Dear Editor,
On August 26, 2018, we learned in the local media that a meeting between the World Bank and Parliament was scheduled on October 13, 2018, to brief the country’s highest body about the scope of its work. Naturally, it was expected that the meeting would have allowed interested observers to closely follow the deliberation and hopefully arrive at an informed opinion. To the dismay and surprise of many, the highly anticipated meeting between the World Bank and Parliament was held behind closed doors on Monday, October 21, 2018.
Truth be told, closed door meetings in Parliament are nothing new. However, at times one cannot help but question the motives and justification, if any, to invoke Chapter 13 article 77 of the Rules of Order. In any case, an exception to the rule should have been made.
Moreover, on Friday, October 26, 2018, we learned via the local media (The Daily Herald) that Mr. Jorge Familiar, Vice-President of the World Bank, met with Government, Parliamentarians, and local partners to discuss progress of the recovery and reconstruction after Hurricane Irma. (Resilient summit ends on high note. Friday, October 26, 2018, The Daily Herald). Conspicuously enough, who exactly the “local partners” are, remains a complete mystery.
The question that begs to be asked is; what criteria, if any, were used to select the “local partners” to meet with the World Bank? Why weren’t the trade unions, as an important social partner, offered a seat at the table to engage in an open and dignified discussion with the World Bank? Why the penchant for secrecy? Why allow speculation to replace complete information directly from the source? Shouldn’t the masses be privy to pertinent information that will have a direct impact on their quality of life and future? Which Members of Parliament requested the closed-door meeting?
Seemingly, the perceived restriction, exclusion of the public, and unequal treatment among local and social partners, possibly resembles discrimination and reinforces the perception that censorship, favoritism and bias might be actively at work. Moreover, to host the meeting out of public view fuels suspicion and speculation and confirms the growing perception among interested observers of being “shut out” and “kept in the dark.”
This tactic virtually extinguishes the possibility to engage in a healthy and robust public debate or to hold members of parliament accountable for their actions. Simply put, the people’s right to know was blatantly violated. Surely, an open meeting would certainly enrich the understanding and would have provided much needed clarity regarding the activities of the World Bank and the status of the Trust Fund.
That being said, the WICSU/PSU Union is calling on Parliament and the Government to immediately release the minutes and or audio/video recordings of the clandestine meeting with the World Bank to the general public post-haste! Anything less is inconsistent with the interest of transparency, integrity and accountability.
The people have a right to know! Together we struggle, together we achieve. Unity and solidarity forever.
Riegnald “Bakari” Arrindell
General Secretary
WICSU/PSU Union
Dear Editor,
The path to political independence starts with a path of total self-reliance and strong sense of self; English language is a critical part.
My English Language Motions of 2015 and 2016, which were unanimously passed by Parliament, have now been brought to the attention of Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Wycliffe Smith for his Ministry’s follow-up.
I have high hopes that a start will be made. Even in these trying times, we can’t overlook the process of nation-building. Much of the criticism we hear today stems from the fact that because of the pressing needs throughout our society in so many areas, concerted strategies towards nation-building are not a top priority.
Of course, even the smallest actions in this regard are important, such as celebration of our national days and culture. However, complementing these actions must be the solidifying of our foundations, such as that of language, history and, yes, culture. We need some affirmative action in this regard, as well as the advocacy.
I am of the belief that the English and Dutch languages cannot have the same status as our official languages and will continue to insist that we give the English language (eventually even our St. Maarten dialect), the place it deserves. One language has to be first and that should be our mother tongue. We talk about charting a path to political independence, let us start by charting a path of total self-reliance and strong sense of self.
Sarah Wescot-Williams
Dear Editor,
I am telling you from now, most people will disagree with me how I see it. That does not mean I am wrong.
The government task is not to build houses for the citizens of a country, the government task is to create economic opportunity that people can pursue their happiness in life. Let me explain. Once the government builds your house you owe them loyalty and your freedom is in their hands. The government that gives you free stuff has the right to take it from you. That is socialism.
