Comments for Anguilla And Independence

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Anguilla And Independence

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Jun 19, 2010
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The Other Side
by: Anonymous

I think if Canada or Australia decide to get rid of any association with Great Britain, then that's one thing. They're big enough to fend off political pressure and aggressive, bullying corporation activity. But Anguilla? What if the the US had another George Bush Govt? How long would it be before some greedy US investor, and good friend of a George Bush-type president (or other govt official), had his eye on buying up large chunks of the island, with the government and people there forced to give up parts of the island...or face the consequences. I'd like to believe this wouldn't happen...but I'm afraid I think it could, very easily. Britain probably provides little, other than some protection against such activity. But it's surely right that the people should govern themselves completely. On the otherhand, if not associated with the British, who else? I'd rather see Anguilla be associated with Britain than any other country - at least a distance is kept for the people to get on with their lives. The French have a bad record - long after the US and UK ceased nuclear testing in the Pacific, the French continued nuclear testing off the French Polynesians well into the 1990's, despite international protests, and even the International court ruling against France - the French ignored the ruling and carried on - the inhabitants of the islands have increased cancer rates. If associated with the US, how long before the peaceful island became over developed, or ultra-exclusive in a fashion that ultimately hindered the Anguillans. At least the British aren't forcing the Anguillan people to sell of lands to commercial developers. The Anguillans are just getting along with their lives.

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Jun 19, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I think if Canada or Australia decide to get rid of any association with Great Britain, then that's one thing. They're big enough to fend off political pressure and aggressive, bullying corporation activity. But Anguilla? What if the the US had another George Bush Govt? How long would it be before some greedy US investor, and good friend of a George Bush-type president (or other govt official), had his eye on buying up large chunks of the island, with the government and people there forced to give up parts of the island...or face the consequences. I'd like to believe this wouldn't happen...but I'm afraid I think it could, very easily. Britain probably provides little, other than some protection against such activity. But it's surely right that the people should govern themselves completely. On the otherhand, if not associated with the British, who else? I'd rather see Anguilla be associated with Britain than any other country - at least a distance is kept for the people to get on with their lives. The French have a bad record - long after the US and UK ceased nuclear testing in the Pacific, the French continued nuclear testing off the French Polynesians well into the 1990's, despite international protests, and even the International court ruling against France - the French ignored the ruling and carried on - the inhabitants of the islands have increased cancer rates. If associated with the US, how long before the peaceful island became over developed, or ultra-exclusive in a fashion that ultimately hindered the Anguillans. At least the British aren't forcing the Anguillan people to sell of lands to commercial developers. The Anguillans are just getting along with their lives.

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May 17, 2008
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Anguilla Independence Comments
by: Anonymous

Anguilla is a pretty small country, 10,000 people if I remember correctly. It's a wonderful place. Quiet and lawful, with warm and welcoming people, we've always felt safe. I guess the key question is, given how small it is, how big is Britain's contribution to the island, its well-being, and its stability?

I wonder if the courts of laws are administered by the British or by Anguillians? For that matter, what exactly do the British contribute? If it's essential items like defense and their legal system and courts of law, one might do well to think twice about fixing what is not broken.

If it's merely ceremonial, such as the queen's presence here in Canada in the form of a ceremonial office that costs us millions to maintain, they should do what we should do...

Thank them for their help in the past, say good-bye, and wish them good luck for the future... and let's stay friends, of course.

Respectfully,
James Fuller
Toronto, Canada