The expulsion of the St Kitts Constabulary from Anguilla in May 1967 was the crowning act of a string of revolutionary events in the island’s bid for self-determination.
That is where the late Stephen Valentine Fleming (Buller) of Sandy Hill especially made a name for himself in the annals of modern Anguillian history. He was among a number of young freedom fighters who transported crowds of cheering people from across the island to the then Wallblake Airport where the St Kitts policemen were being expelled. That done, Fleming and his colleagues seized their firearms and ammunition for use in Anguilla’s own defences.
In terms of the Anguilla Revolution, Fleming’s involvement in the above events was two-fold: an act of heroism and an act of patriotism but, over the years, he was unfortunately and inadvertently overlooked in the presentation of national awards. It was only on Saturday, October 11, 2014, during the National Funeral accorded to him by the Anguilla Government, that a Medal of Honour and a Queen’s Certificate were conferred on him.
The awards were presented to his family on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Jerome Roberts, who was Acting Chief Minister at the time.
Mr Roberts, the Elected Representative for District 2, regretted that Mr Fleming was honoured posthumously and urged all persons to use the opportunity of the first three months of the year to submit the names of individuals they thought should be considered for recognition – by the National Awards Community – while they were alive. He expressed appreciation for the patriotism shown by the fallen hero, to his island, at a crucial time in its history and was pleased that a National Funeral was held in his honour.
The Formal Remembrance was delivered by Pastor Roderick Webster, an Anguillian Baptist Minister serving in St Maarten. He traced Fleming’s commitment and service to Anguilla from his days as a young man working in St Thomas, to his return home to assist with the Anguilla Revolution, and his continuing contribution in other areas of service in the years that followed.
“Buller’s close association with the Revolutionary Leader, Mr James Ronald Webster, has earned him a reputation as having been Mr Webster’s bodyguard during the revolutionary days into his political life,” Pastor Webster recalled in part. “After the revolution, Buller went back to St Thomas. He again returned to Anguilla because his father [Christopher Fleming] became ill. He had to continue his father’s work as a bus driver, transporting persons to and from The Valley. Buller was the school bus driver and, by profession, a taxi-driver. He juggled between transporting schoolchildren and taxiing and always ensured that schoolchildren were given priority.”
Living a full life, Buller, as he has been known throughout his life, is survived by his wife, Mrs Ruth Fleming, their children and many other relatives. In his varied engagements in life, he found time in earlier years for an active leadership role in the Scouts Movement. This was attested to during the tributes by Mr Othyn Vanterpool, who was one of his junior scouts and who eventually rose to the rank of Chief Commissioner.
Buller was also an active churchman at St Andrew’s and St Augustine’s Anglican Churches. The Rt Rev Errol Brooks, who presided over the National Funeral, assisted by Rev Menes Hodge and Rev Samuel Knight, said in part: “There are several very important reasons why we are all gathered here for this service. The first reason is this: we have come to thank God for His goodness; for his mercy; for giving us Valentine as a family member and a friend. We have come to thank God for whatever good He enabled him to do during his sojourn here on earth. We have also come to remember him as a brother-in-Christ and a member of this faith and community.”
The Royal Anguilla Police Force/Community Band participated in the service, adding much to the formality, pomp and ceremony of the National Funeral.
There has been some eight National Funerals in Anguilla in recent times, and although the police parade, gun salute and other formalities have become customary events, they continue to attract the attention and admiration of onlookers. “Oh my, that’s real nice,” one discerning person commented as the skilfully-performed parade entered Sandy Hill Cemetery for the interment.
