The Anguilla House of Assembly has entered a three-year agreement worth EC$97,000 for audio recording, transcription and management services.
US audio technology company For the Record will be installing the FTR RealTime system in order to enhance transparency and accessibility in parliamentary proceedings.
During the meeting of the Anguilla House of Assembly on 14 October, Merrick Richardson, representative for Road North, described the new technology to members.
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He said it will provide high-fidelity, multi-channel audio recording, realtime speech to text transcription with speaker attribution, and secure cloud based storage.
The system will also include features such as keyword search, editing tools and integration with case management systems.
Richardson said the FTR RealTime system will “integrate seamlessly” with the Hansard AI platform, currently being developed by local technology form Evolute at a cost of $32,258.
This bespoke artificial intelligence tool is being designed to convert parliamentary audio recordings into standardised, searchable Hansard-style transcripts.
These transcripts will be formatted with speaker attributions and archived digitally on the parliament’s website, the assembly member said.
A third project – the development of a dedicated website for the Anguilla House of Assembly by Digital Elements at a cost of $42,000 – will also help to support the new systems.
Funded by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, it will serve as a central platform for publishing Hansard reports, bills, acts, live streams and educational content.
The website will also provide detailed information about members and committees designed to be user friendly, mobile responsive and search engine optimised.
“The website will also meet international accessibility standards ensuring barrier free access for citizens with disabilities,” Richardson said.
Finally, the assembly is exploring the procurement of smart devices for members to ensure seamless access to real time transcription and assembly documents.
“All projects are well advanced and are expected to be completed by the end of November 2025,” Richardson concluded.
Speaker Tara Carter told members the new systems are important for transparency as well as to demonstration that Anguilla is an AI-driven jurisdiction.
Premier Cora Richardson Hodge said: “It is excellent that we are now in a position where we can move forward with technology in this honourable house.”
E-government services minister Jose Vanterpool added: “We’re not only embracing technology, but this shows that we are moving towards being a regional leader.”
The Anguilla House of Assembly first announced the Administration Committee-led projects in August.
