Crossing The Red Sea

Alas, the days when revolutionary leader, Ronald Webster, with clinched teeth and determination of purpose, bluntly told British officials “I’m not taking that,” appear to be over. Those were the times when Anguilla claimed with much success that it had a special case to argue and Britain bowed in acknowledgement. But what about these days when constitutional reform and devolution of power to elected representatives are on the lips of many people in the Overseas Territories? Just how much leverage is there for us in Anguilla?

The visit to the island last week by Leigh Turner, Director of the Overseas Territories, confirmed yet again that Britain is prepared to force any of the territories into independence for daring to siphon away any portion of the UK’s realm of power over its affairs. Mr. Turner, a career diplomat for twenty-four years, and a smooth operator at that, was however quite candid about this when he met with local reporters who questioned him about calls for a reduction of the Governor’s powers.

Anguilla, which for a long time, has been moving towards constitutional and electoral reform through two appointed Reform Commissions, suddenly decided last year to opt for full internal self-government. An Anguillian Government delegation, which attended the recent Overseas Territories Consultative Conference in London, was rebuffed on this matter by Meg Munn the UK Minister. She also dismissed a request for a fifth minister ahead of the constitutional changes. Mr. Turner was simply, but forcefully, echoing the uncompromising views of the British Government.

The response of the Chief Minister has been that his Government would nevertheless continue to push for full internal self-government. The obvious question is whether this is not a waste of time and consequently a dilemma for Anguilla given Britain’s position on the matter. Mr. Turner says no, and “come bring your proposals and let us see.” At the same time, however, he questioned what was really “full internal self-government”, saying that other territories, looking at Anguilla’s present constitution, felt that in fact the island had more scope in handling its own affairs than they. Anguillians and their leaders want more and who can blame them?

The Chief Minister has promised the people of Anguilla that constitutional reform will be a priority of his Government early this year. With the pressure of the Concern Citizens Group, and other people, it is difficult to see how the Government will step down from its demand for full internal self-government without offending Britain. There may be a need for a face-saving position on both sides.

While the dilemma is a real and difficult one, we are afraid that it must be faced head-on. This is our Red Sea to cross. Our revolutionary history that characterises us as a resolute and an innovative people, the unforgettable and daring spirit of Ronald Webster and our own resolve in the twenty-first century, must propel us towards achieving what now appears to be the impossible. We will see how really easy it was when, like the ancient Israelis desperately crossing the Red Sea, we eventually sweep past the huddle which presently seems daunting and foreboding. All it may require is strong and determined leadership and a freedom-loving and supportive people dashing forward against the odds to secure their future.