The Anguilla House of Assembly has approved amendments to its procedural rules aimed at promoting ethical conduct, transparency and accountability among members.
The new rules formalise the Code of Conduct and require all members to declare their private interests within 28 days of taking office, with declarations to be published online.
The move builds on the code’s initial endorsement in March 2023 and reflects a broader effort to strengthen public trust in the legislature.
The updated rules will now be submitted to Governor Julia Crouch for approval.
Expectation of standards
Shellya Rogers-Webster, Minister of Social Development, Education and Library, Youth and Culture, moved the House of Assembly (Procedure) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 in parliament on 24 June.
On presenting the motion, she said it acknowledges the community’s expectations of high standards from their elected representatives.
It also considers the desire of members to enhance propriety, strengthen public trust in the assembly, encourage ethical conduct, and reduce risks to the integrity of the institution, she added.
She recalled the endorsement of the Code of Conduct and Register of Interests on the 28 March, 2023.
Rogers-Webster said the amendments made under the authority of the Anguilla Constitution Order, 1982 represent a significant evolution of the legislative procedures.
“They are not merely technical adjustments – they are a reflection of our values, our aspirations and our commitment to principled leadership,” she said.
Legislative plan timeline
The amendment introduces four provisions designed to support the orderly conduct and effective regulation of proceedings in the Anguilla House of Assembly.
The first simply explains that, when mentioned, the ‘principal rules’ means the House of Assembly (Procedure) Rules, 2021.
The second is an update to Rule 13 of the ‘principal rules’ so that after a general election, the premier must formally present the government’s legislative plans to the assembly within six months.
The speech given at that time will now officially be called the ‘Opening Address’.
“Importantly, this six month window allows a newly elected government sufficient time to properly strategise, consult and identify its legislative priorities,” Rogers-Webster said.
Financial declarations
A new rule requires all members to declare their own and their immediate family’s financial interests within 28 days of being sworn in.
These declarations – from real estate and shareholdings to cryptocurrency and gifts – will be submitted to the clerk, stored securely, and published online under the speaker’s direction.
If a member leaves office or is not re-elected, their declarations will be kept for seven years before being removed from the internet and destroyed.
The second new rule requires all members to follow a formal Code of Conduct for Members which includes core principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
This code will be enforced under Anguilla’s laws and procedures, and where gaps exist, it will follow the UK House of Commons’ Code of Conduct as a guide to when it should be applied.
