Mrs Chanelle E. Petty Barrett
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of Anguilla
5th November 2019
Dear Mrs. Petty Barrett
Constitutional Reform – Anguilla’s Negotiating Team.
Thank you very much for your letter dated 28th October 2019. I have already confirmed my willingness, as Leader of the Opposition, to participate as a member of the Anguilla negotiating team in the forthcoming negotiations with the United Kingdom Government. Thank you again for the invitation.
I am writing now to advise you of my intention to have Mr. Don Mitchell Q.C. accompany me to meetings with the British representatives. Mr. Mitchell, in his capacity as Queens Counsel, Retired Justice of Appeal and – most importantly – as former Chair of the Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee will, undoubtedly, provide a meaningful and important contribution to these negotiations. Mr. Mitchell’s extensive knowledge of the subject matter, coupled with his hands-on experience in the process of public consultations, and in the construction of the Draft New Constitution submitted to the Government in 2017, is essential to the balanced approach and non-partisan environment in which these negotiations must take place, in the best interests of the people of Anguilla.
As Leader of the Opposition, I have spoken at length, and have made repeated representations, for greater inclusivity and fairness in the process of Constitutional Reform. This is well documented in my Statement of Dissent to the Committee of the whole House of Assembly on Constitutional and Electoral Reform and in my open letter to the Premier. I reiterate this position to you, as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, tasked to lead in the administration of this negotiation process with the UK Government representatives.
I also think it is imperative to include the leaders of all political parties, their legal representatives and other representatives of civil society. It is my firm belief that the negotiating team must reflect the holistic voice of the people in this very important matter, as your Ministry seeks to progress to the next stage of Constitutional Reform.
I am committed to this process towards ensuring a stronger democracy and the best possible outcomes for the people of Anguilla and future generations of Anguillians.
Yours Sincerely,
Palmavon Webster
Leader of the opposition
