With General Elections in Anguilla constitutionally due in less than a year, the political fever is getting warmer. Already there appears to be a record number of candidates coming forward as independents, for the time being, and at least one new party is said to have been formed.

Among the names announced so far, are some new and fairly young aspirants who are competing with older persons who have served in Government and Opposition for many years. There are calls for new blood and brighter vision in the political arena and at the same time there are arguments that Anguilla is now at a stage where experienced politicians are needed to carry the island forward. While both claims may have some merit, it will be up to the electorate to decide.

One thing is certain. It is that Anguilla is in need of good leadership as we face a world of growing challenges that are not for the weak and faint at heart; not for the uneducated and fearful but for the bold and strong. When one thinks about the global nature of politics, constitutional advancement, economic and social affairs and international relations (with which mini-states like Anguilla have contend), our representatives must be people of much prominence and clout. Every aspect of life in Anguilla is on a path of development these days and the leadership of the island must not lag behind but must take its frontal position and carry everything else along with it.

Over the past years, Anguilla has had many grass-root politicians some of whom, in their own simple way, have given yeoman service to the island. We must not forget them and the contributions they have made. Today it is largely as a result of their efforts, and what has been achieved, that we are able to build on their accomplishments. But the Anguilla today is not the Anguilla of yester-year when many things did not matter and many excuses of leadership could be accepted with sympathy. With a maturing of the island and increasing demands for greater achievements for the people, comes the need for better political representation at government level.

The coming General Election must only be for the serious and well-intentioned at heart, for those who have the national commitment, ability, integrity and sacrificial love. What is helpful about the plethora of candidates is that the electorate will have the benefit of a wide choice and one can only hope that the voters will choose wisely. There is talk about a number of issues on the island and these, rather than personalities, should be the subjects of the political campaigns. Mudslinging, name-calling and slander must have no place on the electioneering platforms.

What seem to be happening right now are a few disaffections within some of the groupings. Long-time friendships are being disrupted principally over the fact that some persons are pressing a preference for other running party mates whom they believe have a greater chance of being elected. If the motives are in the best interest of the leadership of the island, and not merely to ensure the achievement of political power, the apparent and regrettable infighting may in fact be a blessing in disguise. For the sake of emphasis, if the intention is to choose the most productive persons capable of representing the interests of the people then the decision to find alternative candidates is in order. It is also better to part company now than for an election to have taken place, a Government to have been appointed and then for a falling out to come.

Anguilla has seen too much falling out between politicians in office and no one wants to see this ever happen again. The last thing the island needs is political instability. It can only scare off investors and affect the economic lives of the people. Much is expected of those vying for political office. Once elected they should keep in mind that good governance will ensure a peaceful and prosperous Anguilla. Bad governance or the collapse of a Government will have the opposite effect.

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