As the date for the by-election in The Valley North constituency looms clearer on the horizon, the temperature on the campaign trail is slowly rising, and passionate vying is heating up for the opportunity to fill the seat left vacant by the District’s longstanding representative, Mr. Evans MacNeil Rogers.
Mr. Rogers resigned on 1st April 2022, and Election Day is Tuesday, 24th May, with early elections on the 23rd.
The Anguillian reached out to the three contestants who are competing for the coveted seat. They are Independent candidate, Dr. Lanny Hobson; Mr. Courtney Morton of the APM ; and Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, of the AUF. An interview with each contestant follows:
Dr. Lanny Hobson
The Anguillian: Dr. Hobson, it is realised that you ran in the 2020 general elections [for a seat] in the House of Assembly. How would you rate your campaign efforts for that election, and have you gotten any feedback from the public relative to you campaign style back then?
Dr. Hobson: In fact the campaign was very good. The feedback from the people is that it was great. I was running against two political parties – involving some 22 people who were dominating the airwaves on radio. Most of the radio stations are privatised, and they were eager to serve the parties. But the style that I used mainly was to document my campaign messages and publish them. The only person who published political promotions as documents, with detailed facts and figures in The Anguillian newspaper for that 2020 election, was Dr. Lanny Hobson. So my efforts were fine, and my campaign method, I think, was effective. The people appreciated it.
The Anguillian: Now, again, you have put forward your candidacy for this by-election. As a single independent candidate, we assume you have carefully weighed the pros and cons of your candidacy. What advantages do you think are on your side for achieving success at the polls on May 24th?
Dr. Hobson: There are only pros. There are no cons. The pros are that you get to give proper representation that the people have never had. The Valley North district is being treated as if it is a coronation of some kind. But we are not a nation of royalty. We are a united people. Everybody here is family, and everybody is connected in one way or another. There were about 60 to 80 Africans who arrived here originally as slaves on those ships – and who settled in Valley North. Due to marriage, there are many people in North Side who are double cousins. All of the Brookses, like Marzer Brooks, Kaizer Brooks, Dorack Brooks, and Ponkie Brooks, are all one family. I know these people. They are dear to me. They are my people. Folks like Audrey Brooks, Dr. Lindel Brooks, and Ethlyn Brooks are all my family. They, and many others, all support the Lion – that is my advantage.
The Anguillian: As Election Day draws closer, you should be feeling your patriotic support. In terms of demographics, who would you say make up the majority of your supporters in Valley North?
Dr. Hobson: My supporters range from the youth to the elderly. All of the young people are with me. And again, there are many Rastas, especially, who are in their 60’s and 70’s – they are all with the Lion. When it comes to demographics, definitely our strongholds are North Side, North Valley, Crocus Hill, and Roaches Hill. We have even penetrated deep into the Rogers clan. We know that more than half of the Rogers family supports the Lion. So we are standing strong.
The Anguillian: You are using the image of the roaring lion as your symbol for running in this by-election. What are your thoughts behind utilising the lion as your running symbol?
Dr. Hobson: This is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. And he shall prevail and conquer. That is my thought behind the use of the Lion. Besides, my name is Lanny Leo Hobson. ‘Leo’ means Loin.
The Anguillian: As Valley North’s representative in the House of Assembly, what are some of the items that you would have on your mandate for this district – and for Anguilla in general?
Dr. Hobson: Beginning on day one, the National Health Fund would have to be implemented, and the Legislature’s Pension must be cut. That money saved from the pension would go towards the National Health Fund. In addition, we will create cooperatives for the youngsters who are in high school. Our young people must be able to make an income as soon as they complete school. Universal Basic Income is a key plank to the four universals, which are: Universal Health, Universal Education, Universal Justice and Universal Basic Income. Also, we want to restore all those water pipe stands. There are many wells in District 3 that must be activated so that our people can have necessary water.
The Anguillian: The current administration is nearing two years in its term of office. If you are elected to The Valley North seat, what contribution do you intend to make toward the benefit of Anguilla, in general, over the next three years?
