I adopt the protocol already established.
Canon Reid Simon – thank-you for that heartfelt prayer and the sentiment contained within it, I’d like to thank Justice Ermin Moise for administering the oaths and the Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary Mr Merrick Richardson for officiating. Thank-you to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Mrs Cora Richardson Hodge and the Acting Premier the Hon. Mr Kenneth Hodge for their kind words and very warm welcome.
I want to publicly pay tribute to my predecessor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam who I know was widely respected including for her partnership with the elected government during the Pandemic. Also to acting governor Candler and the Hon. Deputy Governor Perrin Bradley for so ably covering the period following Ms Daniel Selvaratnam’ s departure and my arrival.
I’m delighted to be here. It’s a huge honour to have been appointed Governor of this extraordinary territory– I have to say even in the 48 hours since I’ve landed at Blowing Point it has proved to be even more breathtakingly beautiful than I had imagined; from the turquoise of the sea to the pinks and reds of the sunsets and I can’t wait to explore more of the island in the weeks and months to come.
What really makes any place truly extraordinary however are its people. In preparing to come to Anguilla I’ve had the opportunity to read back through the fascinating historical archives, I’ve spoken to people from the Anguillan community and those who have lived, worked and visited Anguilla , without exception they have talked of the warmth of the people and how Anguilla has stolen a part of their hearts. I’m sure I’ll be no exception. It is already clear that throughout Anguilla’s long and at times difficult history the people of this island have demonstrated determination, faith and resilience that has enabled Anguilla to overcome periods of acute adversity and to create the democratic, vibrant and successful community we see today. It is those same strengths that will enable Anguilla to overcome whatever challenges the future may hold.
That’s not to say there is room for complacency or that there isn’t always more to be done. If there is one thing being in Moscow for the last three years has taught me, it is never to take for granted how precious our democratic institutions are. Those in authority need to be accountable to the population we serve within the framework of the Constitution. An independent judiciary, free press, and free and fair elections are hallmarks of Anguillan society and something to be immensely proud of – as Governor, working in partnership with the elected government, and all elected representatives, I will do everything in my power to protect and support those institutions. Only in a vibrant functioning democracy can a society really thrive and achieve its true potential.
As I look ahead to the future I see exciting opportunities for Anguilla. I saw for myself some of the fantastic work that has gone into rebuilding the Island’s infrastructure when I arrived at the wonderful new Ferry Terminal on Saturday. Building on the enormous success of the Anguilla Programme, the next few years offer huge opportunities to grow the economy still further. Similarly the commitment across the community to look after and protect the natural environment, and address the challenges of climate change is hugely impressive. As Lord Goldsmith said in his recent visit, Anguilla’s participation in the Blue Belt initiative is giving an incredible gift both to future generations and to the world.
I’m sure you will be wondering what sort of Governor I will be and what approach I will take to the wide ranging and diverse issues that fall to the Governor under the constitution. In preparing to arrive I have asked myself the same questions mindful of the huge responsibilities that the role entails and the seriousness of the oath that I have just sworn. Having been appointed your Governor by His Majesty The King, I don’t think I can do better than be guided by two key themes drawn out in his coronation earlier this year, that of service and inclusion.
I’m sure many of you like me will have found it hugely moving that the first person to greet the king as he arrived with great pomp and splendour at Westminster Abbey , was a young chorister and the King’s first words to that young boy were that he came “not to be served but to serve”. It was an occasion that included peoples from all the corners of the commonwealth, different races, backgrounds and faiths. Reminding us that those who hold the privilege of office do so to in order to serve all who live in our community
If I’m to be a good governor I will need your support, your challenge and your advice. I can’t promise to always do the popular thing but I will always seek to listen and to understand the aspirations of the people of this Island and to act in their best interests. I am here to serve as your Governor, living as part of the community, working in partnership with your elected representatives to serve the people of this island to be very best of my ability. I pledge to be your champion, to ensure that Anguilla’s voice is heard and understood, especially in the UK. To that end, I plan to travel around the territory and get to meet as many of you as I can. I look forward to getting to know you and love this territory as my predecessors have done.
Thank-you and God bless Anguilla.
