Colonialism 4

Mutual Contempt. One of the results of Anguilla’s long history of internal self-government has been the complete absence from the Anguillian consciousness of any conception that the British are in any way superior to Anguillians. Unlike in more settled colonies of the past, there is no element in the society that instinctively believes in the superiority of the European over the Creole. It is exactly the opposite. We are so sure of our innate superiority in managing our own affairs that we consider that the FCO appointees should recognise what a privilege it is for them to be given an opportunity to live among us. We always express astonishment when, at the end of their contracts, they show a preference for going back to the UK rather than settling down for their retirement in the vastly superior atmosphere that Anguilla provides.

That is not to say that all is rosy in the relationship. There is a healthy sense of mutual distrust that guides the colonial discourse in Anguilla. The more junior FCO officials have a universal disregard for the unique and peculiar constructs of Anguillian society. Governor Robert Harris was the exemplar of this species just a few years ago. We all remember him, and how Hubert Hughes wore him down and brought him to his knees, eventually. The FCO for its part generally harbours no trust in Anguilla’s elected ministers or senior civil servants. There is a suggestion of an increasing willingness to interfere in local governance. There are the threats and pressures on our financial industry. There are restraints on our government's ability to borrow money. These all serve to highlight the disparity in the relationship between Anguilla and the FCO. Only a healthy mutual contempt keeps the balance even.

We do not know the names of or the agenda that the FCO visitors, who arrive in Anguilla in barely two months time to begin the discussion on constitutional reform, will bring with them. We do not know their emotional and cultural baggage. We can expect that it will not be in our favour. We do not know if they will be high-level officials, who are more likely to come with respect for our wishes and a genuine willingness to be our partners. Or, will they be arrogant low-level clerks, out to do a reconnaissance before the big boys get involved? If the first, we will get on quite well in an atmosphere closer to mutual respect. If the latter, the talks will inevitably be more difficult. Whichever it is to be, all of us in Anguilla must wish our negotiating team well in their preparations to argue for increased democracy and good governance in Anguilla by way of a more advanced Constitution to govern us in the years to come.