tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post5967126376469775837..comments2023-05-05T07:13:41.889-04:00Comments on Corruption-free Anguilla: LeadershipUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-71037008569568817612008-01-07T10:33:00.000-04:002008-01-07T10:33:00.000-04:00Empty, boring, useless, tiresome platitudes about ...Empty, boring, useless, tiresome platitudes about our becoming unified. Save the preaching for the out of touch churches and the out of touch "Anguillian."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-55670103786413441572008-01-06T22:25:00.000-04:002008-01-06T22:25:00.000-04:00It is amazing how people enter this blog and air t...It is amazing how people enter this blog and air their grievances but still whine when others begin to comment about issues they present. It is quite alarming that we are chastised for giving our input or opinions. Do we not have freedom of expression in Anguilla?<BR/><BR/>Many solutions are reached by sensible and reasonable dialogue or discussions. When one becomes so upset that they resort to verbal and personal attacks it indicated their level of maturity. Open discussion is encouraged here and we must respectfully regard the opinions of others. That is not to say that we must agree with the point of view expressed, however to disagree does not imply or gives anyone the right to personalize those objections.<BR/><BR/>If our island is to advance and compete with the rest of the world we have to be able to be civil towards one another and respect the views of each individual. The ability to have substantial and worthwhile dialogue creates an atmosphere conducive to the formulation of sound concepts. We have to continually strive for that and reject or exclude those among us who propagate discord within the ranks for their own selfish means. We aspire to have an Anguilla that will be a beacon for the region and there are others who are bent on suppressing those ideals. The continued trash talking certainly will not facilitate us in any way towards achieving our goals.<BR/><BR/>A unified Anguilla, a unified people with one purpose is the only way we can realize our true potential. Most great empires only attained that status only when all the people became united in one accord, eg, Rome, USA, Germany, USSR just to name a few. However, most of them have failed due to division and individuality from within. So my comrades, my brethren, be forewarned because this in-house fighting will surely bring us down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-11926571900525469762008-01-06T17:04:00.000-04:002008-01-06T17:04:00.000-04:00No one is disputing that there are things in need ...No one is disputing that there are things in need of correction in Anguilla, however we still have to be polite to these officials and await our turn.<BR/><BR/>The poster alluded to the need for help but isn’t that the Gov't responsibilty? They are the ones to assess the need and act accordingly not just point fingers and lay blame.<BR/>We are a growing country and are in a transition period where policies and procedures are being changed as our borders are at last being open to everyone. There are changes in immigration policies and procedures that are still being worked out and we have to learn to understand this and stop acting so crazy.<BR/><BR/>What we need is more education and training in these areas. Why should we import outside labour to instruct us on our own immigration policies? Just like there is a need for constitutional reform there is a need for immigration reform. It is all this adherence to the UK form of immigration and the ambiguous wording that is causing all the confusion. Perhaps someone from the AG's office should take it upon themselves to instruct or paraphrase the legal jargon so the civil servant who work in these dep'ts can have a better understanding of the procedures. It really serves no useful purpose if they are the only ones with a thorough understanding of the matter and allow confusion to exist in these dep'ts. We should not be too quick to run to the outside for help when we have capable people here on the island who can assist us in this respect. What kind of a country are we when we can not even handle our own affairs? What kind of people are we if we have to run to outsiders or the UK for help in understanding our own policies and procedures?<BR/>Think about that for a minute and please respond with a sensible comment and not one trying to degrade me for calling a spade a spade.<BR/><BR/>I am Anguillian and am quite proud of that fact however, I am not that naïve to believe we are an island unto ourselves. While it is true we need assistance in certain areas, we have to work at being self reliant and not depend too much on others to iron out our deficiencies or short comings.<BR/><BR/>If one is assigned to a dept it is their obligation to be informed of that depts policies and procedures and the Gov't and dept's heads should be held accountable. We can do better but taking our frustration out on lowly clerks is not the way to go.