Last Saturday and the days and nights which followed have been filled with turbulent emotions as the people of Anguilla and the U. S. Virgin Islands sought to grapple with the conflicting reports on the plight of the missing souls on Piper Aztec N-5553Y on route from St. Croix to St. Thomas. That ill-fated flight, during the pre-dawn hours of Saturday October 13, 2012, will be forever etched in the memories of the families, relatives, friends and associates of the missing persons as well as so many others who, in various ways, have been touched by this tragic event. Many questions remain unanswered and we can only hope that in the days ahead some closure will be brought to those who grieve as hope for more survivors continues to dwindle.
Even as I write this column the reality of this tragedy may not have “set in” for many persons — so I do not intend make judgments of any kind. But I cannot help but reflect upon the many souls that have been lost in such tragedies throughout our history as our people travel to various islands of this sub-region for employment, trade, medical attention and pleasure. It is an aspect of living on small islands surrounded by water that we must take a boat or a plane to achieve what the inhabitants of larger countries can, without even leaving their borders. And so it is that Anguillians, in particular, have traditionally been very enterprising in the field of transportation both on the sea and in the air.
It is believed thatAnguillahas produced more airplane pilots per capita than any island in our region. In addition, just as we were not content to simply captain the wooden sloops of the early twentieth century and the steel hulls of the 1970’s and 80’s but also wanted to own them — so too did we insist on owning our own aircraft. This trend began in the mid 1960’s and remains the practice today. Little wonder then, that the casualties associated with air transportation in the sub-region very often include Anguillian owned and operated charter services. So while it is a statistic that may make us proud it very often can be the source of great sadness. As we look back over the years I am certain that almost all of us can remember someone close to us who was lost in one of these tragic incidents. It is because of those experiences that we can empathize with loved ones inAnguillaand the U. S. Virgin Islands today.
You will notice that I have not mentioned any names of any of those whom we have lost in such incidents before — neither do I intend to mention any even now. Quite frankly, the list is disturbing and the memories seem to rise afresh. Maybe the many questions will find their own answers—but in all honesty it is painful to ask them. Must we accept this as the reality of living on a small island surrounded by water and dependent on access to the rest of the world for its survival? Are the statistics of these tragic experiences over the years comparable with other jurisdictions? Do we need more regulation?
I do not intend to say anything more — lest I say too much! I simply want to end by saluting all those pilots who served us in the past and continue to do so to the best of their ability; at times when their service is critical; sometimes at great personal sacrifice; unselfishly; with generosity; and with a deep sense of patriotism. We recognize that flying is an unnatural attribute to man — and hence your skills along with the efficiency of your equipment must be well managed to assist us to conquer those odds. If I could ask anything in the opportunity of this moment, it would be that all of you in this field of endeavour see yourselves as the “wings of the nation”. And since He who is the “wind beneath your wings”serves the sparrow as well as the eagle — let me entreat you to believe that he will also serve you as you soar among the clouds. It is with that confidence that we continue to place our lives and the lives of those we love in your keeping. Let no petty rivalries; jealousy; greed; or vanity, endanger that trust —knowing that He whose eye is on the sparrow is also watching us. So — soar like an eagle!
