With the departure of HE The Governor Alan Huckle for the Falklands, Deputy Governor Mark Capes has been charged with the post of Acting Governor until the arrival of Andrew George in mid July. Mr. Capes has served Anguilla as Deputy Governor since 2002 and now finds himself at the end of his four year term. At the end of August, he will leave Anguilla to take up his new post as Deputy Governor of Bermuda.

Mr. Jason Capes

It is common knowledge that Mr. Capes has been revered and highly respected by not only his colleagues, but the people of Anguilla as well. He has played a large role in the development of the island and its people in many ways. Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss with him the issue of youth development in Anguilla. In the last four years, he has acquired a great deal of knowledge about the island and in the following interview he has graciously shared it as well as provide advice and solutions for the future of Anguilla.

Mr. Capes, what do we mean when we speak of ‘youth development’?

Acting Governor Mark Capes

To me it means investing in our young people so that they will become responsible, caring, skilled and ambitious adults, who in turn will bring into the world children that they will nurture and help to achieve their maximum potential. For any nation, investing in youth development is like investing in the bank. Invest wisely and regularly to a plan and you will see your investment grow and pay handsome dividends. Live only for today and invest poorly and the future is likely to be uncomfortable. Look around the world today and you will see countries that, despite having massive natural resources such as oil, or perhaps diamonds and gold, are failing miserably. You would also see in many of those failing countries that very little revenue from their abundant natural resources has been invested in youth development. It might reasonably be argued that for a small island country, with very few natural resources other than spectacular beaches and sparkling sea, investment in its most valuable resource, its people, should be given even greater importance than in other, richer countries. Getting the balance right is not easy.
All governments must deal with so many competing demands. But sound investment in youth development should always be rated among the highest priorities when competing for resources.

What is the government of Anguilla doing to ensure that youth have opportunities for growth? During your service to the Anguillian people, have there been any particular youth related programs you have fully supported and continue to support?

History has shown that the strength of this island rests firmly in its own people. Governments have recognised this. Even in the hard times, they have made provision for scholarships and financial assistance to allow young people to pursue higher education. And government has helped in many other ways that may not always be fully recognised by the community at large. For example, the many import duty concessions given to youth, or church groups importing equipment for sports, music or cultural programmes. But government alone should not be expected to provide all the resources needed. The community must play its part too. A good example of how government and the community have co-operated is the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA). This government has given valuable support to the Anguilla Tennis Academy through the provision of land, and in other ways, to help it become a world class facility. At the same time the private sector has given excellent support to the ATA and continues to do so. I know many parents whose children have benefited from the youth development programmes of the ATA over the past ten years. And I am glad that, even though a temporary member of this community, I have been able to play a role, albeit a modest one, in helping the ATA to advance towards its objective.

In view of the recent rise in the crime rate, what action has the Government taken to combat youth related violence?

In discussing youth development, one must also reflect on those young people that fail to develop as we would want. In Anguilla, in recent times, we have seen that a few misguided young people, and it is only a few, can cause unacceptable harm to others through their selfish actions. As a caring community we must try to help those that have taken the wrong path. Government recognised this in its 2005 election manifesto and is investing in more social services, such as the new probation service, to help address the problem. At the same time it has moved quickly to strengthen the capacity of the Royal Anguilla Police Service, through the Firearms and Drugs Task Force, to make it clear to the delinquent few that this society will not tolerate their anti-social activities.
What advice would you give to Anguilla’s young people?
Anguilla today has an excellent reputation in the region and indeed in the world. The people of Anguilla, not the beaches and the blue skies, earned that reputation. To the young people of Anguilla I would say that this is your inheritance. Look after it. Through your own efforts, help Anguilla to keep that reputation as it grows and prospers. Invest well.
I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Mark Capes for taking time to express his views on a topic that in my opinion is most important. We all wish him and his family well in their new endeavors. They will be missed.
Again, If you are aware of any youth doing extraordinary things in our community, please write me at jallen@caribcable.comor send letters to PO Box 548.

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