A Discussion Site for Good Governance and Corruption in Public Life Issues in the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla in the West Indies, moderated by Don Mitchell CBE QC, of PO Box 83, Anguilla, British West Indies. Email me with your comments and contributions at: idmitch@anguillanet.com.
Corruption. “Never fight with a politician. It is like fighting with a hog in a mud hole. And, when it is all over, you realise he enjoyed it!” (Haitian proverb)
In spite of the warning implicit in 
the above proverb, I want to say a few words about politicians in
Why people like to pull people down, I can answer for Mr Joshua Hodge, He is a decent man, humble God feariing and who are you to say that he did not hear from God. PPlease do not touch God's annointed nor do his prophet no harm. Look at Joshau's back ground, not because he is not like many other politicians he is decent and intelligent so please let him alone. Our problem is we like flourish, show and that is why we got the politicans that we have. Rebut and tell me anything negative about the man, I am not related to him, but he is one person that I have respect coming to know him several years ago. One day the way Anguilla is heading we would want several Joshua's to pull us out of the mess that we are in . Stop and look at Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and see countries that have so much resources and see how the corrupt governments have them , Anguilla have nothing we can not even boast about tranquility . I warn you we are going to suffer and only praying people would be able to reverse this crisis. Our Policitans have put us in this dilema. Watch OUT.
ReplyDeleteWhy are some people so hypocritical, If a potential politican have said he would open up our borders at least you know his intention, but look at what is happening now. Our borders have been opened up to all kinds of people, and Anguilla is been sacrificed. All the development, look at what is happening at the projects and Anguillians are virtually chased out and more and more imported labor is brought in, talk about that demise. Talk about the uncaring politicians and then you would be talking fairly. I hope that when it affects you afterall that you do not start bawling, because as long as we are not feeling the effects we do not care. Some of us are so sad and selfish.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Mr Don Mitchell tried to enlighten the people, about the matter, he was brutally attacked in the house of assembly meetings, why are we so? Please Policians as well as civilians let us mature and heed when people talk, it is about the good. Nothing is wrong with criticism, constructive criticism is for our good. Than you Mr Mitchell
ReplyDeleteGod's annointed? God's prophet?
ReplyDeleteHelp is available. We can assist you in finding proper treatment.
It seems whenever women make a posting on certain forums identifying their gender, some persons are quick to refer to them as Professor Yinka Standford or deranged. I assure you I am neither. However, I do admire the Professor fortitude to speak about injustices. I doubt if she has the time to peruse this or any other forum. Why would she write under a pseudonym anyway? All her writings in the past has been with her real name. So get a life gentleman.
ReplyDeleteDo not be threatened when you see women post on this or any other forum. We have a voice too you know. I am NOT the Professor, but I am a W.O.M.A.N. And will join Don or any other proven candidate to put selfless service above selfish gain for the betterment of Anguilla and her people. Although I am very cynical about people who decides to take up politics in their retirement years. True politicians must be prepared to suffer and sacrifice during their working years to speak for the people. My intentions are not to run but my every intention is to move people of integrity and moral conviction to act. I will be on that podium endorsing them. So don't get insomnia worrying about who I am? You will know me soon. Change is coming!
Best Regards,
Women, Of, Merit, Empowering, Network
Peacewoman reminds us that woman politicians do not do it for the money. They do it for the pure joy of being vindictive.
ReplyDeleteSomeone circulated some quotes on government a while ago. The one I liked best was, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!” - Pericles (430 B.C.)
ReplyDelete... I too will be joining Peacewoman in "forcing" people like Don Mitchell, Rev. Niles, Joyce Kentish and other decent Anguillians to run for office. In this revolution we don't want no incumbents!
ReplyDeleteI was reluctant to post Axaion's comment. I only did because I membered my promise to reject only those that were libelous or obscene.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about Rev Niles or Joyce, but my wife would divorce me on the spot if she thought I was going into politics. I have no wish to get divorced.
The purpose of this Blog is not for me to go into politics. It is to get all Anguillians who are interested in politics talking about the issues. The most important issue at the moment is the re-introduction of ethics and integrity into public life.
Hopefully, after talk will come action.
IDM
I was going to ask if Mrs. Mitchell knows of no politician in Anguilla's history who she admires and would see you emulate. I decided I'd better not ask that question.
