PHILIPSBURG – Hon. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs led a delegation to Anguilla on Monday to attend the 1st Meeting of the First Session of the 11th Anguilla House of Assembly on Monday afternoon at the Atlin Noraldo Harrigan Parliamentary Building. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs were part of the delegation.
The invite came from Chief Minister Hon. Victor Banks. Banks is also responsible for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.
At the ceremony, the swearing in took place of the new House Speaker, Elected Members, Ex Officio Members and Nominated Members. A reception followed thereafter.
Prime Minister Gumbs on Monday pointed out that Sint Maarten has a very close relationship with Anguilla which also includes family ties that has kept the two islands bonded for decades.
“I met with the newly elected officials and expressed on behalf of the people and Government of Sint Maarten, our best wishes, and reiterate our countries family ties and friendship which remain unbreakable.
“Secondly, in the area of tourism, Sint Maarten’s hub function in the North eastern Caribbean also plays a key role to the surrounding islands including Anguilla. Trans-shipment is also another area that the country acts as a hub to the small islands.
“The relationship between the two islands serves each other well, and we continue to look forward to a continued great working relationship as we move forward together,” Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs said on Monday.
Anguilla’s Government was sworn in by Governor Christina Scott on April 24.
The Anguilla United Front (AUF) won six of the seven seats with the other seat going to independent Palmavon Webster.
PHOTO CUTLINE: L to R, Anguilla Governor Her Excellency Christina Scott, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Marcel Gumbs, Curacao’s Prime Minister Hon. Ivar Asjes, Minister Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, and Minister Hon. Claret Connor. A number of Sint Maarten Members of Parliament were also in attendance. DCOMM Photo
