Government ministers used their final parliamentary session of 2025 to reflect on the year’s achievements and to extend holiday greetings.
On Tuesday, 16 December, following a short sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge rose to address members and the public.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every person in Anguilla, our visitors, our friends, our residents, our Anguillans in the diaspora, a very joyous, safe and and peaceful Christmas,” she said.
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She went on to say that, as the year draws to a close, it is a time to reflect on the recent peace experienced on the island and to remember loved ones who have passed.
“I also want to encourage us to reach out to those persons who maybe do not have the ability, from time to time, to take care of themselves,” the premier added.
“Vulnerable persons in our communities, persons who are in our homes, our senior citizens – and take some time to visit those persons and spend some time with them.”
Richardson Hodge reflected on the year’s successes including the opening of the new terminal at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport.
“We look forward to not just a prosperous new year, but one in which every Anguillian can continue to benefit and to thrive,” she concluded.
Minister Shellya Rogers-Webster then stood to offer Christmas and New Year well wishes and said she will be visiting the seniors citizens homes in her constituency on 19 December.
She explained that every year she and a team carry care packages to the elderly and bring music and entertainment.
“I know over the years, the residents particularly look forward to us coming as a community, and so we will continue to do that this year,” the minister said.
She expressed condolences to those who had lost friends or family members during the year, acknowledging that this can be particularly difficult over the festive season.
Minister Kyle Hodge expressed his joy at being part of the government since the general election earlier this year and being able to pass the 2026 Budget early before heading on to the Joint Ministerial Council.
“I want to say Merry Christmas to the people of Anguilla from my family, my wife and my two sons and two daughters,” he added.
Also offering Christmas greetings were parliamentary secretary Cordell Richardson, opposition members Haydn Hughes and Merrick Richardson, ministerial assistant Jeison Bryan and senior ministerial advisor Evans McNiel Rogers.
