On Tuesday, July 7, Chief Minister and Leader of Government Business, Mr. Victor Banks, and other members of parliament, welcomed four persons, who are performing separate roles, to the House of Assembly.
One was the Second Nominated Member, Mr. Paul Harrigan, who was sworn in by the Speaker, Mr. Leroy Rogers. Replying, Mr. Harrigan stressed the need for Anguilla to overcome its economic and financial problems, to forge ahead to bring about more airlift for the island, and for the provision of yacht marinas to encourage more travellers and business opportunities for the island.
“Mr. Speaker, the young people of Anguilla are a very intricate and valuable resource of this island, and I really think we have been neglecting them for a long time,” he added. “We need to focus on their development and provide opportunities for them to excel.”
Another member was the First Nominated Member, Mr. Terry Harrigan, who was elected Deputy Speaker, having taken the oath as a member of the House at an earlier sitting. Among other matters, he told the House: “Mr. Speaker, our democracy can only exist if the pillars of society function cohesively. The past five years have shown that politicians tend to show neglect but the people are still in charge. Too often we fail to recognise the power and privilege of a democracy. Today, we are faced with many tasks, but the people called us, as a government, to help resolve our problems.
“I am confident that the Honourable Chief Minister, working in concert with the other honourable members of this House, will live up to the people’s expectations. Each of us has an obligation to come together to reshape this country. I am very hopeful that the Government will be characterised by success beyond our imagination.”
The third person welcomed was Pastor Lucien McDonna, of the Life Impact Centre, who has taken up the role as Chaplain in the House of Assembly. He was delighted to serve in that capacity.
“It is new for me, but I think it is an opportunity where I can serve,” he told The Anguillian minutes before the sitting. “I believe serving as Chaplain is important as the Bible teaches that prophets and priests must work closely with government. My contribution is through prayers and counselling when necessary.”
Asked how he would like to see the House of Assembly functioning, he replied: “In a peaceful, way and ensuring that the laws passed in the House are not laws that will not oppress the people, but would help to ensure stability and serve the best interests of our people on a whole.”
The fourth person was Mr. Joash Proctor. He is the recently-appointed Clerk to the House of Assembly, having replaced Mrs. Carmen Richardson, who has retired from the Anguilla Public Service, and who was praised for her work.
Mr. Proctor previously served as Director of Youth & Culture following which he relinquished his appointment and became involved in the hospitality sector, in the restaurant service area.
“After studying politics and literature at Hartwick College in the United States, I always sought to find a position in the public service that would allow me to be engaged in some of the areas I studied,” he informed the newspaper. “When I saw the advertisement [for a Clerk to the House of Assembly], I got very excited about the prospect and I applied.
“I think Anguilla is at a stage in its development where it needs its young people in particular. I think you will be seeing a lot of transformation, and I want to be a part of that. For this job, in particular, I think, more than anything else, it is about passion – passion to get things done and passion for Anguilla, on a whole, to see the island moving forward.”
Asked about his continued involvement in the private sector, he replied: “My wife and I are still engaged in the restaurant business. We have just opened a small new restaurant called ‘De Cuisine’, a stark contrast to Sand Bar – smaller, a bit mellow, and easier to manage. That allowed me the opportunity to re-enter the public service since things are not now as demanding on my time and do not require me to be at the restaurant on a regular basis day in, day out. Everything is working out nicely.”
Two other persons were sworn in as temporary members of the House. They were Mr. Larry Franklin, Acting Deputy Governor; and Ms. Michelle A. R. Daley, Acting Attorney General. They both served in those positions on previous occasions.
