ALBERT HUGHES QUITS AUM Receives Letter Of Rebuke

After more than 20 years as a member of the Anguilla United Movement, which has been in Government twice and is now in opposition, Albert Hughes of West End, has resigned from the party. He has accused the Executive of casting him aside for another candidate in next year’s elections and vows he will contest the seat for the last time because his people would like him to represent them again. But in a letter the party’s executive has swiftly rebuked him for his claims.

Writing to Felix Fleming, Chairman of the AUM on May 4, Mr. Hughes expressed thanks for the opportunity to serve as a member of the political party for 24 years, but that he was tendering his resignation with immediate effect:

“In light of the present circumstances it is and has been obvious for some time now that the party is not supportive of me being a candidate on their slate,” he wrote. “This saddens me, as I am a very productive elected representative in my constituency. I was very loyal to the party and its leader [Hubert Hughes] and have given no reason to warrant the apparent indecisiveness.”

His letter continued: “I have heard that there is talk circulating around pertaining to my health condition. To my knowledge I have not issued an official medical report to the party or to the public. Thanks be to God I can honestly say that I am enjoying the best of health.

“The word of God says that you should bless them that curse you… and pray for them that despitefully use you. I will remain socially and morally respectful at all times and I look forward to the same from all of you.”

The AUM letter from Mr. Fleming to Albert Hughes stated as follows:

“I have discussed your unfortunate letter of resignation with members of the Anguilla United Movement’s Executive, and what we find particularly troubling is your assertion that we as a Party had demonstrated a desire to reject you as a candidate for the up-coming election.

“We are surprised because we have always considered you to be a truthful and honourable man and as such would not give the impression that we as a Party undertook any initiative, or held any discussion about replacing you as the AUM candidate for the West End Constituency.
“You once informed us that you had agreed to a succession plan with Mr. Wilmoth Hodge of Long Bay and the Party respected your wishes and was willing to honour your plan. We understood that your own constituency cell with membership of long-standing, wanted Mr. Walcott Richardson, a man who stood on the rostrum with you for years. They had asked you a log time ago to have this man replace you, yet they too went along with your choice.

“It is only when your cell members understood that Mr. Wilmoth Hodge was pressured by a family member who insisted that he contest the West End seat as an independent candidate, that they choose the man they had always preferred in Mr. Walcott Richardson.

“It is with deep trepidation and regret that we of the Anguilla United Movement accept your resignation as a member of our group. Your long membership and service to the Anguilla United Movement is a testament to your commitment to this organisation over the past twenty-four years.

“We had hoped that an adherence to the party rules and guidelines would have been sufficient to mitigate any differences among cell members.

“We wish you the best in all your endeavours, as we will always treasure your friendship.”

Meanwhile, AUM Political Leader, Hubert Hughes, to whom Fleming’s letter was copied, spoke of the longstanding relationship between himself and Albert Hughes and said their relationship would not change. He charged that persons outside the party had become involved in the matter, causing misunderstanding.

Albert Hughes said he and Mr. Hughes had been friends over the years. When asked whether he would withdraw his support from him, he commented: “I am not at war with Hubert. He is only one man. It is the Executive. He is still Leader of the Opposition although that may change later.”

“Belto”, as he is popularly called, says some persons have asked him to join them in forming a party or as a loose group of independents. He remains adamant that he will be an independent candidate on his own – at least for now.

Hon. Albert Hughes