Greed

Greed is capitalism’s necessary evil. It usually works well economically, but comes at a high cost, including the worsening epidemic of debilitating greed-affected individuals - and the frequent and dangerous boom/bust cycles.

But how can the government regulate greed? It is like telling the wind not to blow. Greed has always been with us, and it always will. Since greeds began as solutions, trying to regulate greed will only make the problem worse.

The notion that individual greed can serve the common good has wormed its way even into political philosophies. We recall the Hubert Hughes’ Vote of No Confidence; the ADP/AUM Better Government for Anguilla debacle; the Hubert Hughes’ Transshipment saga; and the Edison Baird recent refusal to work with the government theatrical - just to name a few. Greed demolishes equity, as it is impossible to have both unrestrained. In the end, unchecked greed erodes freedom, undermines the social fabric of our society, and is an undemocratic force.
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wrote more than 2,500 years ago that: ‘There is no calamity greater than lavish desires, no greater guilt than discontentment and no greater disaster than greed.'

However, Greed is being redefined as a virtue and a legitimate guiding principle for economic prosperity and general happiness. In the process, it is steadily eating away at the cornerstones of civilized societies and undermining the visions, values and collective aspirations that made them strong.

Many economists believe that greed produces preferable economic outcomes most times and under most conditions. When we salute uncontrollable greedy Anguillians as the standout ‘growth engine' of our economy, we are in many ways paying tribute to the economic wonders of greed.

Anguilla enjoys a relative absence of constraints, including tax and labour constraints or effective Employment Laws that would otherwise burden corporations, as a result, this allow greed to flourish. However, in reality, we on Anguilla are very much blessed with natural greed-regulations in the absence of legislative-regulations. We are blessed with ‘Jealousy and Gossip’; though cynical but effective.

A greed driven economy is toxic to our well-being and is hastening our slide into a state of unhappy consciousness. There is little doubt that our nation’s sanctification of greed is creating a deep existential void that cannot be filled - whatever the degree of material indulgence, personal achievement or private gratification.

Research shows that the human being are incorrigibly greedy by nature. One survey shows that nearly 90 per cent of people agree with the statement that ‘Humans always want more, and that it is part of human nature'. But in truth, a society's culture determines the extent to which our propensity for greed is activated or suppressed. On Anguilla that is Jealousy and Gossip! Imagine…

• Imagine if Albert Lake was allowed to feed the poor and elderly simply to steal their land
• or Ian Donaldson Mitchell was allowed to lobby the British
• or the Director of the Lands was allowed to steal property
• or the amount of land problems we would have
• or our attorneys were ripping people off left, right and center
• or the Welfare Department Director (past or present) steal from the elderly
• or our Governments were allowed to favour contracts and receive underhand rewards
• or our religious ministers were stealing from the church
• or our laws only work for some
• or jobs were designed for specific persons or families
• or banks were allowed to steal business plans from their clients
• or bank managers were allowed to steal millions like other banks' CEOs in other countries
• or our indigenous banks refused to finance competition
• and only if our Police Officers were corrupted

… but for only if it was not for institutionalized Jealousy and Gossip…

Greed has our opposition candidates so divided that in the quest for stability and prosperity; they are giving our incumbents an unfettered mandate in our next general election. Sadly... we can not regulate our politicians’ stupidity, else we would have an easier time electing competent Parliamentarians.

Anguilla’s institutionalized regulatory mechanism or our famous greed-checker is Jealousy and Gossip. After all, there are some good in everything.

Just imagine living without them on Anguilla…

Busted!... Anguilla's CCTV is Corrupted

He is Busted!!!!

I KNEW IT!!! – I KNEW IT!!! – I KNEW IT!!!

A new phenomenon sweeps our nation sending Anguillians into hysteria. It is now Official – the High Court on Anguilla held that Ian Donaldson Mitchell (IDM), QC (questionable character) is a ‘threat to honesty’ – meaning a ‘corrupt individual’. This Unethical, Libelous/Slanderous poop is now officially coronated - ‘Corrupt-de-Don’. Ground supervisors at the Bethel Methodist Church have reported signs of earth movement around his cousin, Rev. Leonard Carty’s grave.

