During my recent visit to Anguilla, a friend and I were speaking about the conduct of business in the island’s House of Assembly and the role of the Speaker, Mr. David Carty. We both expressed dismay at the possibility that this very able gentleman may not after all serve in this high office following the 2010 general election as it is rumored that he is likely to step down whether or not the present Government is returned to office.

It would be a shame to lose such a vibrant and visionary Speaker who has sought to bring change and reform to the House of Assembly. In my view he has performed extraordinarily well over the years. His conduct, judgment, chairmanship and fairness in the House have been impeccable.

It was a pleasure to have read in The Anguillian sometime ago a comment from opposition member Edison Baird that Mr. Carty “has been even-handed” in his conduct of the House of Assembly. I was even more pleased to note that the other opposition Hubert Hughes, a long-time rival and critic of Mr. Carty, was also singing some praise for him. I remember the severe blasting Mr. Carty received and had to publicly endure in the House from Mr. Hughes when he was being sworn in as Speaker. It is only recently that I heard of another attack on him by Mr. Hughes who allegedly argued that he was bias against him during the argument about the holding of a House of Assembly meeting to pass the Proceeds of Crime Bill, as I understood it.

I think Mr. Carty, whom I understand is well respected in the hierarchy of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, deserves a big round of applause for his service in the House of Assembly. It would be a great honor to Anguilla if he stays on as Speaker for another term. If not, Godspeed to him and history will tell the rest. In my view anybody coming after him will have big shoes to walk in.

Sylvia Richardson-Gumbs
Atlanta

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