Anguilla’s former premier, Ellis Webster, has said he is “ready to continue fighting” for the people of his district after retaining his seat in parliament amid his party’s election defeat.
Webster will continue to represent District 1 – Island Harbour in the Anguilla House of Assembly, having secured a clear majority with 573 votes in the general election on 26 February.
Claude C Smith of the Anguilla United Front came in second with 313 votes, followed by independents Palmavon Webster and Keith Fabian with 115 and 40 votes, respectively.
In a statement on Thursday, 27 February, the former leader thanked the people of Anguilla for their support and consideration on behalf of his party, the Anguilla Progressive Movement.
“It has been an honour to serve as your premier for the last four and a half years, and I look forward to continuing to represent you,” he said.
“I am particularly grateful to the people of District 1 for their support and continued inspiration.
“With a renewed and expanded mandate from the District, I am ready to continue fighting to ensure your empowerment – and that your voices are heard.”
Webster will serve as a member of the official opposition, working to hold the new government accountable and to advocate for the interests of his constituents.
“I embrace my new assignment and am determined to fight in the House of Assembly to ensure that the gains the people of Anguilla have earned in the last term are not dismantled or diminished,” he said.
“The Anguilla Progressive Movement is proud of the work it has done in your name and of all that we have accomplished together.
“I thank the APM team, including all the candidates, who steadfastly fought a good fight and stood firm amidst a headwind of lies and distortions.”
The former premier said the election results did not go as his party would have like but said there is a lot to be proud of and members will respect the people’s will.
“We therefore want to congratulate the Anguilla United Front on its election victory and especially Cora Richardson Hodge on becoming the new premier of this proud land of ours,” he said.
“I have called Mrs Richardson Hodge and offered my personal congratulations.”
He said the former ministers are willing to provide any advice that may be needed to help “us as a people” to navigate challenging times.
“To the people of Anguilla, yesterday we fought an election, supporting our various parties, but today, we stand together as patriots of this land.
“Let’s all get back to work.”
