Government of Anguilla and Social Security

The Government is supposed to be of the people and for the people, however,it appears that it has taken the form of a totalitarian regime. Its sole purpose and goal is basically to further the whims and wishes of the party and its leaders,a sort of a members only club.All others seem to be ignored or excluded from participation.Now here come the Social Security Administration,a governmental entity, chartered to collect revenue from the people and to safe guard it for future use by those contributing to the fund, stepping into the lime light by aligning itself with business ventures undertaken by the GOA. Most people make contributions in anticipation of collecting when the reach the age of maturity to do so.This fund that the Board oversees should be protected or safe guarded under such strictest of measures so that we would be guaranteed that it will be there when needed.However,the stewards of the fund shows signs of mismanagement, misappropriation or misuse of such assets and an ungodly alignment with the GOA. Officials appear to utilize or redirect a portion of this fund for their own gain whether it is for status elevation or some other purpose. Where else in the world would we see such squandering of public funds without a proper inquiry be conducted. To use these funds to purchase real property that is not directly being utilized by the Administration is wrong. To purchase a building to be used as a training facility (school) because the GOA or the Tourism Board desires it is utterly preposterous. While investing a portion of those funds in the financial money markets to increase its value and returns is acceptable ,investing in a building project or donating any portion of these funds to any organization is not only foolish and irresponsible but illogical and wrong.
Why did the SSA or its director to enter into such a risky deal with the GOA?What in God's name are the advantages of such a deal? What if the school fails who will foot the costs involved in the repayment of the loan? Surely GOA will not because they do not presently have the necessary capital to meet their civil servants payroll. How then will the loan be repaid? The SSA will no doubt be the one left hold the bag. The funding for repayment will ultimately come from the coffers of the SSA and be a further burden on the people of Anguilla. Is this why we pay into this fund? I am certain that most contributors to this fund would not want their contributions used in that way. This is a practice that is done in private or secrecy and without the consent of its benefactors.The association of the GOA and the SSA should be discouraged and legislation put in place to prevent such outlandish activities.
It is truly amazing that the people of Anguilla are standing idly by and allow its Government to broker a deal with the Social Security Administration in the form of a loan to purchase the old Cinnamon Reef from NBA Bank.The basis for this agreement is that it would benefit Government and the Social Security Board by the receiving revenue from operating a School at the site.This is mere speculation and begs for some inquiry into this agreement.Questions need to be asked and answers need to be forthcoming so the people can understand and have the option to agree or disagree.This ,after all ,is their right as citizens of this Island.
When GOA entered into such an agreement ,was the people given prior notice?Were they acting with the approval of the people.Where is the proposed business plan?Where is the projected expenditures and profits ,in the form of future potential earnings?How will the profits be shared?How will the loan be repaid and what percentage will the Government be allowed to withhold.Does the SSA have any other interest in the planned School project other then a guarantor of the loan?
Government should not be allowed to pressure or persuade other Governmental entities to participate in unscrupulous activities where public funds are involved.It is totally unheard of in this day and age.Can we expect this to be a profitable venture for the people of Anguilla?Or is it a bail out of an ineffective Government by the Social Security Administration.One should exercise due care and diligence when public funds are being appropriated for business ventures.There should always be a public forum where the proposal will be debated and the populace input considered.It is quite baffling that Government should be so concerned with this purchase when it is experiencing financial difficulties.This type of irresponsible and reckless behaviour is ,perhaps ,the reason why the UK has denied their request for additional borrowing.Anguillians cannot continue to remain passive and fearful to react to Government arrogance.If they are allowed to continue with their infantile behaviour Anguillians will be the ones to suffer when it is all said and done.
The political climate in Anguilla is changing dramatically yet still we see no sign of the new breed being courageous enough to confront Government.They seem content to murmur and shun the real issues. The opposition with the exception of the Hon.H.Hughes,appear s to be lost in its own inefficiency and as such is unable to act as per it charter.Who then is our guardian,who is there to act on our behalf?The media is not up to the task since it appear to lack quality investigative reporters.The question remains ,where do we go and who do we seek for help in standing up against the big' Bully',GOA.How are we to deal with this unbridled power?
The answer is quite simple.We utilize the web and its vast audiences, and corral the assistance of humble bloggers such as the distinguished D.Mitchell and others who valiantly step forward amid threats of violence and frivolous law suits to expose and highlight the news worthy issues.They hold their ground, despite the onslaught of the heavy hand of the law( Government) and its cronies,to expose Government ,shady practices and signs of corruption.They are doing us a valuable a service that aids in the advancement of the country.To these individuals I give my respect and much praise.
Once again GOA flaunted its arrogance in the face of the people and redirected funds held for a specific purpose and rerouted them to achieve its intended goals.Does the end then justifies the means?If Anguillians are okay with that then they deserve the representation that they have .However,I believe that most Anguillians would not go along with this transaction and are simply unaware of this transaction.I doubt that they would have allowed it if they had a say in the matter.

