Madam Justice Cheryl Mathurin
The House of Assembly
Anguilla’s newly-appointed Governor, Her Excellency Ms Christina Scott, was sworn-in on Tuesday this week, when the Oaths of Office and Allegiance were administered by Resident High Court Judge, Madam Justice Cheryl Mathurin.
The swearing-in, at the House of Assembly Chambers, was preceded by the Speaker, Hon Barbara Webster-Bourne, reading the Royal Commission appointing Ms Scott to the position of Governor of Anguilla.
The ceremony commenced with prayers by the Right Reverend Errol Brooks who, in his introduction, said in part: “It is appropriate that, as we commence another chapter in our island’s history and affairs, we offer prayers to Almighty God seeking His guidance and blessing.”
Speaking after the Leader of the Opposition, Evans Rogers, other Members of the House and Chief Minister Hubert Hughes, Governor Scott said that her first priority would be to listen to the views and concerns of all persons regarding their hopes, dreams for their families, communities and country. She pledged that she would work with “the elected representatives, public servants, business, civil society, faith groups and communities to support the continued development of a secure, resilient and prosperous Anguilla.”
Governor Scott told the gathering that the economy of Anguilla was the primary focus for her and the island on a whole. She cautioned, however, that the journey ahead would not be straightforward, and that there was a need for combined efforts to widen economic opportunities while preserving the rich and irreplaceable natural resources of the island.
She stressed that in order to grow the economy “it must have strong roots in good governance and the careful management of public finances.” She noted that it was a shared responsibility of all to ensure “the best possible outcome for Anguilla, acting with objectivity, integrity and setting aside individual interest for the collective good.”
Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, said that as an elected representative with fifty years experience that he sincerely believed that he could help “to guide Her Excellency on a mutual policy that respects us Anguillians as Anguillians, and I stand ready to do so.” He hoped that the powers that be from London would allow the Governor “the scope, independence of thought and an understanding of the societal climate – that is gained on being on the grounds – so that, in her administrative role, she will be able to achieve harmony, improve efficiencies, solve problems and be solution oriented.” He pledged that he and his ministerial colleagues would seek to provide Her Excellencywith the atmosphere within which she could assist in moving Anguilla forward.
The Chief Minister outlined four of a number qualities he desired that a new Governor of Anguilla should have as follows: the first that the Governor should not be an official from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office but an administrator. Secondly, the Governor should believe in God. (He was pleased that Governor Scott had fitted that quality being the daughter of an Anglican Priest.) The third quality was that the Governor should be willing to work harmoniously with the local Government Ministers whom the people chose at the polls. And the fourth quality was that Governor should assist the Government to clean up corruption in administrative and other circles in Anguilla.
Mr Hughes said that Governor Scott was facing very big challenges if she were to make a difference on the island. He reiterated his pledge, on behalf of his Government and the people of Anguilla, to assist her in doing what is right for her and for Anguilla.”
At the start of the proceedings in the House of Assembly, the Chief Minister undertook to allow other members to speak ahead of him. The first speaker was the Leader of the Opposition, Evans Rogers. The Valley North Elected Representative welcomed Governor Scott with “the heartiest tradition of Anguillian hospitality and generosity for which our people are renowned.”
He told Ms Scott that she had come to Anguilla at a time when the island was experiencing many challenges, but he believed that the UK had a role to play in assisting the island, a British Overseas Territory, to manage the issues it was facing.
“It is my hope that your appointment can be a wonderful opportunity for the Government of Anguilla and Her Majesty’s Government to refresh their working relationship,” Mr Rogers stated in part.
Former Minister of Social Development, Edison Baird, who was recently fired by Chief Minister Hughes, was the second speaker from the Opposition side of the House. He welcomed Ms Scott as the “new Governor to our beautiful but politically-troubled island.” He charged that Anguilla was “now experiencing an extensive period of bad governance” and he gave what he described as “two of several examples of bad governance in Anguilla.”
Mr Baird called upon all members of the House of Assembly, especially those in Government, to work with the Governor to restore good governance in Anguilla.
The third speaker was Parliamentary Secretary, Hadyn Hughes. In welcoming the Governor to the island, he invited her “to sit with the people of Anguilla and chart a way forward to stamp out the scourge of gun violence once and for all.”
He was referring to Sunday night’s shooting at Blowing Point in which seven young men were wounded, three of them seriously, and to the many other previous incidents in which a number of persons were killed, maimed or otherwise injured.
The other three speakers were former Minister of Home Affairs, Walcott Richardson; Minister of Communications, Evan Gumbs, and Second Nominated Member, Leroy Rogers.
Mr Richardson was of the view that Ms Scott was posted to Anguilla by divine intervention. He said it was fitting for him to encourage the new Governor to find out for herself about Anguilla and its culture – by allowing herself to be known by the people in the first place. He, however, advised her “to stay aloof and not to mingle in the politics of the nation but be sensitive to the politics that is around us.” He explained that he was referring to party politics which should not be her objective, but what was happening politically in Anguilla.
Mr Gumbs, speaking on behalf of his Valley South constituents, his family and Anguilla in general, extended a pleasant welcome to the Governor. He hoped that she would enjoy her stay and advised her that her appointment had been made in challenging times in Anguilla, the United Kingdom and everywhere else. “Challenges are good and they make us stronger,” he stated. “I too like challenges. I just like to encourage you. I am aware that you said you are looking forward to working with the people of Anguilla and their representatives as we build a vibrant, successful and resilient future. I would like to challenge you on that, and I believe you will. And we look forward to working with you, as the Government, for the people of Anguilla.”
The Second Nominated Member, Leroy Rogers, told Governor Scott that Anguillians were a proud and independent people, but he was certain that she possessed the wisdom and understanding to work with them. He hoped that she would have a successful term of office and offered her every good wish.
The other persons who would may spoken were the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon Jerome Roberts, and Opposition Member, OthlynVanterpool, both of whom were absent. The Speaker apologised for their absence saying they were in Curacao accompanying a contingent of the Anguilla Cub Scouts at the 2013 Caribbean Cuboree.
Both galleries in the House of Assembly were filled to capacity by invited guests representing the public and private sectors. In the southern corner, down from the Speaker’s Chair, the area was taken up by members of the Comprehensive School’s Choir, under the leadership of Mrs Daphne Jacobs-Richardson, and representatives of the school’s Steel Band under the direction of Mr Michael (Dumpa) Martin.
Following the adjournment of the sitting of the House of Assembly, Governor Scott inspected a Police Guard of Honour – drawn up in the courtyard – as well as the Police Community Band. She was accompanied on the inspection tour by Chief Minister Hughes, Commissioner of Police, Rudolph Proctor, and the Commanding Officer, Superintendent Elliott Forbes.