ReplyDeleteIs there no politician or stateman in English history who Mrs. Mitchell admires? Does she feel you incapable of being less a man than he was? Does she feel Anguilla is not deserving of ethical leadership?
I would not expect you to join forces with any existing political group, nor any of those candidates who believe themselves sent by God. Have we had Hubert for so long that she believes the primary qualification of the opposition is to be annoying?
Perhaps Mrs. Mitchell would reconsider if we called upon you to do a living demonstration of leadership and ethics in public representation, instead of using the nasty "p" word.
A statesman knows that the people must control government. A politician believes that government should control people.
ReplyDelete--Colville Petty
Just in case there is anyone out there seriously thinking of going into politics for the first time, a word of advice. My observation of our West Indies now spans six decades. I have seen the time pass when only people of property had the vote. I have seen the time of popular leaders who led their people out of abject poverty and plantation near-slavery come and go: men and women like Vere Bird, Robert Bradshaw and Eugenia Charles. I have seen us in Anguilla skip all that and go from non-government into fully fledged democracy.
ReplyDeleteThere are only two ways to win an election in Anguilla today. One is to be related to more constituents than your opponents. You don’t need a programme or platform, only to rely on blood being thicker than water. The other is to buy their vote. That is the more usual technique. Anything else you hear is smoke screens. I am not saying that will always be the situation. I am saying that is how it is now. That is how it will be for the foreseeable future. Massive public education in the principles of clean government, honest leadership, and ethics in public office will have to occur before there will be any change.
Now, tell me which man or woman striving to live an honest life will want to enter that morass?
IDM
While we're throwing quotations around,
ReplyDelete"A prince is a bandit who doesn't move."
--Mancur Olsen, 'Power and Prosperity'
I commend Olsen's 'Power and Prosperity' to all of you. It's a short but useful political economics book on Stalin and the economics of his enslavement of half a continent.
It might be useful for people trying to prevent the economic enslavement of a whole Caribbean island at the hands of the usual kleptocrats.
The nature of parts of the morass will change with the coming of seats with island-wide voting. No one has enough relatives, and no one can buy enough votes, to effect the outcome of island-wide voting.
ReplyDeleteYou would be difficult to attack or oppose. Hubert would be tempted to drag out his racist "Carty Dynasty Plantocracy" rubbish, but he's smart enough not to oppose what the people want.
District meetings are outmoded, don't attract enough voters and don't change the minds of many people. Going house to house and promsing people refrigerators isn't really your style either. So is unseemly behaviour in rum shops. All you'd really need to do is just keep doing what you're doing. At home, where Mrs. Mitchell can keep an eye on you and not have to worry about your bringing home sexually transmitted diseases from all that - what did you call it - indiscriminate sex.
Dis could wuk!
Well I certainly hope men and women of conviction join forces to clean up this political morass. Fortunately, for me, I have unending hope that getting elected is all about the power of persuasion, moral values and networking. I have much faith in the Anguillian people that our political mess can be clean up. But first we must rally behind those candidates who are not tainted by the ills of our system. Change is coming.
ReplyDelete"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber." (Plato)
Best Regards,
Women, Of, Merit, Empowering, Network
OPINION; MOREOVER SO - MY CONVICTION:
ReplyDeleteDon Mitchell - anticipate easy victory in Road North.
Dr. Rev. Niles - same: Road South.
Joyce Kentish - same: Valley South.
Hon. Stanley Reid - same: Valley North.
This Revolution is open to three or more like minded candidates.
REASONS: Transparent; selfless service; sound; qualify and morally decent patriotic Anguillians.
PROBLEMS: Getting this team together, since none seems interested right now. There maybe diferent political persuasions and/or commitments. In time, humanitarianism and patriotism will lead.
ACTION: The time is now! Anguilla's future requires compulsion/selection... that meant: encoragement, showing love and appriciation for tireless selfless service, and by demanding their continued guidance. Then encorage your neighbours and tell your friends.
Axaion: "Anguillians in other nations"
I love the combination that was picked, I feel immense pride of Young Stanley Reid, a true professional,a man of ethics and integrity, do not mind that some people can stand him because he stands for integrity , there is not much like him. Well done Mr Reid. I do not know what to say but I wish that you really cn answer to that call, Anguilla need a savior on earth.
ReplyDelete