<BR/><BR/>By the way I do not have anyone working in these dep'ts so don’t go head huntingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-16683660378760002162008-01-06T09:44:00.000-04:002008-01-06T09:44:00.000-04:00WHAT AM I HEARING POLICE BEING CALLED TO THE IMMIG...WHAT AM I HEARING POLICE BEING CALLED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT THOSE DAYS ARE GONE, THIS TELL ME SOMETHING IS WRONG. DO NOT FORGET CUSTOMERS HAVE RIGHTS TOO, IF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAVE MY DOCUMENTS AND I NEED MY DOCUMENTS OR IF I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK A SPECIAL TIME AND I COME BACK AND BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE POWER YOU JUST TELL ME COME BACK IT IS NOT READY WITHOUT EVEN AN EXPLANATION IS THAT FAIR? I HAVE GONE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOUR TIMES AFTER BEING TOLD COME BACK, COME BACK, COME BACK AND THAT IS FAIR BECAUSE YOU COULD CALL THE POLICE. LET US BE REAL SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG. SO ONLY THOSE IN THE KITCHEN FEELS THE HEAT. ME TOO WOULD SAY THEY NEED HELP PROFESSIONAL HELP.. CAN I GO TO THE POLICE WHEN THEY CAN NOT GIVE ME MY PASSPORT AND DEMAND IT TOO. OR BECAUSE I AM POWERLESS. BE FAIR AND NOT BECAUSE YOU MAY BE AN ANGUILLIAN, ANGUILLIANS TRAVEL TOO AND THEY ARRE ALL OVER THE WORLD.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-20308065184757122122008-01-06T09:30:00.000-04:002008-01-06T09:30:00.000-04:00Why some people comment because they like to comme...Why some people comment because they like to comment? I was dealing with the Ags office, I was not dealing at all at that time with the Immigration department when I had my naturalization but had an emergency , I actually would have to get the same documents from the Ags office before I could have proceeded with any document. What is wrong with going to the Ags office to ask a question. I did not meet with the Ag, but I met with the clerks there whom I was dealing with and who ably assisted me, what is the problem with some people maybe that commentor has a family member who works within the Immigration department, criticism should be for us us to be made better. You should recognize as well that they need help and try to get Anguilla on the right track. Or what do you suggest that they do not get help and when everything falls flat to the ground then all bail out. Be proactive and not reactive. I would not be detoured, I maintain that they need help. Did you listen to the CM in the house of Assembly, even he realize that they need help they can not manage it on their own. Anguilla has changed and Immigration issues are widespread and everyone is talking about the way they handle things.Who is a specilaist in that department, tell me maybe I do not know and they don't have to run off to England to get help, there are Caribbean people who can be advisors,even for one year or two. If things don't change you would see how Anguilla would end up. Invest in professional and specialised people because that is also lacking within that department. My words would come back to haunt WAIT.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-55025134463622246462008-01-05T22:50:00.000-04:002008-01-05T22:50:00.000-04:00Thanks for the advice given by that poster. Howev...Thanks for the advice given by that poster. However, the advice was useless because I went to the right department, the immigration department, but was wrongly advised, that’s all. Please do not comment for commenting sakeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-73680843284744517372008-01-05T22:45:00.000-04:002008-01-05T22:45:00.000-04:00Man, I have gone to the immigration office to sort...Man, I have gone to the immigration office to sort out my status because I had to keep filling out immigration forms and I decided the time is right and many more persons than me and I was asked to submit documents for belongership. I met with the person who deals with belongership in that department. I told her whar my greatest concern was and actually was advised by that person to go through belongership process. I did not have to go through that process. All I needed was a passport so that I can travel on that. My brother in law was advised to apply for residence stamp who is married to my sister and I was advised to do the same when I am a belonger. Then at the dinner table talking and joking we realised that something is wrong. How can he who is not an Anguillian and me who is a belonger have the same status? Somebody don/t know what they are doing, the next day I went to the Ag’s office just to ask a question regarding the same thing and was told differently. So sometimes you better ask questions else you would be led astray. I wanted to be able to travel to Anguilla as an Anguillian that is all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-69708495743707591652008-01-05T22:40:00.000-04:002008-01-05T22:40:00.000-04:00While it is true that the AG's office also handles...While it is true that the AG's office also handles naturalizations it might have serve that person better had they paid a visit to the immigration office to get an understanding of the requirements. We get too comfortable with knowing certain officials that we run to them with all our problems. Each office has a specific role to play and when we try to get ahead we sometime run the risk of “putting the carriage before the horse” so to