Dr. Hobson: Over the remaining years of this government, I want to fight for our people who have been applying for work for so long without results. I would like to force Public Administration to open up and reveal all of their methods for hiring people. I want to be able to make my input as a representative, in the area of employment, for our people. Also, I want to see checks and balances in the judiciary, especially as it regards the conduct of police on matters of arresting persons unlawfully. This is one of the areas that the people in the district complain about, and I want to address it.
The Anguillian: Why do you think the populace of Valley North should vote for Lanny Hobson in the up-coming by-election?
Dr. Hobson: The populace of District 3 should vote for Dr. Lanny Hobson because he is the only one who comes with concrete realistic plans. He is able to express his ideas on an individual basis, through documents, on radio and in debates. Vote for Dr. Lanny Hobson because he has the Healthcare System at heart. And it is my intention to tax alcohol ‘to death’ in order to fund the Heathcare System.
The Anguillian: What final words of encouragement and motivation would like to document for the voting residents of Valley North?
Dr. Hobson: My words of encouragement and motivation are that I know the people of District 3 have been neglected, and relief is here through the Lion. I want to make a difference. The Lion is coming as a preacher, and as the son of a preacher. I want the best for you in District 3. You should not be neglected anymore. The scripture says, ‘fools compare themselves among themselves, claiming to be wise.’ The Lion has come to restore and reorganise Anguilla. So, I say, vote for Dr. Lanny. Peace!
Mr. Courtney Morton
The Anguillian: Obviously, you are a member of the incumbent Government organisation, the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM). This should be deemed as an advantage for you in the upcoming by-election, seeing that you are already within the framework of government. How are you getting this notion over to the voting residents of Valley North, and how do they react to this premise?
Mr. Morton: The Anguilla Progressive Movement Administration came into office in the middle of the novel Corona virus (covid-19) Pandemic. We have successfully protected the people of Anguilla and reopened the economy that was closed and floundering. The record shows that we have done, and are doing, a great deal of work since we have been in office. As a member of the APM, my supporters in District 3 are aware of all the work that we have done. When I speak to the residents of District 3, they know of the APM’s achievements, and they are receptive and excited about the prospects of me representing them in Government.
The Anguillian: As Election Day draws closer, you should be sensing your patriotic support. In terms of demographics, who would you say make up the majority of your supporters and your potential voters in Valley North?
Mr. Morton: Demographics wise, I appeal to a cross- section of voters as a husband and father, a lover of Anguillian culture, a Calypso writer for both young and old, male and female, and a longstanding member of the Anguilla Youth Sports Foundation. Ever since my time in banking, and my overall work in the community for many decades, I have appealed to all. I appeal primarily to persons who are in search of the development of Anguilla, and specifically District 3. This is a district that has waited long enough for dedicated representation.
The Anguillian: What means are you utilising to conduct your promotional campaigns? And how would you rate the success on these campaigns?
Mr. Morton: District 3 is one of the largest districts on the island, and I am trying my best to knock on every door. My first rally will be on this weekend, Saturday 21st, 7:00 p.m. in North Side at the Almond Tree. We have erected posters in the District, and we have used social media, radio, and other promotional platforms.
The Anguillian: What are some of the items that you would have on your mandate for The Valley North constituency? What plans do you have for the further development and wellbeing of this District as its representative in the House of Assembly?
Mr. Morton: Becoming elected will not limit my work to the House of Assembly. In fact, being elected will enhance my abilities to serve more effectively in the House. Once elected, I am the only candidate who will become a member of the Government’s Cabinet, and be invited to attend Executive Council meetings. Most importantly, I will have the ability to contribute my expertise to the spending patterns, and the use of money in the National Budget. No other candidate in this race can say the same.
This means that once elected, my goals of increasing recreational spaces, combatting crime, improving training and development opportunities, infrastructure and road development, will be achievable, thus going far beyond mere lip service to the district.
Electing me is a vote for representation, true advocacy and action – not to sit in opposition – but to sit in Government making decisions that will improve the lives and livelihood of the people of District 3 and Anguilla at large.
The Anguillian: The current administration is nearing two years in its term of office. If you are elected to the Valley North seat, what contribution do you intend to make toward the benefit of Valley North over the next three years?