The government task is to protect the citizens of a country, but not to decide how wealthy or successful they should be. Success and wealth is up to the individual responsibility. The church and charity is to help those that need help and government is free to provide assistance. Government’s task is to make sure we obey the law but not take away our freedoms.
But freedom also depends on what we expect of government. If we want government to give us free everything (education and healthcare and houses) then expect them to tell you how to live your life. You cannot have it both ways.
People give up freedom for the false teaching of equality by giving government the power to regulate how we should live. That is dangerous. Giving government (the nature of man is sinful) that power is surely a path to destruction.
To make a country strong it has to do with family values. Teach people they have to work and respect their citizens, teach them to be responsible. Teach them choices have consequences. Teach them to obey the law.
Strong families with good moral values turn poverty into wealth. Family without good values leads to destruction.
Yes, government should help with education and healthcare but it should never be free. Freeness of things leads to devalue the worth of things. Let’s be honest, if I give you $1,000 free, I can surely say most people will spend it foolishly because they did not work for it. The nature of man will never value something if he or she did not work for it. When government give people free stuff it deters them from trying to be successful, they will develop an attitude of do everything free for me and it is my entitlement.
Conclusion: the government task is to protect the citizens of a country and provide economic opportunity for all citizens (that is the equality) but not to give away free everything or, worse, take from those who have and give it to others who do not have.
I respect if you disagree with me. Thank God for that freedom.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
Dear Editor,
Is psychology a science, or just a tool to control human emotions and aspirations, or the delusions of people to achieve a purpose in life? Psychologists explain that people have two minds – the conscious and subconscious. Is the mind your brain, or the whole body in working order? We use our conscious mind to observe objects that are real. Items we could actually see, touch and feel. On the other hand, the subconscious mind is used for interpretation of past experiences and imagination. For example, things that can’t be seen with the naked eyes.
These two important sections of the brain are responsible for the positive and negative aspects of the mind. Psychology plays an important role in “linguistics.” In psycholinguistics, the study of language of the mind – the development of vocabulary, phonology, phonetics – helps people to communicate language and speech more efficiently and effectively.
Earlier research in educational psychology by Ivan Illich and Edward De Bono expressed doubt in the way education is conducted in a modern society for learning ability. Ivan Illich, “De Schooling Society” acknowledged the fact that tests and grades shouldn’t be used to measure people’s ability. Instead, teaching hands-on skills for the job market is the best way to go.
Edward De Bono, “Thinking Hats in Problem Solving,” uses color-coded hats to solve problems in classroom teaching. He made mention of two important hats – the black hat and the white hat. The white hat is based factual information, whereas the black hat represents cautiousness. He also said the problem in society today is that people try to solve too many problems at once, and suggested one problem at a time.
Most Christian psychologists link faith healing to psychokinetic energy. Researchers discovered a light around the human body called the “Aura.” Theologians believed such energy is very effective in healing someone, as long as that person is positive in getting well. The light around the body protects it from sickness, diseases, evil forces, and promotes good health.
Psychotherapists use similar techniques to heal mental patients’ disorder by discussing their problems, without drugs treatment.
Psychology plays a big role in the science of fingerprints. When a crime is committed, an increased flow of adrenalin takes place in the bloodstream of the suspect and travels around the body to the fingertips of the culprit. This process helps experts to develop latent prints from the crime scene. This action is accomplished by careful coordination with the central nervous system.
Parapsychology is the branch of psychology connected to the subconscious mind. It features psychic phenomena research, telepathy, clairvoyance, necromancy, and time travel. While beyond psychology may be vital for some people, it might be dangerous to others.
Today in business organizations, psychology plays a role in the demand and supply of goods in the community. In the law of diminishing returns, it enables business people to think critically of the forces which influence the factors of production such as land, labor, and capital.
