The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

FAIR ELECTION,
SATISFACTORY RESULTS

I made it my business to be in Anguilla for the general elections last month and traveled around the various polling stations to have a good look.

Let me say here that I wished I could have voted as I am of Anguillian origin. However, even if this was possible, I don’t think it would have been fair for me, living abroad for so long, to impose my will on the people of the island.

I am aware of efforts to reform the electoral system in Anguilla, having followed the discussions to that effect over the past two years or so. As deficient as the system is, I thought the polling went very well and that the Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Petty, (whom I was told I missed at two polling booths) did a very good job with the assistance of those who worked with him. The Governor’s kudos which I read in The Anguillian here in St. Thomas are in order.

There must be an orderly conduct of the elections at the polling stations and every voter has to comply with certain regulations, particularly if they come from abroad. Having said this, I read a letter from a Mr. Hunte who severely criticized the system and took objections to someone “40 years his junior” for questioning him and because he had to fill out a form. My only comment is that the deficiencies of the system he argued against are the same deficiencies which allowed him to vote as coming from outside notwithstanding the fact that he was registered.

Thank you for making available The Anguillian to readers and for the balanced coverage you provided during the electioneering campaigns.

From the results of the polling, I dare to say that the outcome of the elections were satisfactory. It has shown that the people of the island are supportive of the programs of the Government which had come under fierce attack during the campaigning.

It is now time for the island to settle back down and to continue to move forward.

Sylvia Richardson-Gumbs
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

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