Editorial - REALITY AFTER THE HONEYMOON

Any of the political parties or other groupings which were able to form the new Government of Anguilla, would have found it compelling to celebrate with their supporters, and this is understandable. In the case of the Anguilla United Movement, which has experienced a notable resurgence of support from the electorate after ten years in the political wilderness, so to speak, and has now become the island’s new Administration, the burst of excitement and even revelry must be greater.

Unfortunately, the grave fiscal situation which has befallen Anguilla, like everywhere else in the world, lends itself to creating an anti-climax not only for the AUM Government, but for any of the parties or other groupings which might have taken over the reins of Government.

Among the reassuring observations in Anguilla, in this early post-election period, are that there is a common understanding that we are all Anguillians; that we must forget the bitterness of the campaign; and that we must unite, putting our shoulders to the wheel to move Anguilla forward and out of the economic and financial abyss in which we have found ourselves. Thankfully, despite the rhetoric of the campaign and the temporary divisions it has caused, there is a sense of maturity and responsibility among our people and this is something our politicians must encourage in order to secure a stable environment in which efforts to rebuild our small island nation can succeed and thrive.
The other day, two young men, on opposite sides of the political divide, were locked into what appeared to have been a heated argument. Then, suddenly, one threw his arm around the other’s neck; his friend instinctively followed that action and almost in unison they jumped around laughing and shouting: “This can only happen in Anguilla!” It is also like two motorists having their vehicles parked alongside each other and bearing different political party slogans, but here were those two gentlemen sitting happily together at a road-side grill enjoying a meal rather than arguing or smashing their cars. We ought to feel a surge of pride and camaraderie that in Anguilla we are different from others elsewhere, who are caught up in lasting and agonizing political feuds and grudges which are both sickening and damaging in any society.

There is a formidable task ahead for the new leadership and people of Anguilla. During its campaign, the AUM dubbed this important errand as a responsibility “to rescue Anguilla”. Whatever fancy terms one may still employ, the mission of Government is to do its utmost, without panic or unwarranted blame-casting, to move Anguilla forward. The Opposition must honour its pledge of support and vigilance in the public interest, and all of our people and organisations of every description must do their part for the common good of our island and citizenry.

In the waning jubilation of the election outcome, emerges the time for serious reflection and decisions. The reality of our sorry situation must now kick in, unfortunately spoiling the brief honeymoon which any of our other political parties would, like the Anguilla United Movement, have enjoyed. The time has now come for hard work, commitment and enduring unity.