Nothing seems to be more akin to true nationalism when it comes to public life than the involvement of the masses in matters of state, especially those areas related to governance which will in some way impact the lives and interests of the people. In recent times there has been some movement on the part of the leadership of Anguilla to create a greater awareness among the population of some of the Government’s activities and plans, particularly when there are sensitive issues in hand.

The town-hall meetings which the elected representatives in the Government, and the Opposition, have agreed to hold with the public to discuss The Labour Code Bill, 2005 and The Physical Planning Bill, 2005 constitute a step in the right direction. The uniting of both political groups at the recent House of Assembly meeting, in a common effort to give the people an opportunity to make an input in the proposed laws, is to say the least praiseworthy and statesmanlike.

This should take the rancor out of the House of Assembly session which will be held over the coming weeks for the debate of the Bills during their second readings. The politicians on both sides of the House will have reason to be proud of themselves for consulting the people. They will not have to use the occasion to air personal vendettas or try to gain some kind of political mileage to the embarrassment of listeners and the disgrace of the Honourable House.

The fact that the politicians readily agreed to put aside their differences, and to meet with members of the public throughout the island, is an admission that both Bills contain provisions that are open to questioning. Certainly if they, the law-makers, appear to have problems with some of the clauses in the legislation, how much more shouldn’t the people? Sometimes they must be given a chance to speak for themselves rather than through their elected representatives. The town hall meetings will give them that opportunity and, in the words of one of the politicians, “guide them on how we should proceed in the national interest.”

That opportunity is an example of what open government, transparency and democracy should be. However, some concern about this togetherness and oneness in spirit among the politicians was questioned at East End on Tuesday night in the meeting with the people. This was in reference to the absence of the Opposition members, Hubert Hughes and Edison Baird. Had they been present it is believed that there would have been a more meaningful and balanced discussion. It is hoped they would fulfill the commitment they made in the House of Assembly to join in the public discussions to create, in the words of one person at the East End meeting, “a greater cross-fertilisation of ideas and comments”.

Anguilla is definitely at the crossroads in many areas of its political, social and economic life. It will take the cooperation and goodwill of all Anguillians, at every level of society, to do their part for the common good and future of our beloved island. A matter to keep in mind is that when our leaders consult with the people, the cooperative response they are likely to receive can enhance their leadership and contribute to national understanding and social stability.

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