Hon. Speaker Tara Cater

Opening and prayer

Good morning, honourable Members. I apologize for the absence of the Chaplain who has an emergency, and I invite our standing chaplain to open us in a word of prayer, please.

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Opening and prayer

Amen and Amen. Thank you, officer, and we do indeed thank God for the rain. Let's have a seat.

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Confirmation of minutes - 19th meeting, first session

Members, you have before you the minutes of the 19th meeting of the first session dated 4th March 2026. If there are any amendments or corrections, please indicate so now. Hearing no amendments, may I have a mover to approve the minutes as …

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Confirmation of minutes - 19th meeting, first session

Thank you Honourable Member. It has been moved and seconded that the minutes circulated dated 4th March be confirmed. Those in favour say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Confirmation of minutes - 1st meeting, second session

Honourable Members, you have before you the minutes of the first meeting of the Second session of the 13th Anguilla House of Assembly dated 7th April 2026. Are there any amendments? Hearing no amendments. Do I have a mover to confirm these …

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Confirmation of minutes - 1st meeting, second session

It has been moved and seconded that the minutes dated 7th April be hereby confirmed. Those in favour say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Oath of allegiance - Acting Deputy Governor

I call upon the honourable Member to take the oath.

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Oath of allegiance - Acting Deputy Governor

Thank you, Honourable Acting Deputy Governor Harden-Hodge.

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Announcements by the Speaker and statement on April 7th proceedings

By way of announcements, I have apologies for the Attorney General who is absent today, I have apologies for the absence of the Single Island Electoral District Member Rogers, and I have apologies for the absence of the chaplain who has a f…

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Procedural pause

Honourable Members, let's stand up for a few minutes, please. I need to talk to the Sergeant of Arms.

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Resumption of sitting

This house resumes its sitting. I'll call upon the clerk to proceed with the order paper.

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Motion 3 of 2026 - Customs Exemption of Duty on Gasoline and Diesel Imports Regulations 2026

I call upon the mover for the Motion 3 of 2026.

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Motion 3 of 2026 - Customs Exemption of Duty on Gasoline and Diesel Imports Regulations 2026

Is there a seconder?

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Motion 3 of 2026 - Customs Exemption of Duty on Gasoline and Diesel Imports Regulations 2026

Proceed Member.

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Motion 3 of 2026 - Customs Exemption of Duty on Gasoline and Diesel Imports Regulations 2026

Thank you, honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to contribute to the regulations that are before this floor? The Chair recognizes the honorable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Hodge.

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Motion on fuel tax suspension and gasoline prices

Thank you, Honourable Member. Are there any other contributions? I recognize the Honourable Member for Island Harbour.

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Motion on fuel tax suspension and gasoline prices

Thank you, Honourable Leader of Opposition. Are there any other contributions?

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Motion on fuel tax suspension and gasoline prices

Does the Honourable mover wish to reply?

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Motion 3 of 2026 - Customs Duty Exemption and legislative program motion

Honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that Motion 3 of 2026, two of the 13th House of Assembly, Approval of Customs, Exemption of Duty on Gasoline and Diesel Inputs Regulations, 2026 becomes a resolution of this Assembly. Those…

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resumption of sitting

This house resumes its sitting. Please take your seats.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Government legislative program

I call upon the Honourable Premier to move a motion. Motion #4 of 2026.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Government legislative program

Thank you, honourable Member, is there a seconder?

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Government legislative program

It has been moved and seconded. The honourable mover is called upon to give the address.

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Motion to adjourn for reply to opening address

Honourable Member, thank you for your address. I invite you now to move a motion in respect of Standing Order 13(3) in respect to the reply.

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Motion to adjourn for reply to opening address

Is there a seconder? That this House stands adjourned so that the Leader of the Opposition may reply to the opening address at the next ordinary sitting and the debate of the motion. Is there a seconder?

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Motion to adjourn for reply to opening address

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the matter pertaining to motion 4/2026 stands adjourned for debate to the next ordinary sitting. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. We shall now proceed with the Or…

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Other orders of the day - contributions

Are there any orders of the day? I do invite members now to make any contributions in respect to any other orders of the day. I recognize the honourable Leader of Opposition.