It is alleged that some 2½ years ago, Corrupt-de-Don tried to strategically land as Parliamentary Speaker, his cousin’s job, through blackmail and misfortune causing chaos and spreading mistrust on the United Front’s Government; if his application for the position of Anguilla’s first Deputy Governorship was futile. Interestingly, Corrupt-de-Don admitted to such allegations on his blog under the heading ‘Bribery’ dated 15 July 2008, where he declared his devious intention to derail stability on Anguilla - “I am retired now, and there is little they can do to harm me.”

This plot was discussed at a family’s party, in which Mr. David Carty, Parliamentary Speaker, vehemently refused and warned Corrupt-de-Don about his impious devices and not to hold him [David] responsible for any consequences suffered and as such, cut ties and ended his relations with Corrupt-de-Don.

Greed can be nature based… that can be eradicated from generations through education. Sadly so, Corrupt de-Don’s generation stops at him… he hates kids. Cynically believing that retirement means invincibility; the court found him GUILTY on LIBEL CHARGES or ‘MALICIOUSLY SCANDALING FALSEHOOD’ on the Government’s and Citizens’ of Anguilla reputation - trumped-up corruption, a claim he failed to prove.

Ian Donaldson Mitchell ought to be treated as a high-risk inmate in a secured mental institution. This ignored waste-of-nine-months seriously threatens our economic future and sustainability. I have long advocated that Ian Donaldson Mitchell is nothing more than an Innuendoist, Racist (22 June 2008, ‘Entrepreneurship’), Propagandist, and a Chauvinistic 'Learnt' Zombie; while I still weep for what I believe to be a litany of Miscarriages of Justice in his trail. This result has confirmed it all - his actions should have been curtailed years ago.

Imagine the heaviness and embarrassment that our Hon Madame Justice Janice George-Creque had to succumb - subconsciously at war: “phucken idiot - why put mi in ya shyte.” To be honest, it had to be tedious and inconvenient to rule against this idiot, especially as a respected former colleague. But this puke deserves every effort involved in finding him culpable.

The legal fraternity on Anguilla is nausea to convulsion with such an embarrassing and despicable debacle displayed by their first ‘learnt’ friend as Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judge, though envisionary Affirmative Action, and wonders how such archetype may have blighted future qualified prospects.

Now anyone can officially label this ‘past-honourable’, now nincompoop, Ian Donaldson Mitchell QC… Corrupt – without fear.

It is a sad day for Anguilla, the Caribbean and the British authorities.

Anguilla’s ‘Chief Corruption Tsar Version’ (CCTV) is Corrupt!

Another British Crook-Trustee… he must be Dishonoured!

What a disgrace!

Anguilla’s political worst nightmare is a visionless Opposition

For the vast majority of our electorate, the exercise of crafting a manifesto is a complete waste of time and talent if its vision and mission are used for nothing but being a publication. One of the chief reasons for the failure of missions and visions to achieve the desired objective is the naiveté of most politicians.

On Anguilla, most opposition politicians have been constantly on a mission – to oust government; most times confusing destructive criticism with vision. The roles of the heads of departments become platform-gossip by opposition politicians rather than debating real issues and solutions. For example, policing techniques and the hospital X-Ray machine issue are the roles of our technocrats. Though government maybe accountable and responsible for such issues – these issues do not constitute the term ‘Vision’ and entertained childish political gossip.

Vision is not stating the obvious. You want vision to state the exceptional and extraordinary, to boast of your edge-teetering leaps of faith, and the wild dreamings of every possibility you want explored every single day. You need them to create chatter, thrilled whispers, passionate debate and evangelism. You want people inside and outside your organization to talk about them constantly because they are fascinating, enticing, and enthralling. You couldn’t possibly contain their passion on your party’s bulletin board if you tried.

Let your vision be controversial as they beg discussion and explanation. Let it be - how will we make a difference in improving the quality of life itself? How can we work on only what really matters to us, and to everyone? Why is it that this world can’t possibly be a great place without the magic we work? Why is it that we are so special, so damned good, and so fanatically courageous?

Your vision should be what the future looks like because you have succeeded your mission so exceedingly well. It then becomes somewhat of a moving target; when we have nearly arrived at it, we are in the throes of writing a new vision, and the process begins again. However, previous vision needs to be acknowledged when achieved, for in effect it has become our new standard of excellence, and in all likelihood it has become one of our defining moments.