Apologies for Blog's Temporary Suspension

Regrettably, I must say that this blog has been in hibernation because I have since left the Island of AXA. As a result, I am not able to comment on the local happenings.However,I hope to restart my commentary in the near future.
To all my viewers , those who posted comments , objections,I will try to return with newer material and information that is news worthy ,factual and interesting.
To Mr Mitchell,I have always I valued your input and criticisms. I also follow your blog closely and even though I am temporarily suspending this blog, I will still check your blog to get an idea of the climate of political change that is taking place in AXA and the issues we are facing us all. As you have mentioned in a previous post, someone told you that I was associated with the APP party,that is incorrect.I am not part of APP or in any way affiliated with them. While I endorse their agenda,my views ,opinions and commentaries are unbiased and independently generated from research and local sources.
I will be back as soon as I can to post and generate discussion of issues affecting our poeple.

APP poised to wrestle control from UF

It is the new movement's momentum that has apparently catapulted it into the political spotlight and revealed it as the front runner in the upcoming 2010 general elections.The charismatic leader, Brent Davis, has corralled some promising talents to challenge the incumbents.To topple this old dynasty it will demand a virtual coup . Anguillians have become so accustomed to the old style political system that most are reluctant to change.APP main focus however ,is change, and are vigorously vamping up their campaign to include the youths and other disenfranchised people.Will this strategy work? For them it must if they are to be victorious in 2010.
The APP is campaigning on a sound platform and details what they are prepared to do in terms of helping Anguillians during these hard economic times.Budget cuts ,better healthcare,and beefed up law enforcement are among things they prioritize.They are very specific in what they hope to accomplish if they are the elected winning party.Can they deliver on their promises if elected?One hope that they can implement the change all Anguillians seek. According to Mr.Davis ,they can and will deliver most, if not all ,of the things they promised.
The APP appears to have the backing and approval of many of the young people of Anguilla ,who feel left out or cast aside by the ruling Government.They believe that their voices are not being heard and show a real concern and fear for the future of Anguilla if the present Government remains in office.These young people are pumped up and ready to go to polls ,especially after the recent victory of their idol ,President Obama, in the US presidential elections.They have a new sense of empowerment that can translate into real victory for the APP in 2010.
The new vision of hope given by the APP is overshadowed by an older population who view them with doubt and suspicion.Claims of inexperience and lack of foresight run rampant among the older generation when the conversation turns to the electability of the APP.They question whether or not these young politicians can measure up in terms of leadership, experience and wisdom of the old politicians.They tout that on the job training or college degrees is just not enough to convince them to cast their vote for this party.It is painfully obvious that the road to victory will be a long and hard battle for the APP and its aspiring leader.APP,however will not be sidetracked and counters with the fact that its members are well educated and skilled in current situations and technologies,a necessary component crucial to dealing with real world problems. They contend that they are ideally suited and equipped with the expertise to deal with the present issues facing Anguilla as a nation and possess the abilities to interact and communicate effectively with other world leaders.
To win in 2010 ,APP must convince Anguilla's aging population of their competence and assure them that they can and are committed to doing the job at hand.Can these young upstarts win them over ?Yes it is possible. The APP must devise a careful but yet powerful campaign strategy to show their strengths , the programs they intend to implement and the time table in which to accomplish it. Only time will tell if they have the resolve to undertake this surmountable feat.For now ,though, their battle has just begun and they are off and running with a catchy phrase 'Vote for change ,vote team orange'.