On receipt of the resignation of the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers, elected representative for District Three (Valley North), from his seat in the Anguilla House of Assembly on 1st April 2022, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam did not hesitate in exercising her powers to set the date for the by-election. On 24th May 2022, six days before the celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution, the people of Valley North will go to the polls to elect a new representative.
It was rumoured for several months that Mr Rogers, who was the longest serving member of the current House of Assembly, would resign his seat to attend to personal matters. His contribution to Anguilla’s development, the advancement of the interests of his constituency, and his unique style of debate in the House will always be remembered. While originally dubbed “the Rookie” by a local calypsonian, there is no doubt that Mr Rogers evolved to become the “Father of the House”. He brought a level of maturity, logic and pragmatism to the discussion of issues of national importance. Refreshingly candid in his analysis, he was particularly effective at ensuring that ordinary people of all walks of life could understand the issues being debated. His successor will have some big shoes to fill, just as he did when he succeeded longstanding representative for Valley North, Mr Eric Reid.
While nomination day is slated for 29th April 2022, there is much speculation as to which candidates will be vying for the opportunity to succeed Mr Rogers. One candidate is Mr Courtney Morton, who contested the seat in the last general elections and is the current Special Adviser to the Honourable Premier. Mr Morton has a background in banking and finance, and given his current post, it is safe to assume that he is one of the Premier’s trusted advisers. While we have hardly seen or heard from him since the last general elections, we must believe that he has been working behind the scenes and has played a key role in the decisions being made by the APM Government.
It is also speculated that Mrs Shellya Rogers-Webster, the Deputy Director of Tourism, will contest the by-election as a member of the AUF party. It is no secret that Mrs Rogers-Webster is a political aspirant who has long been identified by the AUF party as a possible successor to Mr Rogers. Mrs Rogers-Webster has previously served with distinction at the Department of Youth and Culture and continues this level of service at the Anguilla Tourist Board. She is a Chevening Scholar who has taken deliberate steps to equip herself for political office.
It would be no surprise if Dr Lanny Hobson, affectionately called De General/Lion by his faithful followers, also threw his hat in the ring. Dr Hobson is an imminently qualified individual who cultivated a dedicated following in the last general election campaign, and has recently become a prominent radio personality engaging the public on a plethora of issues of national concern. His appeal appears to lie in his candour, unabashed approach to calling out what he perceives to be injustice, and his interesting and sometimes radical perspective on societal problems. De General / Lion always seems to have the scoop and a view that simultaneously engages and entertains his listeners.
It is left to be seen whether Mr Elkin Richardson puts himself forward again as a candidate for District Three. Mr Richardson, also known as Current, has a background in law enforcement and social security. He appeared on the political stage before as a member of the AUM party and later as an independent candidate after being allegedly rejected by the APM party. However, on both occasions, his lights were put out and his political aspirations dimmed. Despite this, Mr Richardson has maintained his radio programme, “To The Point”, which he uses to discuss a range of issues of interest to him and others. His connection with his listeners, and his continued popularity, make him a likely candidate for the by-election.
While the by-election is several weeks away, we look forward eagerly to a keenly contested race and a new elected member of the Anguilla House of Assembly. It remains to be seen on which side of the aisle the winner they will take his or her seat.
