ANGUILLA--An exceptionally large crowd of people was at the Parliamentary Building on Monday, March 6, to witness the swearing-in of the new Government.
Osbourne Fleming was sworn in as the new Chief Minister, with Victor Banks, Eric Reid and Kenneth Harrigan as Ministers of Government. There was loud applause as the new Ministers entered the building and more again when losing United Front candidates Rhona Richardson and Franklin Connor entered.
Attorney General Ronald Scipio read the letters of appointment signed by Governor Peter Johnstone. Each Minister then read the oaths of allegiance, "I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors in the office of Minister of Government."
The second oath was: "I, (the Minister's name) do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors, according to the law, so help me God." The Governor and Attorney General shook hands with each member of Government and signed the oaths.
Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming expressed his thanks to the many people who took their time to attend the function. "This is a momentous day for all of us," he said. "We are changing the scene in Anguilla. I must say how grateful we are for the outpouring of love that has come from you, the people. History has been made in Anguilla today. Anguilla is on a new course of love, prosperity and unity."
Victor Banks, who is to be the Minister of Finance, thanked everyone for coming, noting that they were overwhelmed by the support and love from everyone. "When I resigned and expressed the idea of the Anguilla National Alliance and the Anguilla Democratic Party coming together, I never thought we would bring the people together in the way we have. This Government will be one of interaction with the people and we will be here for five years," he stressed in closing.
"The United Front, bringing the people together, has added a new dimension to my life," said Eric Reid, who is to be Minister of Education, Health and Social Development. He noted that the large crowd in attendance showed the support for the new government and he promised that it would stay for five years and beyond. "My pledge to you this morning is that we will not let you down," Reid stated.
A promise to work day and night for the people of Anguilla came from Minister of Infrastructure Kenneth Harrigan. "Trust me, I will," he said. "Thank you for supporting us and we will serve you in truth and honesty."
After the ceremony the atmosphere and spirit were great while everyone greeted the new Government Ministers and each other. Chief Minister Fleming told The Daily Herald that Monday was the swearing-in for the ministers, but later in the month, probably about March 20, would be the official opening of the House of Assembly, when the House would be properly constituted.
In the meantime, he noted that he was busy putting his cabinet together. He stressed that all those who had run in the election with the United Front, including Franklin Connor, Rhona Richardson and Kenswick Richardson among others who supported them, would be involved in the Government in some way.
The Speaker of the House and the first and second Nominated Members are expected to be announced soon.
The United Front won four out of the seven seats, gaining a high percentage of the votes in those districts, ranging from 60% for Harrigan, 71.2% for Fleming, 64.4% for Banks and 81% for Eric Reid in Valley North. In the other districts Hubert Hughes gained 54.8% of the votes, Albert Hughes 58% and Edison Baird 50.1%, which in each case was less than in the last election.
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