Anguilla House of Assembly celebrates five decades of parliamentary democracy

The Anguilla House of Assembly marked its 50th anniversary this week with a ceremony celebrating five decades of parliamentary democracy.

Current and former parliamentarians, invited guests and members of the public gathered at the Atlin Noraldo Harrigan Parliamentary Building on 29 June to commemorate the milestone.

The programme opened with prayers, the national anthem and a moving poem by Uniqua Romney Dupigny titled, ’50 years honouring our past shaping our future’.

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Charing the event, speaker Tara Carter described the anniversary as a reflection on the institution’s journey since 1976 and a commitment to strengthening democracy for the future.

She paid tribute to the parliamentarians, public servants and citizens who have helped shape Anguilla’s democracy and highlighted the importance of young people taking an active role in public life.

Past parliamentarian and speaker David Carty next spoke of the evolution of the legislature since its establishment, noting improvements in transparency, public access and the use of technology.

“The positive developments obtained so recently in this and the last house are truly remarkable and important,” he said, referencing its pioneering AI-powered Hansard system.

Carty said the assembly had a duty to keep the public informed about its debates, proceedings and decisions, describing its ability to do so effectively as a “significant achievement”.

Two youth parliamentarians then addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of preparing and inspiring young people to become future leaders.

Youth opposition leader Najique Davis reflected on the assembly’s history, saying its debates, achievements and pivotal decisions had helped shape the development of modern Anguilla.

“Within these walls, leaders from different generations and different political perspectives have carried the responsibility of representing the hopes, concerns and aspirations of our people,” he said.

Davis honoured past leaders for laying the foundations of Anguilla’s democracy and called on young people to help shape its future.

Youth premier Keronni Vanterpool expressed gratitude to those whose vision and determination helped establish Anguilla’s democratic traditions.

“Their example challenges each and every one of us to approach public service with the same sense of responsibility,” he said.

Vanterpool encouraged young people to embrace leadership and public service, expressing confidence that Anguilla’s future would be in capable hands.

Opposition member Haydn Hughes went on to reflect on the vision of the first members of the Anguilla House of Assembly, and said the island has yet to fully become “proud, strong and free”.

“Now is the right time for us to forge ahead with a truly independent nation, an independent parliament, and a parliamentary building that is independent from the courts,” he said.

Hughes urged leaders to fulfil the aspirations of Anguilla’s forebears rather than allow another 50 years to pass without further constitutional progress.

Premier Cora Richardson Hodge paid tribute to past and present parliamentarians and staff, saying their service had laid the foundations of Anguilla’s democracy.

She said the Anguilla House of Assembly, established after the 1967 Revolution, had become the place where the voices of Anguillians are represented through democratic debate and decision-making.

Looking to the future, the premier called for a stronger, more united Anguilla built on economic diversification, transparent institutions and opportunities for future generations.

Lenox Proctor concluded the event with a vote of thanks and a call to build a “truly independent, open and modern” Anguilla House of Assembly for future generations.

The ceremony forms part of a wider programme of anniversary activities taking place throughout the week, being held under the theme, ‘Honouring our past, shaping our future’.

Highlights include school visits, a parliamentary trivia night, visits to senior citizens’ homes, and a special sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly.

There will also be an awards ceremony honouring those who have made significant contributions to the institution over the past 50 years.

Watch the ceremony in full below: