the shame.

Anguilla, You have suffered "Change". Not its essence of history and unavoidabilities necessary for survival which makes life worth living - wonderful even when it hurts or appears hard - that constant that cannot be moulded into a stagnant form. The change you have suffered was/is uncomfortable, neither good or therapeutic. And that is this AUM Administration, "the kinda pregnancy legal to abort - the childbirth you must avoid come 2015 and beyond!"

Democracy is all about fully embracing and accepting the choices we made, with the unfettered right to a free choice every 4-5 years. It's that choice we sometimes, for whatever reason, take and then realize that choice and change are not necessarily one and the same, but that both are inevitable. The reality is that where there is uncertainty in the midst of an eventuality, you must never mistake a clear view for a short distance. The "choice of change" is always yours... but not necessarily the "change of choice". And this shows that despite how corrupt, ungovernable, inept or incompetent a government is (like our present government), it's your choice you made which keeps them in power!  

The new-AUM, on Botox

The 2015 general elections must be more than a "mare" choice, my fellow Anguillians... a choice that even the candidates themselves if given self as such a choice, will not choose. Our change ahead is inevitable, not a mere choice... the change of a rightful government we deserve as a once respectful and envied nation - rightfully now a laugh-at-stock!  

For this election, my fellow Anguillians, a Vote for New AUM, is simply "a change for the other cheek of the same asshole!" - with or without the doctor administering his Botox!


By: Realist Spikenice
Candidate against the Anguilla Utter Mess (AUM)

ANGUILLA... PARADISE AS HELL - THE BEST-KEPT SECRET!

Water! --- Country without Water? The worst kept Overseas Territory - Should Britain be ashamed?

The function of government must at all cost be for the benefit of the masses; as such the effective functioning of any government system primarily, must cater to the well-being of its people. It is unimaginable for any government to omit the bare necessities of a functioning society in the interest of any degree of project investment or procurement. Bare necessities would be summarized as the basic requirements to exist and carry on your daily lives and routines, and nothing becomes more important in the life of humans than “Water.” the need for water is without question “basic” and a bare necessity by any standard of living. 

Prior to the elections of 2010 a good attempt was made by the former government to substantially reduce the consistent neglect of adequate water supply throughout the island, and progress was made in that effort. When a desalination plan was installed in Anguilla it appeared that the island had made a good step in the right direction and that was touted as a leap into the future for Anguilla; actually, Anguilla had begun to become part of the developing societies in the advancement of technology and such engineering. This improvement could have been considered advancement in the standards of our social progress; and a welcome improvement from the standing water pipes we had grown up with. Bearing in mind that there is still some distance to go, and much more to be achieved in all areas of our social well-being, such as sports and sporting facilities with which Anguilla still lags way behind. With the steady improvement in electricity supply on the island and the other socially accepted commodities such as cable, internet and wifi, some of which can be considered living luxuries. 

But water cannot be categorized as a living luxury; water must be considered a bare necessity. The seriousness of the lack of adequate water supply for the island in some cases is considered a lack of consideration of Government, a lack of good structural decision making in the process of governing. Whether that is meant by not being able to effectively utilize the system put in place to supply the island or not managing the available resources to ensure that water is supplied to the people.

Recently, the Honorable Chief Minister tried to appease the people by addressing the matter of water distribution to the island, the Water desalination plant and the ongoing project at Ce-Blue in the same proximity. Ironically while the Chief Minister was preparing his script for the Anguillian weekly paper the plant was being torn down, so while we were reading the story from Government, and their failure to finance the operation of the plant, we were also reading how the company who built the plant had it already contained for shipment back to its supplier. This is a very embarrassing story and nothing of which any government should be reporting to its people. Moreover, because of our unique scarcity of water, for our government to be reporting this news is epic. One must ask; what depth of management tolerance and degree of executive prudence was exercised in this delicate matter? Or was this simply a very easy political decision made, considering that the plant in the first instant was a project of AUF. By any stretch of the imagination this would be considered a wild decision for a sitting government to take. To actually allow the dismantling of a water desalination plant built for the required purpose under our unique water conditions in Anguilla, and the explanation from our Chief Minister falls way short of logic by any count.

By its own admission, The AUM Government has conceded that they were unable to come to a settlement with the company which manufactured and installed the plant. Questions must be asked, whether this was because of the lack of good government? Government not being able to handle complex matters or simply incompetent. Whatever is the truth here, we must now conclude that after taking office in 2010 the Hughes Government has failed in some of the simplest strategic efforts for the country. After close to five years, to neglect to deliver steady water supply to the people of Anguilla, leaving complete communities without this basic requirement is inexcusable. Moreover, to have a system in place for the expressed purpose and not meeting the required demands of paying, but by choice instead, have it torn down, removed and shipped back to America with love, from Anguilla is neglect beyond imagination.

This project was significantly most worthwhile to the people of Anguilla than the multipurpose administrative complex proposed earlier, when Social Security was cited to fund it to the tune of $200,000.000.00. Implying that Social Security has the resources and reserved capacity to easily financed $5,000.000.00 in the direct interest of the people, who in the first instance are sole proprietors of this Institution. This matter warrants a more thorough look from the inside, and more specifically, should be investigated in the larger interest of the people of Anguilla to provide more clarity and truthful answers to the real story. And considering the mingled allegations of having Ce_Blue in the mix could indicate misuse of authority over prudence in the exercise of power influenced by pure politics. The people of Anguilla, the real victims under a circumstance where whole districts are without Water, and on a larger scale under such consequences’ of bad judgment and poor decision making, what’s next? …… A Country without Water?

By: Elliot J. Harrigan

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.