Invoking that you are ordained is blasphemy and psychosis… and surely not vision. Yes… though God may use from amongst us, the dumb to lead (if you believe) – he does not reward laziness and ignorance. The reality is why after 40 years should Anguillians elect unqualified legislators is beyond comprehension and no excuse. Why should those who are decent enough and qualified to serve, hold dear their reputations, if not their livelihoods and/or their lives?

The world; by extension Anguilla, maybe in a panic yes; and we may not like all the ways that government has functioned thus far. But the idea that government doesn’t care and is having no role, and to suggest that government is a problem, corrupted, earmarks, wasteful spending - is just a form of nihilism. It is just not where Anguilla is; it is not where the future of Anguilla is going; and I think this is blatant contempt, insane and a disaster for the opposition.

The electorates are not foolish – therefore, be creative even controversial, and think out of the box. Here are a few:

• Increase taxation. (This is a must regardless to who gets in power)
• A nationalized but properly regulated full-fleet Anguillian airline service (critical)
• New banking protection regulations. Repossessions must be solely on contract and market value percentage basis. Meaning: on repossession, remuneration must be strictly equal amounts distributed as invested. Since it’s your risk to borrow; it must be their risk to repossess. (Banking Laws are considered to be an unfair and immoral)
• Government ‘fully’ finances nationals’ Distant Learning Education from United Kingdom Universities and the University of the West Indies provided that the student is fully employed on Anguilla for the duration of his/her study. (Even the United Kingdom government is doing more for its territories nationals’ education than the territories governments doing for its own nationals)

Remember that dishonesty… though may assist your mission, is not novelty… and is surely not vision.

Even a Genie found it difficult

An Anguillian was walking along Shoal Bay beach thinking about life, its choices and challenges, when he stumbled upon an old corked bottle. He picked it up, uncorked and rubbed it, and lo-and-behold a Genie appeared. He talked with him awhile then the Genie told him he would grant him ONE wish. The man said that he heard from a cousin that he would get three wishes if he ever found a Genie.

The Genie said, “Nope!… sorry, three-wish genies are a story-tale myth. I'm a ONE-WISH Genie. So... what will it be?”

The man did not hesitate. He said, “I want peace in the Middle East. See this map, I want these countries to stop fighting with each other and I want all the Arabs to love Jews and Americans and vice-versa. It will bring about world peace and harmony.”

The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, “Lawd Man, A wahwrang wid you? PLEASE BE REASONABLE! These countries have been at war for thousands of years. I am out of shape after being in a bottle for five hundred years. I am good, but NOT THAT GOOD!!! I don't think it can be done. Please make another wish… and please!… I beg of you... be reasonable.”

The man thought for a minute and said, “Well, I have never been able to trust an Anguillian politician… you know, one who is truly patriotic, intelligent and hard working. You know… one that is trustworthy, considerate, financially secured and prepared for leadership… someone who has clean hands; confidence; vision; commitment; who is dedicated to service; has an artistic quality; and who will encourage others to dream, hope, believe and work hard… I am talking about a mentor-like figure… that is what I wish for... a great Anguillian LEADER.”

The Genie let out a long sigh, shook his head and said, “Let me see that friggin map again!… DAMNNNN!!!!!!!”

Someone past and mentioned ‘Corrupt-de-Don’. The Genie got furious and swears, “phucking-hell… he will take you straight underground!!!

The sports world and the financial services industry are no more buddies

Sponsorship for a high-profile event or team was envisaged as a great way for a financial institution or investment firm to attract new customers. But the list of financial firms globally that have been tarnished by receiving federal (tax-payers) bailout funds, filing for bankruptcy or going through scandals is now unbounded, leaving the sports world in the lurch as it works to replace lost sponsorships.

The latest blow was delivered when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) came down against the chairman of the Stanford Financial Group, Sir Allen Stanford. Sir Allen has a number of high-profile sports partners, including the NBA's Miami Heat, English Premier League star Michael Owen and the WTA’s Sony Ericsson Open, the LPGA Tour and golf's PGA Tour - which has used Stanford as a sponsor of the St. Jude Championship in Memphis. His tentacles are far reached.

