Former Minister of Social Development, Evans McNiel Rogers, is now changing roles in the Anguilla House of Assembly following his appointment as Leader of the Opposition by Governor Alistair Harrison on Friday, February 19 in the Executive Council’s Chambers.

Governor Harrison appointing Mr. Rogers Leader of the Opposition

Mr. Rogers, the Valley North Representative, who served as Minister of Social Development for five years, is one of two candidates of the Anguilla United Front who won seats in the House of Assembly following the February 15 General Election. The other is newcomer to the political scene, Othlyn Vanterpool, the Elected Representative for Island Harbour.

Mr. Rogers was appointed Leader of the Opposition under section 48 (2) of the Constitution of Anguilla. His appointment was in keeping with the provision that he is the Member of the House of Assembly “who, in the judgment of the Governor, is the leader of any opposition party whose numerical strength in the Assembly is greater than that of any other opposition party.”

“I wish you all the best in the important duties that you are taking up, and I assure you of the full cooperation of the Governor as it is right to the Leader of the Opposition and indeed to all Members of the House of Assembly,” Mr. Harrison told Mr. Rogers.

The Opposition Leader replied that he would occasionally seek information and cooperation from the Governor. He took the opportunity to thank his colleagues and supporters who were present at the brief ceremony and thanked the people of Anguilla, particularly those of Valley North who elected him. “The Anguilla United Front is a party of individuals who have this country at heart and we intend to continue even, from our position on the Opposition benches, to work with the interest of Anguilla and all Anguillians at heart.”

Governor and Mr. Rogers with Instrument of Appointment and AUF members and supporters

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Rogers commented in part: “In terms of the new position, Leader of the Opposition, it is uncharted waters for me but as a Legislator, with five years’ experience, I am sure that I will be able to develop in that role effectively. The people of Anguilla have spoken. They have elected a new administration and I was elected as the Member of the House of Assembly, representing District 3 (Valley North). It is a continuation and I intend to take the role as Leader of the Opposition very seriously no only for the people in my district, but in Anguilla in general.” He added that he would support legislation brought to the House for the benefit of Anguilla but would oppose legislation and motions which he thought were not in the best interest of the majority of Anguillians.

Mr. Rogers took the opportunity to congratulate the new Government. “After all, it is our Government. The people of Anguilla have spoken and we should respect and admire their decision; and we have to work in the best interest and overall development of Anguilla,” he added.

The other opposition party, the Anguilla Progressive Party (APP), is represented in the House of Assembly by Jerome Roberts, who won the East End/Sandy Hill seat.

The governing Anguilla United Movement (AUM) headed by Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes, and his colleagues, occupy the other four seats in the House of Assembly. They were sworn in as Ministers by the Governor on Tuesday, February 16.

It has been arranged for all seven Elected Members of the three political parties, as well as the new Speaker and the two Nominated Members, to be sworn in as Members of the House of Assembly on Friday, February 26.

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