The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a press release on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, the first day of the constitutional talks on the island between the visiting team from the United Kingdom Government and the Anguilla Negotiating Team.
At the end of the day, the Ministry’s press release stated in part that, amid intense discussions, common ground was found on a number of areas but that there was no consensus and there were variances on other matters.
Meanwhile, the constitutional discussions continued on Wednesday. In the evening there was a townhall meeting at the Church of God (Holiness) on The Queen Elizabeth Avenue.
The following is the full text of the press release issued on Tuesday:
UPDATE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
The Ministry of Home Affairs announces to the general public that the negotiations on the new Constitution for Anguilla begun, on Tuesday 19th November 2019. The team from the United Kingdom Government and the Anguilla Negotiating Team met to engage in discussions on the Draft Constitution for Anguilla. Present on Anguilla’s behalf were the Honourable Premier Victor Banks, Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge (Minister of Home Affairs), Hon Evalie Bradley (Special Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Home Affairs), Hon Leader of the Opposition Ms Palmavon Webster, Mr Don Mitchell QC, Hon Dwight Horsford (Attorney General), Mr Thomas Astaphan accompanied by Mr Carlyle Rogers representing the Anguilla Bar Association, Mr Stanley Reid (former member of the Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee), Dr Ellis Lorenzo Webster (Leader of the APM), Pastor Philip Gumbs representing the Evangelical Association and Christian Council and Mrs Chanelle Petty Barrett, Permanent Secretary Home Affairs. Chairing the proceedings was the Hon Jose Vanterpool (First Nominated Member of the House of Assembly). Also attending as observers were His Excellency the Governor and the Hon Deputy Governor.
Opening statements were presented by UK Team Leader Mr Adam Pile, Anguilla’s Team Leader Premier Banks, Leader of the Opposition Ms Palmavon Webster, Leader of the Anguilla Progressive Movement Dr Ellis Webster and President of the Anguilla Bar Association Mr Thomas Astaphan.
Discussions focused on Chapters 1 to 3 of the Draft Constitution which deal with Fundamental rights and freedoms, interpretation and the Governor. The fundamental rights and freedoms chapter was discussed at length as the UK team had several proposals in this regard most of which were aimed at ensuring that Anguilla’s Constitution was in compliance with the European Convention on Human
Rights. Amid intense discussions common ground was found on a number of areas including (subject to some amendment) the addition of a provision on the right to an education. However, there was no consensus on other provisions such as the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, protection from discrimination and the right to marry, where traditional Anguillian values and what is becoming international norms were at variance.
In relation to the provisions on the appointment of the Governor and the Deputy Governor, discussions centred on the proposed consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition prior to those appointments being made. Consensus has not yet been achieved in relation to the process for appointment of the Governor.
Discussions on other areas of the Constitution will continue tomorrow.
The public is also reminded of the town hall meeting with the UKG team on Wednesday 20th November 2019 at 6:00pm at the Church of God of Holiness, Pope Hill.
The public is asked to take note of this information.
Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge
Minister of Home Affairs
19th November 2019
