In the run up to Christmas Day 2006 the commercial banks in Anguilla were on the verge of closing their doors. They found it difficult meeting the people’s demands for hard cash. Not only did the banks run out of US dollars but EC dollars as well. I understand that new supplies of banknotes were flown in by chartered flight to relieve the situation.

Anguillians were on an unprecedented spending spree. The downside was that the bulk of their spending was in St Martin/Maarten. On electronics. Food. Curtains and so on. And yer know something! When they get to St Martin/Maarten they no longer travel by bus. Not dem! The other day I went across there on a packed ferry and when I looked every Tom, Dick and Harry who disembarked jumped in a rental except Erville and me. Later on some of them passed us by a bus stop like they did not know us. Make no mistake about it, in these times Anguillians are spending money like crazy.

Perhaps that was why Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming was having so much fun over the Christmas season. I saw him dancing away at the Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) cocktails held on the grounds of his residence. And there was not the slightest hint that he recently underwent a kidney transplant operation. When I saw how he was handling Myrna – and his sweeping waist movements – my mouth opened wide. And when I managed to get it closed I bet someone that Osbourne will be contesting the next general elections. The energy with which he danced left me in no doubt whatsoever that his name will be on the ballot paper come 2010.

Incidentally, it was at the said cocktails that I became aware of a dance called the Electric Slide. Audrey was good at it, but for all those persons interested in learning its finer techniques I suggest they contact the new Attorney General, Wilheim Bourne. He is the first dancing Attorney General that we have had here and he is an expert – a boss – when it comes to the Electric Slide. I was hoping to see Governor Andrew George give it a try. Even a little English wiggle. But no. He sat sedately at his table giving one the impression that he would have preferred having a hymn book or prayer book in his hand.

Having said that, I make mention of an Anguillian practice: wherever one or two persons are gathered politics is in the midst. The CCB cocktails were no exception. I heard arguments that the Government was only concerned about filling the pockets of its supporters and not about the interests of the people as a whole. Then there were counter-arguments to the effect that Government was doing a good job. It was such exchanges, and others, which inspired my writing of this article. The article is about those areas of our development – of the management of our island’s affairs – where Government’s performance has been strong and where it has been weak. To this end, where its performance is, or was, strong I award an A (a distinction) and where very weak an F (Fail). Grades A to E are all passes with E being the lowest.

Management of the economy – B. Anguilla is experiencing unprecedented economic growth. There is full employment and the only people out of work are those who do not want to work. There is plenty of money in circulation and small local businesses are mushrooming everywhere. The investment climate is excellent.

I thought about awarding Government an A but could not. Why? Poor economic planning in some instances has resulted in the excessive influx of foreign labour to the detriment of Anguillian workers. The boom we are presently experiencing will not last forever and there in lies the danger of mass importation of labour. Further, I could not award an A because too much of our land resources have ended up in the hands of foreign business which will eventually run our government.

Management of land resources – F. The aliens landholding policy, if we have one, is seriously flawed. We are selling off our island acre by acre and will soon have nothing to sell. I recall the days when Ronald Webster’s Government adopted a policy of not allowing the alienation of more than half an acre of land to any person. That policy has long been thrown out of the window but we goin’ live to regret it. Government has failed us badly in the management of our limited land resources.

Infrastructural development (Physical) – A. This grade is well deserved. Government has done an excellent job. The major expansion of Wallblake Airport, in the face of strong criticism, is doing a lot for the island. Visitor arrivals by private or chartered executive jets are increasing rapidly. Last week one of the jets brought in two high-profile visitors: Bill Clinton, former President of the USA, and his wife, Hillary. They spent some five days here and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They had much praise for the island and its people and for Covecastles, the high-end tourism resort at Shoal Bay (West), where they stayed.

There is no doubt that the money spent on Wallblake Airport was good investment, for we are definitely reaping the benefits. Another good investment is the money that is being spent on roads development. Very soon all major roads across the island will be of a very high standard.

Then there is the upgrading of our seaports. The Blowing Point Port, the main gateway to Anguilla, is finally getting the attention it deserves. Work is progressing well. After that the proposed deep water harbour at Corito will be tackled.

Management of the natural environment – F. The protection of our natural environment has never been given priority. Government ministers have little interest, if any, in our ecosystem – our flora and fauna and so forth. But wait a minute. I am being dishonest. Allow me to correct myself. Yes, they care about birds. Actually, one bird: the American Eagle. As long as that is flying everything else could go to hell.

It is against that background, the lack of interest in anything environmental, that Environmental Impact Assessments are not prerequisites for major development projects. Where such assessments are undertaken their findings are of little, or no, consequence once government falls in love with a project proposal.

Our inshore marine life is close to death, while indiscriminate sand mining continues unabated. The very beaches on which our economy is built are in danger of major degradation. But nobody listens because nobody cares. I now put forward the view that members of Government need an education – a crash course – in the importance of the natural environment to the sustainability of our social and economic well-being. Frankly speaking, their attitude towards the environment is dangerous.

Public expenditure on motor vehicles – FF. Government has failed badly. It is a disgrace to see the vast number of G-cars (Government cars) on the road. There are too many vehicles for a small government like ours and are a cause of much public concern. One day I was as Lake’s gas station and observed that out of every four vehicles which passed that way, one belonged to Government. The vehicles are not cheap: mostly expensive, top of the line, jeeps.
A few years ago I listened to some tender notices, over Radio Anguilla, for vehicles for the Public Works road crew and the specifications included power windows, AM/FM radio, cassette player and CD player. I don’t recall if there were similar specifications for the bulldozers. If there were I wouldn’t be surprised because every vehicle, and everything, is fully loaded except our schools.
Government has to do something about reducing the number of vehicles it has let loose on the road. They represent a waste of the island’s scarce resources, and some bad prioritising, especially when our schools and health services have so many needs to be satisfied.
Social development – C. This is supposed to be the most important aspect of our development but it has not been given the attention it deserves. In view of the inadequacies of some of the facilities in our schools and health centres, I say to Government: let us have more books, better sports facilities for our young people, and less vehicles. Let us have more computers and lab equipment, better medical supplies and fewer motor vehicles.
Despite its relatively poor performance in social development, there are three reasons why I have awarded Government a C and not an F. Firstly, the improvements to our health services brought about by the Health Authority of Anguilla. The Authority is continuing to make a positive impact. Secondly, Government must be given high marks for getting the National Community College off the ground. Things are beginning to move. “A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step” and an important first step has been made. Thirdly, the imminent implementation of a National Health Insurance System for the island. This is a God-send and it will bring great relief to many who find the cost of health insurance burdensome.
Crime – D. In view of the unprecedented number of murders, at least six in 2006, and the prevalence of unlicensed guns on our streets, I thought that an F was the appropriate grade. However, the recent measures (including the recruitment of police officers from the UK) that have been put in place to help stem the rising tide of criminal activity have caused me to adjust the grade upwards. Additionally, our police have been able to bring closure to several previous unsolved mysteries by bringing the perpetrators to justice. And the establishment of a Firearms and Drugs Task Force is doing some useful work. However, there is still a lot to be done towards making Anguillians feel safe once again, and it is therefore good to hear of Government’s plans to give serious attention to the proper development of our law and order infrastructure.
Constitutional and Electoral Reform – F. The Reform Commission submitted its report to Governor George in August 2006. Since then we have not heard ‘bell nor market’ about it. All I could say is that it is on a freezer somewhere at Government House. After all the haste – all the rush – to complete the exercise, there is a deafening silence. The silence and the pussyfooting tell us in no uncertain terms that constitutional and electoral reform is not one of Government’s priorities. The disinterest suggests that we will have neither a new constitution nor meaningful electoral reform before the 2010 elections. Perhaps that is what the current crop of political leaders want. They won their seats under the current electoral arrangement so there is no haste to change it.
Governance – E. Anguilla continues to be politically stable. But our Government is too secretive. It is not open. It is not transparent and does not consider itself accountable to the people. Actually, some members have no respect whatsoever for public opinion, no matter how genuine, and behave as though they are a law unto themselves. The quality of governance leaves a lot to be desired.
In light of the foregoing observations, my hope is that Government continues its good performance in those areas of growth where progress is being made. My hope is that it takes measures to address those areas where its performance has been weak and that it turns them into useful components of our development. My hope is that in 2007 we see not only economic growth but also significant social development. And that we see responsible, responsive, open and caring governance.

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