In June, 2008, Sir Allen landed on the sacred turf of Lord's in a black helicopter bearing a crateful of replica US$ dollars, before making good on his promise to the ECB and the WBC to inject tens of millions into a high-stakes tournament on Antigua. After been our saviour of the game of cricket, why should these boards now cut off their noses that completed their faces? Sir Allen has done more with ‘his money’ for the game of cricket, specifically in the Caribbean, than the combined Caribbean territories dreamt.

It was disturbing on a ‘Treasury-Bills and Development-Bonds legislation Bill’ debate, to listen to our ill-informed, political-prostitute legislator, the Hon. Edison Baird, dismissing Sir Allen with loose claptrap purely on accusations. According to Mr. Baird in the House the other day, Sir Allen was already convicted even though not arrested. Eddy!… a man is innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law… not on accusations.

Interestingly however, have you wondered that it was only when the SEC accused Sir Allen of engaging in a massive ongoing fraud of a shocking magnitude that the British realised that he might not be playing with a straight bat? And why should ‘Citigroup’ received billions in bailout money, plus guarantees to cover losses on hundreds of billions of dollars in risky investments while the SEC is trying to bring an end to the ‘Stanford Financial Group’ who didn’t even ask for government’s bailout? Given Sir Allen tentacles, I am sure that the ‘world’ was prepared to help if and when he did decide.

Consider this! In the late Sixties, some of the Caribbean islands as they were breaking away from the British Empire and becoming independent nations; these tiny colonies were set adrift in a vast ocean, rudderless with no viable future. How were they supposed to survive? Creatively they would survive by turning themselves into tax havens. Is that corruption?

Justifiably or not, colonial guilt still haunts the British. Quite evident is the immoral policy of successive British governments encouraging existing British territories and former colonies to become or remain centres of money laundering.

The US Congress last year identified thirty-four (34) tax havens for the wealthy of which Britain still controls nine (9) of them - Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey/Sark/Alderney, the Isle of Man, Jersey and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Fifteen (15) are former British colonies - Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Cook Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, Grenada, Hong Kong, Malta, Nauru, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Singapore. Cyprus, Malta and Singapore became tax havens of their own accord and the Cook Islands are more New Zealand's responsibility than Britain's. But especially in the Caribbean, Britain is noted for the transformation of colonial and post-colonial territories into receivers of stolen goods.

This British guilt allows the profits from the drugs trade to be recycled. This guilt also means, that when desperate governments need desperate cash in a hurry, the odds are that they will turn to tycoons who have built their fortunes free from the interference of regulators and tax inspectors… and it’s legal. So… where is the corruption?

Survival sometimes demands creativity, reinventionism and unconventionism, sometimes illegal… which is then regulated through nepotism…

Mad as hell, Anguilla’s Chief Corruption Tsar assaults Realist.

Anguilla’s Chief Corruption Tsar, (IDM) ‘In-Dementia-Mode’ or ‘Corrupt-de-Don’, recently as of Saturday, February, 14th, confessed that he is “Mad as Hell”; before assaulting Realist Spikenice and causing criminal damage. A resolution for 2009 was to avoid In-Dementia-Mode and his gossip column or imprudent blog; and to that end, I have not mentioned nothing thereof since September 1st 2008, in response to his confession of Thursday, August 14, 2008: “Don’t trust me, I am a lying idiot; economical and a distortionist of truthfulness.”

This comes as no surprise since this narcissistic refugee-wimp has done nothing else but continuously brings shame and embarrassment to a people, their government and a nation on a whole. Though retired, this ungrateful Nincompoop - whom we sheltered, fed and clothed - is the biggest idiot out of the Anguilla legal fraternity and worse yet, as a retired Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judge - there must have been a litany of Miscarriages of Justice in his trailed.

Though not a supporter of any one political grouping on Anguilla, I respect my government whomever they are, and despises this disgraced substandard kittitian Mutt or Dalmatian’s senile fear mongering attacks on our nation with the biggest myth in politics called accountability and good governance; simply to align himself and clean his stained hands. As a consequence, I have vowed to remain uncompromisingly merciless against this puke’s innuendoes, distortions and plans to veil behind a nation’s mishaps, apparent corruptions or misfortunes he once calculated or inadvertently contributed.

This worst case survival of an unsuccessful-abortion’s anger, stems from my persistence and love for contradicting his integrity and vast loose filth spewed at our intelligence about our beloved tranquil Anguilla - where feeling is believing; and its civilization. My concerned was/is the overall detrimental impact this spewed highly toxic muck will have on the Anguilla’s tourism based fragile single economy and it potential irreparable harm; not to mention our potential investors.

