There is certainly a big contrast when one considers the events in Anguilla over the last two weeks or so and the coming two weeks. The first period saw the worst case of gun violence on the island in terms of the severity of the attack and the number of injured young men at any one time – and the grief that followed. Thankfully, the families of the seven victims in Blowing Point, and the island on a whole, were by divine providence spared the further trauma of the mass funerals that could have other wise resulted.
Diametrically in contrast, are the coming two weeksof merriment occasioned by the Anguilla Summer Festival which could have been severely hampered by the violence. To me, and everybody else, this is a fine example of the resilience of our people to rise above difficulty because, some of us, out of fear, might have called for the cancellation of carnival. But the history of ourcarnival, rooted in the celebration of the abolition of slavery, urges that the show must go on. In short, a liberated people must not succumb to the slavery and grip of fear.
Over a period of years, violence has claimed the lives of some 24 persons in Anguilla and an equal number have been injured or maimed, according to available statistics. But never has there been the sort of widespread public outcry, consternation and condemnation like this week. There were two plausible and heart-stirring events on Sunday, July 28, in which the public participated. The first was the island-wide peace motorcade organised by a civil society committee under the theme: “To the youth of this country: stop [the] gun violence. Give peace a chance.” The other event was a service of comfort and thanksgiving at the Maranatha Methodist Church particularly for the families of the injured, but lucky, young men. The red eyes and tear-stained cheeks of several persons in the congregation are almost indelible on the mind.
The peace motorcade, with whistle stops in several villages, was extremely successful, effective and memorable. The route and many of the speakers have been reported in our lead article. The passion and fearlessness with which a number of the persons spoke, prayed or sang, was a thrilling experience for all – the civil society organisers, followers and onlookers in common. The speakers included ministers of religion, politicians, organisers of the motorcade, noted singers (including “Pantha”, “Mr Decent” and “Latest”), family representatives of the shooting victims,and other influential and vocal members of the Anguillian citizenry. In some instances, traffic on the roads became relatively congested, but there was full cooperation from all motorists along the route of the motorcade led by a police vehicle.
What was noticeable was the absence of the village youth in all areas covered by the motorcade, except in The Valley. This was mostregrettable in that the message of the motorcade was directly aimed at all young men, some of them no doubt guilty of acts of violence. In one case, midway into West End, the motorcade passed a youth on a bicycle whose disappointing response was a down-turned thumb as he sped to the east, perhaps hardly noticed by many persons. As the motorcade returned to the The Valley Road half a dozen young men silently stood on the far side of the road opposite the Ebenezer Chapel.The motorcade simply drove on, perhaps missing a golden opportunity to stop to minister in some personal way to them.
Be that as it may, the peace motorcade, which ended outside the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, sent a loud message to all of our youth, whether or not they hid themselves or, in the case of The Valley youngsters, came out to view and listen to the peacemakers. After such an outstanding demonstration of public outcry and condemnation, via the peace motorcade, the church service and other forms of public protest, it would be downright wicked and senseless for any of our misguided young men or gangs to strike again.
What is significant about the reaction of all and sundry, to the gun violence, is the fact that the police can take comfort that they are not alone in the fight against this type of crime and that they have some solid public support. However, many more members of the public must now take tangible and supportive steps in their own interest, safety and the peace and quiet of Anguilla,by telling the police what they know in relation to all offending criminals so that justice and punishment may prevail over injustice and crime. In the words of Reverend Dunstan Richardson, those of us who are not cooperating must take off the blinkers from our eyes and the padlocks from our lips and speak out.
It is hoped that life and the peace and quiet in Anguilla will quickly settle down, and that the island will also speedily overcome the bad publicity it has so undeservedly experienced. The Summer Festival, embodying the various carnival shows and national boat races, along with the hope of peace and enjoyment, should be one way of forgetting the recent trauma. In one sentence, let there be merriment despite the anguish we have all unfortunately experienced and shared over the past two weeks.
We take this opportunity to welcome to Anguilla all visitors and returning Anguillians at this time of celebration and family reunion, and to wish them, and those normally resident on the island, a joyous 2013 Summer Festival.
