Stay Clear Of Dirty Politics

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

STAY CLEAR OF DIRTY POLITICS

When I received my copy of The Anguillian in St. Thomas last week, I was happy to read a statement by Ms Anne Edwards, a former Deputy Principal at the Comprehensive School, regarding her forthcoming electioneering campaign in Road North.

She said among other things that her campaign would be clean; that she would not get involved in dirty politics like some politicians; and that being an educated and respected woman she would not sink to such a level. I applauded her after reading the report and thought she had set a bench mark for others to follow.

Then I read Colville Petty’s article in which he reported on a public meeting held at Blowing Point at which Hubert Hughes launched some of his party candidates including his son, Haydn.

I was dismayed to read Mr. Hughes’ cold and unfeeling remark about the much-respected Eric Reid, Minister of Social Development being “dumb and blind” but still in office getting paid. I joined with Mr. Petty in condemning this remark and stating that Hughes should apologize. Mr. Reid is a brilliant, hard-working and sincere gentleman. He has been and remains a powerful speaker on various issues affecting his ministry and over the years I have enjoyed listening to his broadcasts or reading excerpts of his speeches.

Unfortunately, Mr. Reid has lost his sight but he has shown much courage and commitment by resuming his duties. He should be highly commended for demonstrating that persons who have become somewhat handicapped for one reason or another, need not push themselves into a corner. How many challenged people in Anguilla – young or old may take courage from Mr. Reid and try to live normal and productive lives! After all, he is Minister of Social Development and must lead by example.

It takes someone only like Mr. Hughes to revile him for rallying on despite his handicap. Mr. Hughes’ remark is not only disrespectful of Mr. Reid but to any of his own family who might have at some stage suffered some form of impairment.

I think I am in order to call on young Hadyn Hughes not to follow his father’s footsteps into gutter politics, but to rise above that and show himself to be a respectable and responsible candidate. As far as I am concerned, the electorate should not vote for candidates who take them into the quagmire instead of dealing with sensible issues and staying on the moral high ground.

I end where I began by commending Anne Edwards for promising a clean campaign and call on all others to follow her example.

Silvia Richardson-Gumbs
St. Thomas, USVI.
The Editor,
The Anguillian Newspaper