In her New Year address, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge set a hopeful tone for 2026, promising a ‘new dawn’ of progress, unity and opportunity for Anguilla.
Read the address in full below:
As a new dawn approaches our beloved island, it is my hope that we, as Anguillians, find renewed resolve in the beauty and promise of starting afresh.
Get members-only articles and editorials, giveaways and discount codes with Anguilla Focus. Click here to join from just $4/month.
It has been an eventful 2025, and I first want to thank you, the people of Anguilla, wherever you may be, for your belief in and support of the Government of Anguilla.
Together, we have navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and continued to move our island forward.
The advancements we have made would not have been possible without you.
This year, Anguilla recorded several meaningful achievements that remind us of what is possible when we work together.
We made history by electing our first female premier, breaking glass ceilings, and reshaping what leadership looks like for our young women and girls.
We reformed our tax structure to increase the purchasing power for individuals and businesses.
We expanded our aviation standards with the completion of a new terminal building and the introduction of new routes into Anguilla, strengthening our global connectivity.
We continued to expand educational programs, investing in our students, our teachers, and lifelong learning.
We advanced critical infrastructure and community development projects that improve daily life across the island.
We sustained the growth of our economy, particularly tourism and small business enterprises, creating opportunity and resilience for Anguillian families.
No matter what sector or community you come from, we came together to see 2025 through.
From the late nights and early mornings of planning, to advocating for better outcomes for our most vulnerable, from our youth making strides beyond the horizon, to families going the extra mile in times of strife.
Starting afresh is not always about beginning from ground zero or even abandoning work that came before.
Sometimes it is about re-centring, taking stock of what we have accomplished, learning from the past, and committing ourselves to the work that lies ahead with clarity and purpose.
Happy New Year, and may peace, health, and opportunity be yours in the year ahead.
