Negotiations on the Draft Constitution of Anguilla continued on Wednesday 20th November 2019.
Discussions focused on Chapters 4 to 8 of the Draft Constitution which deal with the Executive, the Public Service, the House of Assembly, Powers and Procedure in the House of Assembly and the Judicature. Common ground was found on a number of areas. However, the main points of contention related to the powers of the Governor and the devolution of more powers to the local Government duly elected by the people of Anguilla. In light of Anguilla’s position, the UK Team is to engage in further consultation with their Ministers to see if they would revisit their position on the role of the Governor in Cabinet and the Governor’s reserved legislative power. However, a positive response was received in relation to the mandatory delegation by the Governor of some of his powers to Ministers of Government.
The UK Team commended the inclusion of provisions for a Director of Public Prosecutions and for a quorum of the House of Assembly to be a simple majority. However, they were more cautious about removing the power of disallowance of laws by the Secretary of State. This matter is still under consideration.
Discussions on other areas of the Constitution will continue tomorrow. The public is asked to take note of this information.
Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge
Minister of Home Affairs
20th November 2019
– Press Release
