A few nights ago I was driving home through my neighbourhood when I noticed what looked like a group of prowlers up to no good. They were equipped with ladder; flashlights; and several non-descript tools. My first reaction was that these were some very bold burglars indeed and probably well armed for the job — yet as I drove closer some of them hid their faces and pulled down their hats.
Encouraged by this apparent shyness — I soon became emboldened in my curiosity. I therefore put on my bright lights only to discover that it was just another group of patriotic Anguillans decorating our street with flags; banners and other ornaments.
Indeed all over Anguilla there seems to be a growing sense of pride and patriotism. It is blowing across our land like a breath of fresh air. And I want to say to all of you here today that this is a good thing.
It is perhaps “the salt” that Pastor Gareth Hodge spoke about in his inspiring message yesterday. The “salt” that will make a real difference in our island. Pride: the salt for building a nation proud, strong and free.
Again yesterday at the morning service at Bethel Methodist Church I was struck by the patriotism in song and presentations, particularly as I looked at the young people. As Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs put it: These are our national treasure — our young people. Under Ms. Lois Hazell’s direction this was yet another cementing experience for binding our young people into this noble enterprise of building a nation proud strong and free.
Before that on Saturday at the funeral of a young man born 23 years after the Anguilla Revolution we were reminded that we must not lose our way — nor lose our national treasure. As Pastor Phillip Gumbs put it: We can’t go on this way! Or else for whom will we be building this nation proud, strong and free!
I am extremely proud to be here today with my colleagues from the newly formed Government who also feel encouraged by this breeze of optimism that has engulfed our land. Your presence here in such large numbers so early in the morning is a great testimony to this atmosphere of hope — but we will not be arrogant in the belief that it is about us. Indeed let me repeat that familiar refrain that brought us here: “It is all about you!”
The early challenge from the father of the nation, the Hon. James Ronald Webster, that we should not become a nation of waiters and busboys does not belittle the importance of those critical jobs to our tourism based economy. But rather it should remind us that as leaders it is our job to create the opportunity for our young people to be trained to take up a range of professions and trades equally important to our national development.
And we must also help them to be empowered so that they can aspire to be owners rather than renters or employees in their own country.
It therefore demands that as leaders we must diversify our economy to make it more robust and sustainable.
That we must secure our national resources for our children’s future — and as responsible citizens do whatever it takes to support our patrimony.
It also teaches us to remember the lessons that brought us here, namely, civility, mutual respect, discipline, and the importance of improving our lot. Striving to make each generation in some way better than the last.
To strive always to achieve the Anguilla Dream as it was envisioned by our forebears — and to create an environment for that to happen.
To remember our tradition of hospitality and gratitude — and by doing so help to create a kinder gentler nation — not only for our citizens but for those who dwell among us as well.
The truth is that Anguilla Day should always be a day to preach love — not hate and retribution.
Not about division but unity.
Not to celebrate with arrogance but to reflect with humility.
Not a day to accentuate our shortcomings with despair — but rather our successes with hope.
A day to look forward — not a time to be trapped in a time warp of the past!
Whenever we get the urge to look back — we should simply look around us. There is still much work to be done.
So let us equip ourselves for the task! Equip our people for the task! Equip our nation to deliver on the promise of success and the fulfillment of our dreams — the Anguilla dream.
A nation under God — and of God! A nation moving forward — but for the grace of God! Never forgetting that it is not of ourselves — but of Him.
It is a day to pray and to hope for leaders ready to be bold and courageous. Yet always remembering to be compassionate and caring. Leaving none behind — but yet understanding sacrifice.
Let me therefore take this opportunity to commend all the Anguilla Day honorees, past and present, for their sterling contribution to our island in so many different ways. We salute you this Day!
It has also been my privilege today to badge the immediate past Chief Minister, Honorable Hubert Hughes, who has been one of the leaders of our island for more than fifty years.
Whatever, we feel about his contribution there were sacrifices made for staying the course — for being willing to be exposed to the hazards of political leadership.
There are many good men and women afraid to make such choices. In that vein; let me pay homage to all past leaders especially ChiefMinisters: the Hon James Ronald Webster; Sir Emile Gumbs; the Hon. Hubert Hughes; and the Hon. Osbourne B. Fleming for their service.
I am grateful that despite all — whatever we may have gone through — we are still remain a nation that loves the Lord.
And even as we remember the heroes and heroines of 1967 let us likewise remember the other heroes and heroines who travelled to Santo Domingo; to Curacao and Aruba; to England and the United States; to the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St Croix; and so many other distant lands and climes.
Their travels brought us hope — their gratitude and generosity gave us a chance for survival.
On occasions like these we must never forget them — nor ignore their offspring who deserve to be treated with dignity. Those early travelers were indeed heroes and heroines — that kept the dream alive even in times of drought, famine and disease. We must never regard our diaspora with resentment or scorn — they were fighters too!
Indeed, every single Anguillian may have kept the dream alive in some way. I am reminded of the last line of a poem by John Stuart Mill: “They also serve who only stand and wait!” Truly, everyone has a purpose and a role to play in building this nation proud, strong and free!
Yesterday evening I sat with one of the heroes of the Revolution, Mr. Bob Rogers with whom I often chat for inspiration; counsel and often simply for the enjoyment of his whit and pearls of wisdom.
And among the things he said that stuck with me was: “Victor — don’t forget to embrace the young people!” And for that reason, I will not detain these young people any longer — even at this most important national ceremony!
Thank you all for your kind attention! God Bless you all! Have an enjoyable Anguilla Day Season!
