Attitude for Change

Anguilla has undergone a myrad of changes and eveolution durng its short history.Today we are partially reaping the rewards of the labours of our valiant heros and freedom foghters.It is really quite disconcerting to observe the chaos and apparent instability that the Island is experiencing as a result of present day Government mismanagement of the countries affairs.The islanders have long fought for and have won their individuality but it is now threatened by selfish and egotistic leadership.
Once again we are facing the crossroads of change and it is a choice that has to be made with careful thought.Are we to bring about change because the world is in a state of upheaval or becuase it is the right and prudent thing to do?The lack of transparacy, honesty,integrity and productivity has created an air of tensions and distrust in the Anguillian society that is summering below the surface creating tensions that will ultimately climax into an ugly explosive and violent outburst.This is not what any reasonable citizen wants for anguilla nor is it what is good for the isalnds reputation.Anguilla's fragile tourist based economy cannot be expected to survive such a strike,thus it is would be wise to act now so that we can reverse and repair the damage doneby our politicians.Politics on hte island is based mostly on family ties and old loyalties and Anguillians must make a break from this old regimental form if it is to compete in this now world era.The dinorsaricall thinking has placed a choke hold on the island andits future in that there is little room for contemporary thinking because it is viewed with suspision annd distrust by the older generation and less educated population.
Anguilla has a higher ratio of scholars per capita when compared to that of other countries but the educated elite seems to have little interest in politics or is unwilling to make any true committments towards the isalnds future.Instead they appear to be more interested in personal fame and wealth.With this self-centered thinking ,it is no wonder that the isalnd is going through such turmoil.It is time Anguillians take a look in the mirror and take in what they are really seeing,a country on the verge of economic collaspe and social breakdown.It is should be apparent by now that change is necessary and needed to normalize things and restore order and prosperity to the island.How will this change come about is the million daollar question.Change will come by one or two methods,such as by peaceful democratic processes or by violent upheaval,the former being more prefered to the latter.
The political democratic process provide a platform by which orderly change can be effected whereby election determine the winners and loosers.A new breed of political thinker will once again breathe life into our falling system.New candidates means new ideas and new ideas equates to a second chance.A chance to renew projections and plans for the future of Anguilla.This is critical if Anguilla is to stay competitive with the rest of the world.Anguilla needs to encourage its scholars to enter the political arena or public service for the better good of the country.It is readily noticeable it the Government's composition that there is a gross lack of such qualified people as compared to other countries.It is no wonder then ,that Anguilla is at a disadvantage when competing or negotiating with their counterparts.While change is needed it must include those educated in law,economic,political sciences and such fields so that we can have an equal playing field to operate in.
Everyone is clamoring for change but change without the proper safe guards and leaders is just as dangerous and keeping the old regimes in place.Constitutional reform is another form of change that is necessary but is more time consuming and should be carefully contemplated.The establishment of a proper constitution is vital for the effective governance of any country.The constitution creates, the standards and rights of individuals,the blueprint by which the different systems of government operate and the laws of the land.The creation of this document is by no means an easy undertaking but it must be done.Anguillians appear to still be up in arms over this constitutional reform.As a colony/territory of the United Kingdom,most of its laws are governed by statutes of the United Kingdom.It is a daunting task to enact unilateral law that deviate from that of its parent country.This places Anguilla in an unique situation in that the only way out of this debunkle is to seek autonomy by way of political independence.While this might seems attractive it is not feasible at present.The factors that prohibit such a move are numerous.The absence of viable industry, adequate food production ,security forces and international financial association greatly restrict the pursuit of this notion.Leaders should be able to address this and explain the ramifications to the Anguillian public.Before any movement in that direction,an establishment ,creation and operation of such system must be up and running to enable a smooth transition.The is very difficult to accomplish because all these services are controlled by the United Kingdom.We need change but we also need to carefully tread to avoid creating total chaos.
The attitude is ripe for change and we should embrace it but be ready for the challenges that change will bring.Once we understand this then our attitude will be more open to accepting all that go with it.

Independence:Are we ready?