Mr. Morton: The district has had the same representative for over 17 years and, prior to that, the party representative for 21 years. Even before that, the seat was held by Mr. Victor Banks. This is over 40 years by one party, and both my opponents have admitted that the district has been under-served and underrepresented.
While Mr. Rogers is outgoing, and is one of the most affable persons in modern day politics, I think it is time that District 3 is represented in a way that improves lives, well-being and livelihoods. I believe my district specific manifesto, and the work of the APM administration, will do just that.
The Anguillian: Should you be successful at the polls, it is most likely that you would be continuing to work as an Assistant of the Minister of Finance. Should you serve in the capacity of Junior Minister of Finance, per se, what kind of contribution would you expect to make in the area of national finances – especially now that GST apprehensions occupy the minds of both merchants and consumers?
Mr. Morton: As it relates to GST, I will continue to do what I have been doing while I was Ministerial Assistant, and what I do now since my resignation, which is sharing the community feedback with the administration and making the necessary changes. During my time working with Premier Webster, it was his and the Administration’s shared philosophy that whatever feedback we receive must be considered and, where possible, addressed in the legislation and the regulations.
We have made many changes. Case in point: we will be implementing consumer protection legislation and price control. We will be removing GST and custom duty on a wide range of items, so that the most vulnerable among us will benefit from lower prices that will be regulated. We are regulating the price of fuel. Besides, we will soon table the decriminalisation legislation and embark on the construction of a new Airport terminal. Overall, we will continue to amend the GST legislation to improve its administration and ensure fair play.
There is no doubt GST was a bitter pill for us to swallow, and we are vehemently opposed it, but there is no choice. We did all we could to delay its implementation and that’s why it moved from January 1st 2021 to July 1st 2022. In a strange twist, I think that is what made this administration the best to implement a tax that we could not avoid, seeing that we are committed to making it as palatable as possible. And I believe businesses are beginning to see that. I am sure that we will feel the positive difference after the implemented of GST, and we see it working.
The Anguillian: Why do you think the populace of Valley North should vote for Courtney Morton in the upcoming by-election?
Mr. Morton: Last election, we campaigned on the slogan ‘Change Can’t Wait’. It was true then, and as it related the district, and it is true now. District 3 requires change. It deserves an elected official who can and will work for them – and they need someone in government now.
The district requires an official that understands its needs, is accessible, and whose advocacy can be heard daily in government – and not just occasionally in the House of Assembly.
I know about the road concerns of the people of Shoal Bay, the long desired basketball court of the young people of Stoney Ground, the overdue racing track of the car enthusiasts of Little Dix and beyond, the lack of opportunities for the people of North Side – and I am the only candidate who truly make good on my promise to do something about those issues as we know. I am the only candidate who can offer representation and action and hit the ground running on day one.
The Anguillian: What final words of encouragement and motivation would like to document for the voting residents of Valley North prior to this by-election?
Mr. Morton: I think over the past year and 10 months, politics in Anguilla has gotten to its lowest point. Because of that, it is easy to become turned off by anything political, but I assure you politics still matters. People, development, the economy and this country still matters.
When I look at the work this administration has done, I am in awe of the progress and development we have experienced in such a short time. This is truly the moment for our district to get in on the action.
This is why I am encouraging you to put Anguilla first by voting on May 24th. Vote for me, Courtney Morton, The Boat.
Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster
The Anguillian: Obviously, you would have been inspired by a particular drive to be involved in Anguilla’s political arena. What were the factors that stirred your interest in this upcoming by-election other than being a suitable, convenient candidate of the AUF?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: Since my early teens, I have had an interest and love for the art of politics. However, as I grew older, I also developed a love for public service and community work. While I have been always concerned about the less-than-ideal nature of politics, I have remained resolute in my desire to serve the people of Anguilla. My drive to enter the political arena, at this time, is due to a combination of my preparedness: socially, professionally and academically. This drive is also due to the opportunity to fill the seat that is now vacant. In addition, it is because of the support and faith that the members of The Valley North community have bestowed upon me.
The Anguillian: As Election Day draws closer, you should be feeling the fervour of patriotic supporters. In terms of demographics, who would you say make up the majority of your supporters in Valley North?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: My supporters are quite diverse. They include, but are not limited to, young men and women who have recently become of voting age, single parents, older and middle aged adults, many of whom have retired, young men and young women in both skilled-based and professional occupations, as well as born-Anguillians and those who have migrated and were naturalised here.
The Anguillian: Historically, the party of which you are a member, the AUF, has been a very vibrant one. Polititians the likes of Mr. Osbourne Fleming, Victor Banks, Eric Reid and Evans McNeil Rogers, have contributed in steering the course of Anguilla’s political landscape in Anguilla’s times of abundance and times of lean. What virtues have you been able to draw from these astute patriots that you can use in your political endeavours in the future?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: I have been able to draw three specific virtues from those who have gone before me: 1. to remain humble and respectful in the face of adversity and uncertainty; 2. to think critically and thoroughly about policies and legislative agendas that the government is prioritizing, and make sure that they will enhance the quality of life for our people; and 3. adopt a solution-oriented approach to governance once elected – focus on finding solutions and leaving the ‘blame game’ on the campaign trail.
The Anguillian: What are some of the items that you would have on your mandate for The Valley North constituency? What plans do you have for this District as its representative in the House of Assembly?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: 1. Within the constituency, I intend to establish a district office that will offer a range of help desk services; 2. I wish to implement a series of year-round training programmes, some of which will include employability training, financial literacy training, customer service training, and mentorship development; 3. I intend to conduct year-round cleanup campaigns; 4. Having schools and education at heart, I am determined to support district schools; 5. I wish to partner with community groups on district-wide initiatives. Then, within the House of Assembly, I would, 1. Communicate the needs of the district to the current government; 2. Lobby for infrastructural development within the district which would include proper roads, street lights, and water lines; 3. Support and advocate for changes and adjustments to legislation that will hurt business on Anguilla and reduce the quality of life of our citizens; and 4. Serve on committees within the House of Assembly.
The Anguillian: The current administration is now nearing two years in its term of office. If you are elected to The Valley North seat, what contribution do you intend to make toward the benefit of Anguilla, in general, over the next three years?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: Over the next three years of government, I intend to introduce and establish district-wide initiatives that are people-centred and which will serve as a blue-print for other districts and representatives. I will encourage the government to invest in education and training initiatives that will give all of our people the ability to take advantage of employment opportunities. For the rest of this term, I also look forward to representing Anguilla through parliamentary development opportunities globally.
The Anguillian: Evidently, you are ambitious in not just serving Valley North, but contributing to Anguilla in general. Should you be successful at the polls, you would most likely be on the Opposition benches in the House. Do you think you can effectively contribute to Anguilla, or make a significant impact in Government, from the Opposition side? How?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: Absolutely! A strong representative would leverage his or her private sector and community based partnerships to create opportunities and initiatives within the district, as well as island-wide, and I intend to do just that. Government can’t do everything. This is why it is so important to create strong relationships and ties within the community. I would also welcome any opportunity to work with the current Government on initiatives that are beneficial for Valley North – and Anguilla in general. Anguilla is bigger than all of us, and I am committed to being the best possible representative.
The Anguillian: Why do you think the populace of Valley North should vote for Shellya Rogers-Webster in the upcoming by-election?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: I was born and raised in Valley North, and I have committed to developing myself socially, academically and professionally for such a time as this. I am self motivated and respectful, and I have dedicated all of my adult life to public service. It is my desire to effectively represent you. These factors are among the reasons why I covet your vote.
The Anguillian: What final words of encouragement and motivation would like to document for the voting residents of Valley North prior to this by-election?
Mrs. Rogers-Webster: This by-election, is a unique opportunity to select the best possible representative for the next three years and beyond. This is an opportunity to elect a person who believes in going the extra mile on the job and at home. I am that person. I am committed to the people of Valley North, and I will continue to serve you with respect, compassion and solid representation. In order to officially serve you, I am humbly asking for your support and you vote. Thank you!
