A country that prides itself on strong Christian values and morals should ensure the enforcement of human rights, acceptable living and working conditions. In addition to this, the country’s government should make it their responsibility not to let greed change the value system of the country, and ensure that all companies, whether local or foreign, operate as good corporate citizens. Furthermore, when foreign companies wish to conduct foreign investment in another country, they should learn and appreciate the country’s culture and understand what is accepted and what is not.

Calla Gumbs

What is a good corporate citizen? This is a business entity that operates in a fashion where it respects and honors it shareholders, the environment, society at large and most importantly, its employees, for without the employees how will the company operate?

The aim of a corporation should be to improve the safety and operational culture, setting new standards for expected behaviors in the workplace and putting in place measures to ensure people have clear accountabilities and are fully competent to do their jobs in which they are rightfully compensated and enjoy, as well as a strong commitment to developing the careers of their employees and helping them achieve their goals and dreams.

While it is sad to learn about people being treated as animals, operating in dreadful working conditions and not being properly compensated, what is more heartbreaking is that the Government and The Labor Office allow it.

Where is the compassion, the ethics and social responsibility? The society and workplace are becoming corrupt and a land that once boasted of people so humble, empathic and driven with integrity is now distorted and filled with gluttony, dishonesty and little or no respect for human beings.

Is this failure to appreciate and hold reverence for God’s creation the “Anguillian” way? This is not America, South America, Europe or Southeast Asia, where perhaps poor working conditions may be allowed. This should be 35 square miles of dignity, integrity, respect, cooperation and love for all things living.

News of this “indentured slavery” should not be on our airwaves. Not to say that we should condemn the Media for broadcasting, but rather applaud them for bringing this to our attention, for making us aware of the evils in our land. We should express disapproval of the tyranny and support the oppressed as they get up and stand up for their rights!

We should reflect on the fact that we too once traveled in search of work, and sacrificed leaving our families and homes to make a living. Some of us did so well that we never returned home but all in all we too are immigrants! Not every Anguillian is currently residing in Anguilla and I am sure that we hope and pray that our people are treated fairly and not subject to this cruelty and repression.

Bear in mind, our ancestors, the African slaves rebelled and formed revolutions when they were oppressed. Let’s talk about equal rights and justice to prevent this from happening.

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