The Functions and Responsibilities of Parliament
Government and Legislature
The Government and the Legislature are two separate but connected arms of governance. The Government is responsible for running the country. After an election, the leader of the winning party becomes the Premier, who appoints ministers to oversee specific areas of public policy such as finance, health, and social development.
The Legislature, known as the House of Assembly, represents the public’s interests. It examines the Government’s plans, asks questions of ministers, debates and amends bills, and holds the Government to account on behalf of the people. Importantly, the Government cannot pass laws without the authorization of the House of Assembly.
The House of Assembly
The House of Assembly is Anguilla’s legislature. Established in 1976, it is located in The Valley and functions as a unicameral body, meaning there is only one chamber. Most activity in the House takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise stated by the Speaker. The chamber is the public stage where major political business occurs: ministers deliver important announcements, members raise questions, laws are debated and passed, and government actions are scrutinized in full public view.
In addition to chamber debates, members also participate in committee work, including the Administration Committee and the Public Accounts Committee, which examine issues in greater detail.
The Assembly is composed of eleven elected members, seven District Representatives and four Island-wide Representatives, along with two ex officio members, the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General, and the Speaker, who presides over proceedings. As Anguilla is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory, the Governor also plays a role, representing the British Monarch in Anguilla.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Speaker of the House is impartial and does not take sides in debates. The Speaker maintains order, interprets the rules, and represents the Assembly both locally and internationally, supported by the Deputy Speaker.
The Premier is the head of Government and represents Anguilla at every level, including in foreign policy. Ministers are chosen from members of the majority party and are responsible for managing government departments and speaking on behalf of the Government in the Assembly.
The Opposition consists of members who did not form the Government. Their role is to question, challenge, and scrutinize the Government’s decisions and policies. This ensures balance, accountability, and open debate in the Assembly.
Ex officio members also contribute to the functioning of Parliament. The Deputy Governor supports the Governor in carrying out official responsibilities, while the Attorney General provides legal guidance. The Governor oversees external affairs, defense, internal security, and certain financial matters, and must give assent to bills passed by the Assembly before they can become law.
Parliamentary staff, including the Clerk and support officers, ensure the smooth daily operation of the Assembly. They provide procedural advice, keep records, and assist members and the Speaker in carrying out their duties.
How Laws Are Made
Ideas for new laws are introduced as bills, which go through several readings and debates in the Assembly. Members may propose amendments, and for a bill to become law it must be approved by a majority of members and then receive the Governor’s assent.
How Citizens Can Get Involved
Democracy in Anguilla allows every citizen to have a voice. People can share their views on bills and proposed laws, attend sittings of the House of Assembly in person or via livestream, contact members directly by email, phone, or in meetings, and take part in campaigns or community initiatives to raise issues and ideas.
Your voice matters. The House of Assembly belongs to the people of Anguilla, and its work depends on the active participation of the public it serves.