The Editor
The Anguilian

THE MARK ROMNEY AFFAIR

It was very interesting to read Mark Romney’s comments (The Anguillian, Apr. 1, 2005) regarding his experience at the port, the status of “Anguillians,” and the rules/regulations with reference to the passport dilemma.

After hearing the usual rumours and reading about the visit of Mayor Albert Flemming to Governor Alan Huckle, people are more confused than ever. What happened between these two heads of government? Was the issue of passports on their agenda? What was decided? A group of Anguillians, born and bred, went to St. Martin on Thursday March 29. Concerned that Anguilla passports may no longer be accepted in Marigot (rumours), the group travelled on Canadian passports (strangely, no immigration officers were present that morning). On returning to Anguilla, the officer here rightly queried our status – Canadian, Anguillian, visitor, resident? Explaining our confusion due to lack of clarification on the correct documentation required, we told the officer our Anguilla passports were also available for his inspection. Seemingly non-plussed, he said no more.

The issue here is – who has the responsibility to inform the people and why has this not been done? Who is in charge - elected, appointed or just out there? Is nobody willing or able to explain publicly what changes have been instituted or what is in fact necessary for travel? If changes are still being discussed, a specific time frame for informing the public would assist citizens.

Some months ago Colville Petty dedicated an entire column to the proliferation of rumours in Anguilla. While we are all aware that ours is a rumour-based society, Mr. Petty perhaps did not stress strongly enough the fact that rumours feed on hearsay and half-truths. Governments in Anguilla appear to go along with this attitude, as no government, past or present, seems to publicly address the important issues facing the people. Can we, the people, hear officially what the government is doing, what has been done or what they hope to do to help this awkward situation?

The President of the United States has to ‘face the nation’ (the people who elected him as well as those who did not) and give account of his governments’ performance, failures and accomplishments. The electorate in Anguilla would also be very happy to learn the facts in order to act within the law. The Chief Minister, with responsibility for immigration affairs, is aware of the correct procedures, as is the Immigration Department and its officers. Is it too much to ask that this knowledge be shared with the public? Why this need to be covert and secretive, apparently trying to ‘catch’ the unsuspecting traveller in an act of wrongdoing? Squash the rumours, issue clear-cut information (please post at the ports) for the benefit of us all. Mr. Romney “thinks (the matter) should be widely explained.” Actually, the public has a right to know exactly what is required. These embarrassing situations impact negatively on both the officer and the person concerned and are totally unacceptable.

V Berry

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