The Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) launched its 2025 election campaign this weekend, marking the start of months of fierce competition as the island’s political parties battle for public favour.
On 18 January, a purpose-built ship took centre stage at the Island Harbour basketball court, doubling as a platform for the 11 newly named candidates to deliver their speeches.
Crowds of supporters dressed in blue cheered, waved flags and blew horns as the election hopefuls outlined their vision and priorities under the party’s ‘Yes to Progress’ campaign theme.
While the general election date has yet to be set, the APM – the island’s current ruling party – has wasted no time in making moves to solidify its position and build momentum for its progressive agenda.
The party is aiming to secure another five-year term, emphasising continuity and further development under its leadership.
People’s agenda
The live streamed four-hour event, which featured prayer, candidate walk-on music and entertainment from local musicians, began with host Lyndon Duncan welcoming attendees.
“The captain is on board, he has all the team in order, the sails are up, you have your boarding pass, and we are ready to sail,” he said enthusiastically.
First on stage was District 5 candidate Merrick Richardson who said that since taking office four and a half years ago the APM has pursued the “people’s agenda”.
The party introduced programmes for social transformation, with policies that “expanded the economy, created more opportunities, invested in people and extended compassion to the most vulnerable”, he said.
Richardson added: “Now we have to get everyone on the boat to continue what we have started.”
A new course
Continuing the sailing metaphors, islandwide candidate Kenneth Hodge told attendees: “We are about to set sail once again – it is time to get on board.”
The home affairs minister said the APM is charting a new course for Anguilla, adding it is a “journey paved with hope, resilience and progress”.
“Just a few years ago, our country stood at the brink of bankruptcy, our economy faced daunting challenges,” Hodge said.
“Together, your government rolled up our sleeves and invoked a vision for change. A vision that prioritised the needs of the people of Anguilla.”
He said the government understands that progress does not happen by chance, but only if members strategise, collaborate and invest in the future together.
Team APM
District 7 candidate Jamie Hodge told attendees that he chose to be on the side of the people, of competent leadership, of consistent progress, and the side with a track record to be proud of.
He said ‘Team APM’ has earned the right to return to office and said he is proud to be a member of the party under the “steady leadership” of Premier Ellis Webster.
Under his leadership Anguilla has experienced record breaking tourism arrivals, he added, saying the the premier listened not only to his party but to the people of the island.
Over the following hours, the remaining eight candidates echoed similar sentiments, also highlighting their individual priorities for their respective districts.
The event concluded with a renewed call for unity and progress, setting the tone for what promises to be a spirited campaign season.
The launch is available to watch in full here.
APM 2025 candidates
The APM’s candidates for the 2025 general election are:
- District 1 – Ellis Webster
- District 2 – Lennox Vanterpool
- District 3 – Courtney Morton
- District 4 – Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers
- District 5 – Merrick Richardson
- District 6 – Haydn Hughes
- District 7 – Jamie Hodge
- Islandwide – Quincia Gumbs-Marie
- Islandwide – Othlyn Vanterpool
- Islandwide – Kenneth Hodge
- Islandwide – Glenneva Hodge
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article provides impartial coverage of political activities in the lead up to the 2025 general election in Anguilla.
It does not constitute an endorsement of any party or candidate.