As a result, anything or anyone intelligently contradicting the QC’s (questionable character) gobbledygook is disqualified as ‘mentally ill and banned correspondent’ Realist Spikenice’s - an attempt to satisfy his denial of full-blown Dementia.

In-Dementia-Mode - an unplanned fertilization, a reconciliation-exchanged of gifts (orgasms); a metamorphosis for which a calm masturbation would have done justice to the food-chain and our environment on a whole.

I have tried my best in avoiding libel or slander to his person, only asking pertinent questions whereby, his person or business may had knowingly, unavoidably or inadvertently associated itself, at such time of specific alleged corruptions on Anguilla and the Caribbean on a whole. Namely: the ‘BCCI’ (Bank of Credit and Commerce International) Financial Scandal of 1990 - where Pakistani bankers operating out of England defrauded thousands of depositors; and ‘Operation Dinero’, a major money-laundering sting operation involving American and British authorities, seizing over nine tons of cocaine and hundreds of millions in cash and assets and over one hundred and sixteen arrests were made including a wealth of data on worldwide drug operations; around that same period.

My questions were specific and direct: Where were you Mr. Corrupt-de-Don? Were your law firm involved? And, were you involved in any such money racketeering associated?

One prominent Anguillian Attorney cried-out from the woods in the forest on Anguilla as she confessed how she had warned about such perceived corruptions at the time in question. And though had the opportunity to indulge, refuses on moral grounds and kept clean. She later confessed that she and her niece did sleep with Wadadli… instead.

However, Anguilla’s Chief Corruption Tsar justified his actions this way: “I had many clients who needed licences and permits. I helped them by advising them of their rights and of the procedures under our law. I made the application for them. Then, I left it to the Administration to apply their laws and policies. I expected them to be impartial and fair. I never once approached a Minister of Government for a favour of any kind.”

A perfect lawyer’s way of justifying amoral acts or corruption. But is our Chief Corruption Tsar, (IDM) ‘In-Dementia-Mode’ or ‘Corrupt-de-Don’ corrupted?

This is the said judge who ruled against a minor, who alleged a grizzly raped by an Antiguian former Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. Lester Bird); simply because our well respected and admired Attorney, then Joyce Kentish, was a few minutes past deadline for filing her documents, in an Antigua Court in 2003. Such paedophilic and/or molestation acts should not have been made or look to have escaped justice – “Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”

Corrupt de-Don raped every loophole in Anguilla’s fragile legal system and skirted every opportunity to advise our leaders’ incompetence then. Now, this unscrupulous envious loser who has all his life gained favoured opportunities is back dabbing anyone in his way with his signature-brush… corruption.

Now read his posting of February 16th, and conclude for yourself if this vermin’s interest is advancing the youths of Anguilla to achieve greatness.

His parents’ mistake was not to masturbate.


Mad as hell…

Where is the church in all of this mess?

“All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership” - John Kenneth Galbraith, U.S. Economist - The Age of Uncertainty.

Firstly - It was a triumphant oratorical display of knowledge and lampooned demonstrated by Anguilla’s Finance, Economic and Tourism Minister, the Hon. Mr. Victor F. Banks, on February 10th, in the House of Parliament for the first reading and introduction of the Treasury Bills and Development Bonds legislation. The nation awaits the second reading of this bill in the House, where a very high standard debate is expected from the renowned Anguillian born Oxford’s Economist, the opposition Parliamentarian, the Hon. Mr. Benjamin Hubert Hughes. We look forward to a meaningful but spirited debate.

Secondly – It is hypocritical to bring such childish but empty motions to the Honourable House, banning elected officials’ privilege from use of government’s vehicles, for debate. Solving the global economic catastrophe, by extension Anguilla’s, demands much more creativity. It is dicey if not daunting in today’s creepy world to allow our elected officials to drive independently in unsecured vehicles while ‘suspected criminals’ are driving around in bulletproof secured vehicles. And on top of that, an elected official embarrasses a nation with such lunacy.