speak. Instead of finding fault in the abilities of the immigration dep't we have to make sure that we are also following the right protocol. Too many cooks spoil the pot as will too many critics ruin a good cause. Anguillians are a pushy bunch and when we don’t get our way we find fault in everyone but ourselves. WE have to start re-examining ourselves and correcting our boisterous attitudes and things will work out just fine. We always seem to run to those with power in an effort to have them fix whatever ails us instead of following and observing the right procedures. I, too am guilty of such past transgressions but have matured enough to realize that I was wrong and that there is a protocol to be followed which should be adhered to. Stop all this complaining and be patient and wait your turn even if it seems like a long wait. The bottom line is that when we get upset and show our little a-- it really defeats the purpose of our visit because that office will have the right to summon the law and have you escorted from the premises and you still will not have accomplished your objective. Duh! We don’t see you trying to do their jobs now, do we? Lighten up and give them a break for you were not always so polite yourself now, were you? He that is without sin cast the first stone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-74440037219573102642008-01-05T22:35:00.000-04:002008-01-05T22:35:00.000-04:00I travel extensively too, but to be honest I somet...I travel extensively too, but to be honest I sometimes wonder if some of the immigration officers here in Anguilla enjoy doing what they want to the people at the airport. Don’t matter how many times I travel it is the same. I remember when I came to Anguilla from St Thomas about two or three years ago, I was actually shocked when I saw that immigration had gotten computerized. I felt that was a plus, that transition was so smooth, the female officer actually took out time to educate the passengers on that Liat flight. I think she came through the line and she told each passenger of the operations. And she also asked them to understand while her officers go through their documents and it would be a little longer for the first timers because they wanted to put everyone in the system accurately. I marvel how that female officer conducted those passengers. Everyone was pleased and the process actually went quickly. I commended her highly. I do not see that young lady anymore at the airport at least when I come in. But that was commendable. She had three bars on her shoulders. I even talked about it when I went back to St. Thomas. I was so proud. I know that my name is in the system but it takes so long now that you wonder what is the problem. I travel also to Puerto Rico often as well. My name is in the system and I am sure that they check you out too but I am through in a jiffy. They still do not behave like some of these officers. No one should ever misuse their positions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-64603150997864173572008-01-05T22:27:00.000-04:002008-01-05T22:27:00.000-04:00To the poster before referencing whether I should ...To the poster before referencing whether I should go to the Ag's office or immigration, that is why we have problems. Firstly, I am not pushy, I am not a born Anguillian, and I respect Anguilla and its rules. If I said I had my naturalization card should that not tell you my status? People like you cause problems because you do not understand a situation. I needed am emergency document or travel permit. What did I said wrong or did wrong I went to the Ag's office, they advised me correctly because it is that office I was dealing with just for advice. I went to the immigration to collect the document and the front officer behaved rudely or in an inappropriate manner. She told me what she had to tell me and she told me she was going to refer me to the second in command and she came back and told me that I needed additional papers, which I did not need. It is frustrating when you have to be turned and twisted and that is the problem. I have nothing against no department of government, but I have been there on more than one occasion, and it is obvious that they need help whether you want to admit it or not. Look at the immigration situation closely and then tell me if they do not need help. Every single soul that goes to that office when ever I go there behaves in a proper manner. They wait and wait for hours for their own document, even when the office says come back at a special time. That is your problem because we want to cast blame and do not understand. Wait and you would see what would be happening to Anguilla once immigration does not get that professional help. They lack that. Look around Anguilla and you would agree that we are in trouble. I love Anguilla. I have lived in Anguilla for a long time but I can also see what is happening as well. Like the other person mention it is an important department and it is crucial. That is why they should get additional specialised assistance because that is lacking at least by the personnel that I know works there. They are just not able to do it alone. Do not let it go any further because it is getting worst and worst. Anguilla is changing and I do not think the department should fall to pieces then everyone clear their hands because if they were smart they would ask for the help now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-35099998299046338132008-01-05T14:02:00.000-04:002008-01-05T14:02:00.000-04:00The AG's chambers also handles naturalizations. Th...The AG's chambers also handles naturalizations. Therefore if she was trying to obtain citizenship she would have to go there. She may have been referred to the immigration department if she has not yet obtained belonger status( gotten a stamp in her passport or the certificate) which is one of the avenues you can be naturalized through.