The sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly in the Atlin Noraldo Harrigan Parliamentary Building, this Friday afternoon, July 17, is an historic occasion. It is the first time that the House has had so many Elected Members: eleven instead of seven as a result of the recent amendments to the Constitution, thus creating greater democracy. It is the first time that there is such a large number of Opposition Members – a total of four. It is the first time that there are a number of elected young people on the Government’s side of the House; and it is the first time for the House to meet in its beautifully renovated and improved parliamentary building since the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017. This may worth a round of applause.
To start with, the parliamentary building, which is nestled between the adjoining High Court and Magistrate’s Court, is an image of distinct beauty. It is one of the public sector projects funded under the UK Government’s humanitarian grant – and the renovation and upgrading job was done by a young Anguillian, Mr. David Bryan, of MEPITS Solutions. Listening to him, he is obviously proud of his work. The centerpiece in the floor of the building is of exquisitely polished and fitted Anguillian native rock. The interior space has been noticeably shortened by the provision of ample space an attractive and elegant-looking Tea Table, at the back, for use during break and refreshing periods in the House. The sitting areas for the Government and Opposition Members present a striking appearance with brand new locally-made benches or desks. These have a personalised groove for each member, fitted with top-of-the-line microphones and small monitors not only to ensure that the system is on, but for use in voting processes. Other noticeable features in the building are the installation of brand new air-conditioners; fire extinguishers; and fresh air ventilators in the roof. In addition, the carpeted public gallery, with its planned cluster of comfortable chairs, is both inviting and costly. For now, however, there are two rows of rented chairs until the new seats are received. In short, the renovation and upgrading work has made the Anguilla House of Assembly Chambers probably the best in, and the envy of, the region.
The only unfortunate negative issue, however, is that all of this beautiful adorning would be in vain if the conduct of Members of the House is out of order and callous as in times past. From the Speaker, to the Government and the Opposition, their deliveries must be as pristine, respectful and honourable as the Chamber of the House. Gone, across the aisle, must be the bitterness or rancour of the election campaign at the island’s street corners and public open spaces. Gone must be the days when it was shameful to hear, on the airways, the confusion and diatribe in the House than the people’s business; and gone must be the days when defenseless citizens in the community were unfairly abused or slandered without recourse.
Not only must the Speaker be impartial, democratic and patient in conducting the House, but the Premier, the Leader of Government Business, must also demonstrate a leadership role worth emulating by everyone else in his team. The Opposition – which comprises three former members of Government, and a young former First Nominated Member and Deputy Speaker – also has an effective role to play. There must not be any evidence of “opposing for opposing sake” as was seen in the past. There must be a well-reasoned debate performance to support matters of public interest before the House – or to object to them when there are suitable grounds or reasons to do so. Anguilla is facing upsetting times, never seen in its history. We are all in this together and must therefore work together for the common good of our island and its people. There is no better place where we can strive for unity, progress and excellence than the people’s House of Assembly.
It is to be noted that Friday’s House of Assembly will be followed by what is called a “Virtual Post Election Seminar” on Monday, July 20. It is a high-powered event involving three top officials from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). They are Mr. Jack Hardcastle, CPA Headquarters; Mr. Steven Twigg, Secretary-General Elect, CPA Headquarters; and Mr. John Davies, Chief Executive, CPA, UK. This is believed to be the seminar which Mr. Jose Vanterpool has been speaking about recently. He is the only Member of the House of Assembly to have recently completed a course in parliamentary practice – in Canada – to improve his skills in preparation for his elected service. The Post Election Seminar should be a very useful event at a time like this when the elected members are fresh from the campaign trail; and there is a need to settle down to the reality of governance and to address the thorny myriad of challenges facing Anguilla.
We can only hope that, going forward, Anguilla will be proud to have an Honourable House of Assembly where there is order, goodwill and unity; and where the people’s business, in an attractive and costly Chamber, takes preference over personal and political vendetta.
