The governing United Front Party in Anguilla is now on the campaign trail with a series of public meetings, having just emerged from a two-weekend Convention. The indoor and private sessions were held among the party’s executive members and others at the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium.

L-R: Candidates Kenswick Richardson, Curtis Richardson, Delsic Rey, Victor Banks, Evans Rogers, Cora Richardson-Hodge and Othlyn Vanterpool (under bright lights)

The climaxing event late Saturday evening, October 3, was dubbed a “Blockarama”. A huge stage with theatre lights and hi-tec screens with computer-generated images of speakers and party symbols, provided mainly by Ricky Hodge and his associates, occupied a large section of the blocked off road outside the English Rose Restaurant.

At the start of the meeting, chaired occasionally by Fritz Smith, Davon Carty and Donna Banks, the opportunity was taken to comment on various matters surrounding the Convention, the objectives of the party, and to announce its executive members and the candidates selected to seek election in the seven districts.

The Convention and the announcement of candidates came at a time when three United Front Party members are stepping down in retirement after many years of Government service. They are Minister of Infrastructure, Kenneth Harrigan, Elected Representative of District One, Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, Elected Representative of District 2 and Albelto Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary and Elected Representative for District 7.
The United Front Party’s executive comprises the following: Political Leader, Victor Banks; Deputy Leader, Evans Rogers; Chairman, Fritz Smith; Deputy Chairman, Davon Carty; General Secretary, Cora Richardson-Hodge; Treasurer, Osbourne Fleming; Secretary, Jeff Wilson; Public Relations Officer, Donna Banks; Youth Chairman, Andy (Vanburn) Brooks; Woman arm Chairperson, Blondell Rogiers; Events Chairman, Harold Ruan; Membership Chairman, Leroy Bryan; Finance Chairman, Rosmund Davis; and Nominated Members, Sharon Richardson, Claude Smith, Desmond Richardson, Kent Webster and Rebelto Bryan.
Chief Minister Fleming and outgoing Political Leader, who was one of the first speakers, said he was now ready to go home as he had turned over the leadership to Mr. Banks who he described as a capable leader, well-respected in the Caribbean region and beyond. He was also satisfied that Mr. Banks was surrounded by a cadre of candidates and other persons qualified to serve and guide Anguilla.
The seven candidates are Othlyn Vanterpool, District One (Island Harbour and its environs); Cora Richardson-Hodge, District Two, (East End/Sandy Hill); Evans Rogers, District Three (Valley North); Victor Banks, District Four (Valley South); newcomer to the Anguilla political scene, Desric Rey, Road North (North Hill/Sandy Ground); Curtis Richardson, Road South (District 6); and Kenswick Richardson, District 7 (West End/Long Bay.
All the new candidates spoke on their plans and perspectives for the leadership of Anguilla, while incumbents Kenneth Harrigan and Evans Rogers gave a rundown of the various accomplishments of the Government.
Mr. Banks ended the meeting with statements on his own political life, the unification of the Anguilla National Alliance and the Anguilla Democratic Party (which he led at one time) to form the ruling United Front Party.
He spoke on a variety of leadership issues and the aim of the UFP to form the next Government of Anguilla following next year's general election.

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