At a mass, colourful and musical rally, on Saturday night, December 7, at Blowing Point, the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM), under the leadership of Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, launched its full slate of eleven candidates for the 2020 general and at-large elections.
The list comprises the four at-large candidates announced for the first time. They are Businessman, Mr. Kyle Hodge; Businesswoman, Mrs. Quincia-Marie; just-retired top Civil Servant, Mr. Kenneth M. Hodge; and long-standing political and social agitator, now Lawyer, Mr. Kennedy Hodge.
The other seven candidates, who will be contesting the district general election, and whose names were previously announced, are: Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, District 1, Island Harbour; Mr. Jerome Roberts, District 2, East End/Sandy Hill; Mr. Courtney Morton, a former banker, District 3, Valley North; former Anguilla Pageant Queen and Miss Universe (Great Britain), now Lawyer, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, District 4, Valley South; Mr. Merrick Richardson, District 5, Road North; Mr. Hadyn Hughes, District 6, Road South; and Ms. Kimberley Fleming, District 7, West End/Long Bay.
All the candidates, attired in their Movement’s colours and highlighting a design of “the boat”, their symbol, were individually ushered on stage in a resounding presentation – with colourful video clippings – to deliver their addresses to the large gathering. Under the APM’s rallying slogan, “Change Can’t Wait”, they spoke during the over three-hour rally about their candidacies and perspectives for leadership in Anguilla. Their appearance on stage was preceded by a number of other persons from the constituencies who voiced their support for them.
The rally was wrapped up by the APM Leader, Dr. Webster, who spoke highly about his team of candidates, summarised their addresses, and addressed the gathering on his own behalf – and on that of his colleagues.
“Anguillians here, and those aboard listening to us, I want you to know that the Anguilla Progressive Movement is in the house – and all eleven candidates are here – and we will represent you [if you] give us that chance,” he told his listeners.
Dr. Webster, an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, continued: “We intend to build a society that is sensitive to the needs of the very young and the elderly; a society that inspires an economic sector; that better adds to the needs of ordinary people – people like you – by providing great opportunities and a kinder nation that is not so bankrupt of ideas, will and money, that it can’t find a way to provide a hand-up to you, the people.
“The premise of our campaign is economic empowerment; the premise of this campaign is to form a responsible and responsive Government that adheres to the principles of good governance and transparency. The premise of this campaign is that we need to make a greater investment in our people, especially the young, so that they, and by extension, Anguilla, can achieve our full potential.
“Tonight, I want to remind you of the premise of this campaign – a premise on which we shall build a comprehensive manifesto of intention rooted in realistic achievable goals. Our overarching philosophy is based on the Biblical precept that the meek shall inherit the earth. We respect the strong and honour their achievement; but it is the most vulnerable among us for which we fight.”
In calling for unity among the people of Anguilla, Dr. Webster also invited independent candidates, seeking election, to join the Anguilla Progressive Movement. “Our Movement is a Movement for change and we know that ‘Change Can’t Wait,’” he added.
