The overall situation in Anguilla today is more demanding and troublesome than in any other period since the dark and uncertain days, just over 40 years ago, when the people of the island threw out the Bradshaw regime and took control of their own affairs.

It is not that the current political and administrative situation is intolerable. But the myriad of social and economic problems and the realities of good future governance are of such that there is a crying need for an even stronger and more focused leadership to emerge in the 2010 general elections. The present and coming times point to the fact that it is no easy task to be in government and yet there are an increasing number of contenders vying for election in the seven constituencies. In the end they will be described, as the Bible terms them, – “many are called, but few are chosen,” there being only seven electoral districts in Anguilla.
What will be important is the responsibility of the electorate to exercise their best judgment in voting only for those believed to be best suited for leadership and not to be carried away by the tumult of rhetoric, name-calling and mere political posturing which sometimes take over the public platforms. There is a need for intelligent discourse and presentation of the real issues confronting our island and its people and the offering of workable solutions to, and a way out, of all of what is troubling us today and standing menacingly over us like the Sword of Damocles.
The world is becoming more and more complex. On one hand there are the influential and highly-experienced leaders on the regional and international scenes we have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with on many thorny global issues; the economists and other experts we have to work with and understand their language and advice; and the powerful investors and financiers we have to deal with and get the best bargains for our people. On the other hand, there are the criminals, crooks and terrorists we have to fight against to protect our island’s reputation and borders and the pitfalls waiting to engulf our politicians if they are not careful in matters of governance and honesty.
Many around the globe were caught up in the excitement of the tide which swept the Obama administration into office in November last year changing, for the first time, the political landscape in the United States with an Afro-American not only as President, but the most powerful man in the world. That is a feat for any person aspiring to political leadership, not only to admire, but to work towards within the context of rising to the challenge to serve and change the course and policies of one’s own country and to inspire confidence and hope. Faced with the need to overcome many odds, including the racial divide across the American continent, Obama moved forward, motivated by a desire to serve and by his own electrifying slogans of “yes we can” and “change we can believe in.”
Those desirous of forming our new government, whether members of the current administration, or those representing other parties now on the campaign trail, must set their sights like Obama did, have the passion and capacity for leadership, and be prepared to take on the confidence of the electorate and do their bidding when elected to office. If one Anguillian leader emerges with the spirit of Obama, it might serve his party and the island very well.

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