ANGUILLA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Good morning. I call upon our pastor to open us with a word of prayer, please.

Good morning. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come to you this morning recognizing your supreme authority of our lives, your supreme authority over our leaders, over this island, over this region, indeed, over this world. Father, we come to you recognizing that you are King of all Kings, your Lord of Lords, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending.

And Father, we recognize that your word establishes the ultimate authority for our instructions. And Father, your word says that we should pray for all men, but then went out to single out those who are in authority. So in obedience to your word, this morning we pray for all those who are in authority over this island.

Father, we pray for your wisdom, we pray for your knowledge and we pray for your understanding. Knowing full well that the wisdom of the world is not your wisdom. Knowing full well that the wisdom of the world will not take us in accordance with your will. So we pray for your divine will to be done as we place before you, our leaders this morning.

Father, we recognize in your word again that it says that all authority is set up by You. All authority on earth, regardless of democratic institutions, are ultimately allowed in accordance with your will. So, Father, in recognition of your ultimate authority over earthly authority, I pray that you will grant unto all leaders grace, that as they lead, they will recognize your ultimate rule, your ultimate authority.

Father, you said again in your word that righteousness exalted a nation, but sin is a reproach unto all people. So, Father, I pray for our leaders again, that as they lead, they will lead in righteousness, with the ultimate, that this nation will benefit, that the lives of our people will improve.

Father, you said again in your word that a nation, that a people, should humble themselves, should seek thy face, and turn from our wicked ways and your promise is that you will hear from heaven, you will forgive our sins, and you will heal our land. And father, though, we recognize that this was a promise and a condition for the Israelites, we take that principle this morning as we humble our hearts as leaders, seek your face as leaders and decide to turn from any way that is not pleasing to you. So, Father, I dedicate this sitting of the House of Assembly to you.

I pray that you will lead, you will rule, and that you will direct. And I pray that everything that is said and everything that is done will be done to your honor and to your glory. And so may the Lord bless you and keep you. And may his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you His peace both now and forevermore. Amen and Amen.

Amen. Amen. Thank you, pastor. You may be seated Members.

Confirmation of minutes. Minutes of proceedings of the fourth meeting of the second session of the 13th Anguilla House of Assembly.

Members before you are the minutes of the fourth meeting of the second session of the 13th Anguilla House of Assembly. Before going through the minutes, I do want to thank my deputy for so ably conducting the hearing on that date because of my absence. I appreciate your service. Are there any amendments or corrections to the minutes? The only amendment I do wish to draw to your attention would be the signature of the Deputy Speaker who attended to confirm the minutes hearing. No other amendments saving except for that amendment. Do I have a mover to accept the minutes as circulated?

Madam Speaker, I rise to move that the minutes be accepted as circulated.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

It has been moved and seconded that the minutes of the fourth meeting be approved as circulated. Those in favour say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it, minutes approved.

Oath of allegiance to new members, none. Announcements by the direction of the Speaker.

As it relates to announcements, I do have apologies for the absence of the Leader of the Opposition and the absence of the honourable Member for Road North. Are there any other absences that I overlooked? There are no further announcements.

Well, before the adjournment, I don't know if. Thinking about orders of the day. I do want to make just one announcement as it relates to orders of the day, Miss Proctor and Miss Hodge and I will be attending the Commonwealth Speakers Overseas Territories conference in Cayman. We leave for that trip on Saturday, tomorrow and we spend one week.

This is the first time that this assembly has supported sending our support staff and we are taking Miss Hodge for very obvious and good reasons. She monitors the purse in here and she monitors the money in here and one of the mandates of our strategic plan this year and I asked Mr. Proctor this year, what will you have me to do this year? And one of our mandates is in respect of the House Commission and the separation of the House as one of the fundamental principles of democracy. So we've had an orientation and we've included Miss Kaylah Richardson as well who's also going to be traveling in June, but we'll speak about that closer to the time in respect of building our team from inside and within and cross training.

