The new Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ellis L. Webster, has vowed to hold the feet of the newly elected Anguilla United Front administration to the fire. He was at the time making his presentation in the House of Assembly during its special sitting on Tuesday, March 11th when the Members of Parliament were sworn in.
Opposition Members include the Leader, Dr. Ellis L. Webster representing District 1; Mr. Merrick Richardson representing District 5; and Mr. Haydn Hughes representing District 6.
“The Opposition Members eagerly await the legislative agenda and priorities of this new administration,” Dr. Webster stated. “We will not oppose just for the sake of opposing, but we will be vigilant as we stand in the gap for the people.”
He continued: “Consumer protection and price control are urgent needs for the people of Anguilla. Public Procurement; and Contract Administration Amendments; the Festivals Commission Act; Immigration and Passport Reform; Labour Relations Act Amendments; Tobacco Control; Health Professions Act; Financial Administration; and Audit Act Amendments are all necessary for accountability, along with penalties for misappropriation of funds and funds that have been unaccounted for.”
“Madam Speaker,” continued Dr. Webster, “this leads me to the role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This is a standing committee of this House of Assembly, which is chaired by the Leader of the Opposition. This committee is responsible for overseeing Government expenditures and ensuring that they are effective, honest, transparent, accountable, and they provide good value for money.”
Dr. Webster compared the state of the treasury today with its condition in 2020 when his administration, the former Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) government, came into power: “Unlike in 2020 when the Anguilla Progressive Movement came into office,” he said, “when there was no money in the treasury, there were many unpaid bills in obligations of EC$23 Million, there was debt of EC$494 Million, and no reserves, this Anguilla United Front administration has met an operating balance of EC$44.5 Million in the treasury, and the debt is less than EC$330 Million, with reserves of EC$263.7 Million.” “This is all due to the work of the APM administration,” he said.
“Say Yes to Progress!” he exclaimed, touting the APM’s familiar election campaign slogan. “Madam Speaker,” he went on, “the people are expecting prudent fiscal management, and this loyal Opposition is here to oversee and keep the feet of the administration to the fire.”
