Dear Editor,
This past Friday, it was time for the Chief Minister of Anguilla, the Honorable Victor Banks, to respond to much of the runaway talk which came to St. Martin from Anguilla in recent weeks. The rebuttal of Victor Banks was highly anticipated. This past Friday morning the Honorable Chief Minister was guest on Talking Point with Billy D.
It would have been a pleasant experience, if one had the time to which they could have availed themselves to the entire interview or dialogue, which lasted just over an hour.
The program started quite cordial as the Honorable Chief Minister made his introduction. No time was wasted, the program host appeared quite anxious to question Banks, but gave him all the time he needed to make his introduction; seeing that Billy D and Victor Banks are also personal friends.
While the host seemed anxious to hear from the Chief Minister on much of what he heard over the past several weeks, it was time for re-acquaintance of their personal friendship, Banks claiming it has been some time since they had not met up.
Billy D indorsed Victor Bank and the AUF campaign in the election and delivered an electrifying speech on the AUF podium in the last day of the campain of 2015, to the extent that the opposition and many others attributed AUF’s win to Billy D. His speech is said to have impacted the campaign directly, delivering Victor Banks and AUF a resounding victory; sweeping the entire field of candidates, leaving a single opposition seat.
The program got started and the host did not hesitate from delivering a well-thought-out series of questions that articulated all the information he had received in recent weeks. He directed all of the compelling questions to Victor Banks in search of proper answers, not necessarily for him or to add to the prestige of his already-popular talk show both on St. Martin and Anguilla. He genuinely appeared concerned about what he had heard and wanted answers for the people of Anguilla.
On the other hand, Victor Banks appeared well relaxed and composed. The interview was well articulated, underscoring the astute performance of the interviewer. In responding to the barrage of questioning from Billy D, the Chief Minister asserted himself as a well-groomed politician, but also as an administrator with excellent capabilities and all-round machine in politics and economics.
Banks seemed quite calm and confident. His methodical approach made his presentation believable down to every single word. Questions from the host (Billy D) brought to the forefront the banking issue, the economy, the re-construction process, the debt of the country, tourism and port development. Questions were asked about the British partnership with Anguilla, the Governor and Brexit.
Of course, Billy D reemphasized the debt situation and second time, and told the Chief Minister he was very concerned about that in particular, which increased over the three years he has been in office. The opposition called it unsustainable.
The Chief Minister had already dealt with the issue, but for the second time in the program he methodically emphasized his governing approach in regard to the country. He explained this is normal for any forwarded-moving country to incur some level of debt; emphasizing that the debt incurred was for the purpose of solvency of two of the major institutions the country rely on; the social Security system, its pension fund and the indigenous banking institutions on the island. Both are now well secured.
He also answered a key question from Billy D; how would this debt affect the people of Anguilla in the process of repayment? Mr. Banks explained that it actually does not affect the people directly but more so in indirect forms. He said the repayment responsibility has more to do with the function of government and its economic program and so far his government has not been delinquent in any of its payment responsibilities.
In an all-round analysis, the Chief Minister positioned the island, having a legitimate functional government that operates by the rule of law in cooperation with the British Government. Aspects of government that the British have jurisdiction over are fully within their competence. The aspect of the economy and the function of everyday government are within the competence of the elected government under his leadership and the AUF governing machine.
At any given time the governing process is reviewed, analyzed and scrutinized by the British Government for regulatory standards of legitimacy within the British system, as a British Overseas Territory. On the other hand, the entire government apparatus is under the direct supervision of the British Government. They have oversight responsibility and at any time can withhold approval of any proposal. Banks said, what is important for Anguilla is to maintain an adequate working business relationship with its British counterpart.
It appeared that the host was anxious to hear from Victor Banks after hearing from at least two persons in the past weeks. Victor Banks, however, was in full control of the balance of reason and actually controlled the intensity and variety of the program. In the end, the host appeared convinced.
The Honorable Chief Minister of Anguilla displayed highest characteristics of leadership and representation of the country on this particular occasion. From my perspective, this was a real lesson in civics, and strategic governing; Victor Banks on this occasion, made the entire region proud, in particular Anguillians; it was a reflection of the level of governance the island it now experiencing.
Not once had Banks mentioned a single name of any one of his critics, who in recent weeks used the very same platform in an effort to decimate his character and governing posture; Banks indicating no fear under any circumstances.
For those who followed the last election, it now seems like these two veterans are again set to win the next Anguilla election 2020.
Elliot J. Harrigan
