The business of the Anguilla House of Assembly, on Tuesday March 23, 2021, was preceded by a statement by the Speaker, Mrs. Barbara Webster-Bourne, in relation to the GST Bill, the petitions against it, and the number of protesters who were allowed in the House.
Her statement, published here in The Anguillian newspaper, for the national record, was delivered during the announcements, and was as follows:
” I am pleased to see the many persons in the Public Gallery who have come to this Honourable House in a peaceful and respectful manner in exercise of their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and association. All members of the Assembly and myself, respect this right.
“I have received correspondence from, Concerned Citizens of Anguilla.” For the sake of transparency and the record, I will read it.
[Read Letter]
“A petition has also been forwarded to the Assembly bearing the signatures of more than 1400 petitioners. I impress upon members of this Honourable House to give due consideration to the people’s request, bearing in mind that we work on behalf of the people. I would like to ensure that all understand the process.
Section 15 and 16 of the Legislative Assembly Procedure Rules applies. It states:
Form of Petition
15. Every petition intended to be presented to the Assembly must—
(a) be addressed to the Assembly;
(b) conclude with a request setting forth the general object of the petitioners;
(c) bear the signatures of the petitioners, or their marks duly witnessed; and
(d) be endorsed by the person presenting the same to the effect that in his opinion it is properly and respectfully worded.
Presentation of Petition
16. (1) A petition must be presented by a member who shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of the preceding Rule.
(2) A member may not present a petition himself.
(3) The member presenting a petition may state concisely the purport of the petition, and may move that it do lie on the Table or be read or printed or referred to a Select Committee, and any such motion shall specify the number of members which shall form a quorum of the Committee.
(4) No debate shall be permitted on such motion nor shall any other member speak upon or in relation to such petition except to second such motion formally.
(5) When any petition is referred to a Select Committee, individuals whose rights are peculiarly affected by any proposed action or legislation to which the petition relates may be heard by the Committee or, at its discretion, by Counsel.
“In my statement issued yesterday, I committed through my good offices to facilitate the process of the petition coming to the Assembly, if the public was desirous. I have requested and the Hon Deputy Speaker has agreed to facilitate the process of the petitioncoming to the Assembly. As a senior member of the House Administration and a Member of this Honourable he is uniquely positioned to do so.
“Upon presentation of the petition the Hon Member will move that the petition stands referred to a Select Committee for consideration. It is my hope that through the establishment of the Select Committee, a direct and formal channel will be opened so that members of the public can express their concerns to the Assembly in a structured manner and have them heard.
“In accordance with section 16 (4) of the Legislative Assembly Rules, “No debate shall be permitted on such motion nor shall any other member speak upon or in relation to such petition except to second such motion formally.”
“I again implore all to, respect this Honourable House which our forbearers built, and which we continue to build together; and at all times maintain it’s dignity. I also ask that the you be mindful of your comprtment in the public gallery and within the precincts of the Assembly. I ask that in demonstrating your concerns about the introduction of the Bill for Goods and Services Act, that you demonstrate to the world your respect for the law, your respect for the institutions of the island and your love and respect for Anguilla and your respect for yourselves.”
