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.