Legal professional and entrepreneur Tara Carter has been appointed as the new speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
She took the oath of allegiance and assumed her duties during the newly elected assembly’s first sitting on Tuesday, 11 March.
During her acceptance speech, Carter told those gathered in parliament and watching the live feed that she accepted the role with “profound and deep humility”.
She thanked God, her family and friends, and said the day marked the renewal of Anguilla’s commitment to our democracy, good governance and service to the citizenry.
“As we gather in this chamber, let us remember that we are here to be the representatives of the people. They have placed their trust in you,” she said.
“They have placed their trust so that you may articulate their concerns, defend their interests and shape laws that will forward this country. This is your privilege and your solemn duty.”
The three Ds
Carter said the role of the Anguilla House of Assembly is fundamental to the democratic system, as it is where policies are debated and laws are scrutinised
“It is here that we enact laws to govern us, and it is here that we hold the executive to account,” she said.
She explained that as the speaker, her principal duty is to uphold the norms and traditions of the house.
“Primarily, my duties include to ensure that the government is allowed to govern – but my duty is also to ensure that the opposition is allowed to be heard,” she said.
“And overall, my duty is to ensure that there is dignity in this House of Assembly.”
She said that in preparing her address, she focused on the ‘three Ds’ – debate, democracy and decorum – that will apply during her term.
Debate
During debate, deliberations must be robust but constructive, Carter told members of the assembly, adding that it will not be a place that allows grand standing nor unmerited attacks.
“As members of the honourable house, we can anticipate that there will be times when there will be diverse perspectives. Diverse perspectives are healthy, and they are encouraged,” she said.
However, she urged the elected members of the government to always be mindful of their “sacred and solemn duty”, which is to the people of Anguilla.
And she told opposition members that while their role is “critical in these challenging times”, they must not oppose for opposition’s sake.
“You’re here to hold the executive to account, and you’re here to scrutinise matters that come before this house. These are the checks and balances we must preserve in this honourable house,” she said.
She also reminded members that there will be moments when Anguilla requires both sides to work together to forge a shared path.
Democracy and decorum
Carter said the new Anguilla House of Assembly will be one where democracy thrives.
“We are privileged to live in a free and democratic country where we still have the right to have our own views and our own voices,” she said.
However, she stressed they must remain in accordance with the rules and procedures of the institution.
“In carrying out your duties, I ask that you remember to be focused on your duty to peace, order and good governance.”
In terms of decorum, she insisted that the assembly will uphold decency and civility, and each member will reflect carefully on their solemn duty when they assume their seats.
“This island needs healing, not division, and I challenge you to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, dignity and decorum in this house,” the speaker said.
Challenges
Carter said the challenges facing Anguilla’s youth, elderly, business community and communities beyond are significant, but so are the opportunities given to legislators.
“Through diligent work and a collaborative spirit and principled leadership, we can advance policies that promote justice, prosperity and well being for all of our citizens,” she said.
The new speaker pledge to serve as an impartial arbiter of proceedings and to preserve the integrity of the institution.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us be guided by wisdom, inspired by the highest ideals of public service and motivated by a genuine desire to improve the lives of those we represent,” she said.
She congratulated all current members, their families and supporters and thanked the outgoing speaker and departing members, before officially opening the session.
Evans McNiel Rogers then took the oath of allegiance and was appointed to serve as deputy speaker.
Background
A press release from the government on 11 March said that Carter holds an LLB from the University of Manitoba and a legal education certificate from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School.
She was admitted to the Law Society of Manitoba in 2004, and her legal practice has spanned multiple jurisdictions including Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis.
In 2019, she founded her own firm at Rey Hill, the press release said.
Beyond her legal career, Cater is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through her founding of LEAD[HER] Network. She has also contributed significantly to real estate development.
She serves as deputy chair of the Anguilla Financial Services Commission, chair of the Health Authority Board of Anguilla and legal counsel for the Social Security Board.
Watch the latest meeting of the Anguilla House of Assembly in full below:
