By Roxy Benjamin
For the past four and a half years, I’ve listened closely to the voices echoing across our airwaves, voices of political activists and even adults who should know better.
Instead of promoting unity, too many have used these platforms to lash out at their opponents and the former Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) ministers.
Much of this bitterness stems from the 4% added to the existing 9% import duty tax under the goods and services tax (13% GST).
I understand the frustration, and we all do. But what troubles me more is how that frustration has turned into verbal warfare.
Talk shows have become battlegrounds, with adults bullying each other, pointing fingers, and spreading more heat than light. And let’s be clear: our youth are watching and listening.
What are we teaching them? That bitterness and hate are normal? That envy and grudges are how we solve problems? That the only way to be heard is to tear others down?
We need to do better. It’s time to preach peace. To calm the nation with words of love, unity, and respect. To set an example of what it means to disagree without destroying each other.
Let go of the envy. Let go of the jealousy. Let go of the hate. Only then will we begin to see real change; only then will our youth, and especially our young men, surrender and put the guns down.
I say this every time I tune into these shows. And I’ll keep saying it until the message sinks in. The youth are learning from us. Let’s teach them well. It starts from there.