The newly-appointed Governor of Anguilla, Ms. Dileeni Daniel – Selvaratnam, distinguished herself from all former Governors when she broke out into prayer during her swearing-in ceremony on Monday, January 18.
She spoke at the virtual ceremony, from her place of Covid-19 quarantine, which was carried live on the Government’s website and by private video link on In Anguilla and other social media. Premier Dr. Ellis Webster and his Cabinet, as well as his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kathleen Rogers, who chaired the proceedings, were at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance at the time.
Others in the Conference Room were: the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks, who delivered the opening prayer; Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley who read a short biography of the Governor; the Resident High Court Judge, Justice Shawn Innocent, who read the Commission of Appointment by and Swore-in the Governor; Premier Dr. Ellis Webster who delivered an address; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Barbara Webster-Bourne; the Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, who also delivered an address.
Responding at the swearing-in ceremony, the Governor thanked Bishop Brooks for his thoughtful prayer; Justice Innocent for swearing her in; Premier Webster and the Leader of the Opposition for their kind introductory remarks; and the Deputy Governor for his introduction and gracious service as acting Governor for the past two weeks.
The Governor continued: “It is a great honour and privilege to be sworn-in as the Governor of Anguilla, today. I have in sincerity pledged to serve the people of Anguilla – and work with your elected representatives in support of all areas of the nation’s life. In this resolve, I will seek to protect the well-being of all Anguillian citizens and advance Anguilla’s economic development for a more sustainable future.
“2020 was an unprecedented and unforgiving year. The pandemic has been devastating. My heartfelt sympathies are with all those who have suffered loss – and with those who are so keenly feeling the separation from loved ones, suffering from financial distress or a deterioration in their own personal well-being. In these challenging times, faith has taught us to draw strength in prayer, to find comfort in community, and to seek resilience through change and innovation.
“Anguilla is a beautiful territory of rich potential. As I take my Governorship forward, I will seek to serve firmly the interests of Anguilla, committed to governing the island with humility, integrity and compassion.
“God of life and hope, we pray for our island territory and for the guidance of your Spirit – that you will provide wisdom and courage so that we may all work in partnership for the common good.
“May God Bless Anguilla.”
Speaking briefly at the start of the ceremony, Opposition Leader, Mrs. Richardson-Hodge, said:
“I extend to you a very warm welcome to our shores. As former members of the Government, we, the Opposition Members in the House of Assembly, understand and appreciate the critical role that you will play as Governor – in relation to good governance, and we look forward to your valuable contribution towards our island’s growth and development.
“The sixty-million-grant from the UK and its people, currently being used to fund a number of infrastructural projects across Anguilla, is a sterling example of the level of partnership possible between our people and the UK Government. And a critical component of that partnership is you, Governor.
“It is indeed a difficult time that all countries, and their people, are currently facing. But I am confident that your level of skill and experience will assist Anguilla in moving through these unchartered waters.
“With that being said, as Leader of the Opposition, I congratulate you on this appointment and I undertake that the Opposition Members will continue to play our role as a responsible Opposition in looking out for the people’s interests.”
Premier Webster, who spoke for a much longer period, also congratulated the Governor on her appointment. He continued: “Anguilla is known for pristine sandy beaches; its turquoise sea and beautiful sunny weather. But Anguilla’s most precious asset is its people.
“Throughout history, and to this present day, Anguillians are defined by determination, self-confidence and a will to survive. This indomitable spirit has helped us to endure hardship; brave the unknown and excel in our endeavours. Anguillians have excelled academically, athletically and professionally – locally, regionally and internationally.
“Historian Mr. Colville Petty wrote in Bless Our Forebears that the history of Anguilla has shown that in spite of being battered and sometimes flattened by severe hurricanes, its people did not abandon it. They picked up the pieces and rebuilt. Cherish the Rock. The survival of Anguillians as a distinct people owes much to our resilience and pride and a culture of caring and sharing. These attributes of self-reliance and hospitality have kept us as a nation.
“Mr. Petty observed that the state of Anguilla’s economy, at the close of the 20th century, suggested considerable hope for a prosperous society. He concluded that the extent to which its growth is sustainable, demands prudent management of its resources. Unfortunately, having failed in that regard, I am certain that the close of 2020 would not engender the same enthusiasm by our learned historian. But there is still hope. And, Governor, part of that rests on your shoulders as it is on ours.
“The vision statement of this Administration reads: ‘The Anguilla Progressive Movement understands that enhancing the foundation of a great society means investing more in its people and empowering them to take ownership of their own destiny. It embodies the wellness concept; improving the quality of healthcare and education through modernisation; and developing new policies. We will build a robust and viable economy; encourage local entrepreneurship and development; and support the talent of our young people. We are determined to lead our society by the way we take care of our very young and elderly.’
“We promised, upon coming to office, to evaluate the state of affairs to determine the financial and economic position of Anguilla. Present a state-of-the-nation address regarding the debt position; the position of contingent liability; and the availability of resources such as revenue and reserves. We did that. We adopted, as a matter of priority, to curb spending; restore a sense of normalcy and ensure financial responsibility – all under-pinned with accountability and achieved through fiscal prudence and good governance.
“We have had to make tough decisions, some of which are unpopular. The banking crisis, and the options chosen by the former Administration for the banking resolution, destabilised Anguilla’s economy; significantly increased national debt; caused severe reputational harm; wiped out fiscal reserves and saddled our people with debt obligations for generations. This, coupled with the devastation by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and now the Covd-19 pandemic, has crippled Anguilla’s economy.
“We have benefitted from United Kingdom’s financial aid to decrease the negative impact of the pandemic to pay unemployment benefits; expand the laboratory facility; provide testing equipment, supplies and personnel; improve medical services and enhance border security. Prior to this, we benefitted from humanitarian aid of sixty million pounds which helped us to restore and rebuild after Hurricane Irma.
“The Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, halted our main economic driver – tourism. While there has been some activity with the phased reopening, and the hard work of our frontline hospitality workers, hoteliers and villa owners, the negative effect is felt in every home and business – and by Government. We must remember that the United Kingdom has also been severely affected by this pandemic. And while it continues to make efforts to fulfil its commitment to the people of Anguilla, this Administration has had to find ways to fill the gaps to continue to provide the essential services of quality healthcare; education; reliable water; water security; and port maintenance.”
Premier Webster went on: “Some have spoken out against these decisions and that is their right as citizens of this great democratic and free society – which brings me to good governance. This was mentioned previously, today, so I think we are on the same page, Governor, as we understand that good governance is necessary for Anguilla’s survival. This must be a partnership between the United Kingdom Government through you, Governor, Your Excellency, and the people of Anguilla. This partnership has not always been easy, and history has shown that it has not always lived up to expectation. But recently there has been a demonstration of collaboration and mutual respect which bodes well for the future.
“Good governance is pivotal in the development process. It is crucial to the manner in which power is exercised. It is not just imposing conditions with expected compliance…unenforced or unjust legal systems; abuse of executive power; unengaged civil society; and widespread corruption. It must be the elimination of corruption to preserve the integrity of democracy. Corruption damages economic development and reform.
“Investment in people is also essential to good governance. This requires cultivating a human resource base and utilising it appropriately so as to reap maximum benefit as opportunities arise. Good governance is a process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs; manage public resources; and guarantee the realisation of human rights in a manner free from corruption and with due regard for the rule of law. We must preserve the welfare of the people; provide healthcare; education; and an environment where political, economic and social wellbeing, peace and justice prevail.
“This task cannot be taken lightly or ignored – but must be constantly evaluated, regulated and preserved. These co-values of transparency, accountability and good governance will define your tenure, Your Excellency, as Governor of this Overseas Territory – as they propel us, as representatives of this, our beloved island home, and of our people who are proud, strong and free.”
Premier Wester added: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Anguilla, welcome to Anguilla and may your sojourn here be warm, friendly and rewarding.
“God save the Queen. God bless you, Your Excellency, and may God continue to bless the people of Anguilla.”
