One of the failures of legislators and regulation-makers in past House of Assemblies in Anguilla, has been their lack of foresight in having a revised set of wide-ranging rules to govern all matters relating to the conduct of meetings. Imagine what can result from an oversight in not having an arrangement in place where, in the interim, when there is no Speaker elected, the Clerk to the House has clear powers to control the initial proceedings.

The imagination does not have to be stretched too much as one of the consequences is still present in the minds of many people who were witnesses to or heard of the explosive nature of the debate preceding the election of the Speaker in the House of Assembly. Even when the Clerk was called upon to stop the wrangling, personal abuse and innuendos by Opposition Member Hubert Hughes amid the catcalls and other noisy interruptions from members of the audience, she was powerless to intervene. The Honourable House of Assembly is no place for this disgraceful type of conduct by anyone and it is a shameful example to our young people whom we are desperately trying to nurture and guide along pathways of respect and dignity.

Any Member has the right to voice his or her opinion on a matter he or she feels strongly about, but not the right to libel or defame persons. All that was necessary was a simple vote on the two nominations without seeking to destroy Mr.Carty’s credibility. On the other side of the coin, it is hoped that the long-running political feud, fanned by Mr. Hughes, may be coming to an end as both men shook hands after the Opposition Member was sworn in, holding the Bible higher than anyone else.

It is forever being said that the age-old, but ever-timely Bible, is the guidebook for all mankind in today’s world and for generations to come. Its admonitions and spiritual standards governing discipline, for example, constantly provide some ready ways to react in every situation. The admonition forbidding “giving railing for railing” (in modern language cursing for cursing), is one to consider and Mr. Carty may well be commended for not responding in equal measure, thus plunging the House in greater controversy and indignity.

One must always seek the moral high ground and be guided by its principles. It is hoped that on both sides of the House of Assembly that in future there will be respect for each member and respect for, and adherence to, the rules of procedure and to have them revised in due course. The words of Donna Banks, First Nominated Member, in delivering her maiden address to the House, are good food for thought:

“It is my intention…to participate in this Honourable House with integrity and compassion, ignoring childish outbursts and responding to genuine issues,” she pledged. That is a principle of the moral high ground. May everyone in the House aspire to that level.

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