The newly-appointed Attorney General in Anguilla, Mr Rupert Jones, has been sworn into office in succession to Mr James Wood who has completed his appointment and has now returned to the United Kingdom. Mr Jones took the oaths of office and allegiance – on Monday this week – administered by Governor Christina Scott.
The Anguillian met Mr Jones at the Law Revision Centre several days before he was sworn in. “Part of the reason I was greatly attracted to coming to Anguilla is that I see it as an island with a fantastic and rich cultural history, a flourishing future, and really strong rule of law principles,” he told the newspaper.
“Since I arrived, even an afternoon ago, I already felt so welcomed. There have been such wonderful introductions to people, and to look around the Law Revision Centre here is just a fantastic flourishing example of what the people of Anguilla can do. I feel very lucky and very privileged to be here.”
Mr Jones, a British Lawyer, is on his first appointment in the Caribbean. “I am a Londoner, born and bred. I was born in West London and lived in London my whole life so what a wonderful change,” he said. “I have travelled the world but never worked abroad – and again that’s part of the excitement to be here, so I am grateful to have been welcomed to Anguilla.”
He continued: “I was an independent, self-employed Barrister in London, practising in a range of fields such as civil law, proceeds of crime and anti-terrorism law as well as some tax work. I have been working very much as a Lawyer in private practice, although working for the Government of the UK.”
He was of the view that although there are similarities in legislation in Anguilla, the laws are always slightly different. “There is new law to learn and if you are not excited by the opportunity, then why not get out there and learn some new thing,” he went on. “It is only by constantly learning that we really develop. I think I find that in all of our lives.”
Asked about adapting to working fully within the responsibilities of his appointment as Attorney General for Anguilla rather than as an independent Barrister, he replied: “I see it as a challenge, but more of a service. I see this as an opportunity to serve in a way more directly attached to people than in private practice. Although I was acting a lot for the UK Government, there wasn’t that same sense necessarily all the time. It is the close connection of service so I prefer the word ‘service’. Of course there will be some challenges, but there will also be those wonderful rewards, and so I have come with an attitude of service.”
Mr Jones is delighted to have been appointed to Anguilla for two years. “I am a lucky man. I am truly blessed,” he added.
His wife, Mrs Charlotte Jones, and their children Florence, 7, and Oscar, 5, will be joining him in Anguilla on Saturday, August 16.