The exposure from Miss Hodge to speak with us is that she will be allowed to shadow the Cayman Administration Committee in respect of how they were able to set up and separate themselves from the other branches of government so that we could move towards the direction as recommended in our benchmark reports.

So as part of our orientation, all of the staff, we're going to review our benchmark report, we're going to review our strategic plan.

Building our team from inside and within and cross training the exposure from Miss Hodge to speak with us is that she will be allowed to shadow the Cayman Administration Committee in respect of how they were able to set up and separate themselves from the other branches of government so that we could move towards the direction as recommended in our benchmark reports.

So as part of our orientation, all of the staff, we're going to review our benchmark report, we're going to review our strategic plan. And we're going to prepare and support Miss Hodge while we're at this because confronts in shadowing other resource portions and Cayman Islands as well and building networks that can assist as well as our colleagues in the BVI, which is the most recent parliament in the region that was able to successfully separate and constitute themselves. We're taking Miss Hodge because of course, that depends on money. And we want her to understand the intricacies of how finance and budgeting and management of the House operates. While we're there, there, they've asked us to speak on our management of our House, the administration committee.

So, we're going to make a presentation and when we return, we're also going to make a presentation back to our members to report on the scope of what was undertaken in the Cayman. So of course travelling most is to us. And I also want to indicate that Mr Rogers is going to be representing us as a body for the Anguilla Day celebrations in the UK.

So, we also bid him safe travels. And I think anyone else that's traveling that I might have missed. Welcome you back safely. Don't forget that our Anguilla Day celebrations do not go to the park on the 31st. It's going to be on the 1st of June. And be sure to wear your Anguilla colours. I commend the members that did wear theirs. I didn't because I thought it was a little too early, but you're absolutely right. We are 12 because we don't have another sitting before.

So, until then, we'll see each other on the park on June 1st. Does any other member wish to share anything at this point? If not, I will allow the adjournment motion to be moved. And by the Honourable Premier to move a motion for the adjournment.

Thank you, Honourable Member, pursuant to standing order 27(5). Are there any questions to be put to the minister in respect of the statement?

If there are no questions, before the clerk calls the order paper, I propose for efficiency that when we get to other business, we deal with the first readings first and then the more substantive piece of legislation thereafter. Would that be favorable for the Members? Just for efficiency.

Thank you. You may proceed.

Questions, none. Government statements and recent developments.

I recognize the honourable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Jose Vanterpool.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to provide this honourable House and the people of Anguilla with an update on the performance of our partnership with Bermuda under the Anguilla brand, which commenced operations in December of 2025, and to report on the measurable economic outcomes arising from the strategic initiative.

Madam Speaker, this partnership is about more than simply operating flights. Through the Anguilla brands, Anguilla has gained increased visibility, enhanced destination marketing, and stronger brand recognition in key international markets. Every Anguilla aircraft, advertisements and booking platforms, as well as promotional campaigns serve as an extension of Anguilla's tourism presence abroad and strengthens awareness of our island as a premier destination. When this government took the decision to support this initiative, we did so with a clear objective: to strengthen air connectivity to our primary tourism source markets, stimulate new visitor demands and generate tangible economic benefits for the people of Anguilla.

At the time, Madam Speaker, questions were raised regarding the prudence of the arrangement, the rationale for the limited government support and the potential financial exposure to the taxpayers. Madam Speaker, those were legitimate questions. However, this government approached the matter not emotionally, not politically, but strategically and analytically. Today, the evidence demonstrates that that decision was not only justified, it was successful. Between December 2025 and April 2026, AnguillAir transported approximately 7,900 passengers through its Anguilla Services. Independent analysis estimates that these flights generated approximately 11.5 million U.S. dollars in direct economic value to Anguilla over that period.