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Other orders of the day - contributions

Thank you, honourable Member. Are there any other orders of the day? I recognize the honourable Member for West End.

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Other orders of the day - contributions

I recognize the honourable Member for Road South.

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Other orders of the day - contributions

Any other orders? I recognize the honourable Member for Valley North.

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Other orders of the day - contributions

I recognize Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Vanterpool.

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Motion for adjournment

Thank you, honourable Member. Any other contributions? Motion for adjournment.

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Motion for adjournment

Seconder?

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Adjournment of the House

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that this honourable House stands adjourned until Tuesday the 28th of April at 10 AM. Those in favour say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. This House stands adjourned.

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Opening and Prayers

Good morning, Honourable Members. I call upon the Honourable Member Hodge to open us in a word of prayer, please.

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Opening and Prayers

Amen. Thank you. Members you may be seated.

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Confirmation of Minutes

Members, I know that you may not have had time to read because these would have been published later yesterday. There are minutes before you dated 3rd March.

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Confirmation of Minutes

Please indicate if there are any amendments or corrections to the minutes.

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Confirmation of Minutes

I do wish from my own position to indicate that member Jeison Bryan had indicated by e-mail prior that he would have been absent, and I inadvertently forgot to mention it. So, if the minutes can reflect that he was absent with apologies yes…

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Confirmation of Minutes

Any amendments, any corrections?

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Confirmation of Minutes

Hearing no amendments or corrections, may I invite a mover to confirm the minutes and a seconder, please.

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Confirmation of Minutes

Thank you, honourable Member.

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Confirmation of Minutes

Thank you, honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that the minutes are confirmed. Those in favour say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Announcements and Prorogation Notice

I crave your indulgence. I'm just pulling up a notice. I do have apologies from the Honourable Leader of Opposition in respect of his absence. I have continued apologies from the Honourable Member for West End and the Honourable Single Isla…

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

I invite the mover of the bill.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

Is there a seconder in respect of the bill being read a second time?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

And I call upon the mover to outline the objects and reasons of the bill.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

I apologize, my mic was off. The floor is now open for any contributions of any Members in respect to the general merits and principles of the Social Security Amendment Act 2026. Does any Member wish to speak?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

The Chair recognizes the Honourable Member for Valley North.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading

Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair recognizes Honourable Member Hodge.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading and Committee Stage

Thank you, honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to speak to the amendment?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading and Committee Stage

If there are no other contributions, I shall put the question. The question is that the bill shortly entitled the Social Security Amendment Act, 2026 be read a second time and committed. Those in favor say aye.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading and Committee Stage

Those opposed say no.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Second Reading and Committee Stage

The ayes have it. I did overlook the Premier's response, I suspect you're OK. My apologies.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

This House shall now resolve itself into a committee of the whole to consider the Bill clause by clause.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

I put the question, honourable Members, that Clauses 1 to 8 of the amendment.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

Oh, OK. Do you have any other questions that you can put before and hold those until the honourable Attorney General comes back perhaps?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

Yes.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

Well, how about this? Let's put the question and let's hear what it is. Now we can determine who's appropriate to answer it.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

So, while the honourable Attorney General was walking in, the honourable member for Road North had indicated that there would be a question in respect of the amendment to the existing section 6. He wasn't sure if it was a question that woul…

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

You didn't understand the question. Is the question whether or not there's a cap on the time that they can be appointed for?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

I think it's clear what the question is. I will allow one at a time so that we can ensure that the public follows. So, the honorable Attorney General first will address. You can proceed.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

Are there any other questions in respect of clauses 1 to 8 that is before us for consideration?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

If there are no further questions, I put the question to the members that clauses 1 to 8 do stand part of the amendment Bill. Those in favor say aye, Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

I put the question that the title and the enacting clause do stand part of this bill. Those in favor say aye.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

Those opposed say no.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Committee Stage

That completes consideration. I invite the mover to report.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading Preparation

Noted Honourable Member, the Bill is ready for its third reading.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading

I invite the mover.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading

Let's move a motion that the bill be read a third time and passed and then a seconder.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading

Is there a seconder?

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading

Honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled a Social Security Amendment Act 2026 be passed. Those in favor say aye.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - Third Reading

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Second Reading

I invite the Mover of the Bill to move a motion in respect of the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Second Reading

Is there a seconder?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Second Reading

It has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 be read a second time. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate and Committee Preparation

I do consult with our clerk. In respect of our invitee, we've invited Miss Tina Bryan from the Anguilla Financial Services Commission to brief us as it relates to the bill. However, the appropriate time which we've discussed will be during …

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate and Committee Preparation

Are the members amenable to that approach?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate

OK, the floor is now open for debate or contributions in respect of the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026. Does any member wish to speak?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate

I recognize the Honourable Minister of Finance.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate

In respect of the objects and reasons, that is. I'm not sure if any member would want to speak to it any further.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Debate

And hearing no further contributions, I do believe if you wish to make a response notwithstanding that there hadn't been any contributions, it is entirely up to you or you may move a motion accordingly.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Second Reading Motion

That's correct.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Opening

Yes, that's correct. So, it had been moved prior. So, it's been moved and seconded that the bill shortly entitled the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 be read a second time and committed to the committee for the whole. Those in favor say aye…

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Opening

You've been overruled Mr. Proctor. Let's proceed.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Opening

Let's proceed. We'll have Miss Bryan join us and just give a brief of what the bill is and then you put questions if there are any during the committee stage.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Briefing

You may be seated, Miss Bryan.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Q&A

Thank you, Miss Bryan, and we thank you for coming on very short notice as well. Are there any questions that you would wish for, any guidance or assistance while we have Miss Bryan?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Q&A

Thank you, Honourable Member. Thank you, Miss Bryan. Are there any other questions?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Q&A

Miss Bryan, do you have anything else to add or are we ok to proceed, Madam Clerk?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Clauses 1-7

Honourable Members, I put the question to you. That clauses one through seven do stand part of this Bill.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Clauses 1-7

Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Clauses 8-20

I put the question, Honourable Members, that clauses 8 to 20 do stand part of this Bill. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Clauses 21-34

Honourable Members, I put the question that clauses 21 to 34 do stand part of this Bill. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Schedule

I put the question, Honourable Members, that the schedule stands part of this bill. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Stage Title and Enacting Clause

I put the question that the title and the enacting clause stand part of this bill. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Committee Report Preparation

The House now resumes its sitting and I call upon the member to report.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Third Reading

Invite the mover.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Third Reading

Honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled as Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 be read a third time and pass. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. I call upon the clerk to read …

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Third Reading

I hereby declare honourable Members that the Bill has been read a third time and passed and declared the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - Third Reading

Thank you for your contributions, Miss Bryan.

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Announcements and Prorogation Notice

Members, there was one announcement that I did omit inadvertently and it relates to the Honourable Member for Valley South who will be attending the 74th Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments which will be held from March 9th to 13th…

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Adjournment Motion

Is there a seconder?

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Adjournment Motion

It has been moved and seconded that this honorable House stands adjourned Sine Die. Thank you, Members, for your contribution during the session.

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opening of sitting

Good morning, honourable Members.

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opening of sitting

I call upon the chaplain.

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prayers

Thank you Chaplain. Members, you may take your seat.

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opening announcements

First, let me apologise to the members and to the listening public for our late start. We were slightly delayed by our YouTube connection. I believe the YouTube will be down, but the viewing public can view at the Facebook page, the Governm…

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confirmation of minutes

Members, you have before you the minutes.

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confirmation of minutes

Of the 17th meeting of the Fourth session of the 13th Anguilla House of Assembly.

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confirmation of minutes

The minutes are dated the 26th February 2026 where we started at 10 AM. Are there any amendments to the minutes?

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confirmation of minutes

Hearing no amendments, I invite a mover to move that the minutes be confirmed as circulated.

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confirmation of minutes

Thank you, member. Is there a seconder?

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confirmation of minutes

Thank you member. It has been moved and seconded that the minutes dated 26th February 2026 be confirmed as circulated. Those in favor say aye.

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confirmation of minutes

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. Minutes confirmed.

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oath of allegiance

I invite the honourable Deputy Governor, Acting Doctor Richardson-Lake.

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oath of allegiance

I Bonnie Richardson-Lake, do swear that I will be faithful and bear the true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors according to the law, so help me God.

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oath of allegiance

Of course, Dr. Richardson Lake is no stranger to us, so I don't welcome her as a new member, but I thank her for her continued service in the role.

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announcements and apologies

Where we have announcements just in respect of our minutes for the 26th of February, I wanted to indicate that the honourable Attorney General had made apologies for her late arrival on the last occasion. So, if that could be noted in the r…

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motions - introduction

Honourable Members, we do have two motions before us. I believe those are the honourable Premier's motions and we can adopt the same procedure as it relates to the preamble. You may proceed.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption

Is there a seconder for the motion?

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption

It has been moved and seconded.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption

You may proceed.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - debate

Thank you, Honourable Member. The floor is open for debate and contributions in respect of Motion 4 of 2026, Customs duty and tax exemption in relation to International Motors Limited.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - debate

Does any member wish to speak there to?

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - debate

There are no contributions, Honourable Member, you may reply or you may ask that I put it to the vote.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - conclusion

Thank you, Member. It has been moved and seconded.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - conclusion

That Motion 4 of 2026 be made a resolution of this honorable House. Those in favor say aye.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - conclusion

Those opposed say no.

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Motion 4 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption - result

The ayes have it. Motion 4 of 2026 is carried.

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

You may proceed.

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

Is there a seconder?

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

It has been moved and seconded that the Motion 5 of 2026 be presented to this House. Are there any contributions and respect to it?

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

The honourable Premier has already set out the schedule that accompanies the motion, and the preamble is identical to the motion before.

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

The motion is in relation to community outreach activity by the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Limited. Does any member wish to speak to the motion?

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations

Hearing no contributions, I invite the mover to present for a vote.

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations - result

Thank you. Honourable Member, it has been moved and seconded that Motion 5 of 2026, a customs duty and tax exemption motion in respect of the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Limited be carried. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say…

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Motion 5 of 2026 - Customs Duty and Tax Exemption for National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Limited

Thank you. Honourable Member, it has been moved and seconded that Motion 5 of 2026, a customs duty and tax exemption motion in respect of the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Limited be carried. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say…

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - First Reading

I invite the Mover of the Bill to present.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - First Reading

At this stage, just a mover and the seconder. So, is there a seconder in respect of the Social Security Amendment Act? I recognize the honourable Member Hodge.

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - First Reading

Yes, it has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled Social Security Amendment Act 2026 be read a first time. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. I call upon the clerk to read the bill for the first t…

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Social Security Amendment Act 2026 - First Reading

I declare that the bill has been read a first time.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

And by the honourable premier to present the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

Is there a seconder in respect of the Anguilla Special Trust Act?

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

It has been moved and seconded that the Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 be read a first time. Those in favor say aye.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

I call upon the clerk to read the bill a first time.

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Anguilla Special Trust Act 2026 - First Reading

I declare that the bill has been read a first time.

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Other Orders of the Day

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome our honourable Premier from her representation last week, I believe, and I am going to open the floor for any orders of the day that any Member would wish to speak to.

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Other Orders of the Day

I recognize the honorable Premier.

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Other Orders of the Day

Thank you. Are there any other members that wish to speak?

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Adjournment

Adjournment.

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Adjournment

Is there a seconder to adjourn to tomorrow at 11:30 AM?

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Adjournment

OK, it has been moved and seconded that this House stands adjourned to tomorrow at 11:30 AM. Those in favor say aye.

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Adjournment

Those opposed say no, the ayes have it. This House stands adjourned until tomorrow the 4th of March at 11:30 AM.

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Opening and prayer

Good afternoon, members. I invite our Honorable Deputy Clerk to open us in a word of prayer, please.

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Opening and prayer

And bless our staff. You forgot to bless yourselves. Thank you for that prayer. You may be seated.

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Confirmation of minutes

Members, you should have before you the minutes of the 15th session.

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Confirmation of minutes

Are there any amendments or corrections to these minutes?

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Confirmation of minutes

Hearing no amendments or corrections, I invite a Member to move that the minutes be confirmed as circulated.

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Confirmation of minutes

Can we have a seconder?

