During the weekly programme, Just the Facts, on Radio Anguilla 95.5 FM, all duly elected members of the Parliamentary Opposition were present: Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Leader of the Opposition; Mr. Evans McNeil Rogers; Mr. Cardigan Connor; and Mr. Jose Vanterpool. The members raised a number of areas of concern.
The Parliamentary Opposition members spent a considerable amount of time discussing the recent overseas trip taken by the Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), hosted by the United Kingdom Government, in Glasgow. The point of discussion by the Parliamentary Opposition members, centered on comments made on a recent call-in programme on Radio Anguilla. The Parliamentary Opposition Leader stated that, there was “a news release last week… where she [Mrs. Gumbs-Marie] would have expressed disappointment in not being able to sit and discuss with World Leaders…She would have indicated that the UK had expressed that there is ‘no space at the table’ in terms of the conference.” The members discussed the fact that Mrs. Gumbs-Marie seemed surprised by the lack of access to the conference, and stressed the importance of making persons aware of, and practicing, appropriate protocol.
Another area of concern was voiced by opposition member, Mr. Connor, regarding the search for someone to replace Mr. Tiago as General Manager of Belmond Cap Juluca. He noted that, there were 250 applicants to fill the position left vacant by Mr. Tiago’s departure, and wondered “how many of those applicants are actually Anguillians; whether or not they thought it was beyond them, or whether or not they feel that they would be given a fair shot at it.” He continued: “One of the challenges we face in Anguilla is that we cannot ask somebody to do something when we are doing the absolute opposite…if we still can’t find Anguillians, as government, to put our people in top positions, then it makes it difficult for us to dictate to any private entity.”
The Parliamentary Opposition members also discussed the recent Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony held at the new wing of The Valley Primary School. They expressed great pleasure in seeing the work, which the previous AUF Government had started, now come to completion. They also took some time to commend the former Premier, Mr. Victor Banks, for his leadership in that area, and extended birthday greetings and well wishes to him.
