ANGUILLA--On Friday, May 8, the House of Assembly was dissolved, paving the way for a general election here within the next two months. The last sitting of the House included the passing of several bills and motions and then Premier Victor Banks read the proclamation from Governor Tim Foy announcing the dissolution of the House and discharging all elected members and staff of their duties. Banks thanked members for their support and also thanked Speaker Terence Harrigan and the clerks and assistants for the smooth running of the House.
During the sitting, several important bills were passed including a Bill for Labour Relations (Amendment) Act; Anguilla Economic Residence Act; Select Anguilla Agency (Amendment) Act; and a Bill for Businesses, Occupations and Professions Licensing Act. Much discussion was held on the final bill – A Bill for Public Service Salary Reduction Act. This bill proposed a five per cent cut in salary for public servants and a 15 per cent cut in salary for ministers of government. No date was given for the implementation of this, but the premier noted that the government wants to make sure there is a facility in place if it is necessary for public servants to assist others in the community who are unemployed and businesses that have closed due to COVID-19. A letter had been received from the public servants objecting to the cut, but several ministers pointed out that the public servants must assist others in the community.
A date for the election has not yet been announced. There are two main parties – the Anguilla United Front (AUF) and the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) and in addition there are many independent candidates. There are seven districts and eligible voters will vote for a representative in their own district, plus four at-large or island-wide candidates.