A more sincere motion limiting or capping top government’s officials’ salaries for the unforeseeable future may have been much more meaningful. Or even a motion alluring churches to share the burden in dire economic conditions. After all, they earned about 10% of the world’s wealth; as opposed with Social Security’s 5%; shouldn’t they contribute 10% relief of its burden… then what is their use for collecting? Additionally, on top of the committed 10% sacrificed by its faithful, there is a government’s duty-free concession on church’s (religious) imports.

If the church is serious about society’s ills, then let it live up to its responsibilities. Shouldn’t we demand accountability from our churches? However, it seems that everyone is afraid to question the churches’ principles - fearful of a bigger sin, unwisely looking up, still expecting manna from above, while those in authority surgically shaved away God’s purse… without a drip of sweat on their brows… fearlessly. “Father still drinking all the wine - none for thee.” What is the monetary cost for ‘salvation’?…

As our economic conditions plummet, the church is the most secured institution financially - as people loses their life’s earnings and seek spiritual answers - while paying their 10% surcharge faithfully. Why pressure an institution like the Social Security, whose ability is statutorily regulated and limited; while turning a blind eye on the churches whose purpose is to save the world? “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them” - Albert Einstein. We all in this together - now is the time that we seriously need a saviour. The church must be held responsible to live up to the true meaning of its purpose, and not being selective.

This may have brought, not only a much more meaningful and constructive, though controversial debate to the House, but also a respectable one. Vehicles are a necessity to government’s ministers’ mission and security. Government is in the business of creating opportunities, not trading vehicles.

Thirdly – The dance is always easier if you are not doing the move correctly, but doing a move correctly will make you a better dancer. Beware of ill-equipped candidates naively ‘bandwagoning’ an Obama success with simple allusions and misinformation. Let us make this ‘jiffy’ our new sense of empowerment to achieve greatness. It astonishes how anyone can associate an empty meaning with such a momentous occasion. This moment is about a preparation winning every challenge - meeting every opportunity emplace - resulting excellence. Avoid confusing an Obama’s true legacy as simply a ‘time for change’. The question this election will be – ‘change from this to what?’ Slogans alone will not get you elected. This is serious times and we deserve seriously better.

Don’t ‘vote-for-cup’ this election - surprise them with your results.

Burglar and an Elderly Woman

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar. "She said she had an ax and two 38's!"

Just perhaps we need to shout more scripture to help solve the escalation of crime on Anguilla… just a suggestion! lol lol lol lol

If Leaders are not born, then why is Anguilla not creating them?

The quote that "Leaders are Born, Not Made," denotes the belief that leadership is a quality, an inherent part of one’s makeup, rather than a characteristic to be achieved over time. Self-Leadership is what individuals do to develop their leadership skills, qualities and potential. Although people might possess traits, personal background or other resources responsible for propelling them into roles of responsibility, leadership is learned and encouraged from senior leaders, mentors and organizations. If leaders are born then what is the need of education, institution and knowledge? The challenges and opportunities of today’s marketplace require prepared leadership with clarity, confidence and efficiency to take us forward. So… why then is leadership-fertilization a deficit on Anguilla?

Not surprisingly we on Anguilla religiously fielded unpatriotic; unqualified; financially-starved and ill-prepared candidates for leadership. Neither do these individuals possessed skills nor qualities, derivatives of the core achievements - patriotism, education and wealth – which are developed and nurtured over time. Sadly though, underachievers with less than two core merits are ignorantly rewarded and propelled to high office.

We must unlearn the poisonous teachings of our ancestors… the myth that leadership is hereditary rather than preparatory. A manifestation since our dependency on Britain in July of 1971, revealed that we have elected no head of state that was tertiary educated. To be more specific, there were no tertiary educated elected official before The Hon. Mr. Victor F. Banks (stand to be corrected). This can best be described as a talent show where talent is not judged. The result ‘may’ continuously spell disaster.

Accordingly, there is a presumption of corruption-skepticism associated with electing educated officials on Anguilla. This mind-lynching fear mongering has withdrawn most capable and qualified potential candidates from offering self to service. Sadly so, that even those ‘supposedly educated’, involved in this lynching of the minds for self-alignment will fall victim. And to challenge this terminally-ill which is causing a brain-deficit on our cherished tranquil; our new Parliament (since it apparently missed our recent hijacked constitution reform process) must move to establish a second House, a House of ‘dignified men and women’, perhaps a non-elected House like the House of Lords, purely responsible for scrutinizing our elected officials and keeping a potentially incompetent government in check. This will ensure that the work of the People is properly done and done properly.