For the benefit of the listening public as well as this honourable House, it is important to explain how these economic impact figures are calculated. The ministry's assessment is based on internationally accepted tourism economic modeling and uses measurable visitor data, which includes the number of inbound passengers traveling to Anguilla, the average length of stay for visitors on each route and the estimated average daily spend for each visitor within the Anguillian economy. For example, the analysis uses an average daily visitor expenditure of approximately 324 U.S. dollars per person, not accounting for accommodation, combined with average days ranging between 7 and 9 days, depending on the originating market. Therefore, when a passenger arrives on a direct AnguillAir flight and stays in Anguilla for a week or more, the assessment calculates the cumulative economic activity generated through accommodations, restaurants, transportation, excursions, retail purchases, entertainment and other tourism related spending.

In addition, the analysis also factors in direct government-related revenues generated through passenger taxes, airport development fees, security charges. So, Madam Speaker, the US $11.5 million figure is not just an arbitrary estimate or a political talking point. It is derived from actual passenger volumes, established tourism spending metrics, and recognized economic methodology used throughout the entire tourism industry. That figure reflects real visitor spending in our hotels, villas, restaurants, taxis, shops, excursions and small businesses throughout the island. The monthly economic impact grew consistently month over month as the routes matured. In December 2025, the economic impact was approximately 1.04 million U.S. dollars, in January of 2026 2.34 million U.S. dollars, in February 2026 2.45 million U.S. dollars, in March of 2026 2.77 million U.S. dollars and in April of 2026, 2.9 million U.S. dollars.

This steady, month over month growth is particularly important because it demonstrates that the routes were not short lived and a promotional spike, but rather a maturing and strengthening airlift product. Madam Speaker, one of the key concerns previously raised in this honourable House was whether the AnguillAir service would merely redistribute existing passengers from other airlines rather than create new tourism demand.

The data now answers that question conclusively. Commercial analysis indicates that approximately 80% of the AnguillAir passengers represented newly stimulated demand rather than diverted traffic from existing carriers. In other words, Madam Speaker, the flights expanded Anguilla's market. They brought new visitors to Anguilla and additionally, while air fares in affected markets declined by approximately 15.8%, traffic from Boston, New York and Washington markets increased by over 140%.

This government made it clear from the outset that any support arrangement would be limited, targeted, specific and time bound. That position has not changed. Prior to launch, I informed this honourable House that the government support was designed only to assist in establishing strategically important routes during the initial winter season and that there was no open-ended obligation beyond April of 2026. I also advised that that arrangement had to be evaluated not simply by cost, but also by return on investment as well as national economic impact.

Madam Speaker, the results now validate the assessment. Against the level of marketing and risk sharing support provided, the return to the Anguillian economy has been many, multiple times greater. This is precisely the type of strategic public investment governments around the world need to undertake in order to stimulate economic growth, strengthen tourism, competitiveness and support national development. Importantly, this government did not enter into this arrangement blindly. We acted based on measurable tourism data, route economics, market analysis and projected visitor expenditure models.

Madam Speaker, the strongest performing routes have been Boston and Newark, which align directly with Anguilla's high value northeastern US visitor base. These routes generated the highest returns because visitors from these markets tend to stay longer and tend to spend more. The success of these routes has now positioned Anguilla to move beyond simply route preservation, but into route expansion. Based on the Ministry's assessment, we would recommend continuation of the Anguilla services for winter of 2026, extension into summer of 2027, increased frequencies on the Boston and Newark routes. And Madam Speaker, I can already say that we are already in discussions with Bermuda and all of these, but there's also some good news that I will deliver to this honourable House later on.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to address directly the broader policy issue raised previously regarding whether this arrangement would create a precedent for indiscriminate airline subsidies. The answer simply remains as no. As stated previously in this House, the Anguilla Arrangement was treated as a unique strategic case due to the importance of direct connectivity to Anguilla core tourism markets. This Government evaluates every airlift opportunity individually based on projected economic return, national tourism priorities, and long-term sustainability. We will not support routes that do not demonstrate strategic value to Anguilla, we will not enter into reckless or open-ended commitments, and we will continue to protect the negotiating position of the government and the interests of the people of Anguilla.

