This chain of islands
Stretching from Florida to Venezuela,
Speaking Spanish, Dutch, French, English,
And variant forms of Patois,
Have inherited a history characterized by:
Slavery, colonial domination of our institutions,
The plantation economy, indentureship,
And the exploitation of our resources.
The effects of the centuries of domination,
Have left a hankering for things foreign,
And the depreciation of our own values and abilities.
At the beginning of this 21st century,
We have the golden opportunity
To chart a new destiny for our country.
Anguillians! It’s time to stop blaming,
Complaining, finger-pointing, cynicism,
Back-biting, hatred, incivility and crime.
Stop! Look around; yes, look around!
There is much to celebrate and admire.
Let’s celebrate our recovery,
From the iron-grip of slavery.
Let’s celebrate our liberation,
From colonial domination.
Let’s celebrate our resiliency,
In the face of adversity.
Let’s celebrate our tranquility,
In a world of conflict and brutality.
Let’s celebrate our unity,
And our rich cultural diversity.
Let’s celebrate our love of beauty
Through writing, drama and poetry.
Let’s celebrate our passion for living,
When confronted by life’s contradictions.
Let’s celebrate! It is through celebrating,
We pass on to this and other generations
Our rich and diverse heritage,
Which cherishes and honours the past,
Anchors the present, and guarantees the future.
Built on this solid foundation
The adults chastened by the vagaries of history,
Our children with energy, vision and creativity
Will stand knowledgeable and free,
And boldly claim their rightful place
Among the rich diversity of the human race.
Written in commemoration of the 48th anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution.
Reverend Wycherley Gumbs, Ph.D
(All Rights Reserved)