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-44701788319309437272008-01-04T22:26:00.000-04:002008-01-04T22:26:00.000-04:00In reference to the poster who was put off by bein...In reference to the poster who was put off by being told that they needed other documents by immigration, I must first ask the question, Why did they first go to the AG's office? Is it not the immigration office which handles those matters? Perhaps, if they had first visited the office they would have been informed of the necessary documents needed. No wonder you were upset. You kinda jumped the gun, my good man, and then you had the audacity to tell those folks who were trying to help you how to conduct their jobs. I too would have called the police on you for being so ignorant yet still trying to complain when in fact you were the one at fault. I know that things are not perfect at home and that some of our service personnel are in need of additional training. However, we should not be so quick to point fingers at them and not reflect on our own behaviour. How many times you went to St. Thomas and were treated impolitely? Did you complain then or just stood and took it? Was it because you needed so badly to enter into the US? We as Anguillians believe that because we were born here we can act anyway we choose and when our arrogance and pushy behaviour is not rewarded we run and complain. I too have been through the airports and the sea ports and was patient enough to wait my turn in line. When we go through immigration, we feel that we have the right to be rapidly ushered through because we are Anguillians, but times have changed. The rules have changed and we must learn to accept and to follow the rules. Immigration is our first line of defense and our people are doing a wonderful job as they adapt to the ever changing nature of the business. Next time, go to immigration first with immigration questions. Don’t go to the AG's office unless you trying to get special help with your papers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-13095554099423165712008-01-04T22:12:00.000-04:002008-01-04T22:12:00.000-04:00To my learned friend, comrade whatever, your eloqu...To my learned friend, comrade whatever, your eloquence and delivery far exceeds your use of commonsense, however I will not fault you for that. In Anguilla we have no desire to dwell on past transgressions for they only create division amongst us as a people. What we need is forgiveness, healing and unity. The task at hand is a tremendous one and feuding between the Mitchell camp and the Lake’s camp will get us nowhere in terms of creating a workable constitution. We all have differing view points and each should be respected for that. To boycott the reconstruction of the constitution merely because of who is appointed is total stupidity. Active participation is crucial in developing a constitution that we as Anguillians can function and exist under. All sides have a duty to participate for it is for the benefit of all Anguillians. We all have our differences but it is imperative that we bury the hatchet for the time being and work together on this. Dame Lake is an exceptional constitutional lawyer and has worked diligently over the years to assist Anguilla in creating its constitutions, but why stop there because of a prejudice against another person? This is unprofessional in my humble opinion and detracts greatly from all her valuable contributions. By working together with the opposition her value and abilities would be put to use to help create a document worthy of her impeccable character and integrity. Her talents would be best served if she was an instrumental and integral part of the development of our constitution. By allowing ourselves to be lead by our emotions we effectively voluntarily exclude ourselves out of the equation and thus render our right to make a difference in shaping our constitution. There are times when duty will dictate that we work with other persons we'd rather not work with. In that case what are we to do, just pack up and walk away? There will always be differences and disagreements in committees and Gov't but we are not expected to close up shop and walk away. A solution can only be found by standing your ground and hashing out the pros and cons in a civilized and orderly debate or discussion. This is what we desperately need for our Anguilla. This is what our people need most.<BR/><BR/>It's my plea to all Anguillians is to work together to find a solution, a compromise, and stop all this venomous banter and antagonism that is stifling our continued advancement. <BR/>My intentions are not to evoke a bitter rivalry but to invoke in us a sense of duty to our Anguilla and ourselves to act responsibly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-91784151577683578822008-01-04T06:41:00.000-04:002008-01-04T06:41:00.000-04:00I DO NOT KNOW IF I CAN LASH OUT ON THE OFFICERS BE...I DO NOT KNOW IF I CAN LASH OUT ON THE OFFICERS BECAUSE I TRY TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS. THE OFFFICE IS VERY SMALL BUT PEOPLE FALL IN LINE AND WAIT THEIR TURN, BUT HAVING BEEN THERE AT LEAST I DEAL WITH IMMIGRATION ALL THE TIME BECAUSE OF THE JOB THAT I AM IN. BUT I MUST SAY THE BEHAVIOR OF THE PUBLIC FOR LAST MONTH WAS UNDERSTANDABLE. PEOPLE ACTUALLY WAITED FOR PERMITS AND OTHER THINGS FOR HOURS. I KNOW THAT A LADY WAITED FOR OVER THREE HOURS AND THEN WHEN SHE GOT TO THE WINDOW THEY TOLD IT WAS NOT READY, IT JUST TO BE STAMPED. SHE SAID SHE BROUGHT THE PASSPORT IN TWO WEEKS AGO THEY SHOULD HAVE IT DOWN PACKED MAN. EVERY YEAR I HAVE A LOT OF TRANSACTIONS WITH THEM AROUND DECEMBER, BUT THIS YEAR WAS THE WORST. THE SUPERVISOR AT THE FRONT WAS NOT HELPFUL EITHER. THEY ARE ROUGH, ROUGH, ROUGH, AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-18450315705549720882008-01-04T06:40:00.000-04:002008-01-04T06:40:00.000-04:00Yes, they have a plan. But..."It is no use saying...Yes, they have a plan. But...<BR/><BR/>"It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary."<BR/> -- Winston ChurchillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-25526660777017987752008-01-04T06:37:00.000-04:002008-01-04T06:37:00.000-04:00I fully appreciate the potentially humourous and y...I fully appreciate the potentially humourous and yet serious aspects of your question. Permit me to develop a plan in OUR argument being presented here.<BR/><BR/>Rule by People<BR/>This statement implies a collective body gathering to discuss and hear of matters concerning them and VOICING their input. How do we do this, with scores, hundreds, thousands, millions of interested parties? We break them doing into manageable numbers. In AXA we are by our reality blessed with manageable numbers already. We can still recognise readily the great majority of Anguillian extract, i.e., potential voters, and the permanent residents amongst us.<BR/><BR/>Informing the People of the matters concerning them. Far too often we look outwards and elsewhere. I propose a gathering of elders (not aged ones) by the village, being informed of these matters, (removing the idea of lofty decision making) and then holding 'public' discussions, prior to reporting and casting 'A' vote reflecting their village's position. NB. A village need not be defined by an area or district solely, but also by a number of individuals in that area or district, e.g, 150- 200 persons.<BR/><BR/>Now here is a bouncer of vintage West Indian character for you. Would you agree, in a general population there are approximately 2% geniuses of Einstein pedigree. Also would you agree there are approximately 5% lunatics. Would you also agree the general populace would tend to 'flock' together.<BR/><BR/>In a leap from this, who do we generally elect democratically?<BR/><BR/>Leaning to Einsteins or leaning to lunatics.<BR/><BR/>Caribbean ManAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-22200851815584464452008-01-04T06:30:00.000-04:002008-01-04T06:30:00.000-04:00Let us get back some sanity please. Stop a bit. Wh...Let us get back some sanity please. Stop a bit. What is happening to Anguilla? People seem ready to fall off. Everywhere seem to be madness. I can not get over what happened to me at the Immigration Department to a point of utter sadness. I have my self to blame a bit, because I am laid back. I went to get a travel document after running to the Ags office with my naturalization paper in my hand, my hair not in order, and they advise me what can be done. Gone to the Immigration Office, the front desk clerk took my document, the one in charge at that desk with the curls. I told her what I wanted. She asked me to bring other documents in a manner just as how her face was showing. I was told something different by the Ag office. Then i got mad. She took my document and went to the second in command, at least that is what she said and I was told that I need to bring other documents as well. I did not had to bring nothing else. It was sufficient because I am a Belonger. Those are the things that you have to go through. But what was also interesting to see the Police been called in to immigration to keep tranquility. I had my experiences with immigration for the last month enough to last for a while but it is sad to see how that department is managed, total outrageous. It is either the wrong people in the wrong place or something. Not only that. Look around Anguilla and tell me if it look like they have a plan. Your guess is as good as mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-20180787211024281772008-01-03T19:19:00.000-04:002008-01-03T19:19:00.000-04:00Post your acrimonious rant here! No waiting!Post your acrimonious rant here! No waiting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-34742987150312725312008-01-03T19:18:00.000-04:002008-01-03T19:18:00.000-04:00He who vex, loses.He who vex, loses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-30488317507568133822008-01-03T19:16:00.000-04:002008-01-03T19:16:00.000-04:00Open hostility is not meaningful conversation.Open hostility is not meaningful conversation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-61079628032340933622008-01-03T15:49:00.000-04:002008-01-03T15:49:00.000-04:00The Fundamental Premise of the statement that the ...The Fundamental Premise of the statement that the Mitchell Report ( here read: "Colbert Report") is based on the democratic exercise of consultation with the People is flawed.