In a matter of time the current Anguilla House of Assembly will be dissolved by a Proclamation by the Governor. Those who have enjoyed public office whether in Government or in Opposition will descend from their lofty positions of leadership, influence and privilege. All will be once more equal as they look to the electorate and compete for votes for another term of office.

Members of the Government L-R: Ministers Kenneth Harrigan, Victor Banks and CM Osbourne Fleming. Behind Parliamentary Secretary Samuel Connor

The only exception among the politicians will be the Honourable Eric Reid, the Minister of Social Development, who will be retiring from active politics after many years of service and high regard and to whom the island owes a debt of gratitude.

The Speaker, the Honourable Leroy Rogers, considered to be the most powerful person in the House, is also on his way out. He is a declared candidate for the upcoming General Election in the Valley North Constituency. He has not appeared on the political rostrum, saying it was not ethically correct to do so while serving as Speaker.

The Order of Business for the House of Assembly sitting on Wednesday included the continuation of the Budget Debate or the Second and Third Reading of the 2005 Appropriation of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2004, with Opposition Member Hubert Hughes resuming his contribution from the Christmas week; the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2004 to validate certain procedures; and the Recording of Court Proceedings Bill, 2004 to facilitate note-taking.

L-R: Opposition Leader Edison Baird, Albert Hughes and Hubert Hughes. The latter is debating the 2005 Budget

As the countdown for the General Election continues, there has been a noticeable increase in the electioneering campaign and many display boards of candidates and party slogans have been erected in various parts of the island.

The five-year political term for all the players is therefore at its closing period and the bell is now left to be rung for the General Election. In all probability this week’s House of Assembly sitting is the last.

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