The above were the words of the Honourable Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary, when the AUM officially launched its political campaign on Tuesday evening, 18th February, on the grounds of the Tyre Shop in George Hill. According to Hughes, there are great things happening in Anguilla – and we are truly on the move. He took the time to list what he considered to be the major accomplishments of the AUM administration which included the many memoranda of understanding signed in relation to tourism projects. The night was described as one of stewardship and all of the speakers addressed the crowd in this vein, save for the Honouarble Chief Minister who, very early in his remarks, accused senior civil servants of corruption and getting in the way of the work of his administration. The Chief Minister also announced the AUM’s slate of candidates which includes newcomers Dr Ellis Lorenzo Webster (Island Harbour), Patrick “Sheriff” Hanley (Road North) and Kristy Richardson (West End).
This launch was the second such political event in less than a week, as Ms Pam Webster launched her campaign in District One (Island Harbour) on Saturday 15th February. Ms Webster is contesting the next general election as an independent candidate unlike 2010 when she ran on the APP ticket. She took the opportunity to thank the Island Harbour community for their support and some key persons, including Mr Vivien (Arthwin) Vanterpool, and Ms Marie Horsford, for their continued encouragement. Since the last general election, Ms Webster continued her work in the community which is most tangibly demonstrated in her establishment of a community centre for the youth of the district.
The previous week, we heard Special Assistant Sam Webster give an account of the things he has done for District One since the last general elections which he unsuccessfully contested as an AUM candidate. Mr Webster took the opportunity to inform the public, and in particular his supporters, that he was not contesting the 2015 elections; and went on to ask them to support his brother, Dr Ellis Lorenzo Webster, who will replace him as a candidate. Over the past four years, and in particular the last few months, the Webster’s family has been making contributions of various sorts to the two primary schools in District One: Vivien Vanterpool and Morris Vanterpool.
Given this spate of political activity, we look forward with anticipation to the official launch of the DOVE party on 2nd March. This party will be led by Mr Sutcliffe Hodge who lost by a narrow margin in the 2010 elections to the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers, the present Leader of the Opposition. Following the last elections, Mr Hodge has remained an active commentator on a myriad of economic, social and political issues facing Anguilla. The Reverend Dr H Clifton Niles, who is a member of the party, has also offered advice and guidance when Anguilla has been faced with challenges of various sorts over the years. We await the announcement of the party’s other candidates.
A few days ago, the AUF announced its candidates. It was by way of a press release. The candidates are: Othlyn Vanterpool (Island Harbour), Cora Richardson-Hodge (Sandy Hill), Evans McNiel Rogers (Valley North), Victor Banks (Valley South), Delsic Rey (Road North), Curtis Richardson (Road South) and Cardigan Connor (West End). As for the APP, we have no idea whether this party is still viable. From the time the Honourable Jerome Roberts crossed the floor, in June 2010, it appears that the APP has never recovered. The party seems to have disappeared without a murmur. Additionally, to date, we have not been privy to any public meetings being held, or announcements made, by the Honourable Edison Baird, representative for Road North, who it is expected will contest the 2015 elections as an independent candidate after being unceremoniously evicted from the AUM Government.
Undoubtedly there are exciting times ahead. The political campaigns are truly on the move.