Education and psychology are interrelated, the mind could respond collectively to teaching and learning of new techniques and ideas in the classroom and via the World Wide Web and the Internet. The study of psychology can open the doors of opportunities in business, education, human relations, and scientific research.
Joseph Harvey
Dear Editor,
Based on the recent article “Anguilla Government signs MOU with Edgewater Resources to develop Marina,” that was published in the November 1, 2018, edition of your paper, I would like to take this opportunity to share my perspective and recollection, on a historical aspect of the untold story of the early beginnings of yachting on Anguilla.
It is for the benefit of any individual who may want to conduct some further research on and around the socio-cultural economic history of the early beginnings of yachting on the island nation of Anguilla.
I also want to dedicate this article to the memory of my late dad Capt. Lionel T. Lloyd, who was a born Anguillian son of the soil from Roaches Hill, who earned his stripes at an early age as one of the “traditional seafaring captains of yesteryear” on the island of Anguilla back in the day. Apart from that, I also want to highlight the educational and economic contributions that the intergenerational members of his family the Lloyds of Roaches Hill made, that have impacted the entire island of Anguilla.
Before I share my historical perspective on the early beginnings of yachting on the island nation of Anguilla; I want to commend Edgewater Resources who conducted the feasiblity study for the mega-yacht marina for upholding transparency at the duration of the study by holding public forums to present its findings, address questions and concerns. I also commend the residents of Anguilla who, according to an article in your publication, came out in large numbers during the said public forums to seek more information, voice their concerns, ask questions and get responses.
I proudly state with Anguillian descendant diasporan pride and I stand firm in stating that the yachting clubs on Anguilla today stand on the shoulders of my late dad Capt. Lionel T. Lloyd, a born Anguillan son of the soil (whose immigrant father Richard James Lloyd was a seafarer from Guyana/Suriname and an Anguillian mother who was a Fleming from Long Bay).
According to my cousin Nurse Vera Lloyd Robinson’s recollection of our family seafaring history on Anguilla, after “Uncle T” (dad’s nickname) completed his education at The Valley Boys’ School, he joined our grandad at sea, where he became an astute dire-hearted student of seafaring, lived it, loved it and gained expert navigational skills, so much so that his dad named him the captain of both of his schooners (the Lady Lloyd and May Lloyd) during his late teens. My cousin also recalled that although grandad’s schooners were a family enterprise, apart from his family he employed many other Anguillian seafarers, as well as provided apprenticeship opportunities for young men who wanted to learn the rigors and challenges of seafaring.
Why do I stand firm in stating that the yachting clubs in Anguilla today stand on Capt. Lloyd’s shoulders? It is based on the fact that during the ’50s, when he resided on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, he was the first and only Anguillian to bring private yachts on excursions with visitors from St. Thomas to Blowing Point, Anguilla back in the day.
Based on family stories at the dinner table, apparently during that time it was almost unheard of for yachts to be moored in Blowing Point, or any of Anguilla’s other ports of call. Fond memories and reflections also transcend on and around many a day when my immediate family as well as other family members and friends were invited by dad, who would take us aboard to tour those yachts.
This piece of Anguilla’s seafaring and yachting history should not go unnoticed, because who knew that fast forward, one day a mega-yacht marina would be in the futuristic stage of planning and development on the island nation of Anguilla. It goes without saying that the futuristic marina/waterfront mega-yacht development project will have a major positive impact on, and change the trajectory of the economic future of the island nation of Anguilla.
I would be remiss if I did not mention, without meaning to call anyone out, that in spite of the contribution of my dad’s family, the legendary Lloyds of Roaches Hill, Anguilla, vis-a-vis the marine industry and seafaring heritage of Anguilla, it is unfortunate that such contributions were never recognized or highlighted, when such recognition or highlighting was formally publicized.
During 2003, whereas the honor and recognition was given to a select few of Anguilla’s “traditional boats” that were honored with stamps, the Lady Lloyd and May Lloyd were not highlighted or mentioned. [“Traditional Boats on Stamps Process Needs to be Reviewed” an article in the Anguillian Newspaper].