Madam Speaker, what this experience demonstrates is something very important. When government acts strategically, pragmatically and based on evidence, the country benefits, hotels benefit, restaurants benefit, taxi operators benefit, villa owners benefit, workers benefit, small businesses benefit, government revenues benefit and ultimately, Madam Speaker, Anguilla benefits. This government remains committed to strengthening Anguilla's connectivity, expanding economic opportunity, and positioning our island competitively within the regional tourism market. The AnguillAir initiative has now moved beyond a concept. It has become a proven contributor to Anguilla's economic growth and tourism resilience. Madam Speaker, the evidence is clear.

The results are measurable and the strategy is working. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Honourable Member pursuant to standing order 27(5). Are there any questions to be put to the minister in respects of the statement?

Papers, none. Reports from committees, none. Petitions, none.

Government notices, none.

Private members Bills, none.

Private members notices, none. Motions, none. Personal explanations, none. Other Business. Government business. A Bill for Sports Act 2026 first reading.

I invite the mover to present the bill.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, I rise to move that a bill entitled Sports Act 2026 be read a first time.

Is there a seconder?

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled, A Bill for Sports Act 2026 be read a first time. Those in favor say aye.

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. Order that the bill be read a first time and tabled.

An Act to provide a framework for the governance, coordination and development of organized sports in Anguilla. To establish Anguilla Sports Council to declare boat racing as a national sport. To provide for the recognition of sports organizations and community sports contributors. To provide for authorized absence from work for employees selected to represent Anguillian sport.

To provide for matters relating to the Sports Fund and for connected purposes.

Thank you. You may proceed.

A bill for Prison Amendment Act 2026, first reading.

I invite the honourable Attorney General to present the Bill.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good morning, honourable Members and the public. I beg your leave to lay the motion to move a bill for the Prison Amendments Act 2026 to be read for a first time, please.

Is there a seconder?

Good morning, I rise to second.

It has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled Prison Amendment Act 2026 be read a first time. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. Order that the bill be read a first time and tabled.

Prison Amendment Act 2026.

At this time I wish to recognize that we do have the Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Commission in the gallery. Welcome to the House today. I recognize that there is a piece of legislation that you may be able to assist the members in respect of.

OK, I invite the mover of this bill to present.

Thank you. Good morning to you, Madam Speaker. Good morning to the Members of this honourable House and the listening and viewing audience. Madam Speaker, I move the bill shortly entitled the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026 be read a second time.

Is there a seconder?

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

Thank you. I invite the member to outline the objects and reasons.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, may I be permitted to make a brief statement in relation to the Bill which would equate to the objects and reasons? Thank you, Madam Speaker, I rise to move the second reading of the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Bill 2026. The Bill sits within a much wider and very important policy context for Anguilla. It concerns our reputation as a jurisdiction. Our relationship with the United Kingdom, our obligations in the global fight against illicit finance and the balance we must always strike between transparency, privacy, competitiveness and the rule of law. Madam Speaker, for some years now the United Kingdom has been pressing the overseas territories to move toward greater transparency in relation to beneficial ownership information.

The policy objective has been clear to make it harder for persons to hide behind companies and illegal structures for the purposes of money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion, corruption, sanctions evasion and other forms of financial crime. That pressure did not arise in isolation. It forms part of a wider global movement. The Financial Action Task Force, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other international standards setters have all placed increasing emphasis on beneficial ownership transparency.

The question is no longer whether jurisdictions must know who ultimately owns and controls companies. The question is how that information is collected, verified, protected and accessed. Anguilla has already taken important steps in this regard. In 2022, this Legislature enacted the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Act. That Act established the legal framework for the commercial registry electronic system, including the Beneficial Ownership Register. At present, access to that information is available to competent authorities. The amendments now before this House move Anguilla into the next stage. Legitimate interest access framework.

Madam Speaker, it is important to explain why that approach matters. The United Kingdom has overtime encouraged the overseas territories to introduce publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership. However, the legal and policy landscape changed significantly following the 2022 judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union. In that judgment, the Court found that unrestricted public access to beneficial ownership information could amount to a disproportionate experience with fundamental privacy rights. That decision did not remove the need for transparency, but it did reinforce the need for proportionality. It reminded jurisdictions that the fight against financial crime must be pursued within the boundaries of privacy, due process, personal security and lawful administration. That is the space in which Anguilla now acts.

