Columns

Last week the grapevine and the “blogs” were focused on a written statement purportedly delivered by Governor Harrison to Executive Council. Given the fact that Executive Council (EXCO) discussions are to be kept confidential,I was extremely hesitant to cross that sacred “Maginot line” which protects our democracy by ensuring that our decision makers have a place where matters of national importance can be dealt with in an environment which encourages openness and objectivity.

Many of us are tired of recession blues and wonder how much longer we will have to wait before we will be able to sing once more “Happy days are here again.” For five years, from 2004 – 2008, we had money in our pockets and many of us enjoyed “Christmas in August”. We spent as if the good times were here to stay and would be sustained for a long time to come.

Atopic Dermatitis also known as Atopic Eczema or Infantile Eczema is an inflammatory, chronic, non-contagious and pruritic skin disorder. Affected persons react abnormally to irritants, food, and environmental allergens and their skin becomes red, flaky and very itchy. The skin of atopic patients is very vulnerable to surface infections caused by bacteria. The skin on the flexural surfaces of the joints (for example inner sides of elbows and knees) are the most commonly affected regions.

Anguillians were stunned last week by the untimely passing of two prominent nationals, the late Captain Cardigan “Cardi” Hodge, an outstanding pilot and businessman, and the late Dame Bernice V. Lake QC, one of the region’s pre-eminent jurists anda distinguished scholar, especially in matters of Constitutional Law.

It was refreshing to hear former Chief Minister, the HonourableOsbourne B. Fleming, on “To the Point” last evening Monday, September 5, 2011. Mr. Fleming took pains to be calm and deliberate in his presentations and set the parameters for the interview very early in the session.

It was refreshing to hear former Chief Minister, the HonourableOsbourne B. Fleming, on “To the Point” last evening Monday, September 5, 2011. Mr. Fleming took pains to be calm and deliberate in his presentations and set the parameters for the interview very early in the session.

Conversations, discussions, arguments, debates, controversies and verbal warfare focused on economic, financial and fiscal issues have occupied centre stage in Anguilla’s national political contest for the hearts and minds of the people of Anguilla. The process has been particularly vocal on issues relating to the Anguilla Government’s financial condition and policies and strategies to adjust and stabilize the national budget.

Anyone who watched the Chief Minister’s August 12th Press Conference realizes the level that politics have reached in Anguilla. The Chief seemed frustrated. As a friend of mine used to say, he seemed as frustrated as eunuch at an orgy at a Sultan’s harem in ancient Turkey. But it does not have to be that way. His raw style of cut and thrust belongs to another era.

Many persons waited in anticipation for the “much talked about” massive rally which the Chief Minister publicized for the epicenter of his Constituency, Blowing Point, on Saturday, August 27th, 2011. It was touted as an important meeting to inform the people of Anguilla how his efforts to deliver on the promises he made to them eighteen months ago have been thwarted.

We are in the hurricane season. Constantly we are being told to be vigilant, stay alert and prepare for the changes in the weather pattern. Do you know that, just like the weather, your life too experiences different seasons and you also need to know how to identify and prepare for them as well?

Last season, we reviewed each letter in the ANGUILLA PRIDE acronym to discuss how demonstrating world-class professionalism with every customer interaction builds loyalty and preference. We saw how exceeding expectations with ANGUILLA PRIDE quality also keeps customers coming back, while making the work more enjoyable. In turn, employees’ jobs are more secure, and businesses prosper.

Last week the airways were inundated with comments from the Chief Minister in the wake of what he has described as on going efforts by the Opposition, the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the British Government to sabotage his Government. His press conference of Thursday, August 18, almost evoked my sympathy when I first heard his sluggish and disjointed presentation.

Is there turmoil of one sort or another in our lives? Is there turmoil in our country or in the world around us? Do things seem to be getting worse before they get any better? As we ponder these burdensome issues, a question inevitably comes to mind – who really is in control?

Last week, the events associated with the Anguilla Summer Festival took place without any reports of serious violent acts or major accidents, either onland or sea. However it came to my attention, at the time of writing, that there was a shooting incident in Blowing Point on Monday evening. It is my hope that the victim did not suffer any serious injury and that the culprit or culprits will be brought to justice.

In this day and age begging is not an option that we should accept! To hear Anguillians use the same arguments they used prior to the Revolution raises the question: “Have we changed in regard to our own input towards the development of our island?” Collectively we must find a newer and better concept of how to move Anguilla forward. It is pitiful to standby in shops and supermarkets to hear the core point of an argument being that the British do not give us anything so what are they doing here. “Lets get rid of them!”

So far July has been a month of significant events,which have brought considerable attention to our heritage as a people. July 12th was the premiere viewing of “Nuttin Bafflin”, a documentary film by Anguillian, Mr. David Carty. Mr. Carty is a man of many labels, but perhaps the most pertinent to that project are historian, boat builder and conservationist. I am unable to more aptly describe the film and the atmosphere at the Da’Vida Restaurant during the presentation,than what Mr. Marcel Fahie wrote in his review in The Anguillian last week entitled: “A TRIBUTE TO THE EARTHY STRENGTH, TENACITY, ADAPTABILITY, INVENTIVENESS, LOVE OF AND PRIDE IN COMMUNITY OF BOBO JOHNNY”. In fact, it could even be considered sacrilegious for me to attempt to do so.

What do you know about giants? Have you ever seen one? Well, the dictionary describes a giant as "a person or thing of great size or a person or thing of extraordinary power, significance, or importance." Do you have anything in your life that fits that definition? What is it in your life that you consider a giant?

For yet another year the John T. Memorial Race was both entertaining and safe. I would like to congratulate the organizers (past and present)for continuing to improve the quality of the event and for a job well done. It must be noted that for the main race, a rider with an obvious handicap emerged the winner.

Initiation programs were designed so that all who become part of the club must pass the test. Those who opted out could not be part of the elite club. Neither could they be the leaders. That was one of the reasons why monarchies died out. Some sons came along who were too disorganized, good for nothing, and unable to make the sacrifices which good leadership demanded.

I was very concerned when a number of people called me on Sunday afternoon to complain about the closure of the Capt. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. I felt that in the midst of these challenges we can ill-afford to lose the little we have to the uncertainty of interrupted air transportation services. Obviously, I would never considerthat it was a situation that the Government would deliberately cause ---unless there was good reason.