Individuals who are willing to take on responsibility, regardless of title or role, must know that moving forward involves initiative; clean hands; confidence; vision; commitment; taking dedicated action; an artistic quality and encouraging others. Unpatriotic, uneducated, ill-equipped, disorganization and traits of a tribalistic-disposition by our loose-cannon opposition candidates are not preparation meeting opportunity, and surely not a way forward.

In a political climate where first impression matters, it is less than impressive for a young and uprising political party in 2010, to be ill-equipped with over 75% of its candidates unqualified, living hand-to-mouth, lack of loyal-service coupled with a deficient slate; where the term ‘vision’ is pronounced ‘version’… that is not change we can believe in! Election is not about trading places; it is about honour to service. Similarly, we are tired of the outdated, ‘learnt’, misinformed, misguided, visionless, disingenuous, useless old men who are simply suffering from cases of self-importance.

The reality is that the ‘Class of 2010’ must be properly vetted, organized and ‘fit for purpose’ on day-1; and if we as a people are not mature and prudent enough to independently elect capable but credible leaders in 2010, then let it be done majestically (did I mentioned Colonialism?); especially in this global economic catastrophic state of affairs. It’s embarrassing for too long now, that while an intelligent globe seeks to select their elite to compete and lead; we are deselecting our elite and electing our non-intelligent animals.

But… are we underestimating the intelligence of our electorate? Does the electorate sometimes punish themselves intentionally to demonstrate their power? Is this self-inflicted or the wrath of God? Does the will of the people demonstrate God’s will, and the politicians are simply the Pawns in the game of Politics and not necessarily the players? Why would God allow such mad suffering to a disenfranchised innocent people… or is it a blessing in disguised? Is it ‘destination’ or ‘freedom of choice’ when a country gets a government it deserves, or is it confusing scripture? Oh… and human rights dictates freedom of speech/expression.

Politics on Anguilla can best be described as ‘uncertainty in the midst of an eventuality’ (we already know our winners and losers). However… never mistake a clear view for a short distance… ask the Hon. Mr. Victor Banks.

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity” – MLK.

It is the Silly Season once again

It is the Silly Season once again. And in the mist of subzero temperatures I can’t help but reminisce how mush sillier we Anguillians become around this time.

Though not late summer, this season is characterized by exaggerated news stories about frivolous matters for want of real news; real issues… they called it politics… we called it bullshit. And in the Anguilla context, we are in a constant state of… whatever you call it.

It’s the season where you, the disenfranchised electorate’s intelligence, are repeatedly belittled, trust prostituted and/or postulated. Brainwashing exaggerations, innuendoes and frivolous discourse saturate the atmosphere; where political victimisation and discrimination become the norm.

The class of 2010 must be candidates who are academically prepared; sustainably sound and has loyally served; the chief ingredients for good leadership. These honours demonstrate one’s aptitude to set measurable goals and recognized achievements. Such unwavering service to Anguilla’s development transcends a realization of excellence, and patriotism manifestation.

Frankly, the electorate is weary of corrupt scumbags relentlessly tainting and hoodwinking our political atmosphere with purposelessness and echoing deafening waves backed by tribal patronage. If you ought to lead, lead by means of example - if you haven’t learned, you can’t teach - if you haven’t accomplished for thee, you can’t be trusted to furnish me.

In about 20 minutes, Obama swept away eight years of President Bush’s false choices and failed policies and promised to recommit to America’s most cherished ideals. It left no doubt how Mr. Obama sees the United States problems and how he intends to fix them and, unlike Mr Bush, the necessary sacrifices he will ask of all Americans.

Have we bushed our chances for a brighter future through false choices, tribalism, omissions, and failed policies? Have saturated gluttony, disrespect and deceitfulness ‘glaucomaed’ our vision? Are we numb to global ills?

Obamanism is not simply a ‘grey man’ or necessarily youthfulness! It’s an institution… a proven ideology that nothing can stand in the way of voices crying out for real change. That leadership must not be a reward, but rather an honour. Obamanism is philosophy; a message of wisdom, not a slogan called change.

Have we overlooked or blinded to our Obamas or Obamanism?

We’ve been in a state of Silly Season for too long now! America has sneezed… let us all catch this well deserved cold!

Happy New Year.