APM TAKES OVER THE GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA Promises To Build A Nation Proud, Strong, Free”

In what has been termed a stunning election victory, the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM), a replacement of the Anguilla United Movement (AUM), has become the island’s new Government.
The new Premier, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, an Ear, Nose and Throat US-Trained Anguillian Surgeon, took his Oaths of Allegiance and Due Execution of Office on Tuesday, June 30, the day after the elections, when he met with Governor Tim Foy, OBE. In the afternoon, the members of his ministerial team were also formally sworn in by the Governor who administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Due Execution of Office to them in the Executive Council’s Chambers in the presence of a large gathering. Those in attendance included Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley; Attorney General, Mr. Dwight Horsford; Permanent Secretaries: Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett; Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Hodge; Dr. Aidan Harrigan; Mr. Foster Rogers; Mr. Larry Franklin; Mrs. Kathleen Rogers; and Mr. Karim Hodge; and many APM supporters.

Governor Foy, who welcomed the gathering and congratulated Dr. Webster and his ministerial team, said that after the elections the appointments and assignments of Ministers were probably the second most important matter at hand. He stated that he had the distinct pleasure to swear in the Premier at their morning meeting – that it was friendly and was the way their relationship would always be.

In signing the relevant appointment documents, the Governor also assigned responsibility for the Ministry of Finance to Dr. Webster whose portfolio also includes Health.
Those who also took the Oaths as Ministers from the Governor were: Mr. Haydn Hughes; Mr. Kenneth Hodge; Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers and Mr. Kyle Hodge. Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie took the oath as Parliamentary Secretary, Economic Development.

ADVERTISEMENT

Following the Governor’s swearing in of the Ministers, Dr. Webster said: “It is with deep humility and reflective gratitude that I have accepted the mantle to be your first elected Premier. To the people of District 1, in particular, and to the people of Anguilla in general, I say thanks for the trust and confidence that you have placed in our team and in me, as your chosen leader – and my colleagues, as your chosen representatives.

“You have heard our case. You have believed our cause and you have supported our message throughout. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Executive Council will meet this afternoon and declare Wednesday, tomorrow [July 1], as a public holiday. That day will be marked by an island-wide motorcade beginning and ending on the Basketball Field in Island Harbour, starting at 2.00 pm. This will be followed by musical entertainment.

“I also take pleasure in announcing the composition of the new Anguilla Progressive Administration. I took the Oath of Office as Premier this morning, and the new Ministers were just duly sworn, as you witnessed, forming the Executive Council for Anguilla.

“The Office of Premier, Ministry of Finance and Health will be taken by myself, Ellis Webster; Ministry of Infrastructure, the Honourable Haydn Hughes; Ministry of Social Development and Education, the Honourable Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers; Ministry of Home Affairs, the Honourable Kenneth Hodge; Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Social Development, with responsibility for Youth, Sport and Culture, the Honourable Merrick Richardson; Minister of Trade and Commerce, the Honourable (Ice Cream Man) Kyle Hodge; Parliamentary Secretary, with responsibility for Economic Development, the Honourable Quincia Gumbs-Marie.”

Dr. Webster continued: “We want to thank the outgoing Premier, the Honourable Victor Banks, for his contribution of over forty years in his service to Anguilla’s development. Certainly, we stand in this place in the shadow of giants who have gone on before us and who have helped to take Anguilla from where it was to where it is now. And in that we would like to thank Mr. Banks for his service and his recent administration; and we hope that we will continue to follow in the footsteps of those who have led us in the past.

“Heartiest congratulations to all the successful newcomers – our young team – and also to those Independent Candidates who put themselves up for election, demonstrating love and loyalty to country.

“Anguilla has benefitted from an extremely high level of educational debate throughout the campaign exercise. We have heard many bright and useful ideas from all sides. Indeed, the best days of Anguilla are still ahead. Be assured that this Anguilla Progressive Movement Administration will be calling on all of you, in the days and years ahead, and in your particular areas of expertise, to be part of Team Anguilla as we go forward.”

The APM Government Leader added: “Fellow Anguillians, we are here to serve you. There are challenges ahead but together we will move forward with openness, accountability and transparency to build our nation proud, strong and free.

“May the God of Love, Healing and Goodwill continue to guide, keep and prosper us as we begin this chapter of serving you, the people. May God continue to bless us and the island of Anguilla.”

Governor Foy told Dr. Webster: “Mr. Premier, those were very touching words. I look forward to working closely with you as we take on those challenges …[to] get to the Promised Land and that fertile Valley beyond. Once again, congratulations to you and your administration. Thanks to everybody for coming to witness an historic occasion.”