Background
The oldest of six siblings, Banks grew up in The Valley. His father died when he was a teenager.
politician Chief Minister of Anguilla
The oldest of six siblings, Banks grew up in The Valley. His father died when he was a teenager.
He then attended the University of the Virgin Islands, where he obtained a Bachelor in social sciences in 1972. He then attended the New School for Social Research in New York, where he obtained a master"s degree in political science.
He started a Doctor of Philosophy at the same institution, but left in 1979 at the all but dissertation stage. Then 33, he became the island"s youngest government minister when he was appointed Minister of Social Services. He moved to the Anguilla Democratic Party (automatic data processing) prior to the 1984 elections, in which he lost his seat and place in the cabinet.
In a by-election in 1985 he was elected in the Valley South Constituency for the automatic data processing. He retained the Valley South seat until the 2010 elections.
In 1994 he was appointed Minister of Finance and Economic Development, serving until 1999. In 2000 he became Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Commerce, with Tourism added to the portfolio in 2005.
He left the cabinet after losing his seat in 2010.
A member of the Anguilla National Alliance, he was elected to the House of Assembly in the Valley North constituency in the 1981 elections.
A member of the Anguilla United Front (Labour Party Youth Organisation (Norwegian)), he has served as Chief Minister since 23 April 2015.