Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4149/-1/135/
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NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL SWORN IN Promises "To Be Very Fair, Even Handed"
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The newly-appointed Attorney General for Anguilla, Wilheim Bourne, has pledged to serve the island to the best of his ability, recognising his responsibilities to work in cooperation with the Governor, the Government and people of Anguilla.
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L-R: Chief Minister Fleming, Governor George and AG Mr. Bourne
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He made the commitment in a statement following his swearing in by Governor Andrew George in the Executive Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 6.
After administering the oaths, Governor George said Mr. Bourne had been installed in a key position to provide advice to him and the Anguilla Government on matters relating to the law and he was certain the new Attorney General would do his job extremely well. “He brings with him a wealth of experience as a one time police officer and subsequently for many years working in the legal profession in several senior appointments with the Government of Bermuda,” the Governor stated. “We have been very fortunate to secure the services of Mr. Bourne and I am certain he will do an excellent job for the Government and people of Anguilla in years to come.”
Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming welcomed Mr. Bourne to Anguilla on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla. He noted that the post of Attorney General was not an easy one, taking into account the developmental changes affecting the island. He expressed the hope that there would be a generally good working relationship among all parties concerned.
Replying, Mr. Bourne was grateful for the warm welcome extended to him and his wife. “I am happy to be appointed as Attorney General of Anguilla, he said. It’s a little dream because I came to know Anguilla several years ago and was always curious about it, its history and people. When the opportunity came to apply for the post, I was very excited to do so and more excited even when I was selected as the person to be appointed.’
Mr. Bourne went on: “I would also like to say that I am very pleased to hear that the Government recognises the support that is needed in the office of Attorney General. I think several people in Government sometimes make the mistake of not recognising this. It is tremendously important. I have had many years around the law as a police officer and also in various capacities in private and public practice in the courts. I have seen quite a lot and that support is undoubtedly important.
“To the people of Anguilla, I would like very much to let you know that I will serve you to the best of my abilities in a very fair and even-handed manner. I look forward to working with everyone for the betterment of Anguilla My wife supports me in this and we have made the transition from Bermuda to Anguilla…”
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Attorney General and Mrs. Bourne
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Mr. Bourne was asked by Ras B of Heart Beat Radio to comment on a perception among successive governments that the relationship between themselves and the Attorney General was not the best because he was predominantly appointed by the Governor. “I would like to dispel that very quickly and to let the public know that I will work very closely with all stakeholders of the Government,” he emphasied. “I expect to give my advice in the best interest of the Government and people of Anguilla.
Ras B summed up the Attorney General’s reply as follows” “In other words, there will be a trinity of cooperation,” he said.
Mr. Bourne has held many posts in the private and public sector over the years. His appointments included Magistrate in Bermuda, Registrar of the Supreme Court, Principal Crown Counsel, and Solicitor General. He has also served as Deputy Governor of Bermuda on various occasions.
His wife, Mrs. Linda Bourne, retired five years ago as a Human Resources Manager with the Bank of Bermuda.