As the electioneering campaign in Anguilla gains momentum, there have been pronouncements from political platform to church pulpit about the qualities of a good leader and the person or persons needed to fill that critical role. Such utterings have not only been confined to the individual who assumes the mantle of Chief Minister, but to everyone else who will be elected or appointed to serve in whatever capacity there is. Certainly, in this day and age of human and country dilemma of one form or another, the quality of leadership has become even more demanding and discriminating.

One of the most touching expressions of leadership heard in recent times, and from which many present-day and aspiring leaders may take some guidance, came from the Haitian President, Rene Preval, in the wake of the destructive earthquake in Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country on January 12. A news crew found Mr. Preval at the airport where he indicated to them that he was awaiting plane loads of relief aid for his country folk. Responding to questions, and visibly stunned by the widespread tragedy, he told the journalists something like this, relating to the widespread damage and displacement: “I cannot live in my palace. I cannot live in my own house. I have plenty time to find a bed and to sleep. Right now, I am looking at the interests of my people.”

That was as emotional and caring a statement as one would expect from a real leader, someone whose leadership qualities and charisma are evidently a far cry from those of the likes of the ill-famed Papa and Baby Doc who once ruled Haiti. What Preval was saying was that he was putting country and love for his people above self in a calamitous situation. The truth is that no leader has to wait for a national crisis to develop and then to spring into action showing concern, compassion and caring love for those whom he leads. These qualities must be demonstrated on an everyday basis, and at normal times, and it is hoped that the Haitian people can say this of their president.

In Anguilla today there is a crying need for good leadership to overcome the many challenges facing this emerging island nation. The economic and financial situation is a headache. Add to that the number of social development issues, including changing attitudes, unemployment and rising crime, and the headache obviously worsens. Then there is the political and constitutional future of Anguilla to think about and how the island can create a niche for itself in a fiercely competitive region and world at large. All of these are big and worrisome issues and so the leadership of Anguilla in these times is not a joke. It is not a boat race, as someone described it.

Nothing like a general election or a constituency or state election affords a greater opportunity to a people to elect the type of leader they want. Today, Anguillians have that chance and privilege as they listen to and examine each political party and candidate competing for their votes and leadership positions. Note has been taken of the number of candidates standing for election and one of the common assumptions has been that the high salaries paid to Ministers of Government may be one of the attractions. If this is the case, it is a very sad and selfish one. Leadership must be motivated by a sense of commitment to national wellbeing, love and service for country and people and a willingness to deny oneself for others. These and other qualities such as humility, integrity, transparency and, as the church would stress, a spiritual commitment, are hallmarks of a good leader anywhere.

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