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

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

Mr. Statchel Warner 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Statchel Warner

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

BANKING OPINIONS FOR ANGUILLA... UNCONFIRMED

My fellow Anguillians.

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

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

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

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

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

• encourage banks to lend to creditworthy borrowers.

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

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

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

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

We thank you very much for your understanding.

By: Realist Spikenice

NECESSITY VS IRRESPONSIBILITY...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Realist Spikenice

ANGUILLA… THE BRAY THAT ROARED

Though some are still in silly mode, the majority of us here on Anguilla are back to reality. While they are being sued for millions, we are united at roundtables, speaking with one voice, one song, one accord… establishing the kinda atmosphere and Anguilla that will create opportunities for all Anguillians; and having the kinda discussions and building the organizations necessary for the reconstitution of a land we beloved and called home.

Team-AUF is an unavoidable change… a necessity… a team fit-for-purpose… that, what you did… an epiphany for which we now glee and wish well. Marvel, you must Anguillians… as your victory has demonstrated God’s will… so was the past five horrible years of an understatement of incompetence.

The Anguilla United Front is your government because of years of confusion of interest and the convergence of confusional cynical approach to nowhere from an inept Anguilla Utter Mess Administration under the leadership of Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster. 

You can be assured that under the competent hands of an Anguilla United Front Administration that full restoration of democracy, good governance, and political stability on Anguilla are in order… you have overwhelmingly voted to restore tranquility and economic prosperity back on Anguilla... notwithstanding the sense of peace we felt since April 22.

… and yet Anguilla rises.

By Realist Spikenice
Representative against Anguilla Utter Mess