There has been much debate and talk on this isalnd in recent years concerning the viability of independence. The embarkation of such a position for a tiny isalnd as Anguilla presents some unique and highly insermontable challenges.The isalnd's population presents its greatest challenge to attaining independence because its small size,roughly 12,000 to 13,000 people,will create a daunting dilema in terms of generating the needed revenues to sustain the Gov't treasury.There is also the case of the production and circulation of its currency and monetary exchange.What currency will be utilized by the isalnd and at what rate will its exchange be set.The reliance of the isalnds on tourism and the absence of other viable sustained industry.Most critical to any consideration of independence are the issues of a sound constitution ,effective statutes and regulations,establishment of a proper legislature ,justice system and security force,ie defence ,coast guard,police,fire etc. The absence of these vital departments or the preperation for the establishment of such is ample evidence that Anguilla is not even in its infancy in terms of going or preparing for such a move.
The challenges facing any indepndent country are enormous ,however ,most Anguillians appear to think that it only entails being free or seperate from the domination of Britian'srule.If this premise was true and the only impediment to independence then I would wholeheartedly support any referudum on the issue.There are more far reaching ramification that faces Anguilla in its quest for independence that the average citizen is seemingly oblivious to.The transition will require more economic and financial upheaval than most politicains are willing to concede.There is the question of establishing international relationship and associations.Who will we associate with and at what costs.Is it fair to venture into this unchartered territory in such a state of unpreparedness with the expectation that all will be well.This move will be devasating and disasterous for the people and the economy of Anguilla.To state the obvious does not lend credence to or endorse any anit =independence movements but to as sure Anguillians that while the desire to be independent is an admireable goal,the reality of its feasiblity is not a practical possibilty at present.
Supporters of independenc would like you to beleive that Anguilla is ready but to them I pose a few general questions.
How will your currency stack up against the dollar,what will the rate of exchange be.Surely you are not expecting to circulatthe US dollar are you?
What provisions are made for a defence force since Britian will no longer be responsible for providing it.Do you have the funds to allocateto this essential department?Do you have the trained personel to staff it?What about the budget to purchase ,arms,housing,uniforms,food,and salaries.
What will be the extent of cooperation with international players.
These are only but a few ,however the other will be presented at a later time in another segment of this topic.

Anguilla's Economic Future

It is quite amazing to hear the commments and questions posted on Anguilla News as to the future of our islands's economy.We are indeed faced with an astounding set of financial problems that most certainly have to be addressed if we are to sustain our financial viabilityOur economy is based on tourism and that market is greatly affected by the financial or economic health of the world in general.If people are strapped for money because of a failing stack market and businesses profitability than our future outlook is bleak at most.There are ,however,several step theat can be employed to counter the effects of the present financial crisis.They are namely to diversify of economy and offer services in attractive packages to lure investors to the isalnd.There may be nay sayers who will try to convince you that this approach is not worth exploring but I say what have we to loose?An economy such as our will be the first to collapse because of its fragile nature ,and the consequences on our people will be devastating to say the least.It is therefore imperitive to establish measures that will allow our island to flourish in these times.
We must ask ourselves,what do we have to offer that others will be willing to consider us as a place to invest or set up shop.What concessions can we incorporate into an enticing enough package to compell them to come here?A careful study is needed to research this and analize the findings to arrive at the most viable strategic plan.While our work force is somewhat limited ,we will not be inhibited by this fact since the importation of labour is a process that has already been implemented here.
We have our salt ponds,why are we not exploring the possiblity of devlopment.Where there are brackish pond why not a feability study to explore fish rearing.In the manufacturing sector ,why not conduct a study to find companies willing to locate here.
Our Government and its people must come together and work in unison if we are to achieve this goal.Our selfishness and foolish pride has to be placed on the back burner so that economic properity can be realized.In a society as ours we have come to rely heavily on practice and customs and fearing the exploration into the new and unchartered waters. This reluctance to embrace new tecnology has stiffled much of our islands potential for growth and discovery.Many of our youth have ventured abroad to earn degrees and certifications but once they have returned home ,they are relegated to job or positions that fail to utilize thier true potential.Our suspicions of their intentions and ambitions are as much to blame as is our phobia of change.Take for exampleour political system,it is amazing that the same political leaders are still running the country since the 80's even though there is evidence of distrust and allegations of corruption levied against them.Are we a glutton for dishonest schemers or are we just resigned ourselves to be accepting ,with a sont care attitude?The type of attitudes only fortifies thier strangle hold on us and inhibits our ability to rise and soar to our true potential.
It is obvious that we as a people must incite others to action not by violence but by peaceful protest and creativity to reclaim our birthright.The act of protest is a mechanism utilized by the masses to effect change,whether it is directed at policy,Gov't,the Church or businesses.However,the effectiveness is only as good as the focus and determination of the protesters in wanting to make their voices heard.I therefore beseech you to wake up and be creative ,use your abilities to stamp out negative programs and replace them with positive progressive plans,utilize the young talent pool amongst us,tapped into the new technology and make our island strong and stable.