Just popularly elected on Wednesday, April 22, the new Chief Minister of Anguilla, the Honourable Victor F. Banks, his Ministers, and Parliamentary Secretary, were sworn into office by Her Excellency, the Governor, Ms. Christina Scott, in the Executive Council’s Chambers, on Thursday afternoon, April 23.
In addition to Mr. Banks, the Ministers, whose portfolios are to be announced later, are Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, and Mr. Curtis Richardson. The Parliamentary Secretary is Mr. Cardigan Connor.
Just before formally swearing in and appointing the Government officials, Governor Scott congratulated the Chief Minister and his colleagues and welcomed them to their new responsibilities. “You have set out in your Manifesto an ambitious agenda, talking about the need for a harmonious and empowered society, when it comes to Anguilla and focusing on Anguilla; and that is the agenda I propose to follow,” the Governor stated.
Following the swearing in ceremony, she invited Chief Minister Banks to make a statement. He saw it as a glorious opportunity to speak briefly about carrying forward Anguilla after a long campaign journey; and what his party saw as the Anguillian dream and the hopes and aspirations of its people. He said he believed that working together he and his cabinet would be able to provide for the people of Anguilla the kind of support and services they needed and deserved to make their lives better, and to create a very healthy economic environment for all. He also spoke about the plans outlined in the AUF’s Manifesto and his party’s commitment to fulfilling the many objectives and promises set out therein.
The first meeting of the new Executive Council also followed the swearing in ceremony.
Meanwhile, a public holiday has been officially declared for today, Friday, as the AUF’s candidates and supporters continue to savour and celebrate their massive victory at the polls. It will be business as usual on Monday, when the new portfolios are expected to be announced.