In addition, more recently when the “traditional seafaring captains of yesteryear” were honored with a postage stamp, and their photos were displayed in the Post Office in The Valley, Anguilla, Capt. Lionel T. Lloyd was not honored with a stamp and his photo was noticeably absent. [Letter to Anguilla Stamp Committee, July 18, 2014, in the Anguillian Newspaper].
It should be also noted with honorable mention that dad was the only “traditional seafaring captain of yesteryear” whose seafaring career grew beyond Anguilla. Dad was able to take the seafaring skills that he honed in Anguilla to later spend over 20 years in the U.S. as a professional civilian employee of the U.S. Naval Service, where he worked alongside the rank and file of enlisted men and women.
On a more personal note, this article is dedicated not only to the memory of my late dad Capt. Lionel T. Lloyd, it is also dedicated to the intergenerational legacy of his family, the legendary Lloyds of Roaches Hill, Anguilla, based on the contributions they made that have positively impacted the educational system and the major economic engine of the entire island of Anguilla.
For instance, one of those descendants was the visionary for the foundation of Anguilla’s “upscale tourism industry.” The Anguilla Tourist Board once highlighted in its brochures “we were the first,” meaning Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast” (formerly “Lloyd’s Guesthouse) in Crocus Hill (built 1959), and seaside villas in Crocus Bay still going strong, owned by the late David S. Lloyd, (born Anguillian son of the soil), who was also responsible for bringing secondary education to Anguilla.
As the first duly elected legislator, during the time when Anguilla was part of the former colony of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, he secured the funds and, as he was also a general contractor, he supervised the construction and building of what was then known as The Valley Secondary School. It opened its doors to its first wave of students in 1953. Prior to that time, Anguilla did not have a secondary school, so only a few Anguillian students had the opportunity to travel abroad to nearby islands in order to acquire a secondary school education.
The late Dr. Vivien Vanterpool, one of Anguilla’s revered stellar traditional educators, in an article “Wither Secondary Education after Fifty years in Anguilla” Part 1 in The Anguillian Newspaper, July 18, 2004, stated: “The Valley Secondary School became a reality in 1953, through the instrumentality of the late David S. Lloyd, the then Representative for Anguilla at the Central Government in Basseterre. I personally feel that the late David Sylvanus Lloyd was not given the recognition he so richly deserved in initiating secondary education in Anguilla”.
According to an article “Anguillian pilots honoured for fifty (50) years of service,” November 12 , 2002, the Anguillian Newspaper, Anguilla also has bragging rights for having the majority of pilots (private, commercial, military) within the region, during the last 50 years. It is due to the vision of the late Capt. Clayton J. Lloyd, Anguilla’s first aviation pioneer. Anguilla’s aviation history has captured a moment of homegrown pride, because Anguilla’s airport, former colonial name Wallblake Airport, is now changed and named in his honor the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. The airport’s aviation services are owned and managed by another descendant of the Lloyds of Roaches Hill, Capt. David Lloyd of Lloyd’s Aviation Services, and of course the “in spot” Da’Vida in Crocus Bay.
Someone once said, “God bless the day and they had better be glad the day Richard James Lloyd (“Papa Rich,” grandad’s nickname) set foot on the island of Anguilla.”
In closing, once again I say it firm with pride, the yachting clubs in Anguilla today were made possible by the contribution of my late dad Capt. Lionel T. Lloyd “traditional seafaring captain of yesteryear,” who was the first born Anguillian son of the soil to bring yachts on excursions from St. Thomas to Blowing Point, Anguilla, back in the day. Who knew, back then, that a seed that was planted by a born Anguillian son of the soil would one day mean that a futuristic mega-yacht marina is nowadays in the planning and development stages for Anguilla?
May the Creator and the ancestors continue to find Anguillians at home and abroad in their favor.
Yinka
