In the Parliamentary meeting at the House of Assembly on Tuesday 23rd May, 2023, Motion Five of 2023-3/12 HOA was tabled by the Honourable Member for District Four, Road North, Mr. Merrick Richardson.
In presenting the Motion, Mr. Richardson said, “Madam Speaker, this resolution is for the establishment of a Select Committee on gun crime and violence.”
“Be it resolved,” he read, “that under Section 74 of the House of Assembly Procedure Rules 2021, that this House of Assembly establishes a Select Committee to inquire into and examine the matter of the rising incidents of gun crime in Anguilla. The Select Committee shall consist of no more than six members, drawn in equal numbers from the Assembly. The Select Committee shall report its findings and recommendations by the 30th day of September, 2023.”
Mr. Richardson said there has been a spike in gun violence in the community, which has been slowly gaining momentum over the past twenty years or so. He said that ‘though we had been aware that it existed, we, as a nation, have had our proverbial ‘heads buried in the sand’.’
“Over the years we have seen gun-related violence escalating,” he said, “without making any meaningful intervention. But, Madam Speaker, it is my hope that as the highest body in this land – as the lawmakers and leaders of this land – we can bring this Committee together, involving the entire House, for gun-related violence is not just a matter that one section of the House should look at, but the House in general.”
“It is hoped that we can make a dent in the pattern of gun violence in Anguilla,” he said. “As this Committee comes together from the highest body of this land, I trust that we would find the solutions that would make this a better Anguilla for us all to live in.”
In making her contribution, the Honourable Single Island-wide Electoral District Member, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs Marie, who was particularly touched by the tragic death of her relative, Garmon Greenaway, expressed her emotions as well as her support for the motion.
“Violence affects us all” she said, “whether it is a relative, a friend, a neighbour or even a person whose name does not ring a bell. When we come together to do the work of Select Committee of this nature, it is [with] the audacious belief that every life is worth saving.”
“Many times, when we think about the now, because of our age and health, we may feel that the only thing that stands between us and living is the natural decline of life,” she said. “But everyone does not get that luxury. Sometimes, Madam Speaker, life is cut short without expectation or without a chance to say goodbye…”
“It is no secret that my family has been struck by tragedy [due to gun violence] but as someone in a leadership position, I don’t want it to be misconstrued that my voice is only being led to the cause of supporting this motion because of the reality that I face now as an individual, or as someone with proximity to gun violence,” she said emotionally.
“Lately, we have seen an eruption of what many would call ‘un-Anguillian’ [behaviour]. Historically, we have seen how we have had the ability to fight for this country without the [regular] use of ammunition,” she said. “And as we continue on the work of nation building, we cannot move ahead without confronting [the vice] what currently exists. We cannot move ahead by creating a space for this uncomfortable silence to thrive in Anguilla…So I welcome this motion, and I do support it.”
Mrs. Gumbs-Marie said there was a need for the leaders to search themselves and set the national example so that society can replicate a model of excellence in leadership.
“Those of us who are elected can contribute towards the change that we are seeking,” Mrs. Gumbs-Marie said.
After expressing her condolences to those families and friends who mourned the loss of their loved one through gun-violence, Representative for the Valley North constituency, Mrs. Shellya Rogers Webster, vowed not only to support the work of the Select Committee, but also voiced her opinion for the need to develop social programmes for the youth.
“Madam Speaker,” she said. “It is a reality that for a very long time Anguilla has benefitted from being a safe island overall. We have benefitted from the ability of our people to walk freely around this country and to leave their doors and vehicles unlocked…However, in recent years our people are not [that] safe.”
“Some of our young people do not have the freedom to travel across this island as they would wish,” she said. “Some youngsters have to be driven to certain places in specific vehicles so that they can feel safe. That is not the kind of Anguilla that I am comfortable with.”
“As someone who has been involved in youth work during my tenure at the Department of Youth and Culture, I know the importance of fostering, promoting and providing safe social spaces for young people to be able to thrive and to do well,” she continued.
“The only way,” Madam Speaker, “that we can be able to address these ills in this country is that if we, as a people, collectively make a concerted effort to support social programmes that will ensure that our young people have a ‘fighting chance’ in this country.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this motion…I don’t think all is lost,” she said. “There is still hope, and I feel that this is a unique opportunity for us to band together and make the changes and adjustments that are necessary.”
“I certainly express condolences to our family members in the House who have been affected by gun violence,” the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster said. “But we must do something about it, and certainly I stand to voice my thanks to the member for Road North for bringing this motion to the House for the establishment of a Select Committee to address gun-crime and violence, and I do hope that this Committee would find solutions, Madam Speaker, so that we won’t have to be discussing this scourge in the House so often.”
Motion Five of 2023-3/12 HOA was passed without any amendment with the full support of all the Members of Parliament.
In response, Mr. Merrick Richardson thanked his fellow Members of Parliament for standing in support of the motion.