Madam Speaker, Anguilla is not refused in transparency. Anguilla is not stepping away from its international obligations. But Anguilla is also not throwing open private information to the world without structure or safeguard. We are choosing a more careful, more defensible path, one which has also been pursued by other overseas territories. This bill introduces a legitimate interest model.

Under this model, beneficial ownership information may be accessed by persons who can demonstrate that they have a genuine and lawful basis for doing so. Access is not automatic. It is not for general curiosity. It is not for speculation. It is access for proper purpose within a regulated framework.

The bill therefore makes several important amendments to the principal Act. First, it introduces a definition of legitimate interest. This provides the legal foundation for the access framework and allows the detailed criteria to be prescribed. The purpose is to ensure that persons seeking access must meet objective requirements before beneficial ownership information can be inspected. Second, the Bill amends the access provisions of the Act.

It removes the unused provision for public access and replaces it with access by persons whom the Financial Services Commission determines to have a legitimate interest. This is a significant policy choice. It means that Anguilla will permit access where the request is justified, but not where the request is unsupported. In practice, this framework may allow applications from persons such as investigative journalists, bona fide academic researchers, civil society organizations, and persons engaged in relevant due diligence where the request is connected to the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of financial crime.

But Madam Speaker, the key point is this. The applicant must demonstrate the legitimate interest. It is not presumed. Third, the bill strengthens the process for applying to prohibit disclosure of beneficial ownership information. Where a registrable person believes that disclosure would expose them to serious risk, an application may be made to the Commission.

Importantly, the bill extends this protection beyond the registrable person alone. It also recognizes risk to individuals living in the same household. Madam Speaker, this is not a minor point. Beneficial ownership transparency deals with information about real people. In certain circumstances, disclosure could expose not only a beneficial owner, but family members or others in the household to blackmail, intimidation, kidnapping, violence or other serious harm. A responsible legal framework must account for that. The bill therefore requires applications for non-disclosure to be supported by evidence.

So, the protection is not automatic. It is not a loophole; it is an evidence-based safeguard. Fourth, the bill provides that while an application to prohibit disclosure is pending, the information that is subject to that application must not be disclosed. This is important because the protection will be meaningless if information could be released before the application is determined. Protection must be available where genuine risk exists, but it cannot become a shield where the facts no longer justify it.

Fifth, the Bill closes a practical gap in the beneficial ownership framework. Where an Anguilla company has no registrable beneficial owner, the company will now be required to identify its senior managing official as the contact person and provide the prescribed information in relation to that individual. This ensures that the register remains complete and that there is always a responsible person identified in connection with the company. Madam Speaker, taken together, these amendments do three things.

They allow appropriate access to beneficial ownership information, they strengthen safeguards for persons who may be at serious risk, and they improve the completeness and credibility of Anguilla's Beneficial Ownership Register. That is the balance that Anguilla must strike. We are a small jurisdiction, but we operate in a global environment. We cannot ignore international standards.

We cannot ignore the expectations of the United Kingdom. We cannot ignore the reality that financial crime damages economies, weakens institutions and undermines public trust. But equally, Madam Speaker, we must not ignore our own economic interests. We must not ignore privacy. We must not ignore constitutional rights. We must not ignore the fact that Anguilla's competitiveness depends not only on being transparent, but on being fair, predictable and properly regulated. The path before us is therefore not one of blind compliance nor one of resistance.

It is one of responsible governance. This bill says that Anguilla will continue to meet its obligations. It says that we will stand with the international community in the fight against illicit finance. It says that we will modernize our systems and strengthen our laws. But it also says that we will do so in a way that is proportionate, in a way that protects persons at genuine risk, in a way that preserves confidence in our jurisdiction and in a way that reflects the maturity of this House and this Government.

