An anomaly in the Anguilla House of Assembly, whereby the Deputy Governor was serving as Deputy Speaker, under an amendment to the Anguilla Constitution, has now been corrected by a second amendment.
The rectification took place in the Assembly on Tuesday, December 1, when the Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, announced his resignation and Mr. Merrick Richardson was elected by secret ballot.
Mr. Richardson is the Road North Representative of the governing Anguilla Progressive Movement Government. Proposed by his colleagues, he obtained seven votes. His competitor, Mr. Jose Vanterpool, supported by his opposition colleagues of the Anguilla United Front, received four votes. There were two abstentions (the Attorney General and the Deputy Governor, the ex-officio members of the Assembly).
Referring to the anomaly, which existed in the Assembly, Mr. Bradley informed the Speaker, Mrs. Barbara Webster-Bourne, of his resignation: “I am pleased to say that I have tendered my resignation as Deputy Speaker to the Governor which was accepted; and I wish my successor all the very best. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your support and also for the opportunity to serve the people of Anguilla in this office.”
Mr. Richardson, his successor, expressed gratitude for being elected to “the prestigious post” and that “It is a great honour to serve in this Honourable House.” He hoped that his colleagues, who elected him, as well as the opposition members, would have faith in him.
Mr. Vanterpool, the other candidate for election, offered his congratulations to Mr. Richardson and thanked his colleagues for nominating him for Deputy Speaker. He said it was an honour for him to have served as Deputy Speaker during part of the previous parliamentary session, under the Anguilla United Front Government.
Mr. Vanterpool told the Speaker: “Based on my commitment to parliamentary reform and strengthening of our institution, I will do anything, within my power, to work with you,” a pledge he had also made to her before the vote for a new Deputy Speaker was taken.