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Confirmation of minutes

Thank you, it has been moved and seconded that the minutes as circulated be confirmed. Those in favour say aye.

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Confirmation of minutes

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Announcements

I do wish to inform the Members that we have received apologies for the absence of the Member from Sandy Hill, the Honourable Premier, Member for Island Harbour, the Honourable Leader of Opposition and the Member for West End who are on dut…

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Announcements

I don't have any other announcements.

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

I invite the mover to present the motion. Motion 2/2026.

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

I recognize the Honourable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Hodge.

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

Thank you, Honourable Member. Is there a seconder to second this motion?

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

I recognize the Honourable Member for Road South as the seconder. The floor is now open for contributions or debate on the motion. Does any member wish to contribute? Does anyone wish to contribute on the motion before the floor? If not, I …

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

Thank you, Honourable Member. It has been moved and seconded that Motion 2/2026-1/13 HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026, in favor of Vernon L Webster, may pass as a resolution of this House. Those in favor say aye.

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Motion 2/2026-1/13/HOA Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Regulations 2026

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. Motion 2/2026 is now a resolution of this House.

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Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act 2026 - First Reading

I invite the mover of the bill for Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act 2026. I recognize the Honourable Member Hodge proceed.

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Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act 2026 - First Reading

Is there a seconder?

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Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act 2026 - First Reading

I recognize the Honourable Member for Road South. It has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled Department of Water Services Amendment Act, 2026 be read a first time. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have…

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Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act 2026 - First Reading

I declare that the bill has been read a first time.

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Other orders of the day

Are there any other orders of the day?

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Other orders of the day

Hearing no orders, I invite the clerk to proceed.

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Adjournment

I Invite the Member to move for an adjournment.

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Adjournment

Is there a seconder?

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Adjournment

It has been moved and seconded that this honorable House be adjourned until Thursday, the 26th of February at 10 AM. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. This House stands adjourned until Thursday at 10 AM.

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Adjournment

Thank you for your time, members.

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Opening of proceedings

Good morning, Honourable Members. I call upon the Chaplain.

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Thanks for prayer

Pastor, we are so grateful and heartened for your words of comfort, assurance and guidance today. Thank you for answering our call to pray and open the proceedings today. You may be seated members.

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Confirmation of minutes

Good morning, Honourable Members, before you are the minutes of the 13th Session. Are there any corrections or amendments to the minutes? Any amendments, hearing no amendments, may invite a member to move that the minutes be confirmed.

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Confirmation of minutes

Thank you, member. Is there a seconder?

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Confirmation of minutes

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the minutes that are circulated dated 13th January 2026 be confirmed. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

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Announcements

By way of announcements I have apologies from the Honourable Member for Island Harbour. He sends his apologies for his absence. I don't believe there are any other apologies. If none, you may proceed, Mr. Proctor.

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Questions to ministers

Honourable Member, you may proceed with your questions. Your questions have been put to the Honourable Member for Sandy Hill. Has the Honourable Member for Sandy Hill received the questions in advance? You may proceed.

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Point of order on relevance of reply

Beg your pardon, member, Which rule?

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Point of order on relevance of reply

Okay, a reply should be confined to the points contained in the question, with such explanation only as will render the reply intelligible and may, with the consent of the Assembly, be taken as read. Okay, so Member for Sandy Hill, your res…

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Point of order on relevance of reply

Member for Road North, can you remind me at which part of the response that you found objectionable in terms of your point of order, what was the statement that was being made at the at the point?

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Point of order on relevance of reply

No, sorry. What was the point that you raised that point of order at, I was trying to figure out which point was objectionable?

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Point of order on relevance of reply

No, remember, it's actually that I don't remember. That's why, I don't remember at which what was being said at the moment that caused you to raise an objection.

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Point of order on relevance of reply

I have it. Will the Premier state whether the government has purchased a property in the United Kingdom? If so, the completion date and if not, whether a site has been identified and the general location subject to commercial confidentialit…

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Point of order on relevance of reply

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Let me address what the Honourable Member has said. So, when the Honourable Member started, there was a point that she had asked if she should deal with all of the questions. Now I understand why because I'm now read…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

Let me address what the Honourable Member has said. When the Honourable Member started, she asked if she should deal with all of the questions. Now I understand why, because I'm reading the questions and looking at the responses. The second…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

No, let's focus on, you're actually helping me manage this morning's process. What I'm saying is that your second question is about the intended purpose of the property. I agree that some parts of this answer are not relevant to this questi…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

The difficulty I'm having, Honourable Member for Road North, is that, for example, your question 5 was about whether a cost benefit analysis was conducted comparing purchase versus lease and rent options. Another question is about the total…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

When we ask questions and they're answered very narrowly, it's too narrow. Now we're asking questions and they're answered too broadly and it's too broad, and I have the task of balancing. Based on the questions that follow, there's no harm…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

I think the way we were going is fine. What you've highlighted is important, but I'm conscious that the public would want to know and I don't want to limit the response if it's relevant information to subsequent questions.

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

Proceed. You know why I laugh, right? Because this is the rules of both sides. I asked when I first came into this House if you wished to change the way you've done it in the past, where the answers are handed after the response, and the an…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

If they were short answers. I'm not changing the rules unless this House votes to change the rules.

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

Until both sides have a meet and greet and discuss how you will deal with questions and answers, I'm not changing how you've done it historically, which was you asked the question, the member answers it, and then they hand you thereafter. I…

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Management of parliamentary questions and responses

But I'm sure over coffee you can all agree that maybe this might be time to change it so that you can actually follow and we can see where you left off. Honourable member, proceed with your response to question #1.

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UK office property acquisition - Question 2

Honourable Member, your question 2. I'm supposing you don't have any supplemental questions from the preamble. Proceeding to question 2.

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UK office property acquisition - Question 2

Any supplemental questions? Member.

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UK office property acquisition - Question 3

OK, please proceed.

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UK property acquisition - cost and financing

Proceed.

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UK property acquisition - Executive Council approval and documentation

Yeah, sure. Proceed.

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UK property acquisition - supplemental questions

Any supplemental questions? Member. You may proceed.

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion 1/2026 - Introduction

I invite the Member, the mover of this motion, Motion 1 of 2026. I recognize the Honourable Member for Sandy Hill.

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion 1/2026 - Seconding

Is there a seconder?

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion 1/2026 - Debate

Thank you, Honourable Members. Honourable Member, do you wish to speak to the resolution?

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion for Anguilla Cricket Association

Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any Member wish to speak to the motion that is on the floor? I recognize the Honourable Member from West End.

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion for Anguilla Cricket Association

Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to speak? I recognise the Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Brian.

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion for Anguilla Cricket Association

Does any other member wish to speak? If not, I invite the mover to reply and then I will put the question.

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Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion for Anguilla Cricket Association

Thank you, Honourable member. It has been moved and seconded that a motion, Motion 1/2026-1/13 House of Assembly, Customs Duty and Tax Exemption Motion Regulations, 2026 be passed as a resolution of this House. Those in favor say aye, those…

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Committee of the Whole and Strategic Plan for Bill Consideration

Honourable Members, you will recall on the last occasion this House did resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole and we continue in the Committee of the Whole House. I, however, wanted to place on record my appreciation for the public…

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Committee of the Whole - Modernization and Public Engagement

Honourable Members, you will recall on the last occasion this House did resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole and we continue in the Committee of the whole House. I, however, wanted to place on record my appreciation for the public…

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Committee of the Whole - Introduction of Public Officers and Questions

You may be seated. This House resumes its committee. I welcome our public officers, and just so that we are informed as to who is with us today I'd like to welcome the Registrar of Lands, Miss Angela Hughes, who is attending on behalf of th…

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Committee of the Whole - Questions to Panel

Are there any questions that any Member would wish to direct and respond in relation to the response?

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Port Nimara Berth Slips Act - legislative approach for future marinas

No, I looked up too. I heard something and didn't know where it came from. I want to at least safeguard the CPC. These are hypotheticals. Remember our question. But still good dialogue. The questions are based on what is before us. I see th…

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Port Nimara Berth Slips Act - legislative approach for future marinas

No, it's actually fine. I didn't curtail that on any strict thing because I recognize that people appreciate and are listening and appreciate understanding. I'm learning things. Everybody's learning things. That is the purpose of the proces…

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