Madam Speaker, small states are often asked to move quickly in response to global pressure. But we must also move wisely. The responsibility of leadership is not simply to say yes to every demand. It is to shape the response in a way that protects the territory under the law and serves the public interest, and that is what this bill seeks to do. It is measured.

It is careful. It is necessary. And it places Anguilla on a strong footing. Madam Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the work of the Financial Services Commission, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Ministry of Finance and the stakeholders who participated in the consultation process. Their work has assisted in shaping a framework that is practical, defensible and aligned with the direction of travel among other overseas territories. Madam Speaker, the amendments before this House strengthen our beneficial ownership regime.

They support Anguilla's continued engagement with the United Kingdom, they protect our reputation as a responsible financial services jurisdiction, and they remind the world that Anguilla will do its part, but we will do it with balance, with care and with confidence. I commend the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Bill 2026 to this honourable House. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hearing no contributions, does the Mobile wish to make any final statements in respect of the bill? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the Members of the honourable House for their support, as they say, silence is acquiescence. I have no further comments on this bill. Thank you.

Honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that the Bill shortly entitled A Bill for Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026, be read a second time and committed. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. I call upon the Clerk to read the Bill a second time and commit.

An Act to amend the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Act.

Thank you, honourable Member. The floor is now open for debate in respect of the Bill for Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026. Does anyone wish to speak?

Does any Member wish to speak in respect of the bill that's on the floor?

Hearing no contributions, does the mover wish to make any final statements in respect of the bill? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I invite a mover to move that this House do resolve itself into committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

Mover.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, I hereby request that this honorable House move to committee.

A seconder.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

It has been moved and seconded that this honorable House resolve itself into committee. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. The House is now in committee. I call upon the clerk.

Clauses one through 12.

I put the question that clauses one through 12 stand part of the bill. Those in favor say aye.

Those opposed say no.

The ayes have it.

Clauses one through 12 stand part of the bill.

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

Those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

Honourable Members, it has been.

Completed in Committee stage and this House now resumes its sitting.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, I beg to report that the bill entitled the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act has passed through committee without amendment and is ready for its third reading.

A bill for Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026, third reading.

I'd like to invite the mover.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move that the bill shortly entitled the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026 be read a third time.

Seconder?

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

It has been moved and seconded that a bill shortly entitled the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026 be read a third time and passed. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. I call upon the clerk to read the bill a third time.

An Act to amend the Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Act.

Order that the Bill be now passed and the title declared to be Commercial Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registration System Amendment Act 2026. Thank you honourable Members for your contributions and the Honorable Premier.

Private bills, none.

Honourable Members, prior to this House convening this morning, it has come to this House's attention that there are some matters that require some housekeeping as it relates to the Attorney General and the Members, and I'm going to propose at this stage that the House stands down for a few hours today just to allow those matters to be completed before we proceed with the orders of the day. I recognize that the government has other business at 2:00 PM.

And I'm wondering if you would be minded to come back at 4:00 PM to complete?

Your matters are at 3:00 PM. Would you be amenable to resuming our sitting at 4:30 PM?

I invite a mover to move that this House stands down until 4:30 PM to complete the orders of the day.

Madam Speaker, I rise to move that the House stand down until 4:30 today before we continue with the other orders.

Is there a seconder?

Rise second, Madam Speaker.

It has been moved and seconded that this honourable House shall stand down to complete the matters of the House at 4:30 this afternoon. Those in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. The House shall resume at 4:30 this afternoon. Thank you, members.

Honourable members, I thank you for your indulgence for our adjournment this morning. I do hope you had the opportunity to have a good lunch and I know that you did use the time to do some additional work as it relates to the business of the House. I therefore call upon the honourable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member, Mr. Kyle Hodge.

Madam Speaker, good afternoon to you, good afternoon to the House and good afternoon to the people of Anguilla. Madam Speaker, I beg leave to move motion for the suspension on Rule 32 to allow Motion 8 2026 2/13, House of Assembly, to be moved.

Thank you, Honourable Member. Leave is granted for the suspension of the rules pursuant to Rule 32. You may move your motion.