<BR/><BR/>In the first place, and perhaps, sadly, the vast Majority of the People of Anguilla did not accept that Mr. Mitchell was the best person to be given the exercise given his lack of experience in Constitutional Law, and his devout "Englishness".<BR/><BR/>Having therefore not accepted Mr.Mitchell as a serious appointee for the task at hand, the People rejected his "Commission", and did not participate in what they considered to be a farcical exercise.<BR/><BR/>That a few persons did attend some of the meetings arranged by Mr.Mitchell does not transform that process into a "Democratic" one.<BR/><BR/>In Constitutional matters, particularly where Constitutional changes are contemplated, the process is not considered "Democratic" unless there has in fact been continuous participation of the vast majority of persons of the age of Majority.<BR/><BR/>That this is so is evedenced by the fact that changes to existing Constitutions require Majorities in excess of a Simple Majority, and in many cases, after a Referendum has been held.<BR/>It follows that, where there is contemplated a change, not only of a Constitutional provision, but of an entire Constitution involving the confirmation of, or change in Status, there must be active,constructive and egalitarian participation of the vast majority of the People of Anguilla, and not some farcical attempt at " wide spread discussion".<BR/><BR/>The "education" referred to as being the resposibility of the UK, is not "education" in the commonly used sense of the word; What is meant is that it is the responsibility of the British to provide the fincial ability to the People of Anguilla to enable them to have the necessary discussions amongst themselves, during and after lectures given to the Public by noted Caribbean Constitutional Lawyers and other experienced and qualified persons.<BR/><BR/>The obligations of the UK in the Educational process is restricted to facilitation and involves nothing else.<BR/><BR/>The UK cannot "Educate" any People on Constitutional matters, they themselves having absolutely no experience with the operation of written Constitutions; they being a Country in which Parliament, and not the Constitution, is supreme.<BR/><BR/>As a matter of interest,in the Commonwealth the Caribbean is second only to India in its depth and riches of the evolution of written Constitutions and the development of Constitutional Law, and it is arguable that the Caribbean has indeed surpassed India in this regard.<BR/><BR/> Canada, Australia and New Zealand, all relative newcomers to Independant Constitutions, have themselves rapidly developed a sound body of Constitutional Law.<BR/><BR/>Therefore, if there is need for "Educational Assistance" from outside the Caribbean, it is to those countries we would necessarilly turn, and not to the UK which is still not a true Constitutional Democracy. <BR/><BR/>In the final analysis, given the postulate of Mr. Mitchell that there are "two camps"; one being the " Mitchell Camp" and the other being the "Dame Bernice V.Lake Q.C Camp", the People of Anguilla would be eternally better served by adopting the Dame Lake Camp as their own.<BR/><BR/>After all, Dame Lake was the author of, and Chief Negotiator for Anguilla's two Full Internal Self Government Constitutions, which were in force immeadiately before one of Mr.Mitchell's cousins surrendered Anguilla's internal governmental soverignty to get a Nominated seat in the House of Assembly for another of Mr. Mitchell's cousins.<BR/><BR/>That is the very same soverignty which the British are now telling the Anguillan Government point blank that they will never give back to Anguilla short of Independance. All for a seat in the house for an unelectable cousin.<BR/><BR/>Finally, to the commentator who accuses Dame Lake of "..waving the Flag...", you would prefer, no doubt, a country in which Anguillians are without economic and political power, in which, much like the Cayman Islands, they sre strangers in their own land and a country in which the non Caribbean people dominate and dictate to the " locals'.<BR/>Sadly, the People of Anguilla are to sophisticated to permit that to befall them. A People accustomed to Freedom will not surrender it for 30 pieces of silver.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-61586383097805892622008-01-03T09:21:00.000-04:002008-01-03T09:21:00.000-04:00if we're going to get into Immigration, the whole ...if we're going to get into Immigration, the whole "new" office is a disaster and needs to be revamped all together. There should be someone that meets everyone at the door to find out why people are there and then dorect them to the correct "window" or desk or should provide each visitor with the appropriate forms to speed things up. It is crazy to wait in line for two or three hours only to be told to fill out a form and come back or to be told you are in the wrong place and you need to get something you don't have. <BR/><BR/>I understand the need for Immigration and I think they perform a good function, I just think the office is not well thought out and could use a major overhaul to make it more efficient and more effective.