The Anguillian walked in on a Government’s retreat this week and even before ascending the steps of the venue, the rowdy voices of some persons could be heard in the yard as would be solutions to a number of the problems facing the island and its people were being hammered out. There seemed to have been some earnest contending for what is fair, right, noble and forward-looking for Anguilla at a location far removed from the offices of ministries and departments.

We may never know what all transpired at the retreat, but this one thing we know: Anguilla is facing some real difficulties on every hand and many times there is only the need to listen to the voices of the people to be aware of the extent and complexity of the matters bothering them. Among the recent complaints being heard are problems in the labour market affecting Anguillian and foreign workers, and access to beaches – the last being the subject of a Government press release published elsewhere in this issue of The Anguillian.

Many of the controversial issues came up at last week’s meeting of concerned citizens in the West End/Long Bay district which drew active participation from persons in other areas of the island. A Government town hall meeting, the first of a series, planned for February 13, is following closely on the heels of that recent one held by the citizenry. There may be plenty of issues and questions to reply to, but Government must consider itself accountable to the people and be prepared to address their concerns in a sensitive, satisfactory and positive manner. The people in turn must be receptive, reasonable and of their best behaviour because nothing can be accomplished in an atmosphere of confusion and threatening expressions.

Some of the issues being forcefully argued in the public domain have made their way on radio talk shows. One caller in particular repeatedly speaks of “bloodshed.” This is regrettable because even the most difficult matter can be handled without such statements which can only generate fear and misunderstanding in an otherwise peaceful and developing Anguilla. After all, 40 years ago, Anguillians took on a former Government dictatorship and wrestled their island from its control in perhaps history’s only bloodless revolution.

We think that if everybody, Government and citizens, were to get together and earnestly contend, like some of those rowdy voices at the retreat seeking solutions, that many of our island’s problems would be nipped in the bud before it is too late.

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