Thank you all. Madam Speaker, thank you so much. I hereby move the motion for the suspension of Rule 32.

Is there a seconder?

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

It has been moved and seconded that the Rules be suspended pursuant to 32 in respect of notice of a motion to be moved. Those in favour say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it.

Motion 8 of 2026. I invite the honourable Member.

And speaker I'd like to read the motion. Madam Speaker, I move the motion, the declaration of compulsory acquisition of land.

Is there a seconder motion 8 of 2026?

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

Thank you, honourable Member. You may proceed with your address.

Thank you. Thank you for the exercise as well. Madam Speaker, motion #8 2026 2/13, House of Assembly. In the matter of compulsory acquisition of land. I now read the resolution: Whereas it is enacted by Section 2 of the Land Acquisition Act, RSA CL 10, that if the Governor and Council considers that any land should be acquired for a public purpose, he may, with the approval of the House of Assembly, cause a declaration to that effect to be made by the Secretary to the Executive Council in a manner provided by that section. Whereas the Governor and Council has approved the acquisition of lands for the public purpose of developing the national track and field facility and associated infrastructure, more particularly described in the Declaration and schedule attached hereto. Now, therefore, it is hereby resolved that the House of Assembly signifies its approval for a declaration being made as required by said Act for the acquisition of those lands as described in the Declaration and schedule.

And with your permission, Madam Speaker, can I read the schedule?

Yes, you may proceed.

Thank you. Proprietor: Evelyn Ophelia Hodge, on behalf of the Heirs of the Estate of James Emmanuel Hodge, deceased. Registration section: Cauls Pond. Block 69. 014. B Parcel 10. Approximately 14 acres. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to speak in respect of Motion 8 of 2026? I recognize the honourable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member of Vanterpool.

Thank you for the opportunity, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I simply rise in support of my honourable colleague in advancing this motion and I want to commend him as well as his permanent secretary, the team at Lands, the team at Chambers and everyone involved, because they would not have seen the mammoth effort that it took to prepare everything and get us here today.

But I just want to reassure the listening public that they're working hard. We all know the purpose for this motion, and I think that ultimately it's one that we can all get behind and support. So once again, I just want to commend the team and offer my support.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, honourable Member. I recognize the honourable Single Island Wide Electoral District Member Bryan.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of this motion, and I also like to thank and congratulate the minister, Kyle Hodge and his team for the great work that they've done to push this forward. It's of great necessity, and the persons that will benefit from this is our youth. So, looking forward to the next steps.

Thank you, Member. Does any other member wish to speak? I recognize the honourable Member for West End.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I too rise in support. As a former athlete, I understand the needs for facilities. I also understand the need for support. So as Minister of Sports, I stand in great support, and I thank my colleague responsible for Lands and his team for the efforts that's taken us to this point today.

So, thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I thank you and I thank the Members of the House for their support in this motion here today, Madam Speaker. This motion speaks to track and field, something that has long been wished for in Anguilla. Many administrations would have planned, held discussions with many people and looked for locations. And we are finally at the point,

Madam Speaker, where we are taking the necessary steps in order to make better for the youth of Anguilla who are involved in track and field. It's been a long time in coming and this process continues. And I am excited and happy that the people of Anguilla on this day would know that we continue to work on behalf of them. We continue to put the interests of the youth in front. So I thank the members for their support.

I thank the Department of Lands and the Executive Council. I thank the Attorney General Chambers, I thank the family involved as well because it's a collective effort, government and private individuals. I rest my case, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Honourable Member. I shall now put the question. The question is that Motion 8 of 2026 of this honourable House becomes a resolution of the Assembly. Those of you in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. Motion 8 of 2026 is a resolution of the House.

Any other orders of the day?

Adjournment.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, I move that this honourable House be adjourned until June 9th.

I rise to second, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Honourable Members, it has been moved and seconded that this honourable House stands adjourned until 10 AM on June 9th. Those in favour say aye, those opposed say no. The ayes have it. And thank you as well to our ancillary and support staff. That remains a bit after hours. Have a pleasant evening everyone.