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-52397190412118767762008-01-03T08:42:00.000-04:002008-01-03T08:42:00.000-04:00I listened to the CM in the house of assembly and ...I listened to the CM in the house of assembly and I agree with most of the things he said, but in relation to training for civil servants I think that the immigration department needs help from top down. It was sad to see the confusion at the main office over a few days ago. People waited over three hours for passports that needed a work permit stamp which is not done by the office but at labor. When you come in at the ports officers everywhere else except at the desk loitering. At the airport a young short lady is there for some years, a junior officer by her stripes, but she is so rude and austere with people. If situations arise should not the supervisors deal with that matter? Those types of officers just rude and do not even respect the people they are working with who are in charge of them at the airport. I marvel at the last time I got in at the airport from puerto rico and she was handling a passenger and would not go to anyone else and I know that more senior people or people who worked in that department many years were there. The CM needs to look at that type of officer because even in the line people were talking about her behavior for a long time now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-26861661991028057342008-01-02T07:32:00.000-04:002008-01-02T07:32:00.000-04:00If I might add my two cents, Iwill venture to say ...If I might add my two cents, Iwill venture to say that we do have a democratic state. However, as with any democracy, people have the right to vote or not to vote, attend or not attend meetings on any issue. This is the fundamental right of a free society. In Anguilla it is not the democratic system that is at risk but the will of the people. We tend to sit back and kind of expect someone else to make the decisions for us and when things are not going well we then point fingers and lay blame on the Gov't, politicians or the UK. Even our revolution was initiated and executed by a free brave men but is claimed by all Anguillians. This stand offish attitude is responsible for most if not all of our present problems. We are not willing to get involved in the critical issues facing our country. As a result, our very existence is at stake. If our affairs are our own then it stands to reason that we should be willing participants in any and all processes that directly affect us.<BR/><BR/>It is not the UK responsibility to educate us on what we want or need in our constitution or how we have to conduct the running of our Gov't. Any responsible citizen should gladly and proudly stand up to let their voice be heard as a representative for their country. Our seemingly immature attitudes are causing great hardship for our country in terms of advancement of our constitutional reform. Mr Mitchell and Co effort was commendable, but few were appreciative. Most treated it as if it was some thing alien and not part of the general view of Anguillians. Let’s stop for a moment to reflect and try to figure out who were the most vocal in rejecting the report. I would refrain from pointing fingers at anyone but the underlying issue is that the report was sandbagged and we need to find out why, and who would benefit most from it not being adopted.<BR/><BR/>Leadership in Anguilla appears to be based on likeablity and political clout. If you are not with the in crowd then your opinion or voice is of no importance. You will most likely be pressured, held back or persecuted for stating your objections publicly. This is not democracy but an oppressive tyrannical form of governance and it is raising its ugly head in our midst. We constantly fight amongst ourselves but never reach an agreement or compromise on any critical or important issue. It is really not that we are unaware or unconcerned but that we fall victim to procrastination and playing the waiting game. We cannot afford to wait anymore until someone attempts to lead us. Ronald Webster et al have done their part, now we need to take the reigns and march onward with a new vision. Are there not any more dynamic, brave leaders willing to carry on their vision, leaders who are not overwhelmed or arrogant in their thinking of immortality?<BR/><BR/>Leaders come on and lead but be cognizant of the pulse of your people and not alienate yourself from them. Remember you are a servant of the people not the persons who dictate way. Humility is a crucial necessity and so is honesty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-70195326467571120702008-01-02T07:11:00.000-04:002008-01-02T07:11:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.idmitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08966173951425644722noreply@blogger.com