Road Town, Tortola - Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has sent a congratulatory letter to the new Chief Minister of Anguilla Honourable Hubert Hughes.

The Anguilla United Movement, led by Honourable Hughes emerged victorious in the February 15 poll, securing four of the seven seats contested.

In the letter to Mr. Hughes, Premier O’Neal stated, “The entire Government and people of the Virgin Islands join me in congratulating you and the members of the Anguilla United Movement on your victory and give you the assurance of our continued support.”

The Premier added, “Your impressive win of four of seven seats in the House of Assembly is a clear indication of the overwhelming vote of confidence the people of Anguilla have placed in your leadership at this time of global economic challenge.”

Noting the 80% voter turnout in the recent poll, Premier O’Neal wrote, “This is yet another indication of the level of confidence the people of Anguilla have placed in your ability to lead the Territory’s economic, social and political development.”

Honourable O’Neal also expressed his desire to see the continuation of friendly relations between the Virgin Islands and Anguilla. Premier O’Neal and Chief Minister Hughes also served as leaders of their respective territories at the same time during the period 1995 to 2000.

The Governments of the Virgin Islands and Anguilla have enjoyed years of cordial relations as members of organisations including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC).