This week we will be celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution under the theme: “Past, Present and Future must mix — Anguilla Day at Forty-six!” While the theme comes across as a bit “mechanical”, that is, as if someone was simply trying to make the words rhyme — there is a great deal of significance to the admonition in the first clause. As an aspiring nation our identity is in the blending of all the different stages and phases of our history with a view to the future. Our experiences in the good times and the hard times, and the manner in which we deal with them as a people, say a lot about who we are and what we can become. And the story of our struggle over the years tells of a determined, god fearing, and enterprising people resilient to both natural and human forces. Forces as diverse as hurricanes, drought, famine, disease and political oppression.
At the Anguilla Day Ecumenical Service at the Church of God (Holiness), on Sunday, the musical ministry was on the ball as the Choir delivered a rousingly patriotic rendition of a song, “Anguilla My Home” composed, arranged and conducted by Pastor Philip Gumbs. And later Pastor James Harrigan, as a “warm up” to a very stirring sermon, sang a song entitled: “Find us faithful!” The lyrics of both these songs were extremely moving. But while “Anguilla My Home” evoked a strong sense of patriotism — “Find us faithful” set the stage for serious reflection about our legacy and our responsibility to future generations. The lyrics that struck me most were: –
“Oh may all that come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way!
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all that come behind us find us faithful!
As I listened to this song, I found it most appropriate for where we are as a nation and the questions we should be asking ourselves as we make important decisions and set life-long examples for our children and those yet unborn to follow. Is our passion and devotion to the cause of building “a nation proud, strong and free” —becoming a beacon to guide present and future generation into the right direction? Are our achievements serving to inspire our children to believe in our vision for Anguilla? Are we setting sound examples in the way we conduct ourselves that will lead to the building up of responsible citizens of great integrity? And will our legacy be admired and celebrated?
As the good book says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Indeed no one is perfect. But, equally, the only person that does not make mistakes is the person who is doing absolutely nothing. And truth be told, that indolence in itself may be a serious mistake. How then do we ensure that we are doing the right thing to secure our heritage and advance our people? There are many examples in the history of the world that we may wish to emulate. Unfortunately, in most cases different peoples had different visions for their nation. It is not a one size fits all. However, there is one ingredient that is common to all successful peoples, namely, the recognition that “our country is bigger than all of us”. It is a motto which, if faithfully applied, can remove all selfish ambitions; destroy all divisions; eliminate hatred; build strong teams; and lead to peace and prosperity. It is a source of strength to the population at large but it is also a great attribute to our Leaders as individuals. There are times when this attribute manifests itself in a Leader’s decision and we say: “That is a man of integrity!” And when the majority of the people are prepared to make sacrifices for the greater good we say: “That is a caring people!”
Has our country reached that level of maturity in its attitude to national development? Do we have Leaders that inspire us in this way? In seeking an answer to that question, inevitably the Father of the Nation, the Hon. James Ronald Webster, comes to mind. And again I must repeat that he is not a man without faults — as none of us are. But he has been that person whose image has kept the vision alive. Love him or leave him! Indeed in my article last year entitled “From Warrior to Statesman” I suggested that Mr. Webster had made that important transition from revolutionary to statesman that was befitting the acclaim of “Father of the Nation”. My comments came in the context of his speech delivered last Anguilla Day in which he gave the Government and People of Anguilla his advice on the way forward. It was a very thoughtful and sagacious presentation which, to my mind, immediately placed him above the fray of local politics. And also demonstrated that we have a leader who has made that progression from “warrior to statesman” which is so critical to taking Anguilla to the next phase in its development as a nation.
Let me also turn your attention to the letter which Mr. Webster submitted to the Government of Anguilla on January 19, 2013. He made the decision that he wanted Government to discontinue any elaborate birthday celebrations on his behalf. The entire text of the letter spoke to the attitude, approach and style becoming of a humble and caring leader. Here are some instructive excerpts:
“My life has always been a simple and humble one. That said my desire now, is that, from henceforth, my birthday should be observed with a public holiday ONLY rather than with the elaborate activities described above.
Although I am being celebrated as “The Father of The Nation” and the “Leader of the Anguilla Revolution”, the Revolution was not about me. It was for the freedom and prosperity of the people of Anguilla: those who lived during that period; those who are still alive today; and those of our generations yet unborn. I believe I have laid the foundation for others to take up the mantle of leadership from where I left off, and over the years I have attempted to point both our leaders and people into the direction I think Anguilla should go. My desire is to withdraw fully from any form of public life and celebration, and to devote the closing days of my life in communion with my God who has always been with me in the difficult years of our Revolution.”
Like many other Anguillians, Mr. Webster also observed that there was an element of negativity to the celebrations that was not helpful to building harmony around the vision he embraced for Anguilla. In a statesmanlike manner he strongly rebuked that conduct in this way:
“There has been some indication that the official observance of my birthday, with a number of activities, can become a source of political rivalry and disunity in Anguilla – all in my name. My aim, as Revolutionary Leader, has always been to unite all Anguillians towards a common goal and my desire is for this to continue.
I am satisfied that I have done my full share of work in leading Anguilla and our people along a journey towards freedom and prosperity. I must now take my leave, and commit our island and its people into the guiding hand of Almighty God. I want to settle down from the official clamour of celebration, revelry, partying and engagement”.
If I have read his letter correctly we may not see the Father of the Nation this year at the park named in his honour. There is a great “sadness” to such absence but also an important lesson for those who believe that it must be all about them. It is clear that the Father of the Nation is not “passing the buck” or avoiding blame. He is passing the baton on! It is a baton that carries responsibility not only from leader to leader — but from generation to generation. The task belongs to all of us! Not only those who hold offices of authority! So none of us should sit back and say: “Its not my job!” We must take responsibility. As revolutionary luminary, Bob Rogers, vividly expressed it in the local vernacular: “T’aint no aya — tis we!” Later historian, playwright, environmentalist, boat builder and poet, David Carty also captured it in a poem entitled: “T’aint no aya!” at the recent LitFest held last week at Paradise Cove from which I will quote a few verses thusly:
“If I in me
Can only see
The me in me
And cannot see
The we in we
Then all is none-
And slavery
Still cracks the whip
within this ship of
Drifting souls
Who will not see –
T’aint no aya, – is only we.
If power seeks
To only speak
Of blame and shame
And cannot see
The God in me and all a we
Then all is none-
And slavery
Will drown this ship
And it’s stinking whip
And every soul will choke and drown
Who will not see
T’aint no aya, -is only we.
Will Anguillians at home and abroad ever really begin to embrace the concept of collective responsibility contained in this simple idiom? “T’aint no aya — is only we!”
