Anguillians in the public and private sectors turned out in large numbers at the National Funeral on Sunday, August 16, to bid farewell to Freedom Fighter in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, Edward (Edwar) Webster, of Island Harbour.
The event, dubbed “A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving”, was held at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church where the revolutionary hero was a Christian gentleman of longstanding, high esteem and exemplary leadership. A calm demeanour, enduring friendship and love for his fellowmen, were among his fine qualities that endeared him to many in church and community, and made him an unforgettable personality in the minds of all who were fortunate to know and interact with him.
The honour of the National Funeral, accorded to him, took into account his outstanding contribution to the defence and success of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, and his fierce commitment, as a young, energetic and ambitious citizen, to national development and the future of his island home. It was through him, other freedom fighters, and the leaders of the Revolution that Anguilla, having thrown off its yoke under St. Kitts-Nevis, entered a separate political and constitutional status and a period of continuous social and economic development, and is now on its way to nationhood.
Flags flew at half-mast in Anguilla on Friday, August 14, and again on Sunday, August 16, the day of the National Funeral, as a mark of respect for Edwar’s passing on July 29, 2015, at the age of 77, at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The Executive Council gave its approval for the National Funeral. The arrangements included the flying of flags at half-mast; the bearing of his body inside the Church and at the Sandy Hill Cemetery by a Contingent from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, and a gun salute of three rounds at the Cemetery. A Contingent of Pathfinders represented the SDA Church at what was a most impressive, but sad, National Funeral.
Early during the funeral service, Chief Minister Victor Banks delivered a tribute – on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla – expressing condolences to the family and other relatives, and in praise of the Freedom Fighter.
“Edwar was one of the outstanding foot soldiers in the defence of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution,” Mr. Banks stated in his address. “He was also instrumental in gathering around him other foot soldiers with whom he employed creative ways to ensure that the wishes of the Anguillian people were carried out.
“He was captain of the vessel, Oceanic, which played a key role in support of the Anguilla Revolution. The vessel plied the waters of the region, in particular St. Thomas and Puerto Rico as a key supply and trade link for the island during the uncertain days of that period.”
The Chief Minister continued: “The late Mr. Webster’s contribution to the Anguilla Revolution has gained him notable mention in a book, entitled Anguilla’s Battle for Freedom 1967-1969, which is co-authored by Anguillian historian and curator, Mr. Colville Petty, and Anguillian journalist and editor, Mr. Nathaniel Hodge.
“Also in recognition of his many exploits and outstanding contribution to our Revolution – and the Anguilla community as a whole – Mr. Webster was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 2000.”
Mr. Banks added that the Government’s decision on National Funerals was a small step to celebrate the lives and contributions of Anguilla’s revolutionary heroes, heroines and others, who made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the island.
The Formal Remembrance was delivered by Mr. Terry Harrigan, a family member, who described Edwar as having been “a self-taught musician, sailor, boat and cabinet builder, skilled carpenter, contractor, plumber and craftsman”.
He went on: “Today, as his family travels throughout Anguilla, St. Thomas, and California, they can see his mark on many buildings. He played an active part in community life, and was always willing to give assistance to those in need. His mark in the construction field, whether in Anguilla, St. Thomas or California, demonstrates his unquestionable knowledge and skills of the trade. We gather here in this place of worship, a sanctuary he helped to build, and can look across to the old Adventist Church and recognise his powerful skills. He travelled extensively but always wanted to be home. He did not hesitate to help change the plight of our nation during the days of the Revolution. Dissatisfied with our conditions during the 1960s, he was a stalwart as he made his contribution to this country and gave his input to Mr. Ronald Webster and Mr. Atlin Harrigan, the leaders of the Revolution.”
There were also reflections by the children and son-in-law of Brother Edwar on his sterling legacy and their love and admiration for him.
The officiating clergy were Resident Seventh-day Adventist Minister, Pastor Trent Berg, Dr. Henry Peters and Pastor Amron Williams of the North Caribbean Conference, all of whom spoke about the life and service of the departed SDA member and offered condolences to his family.
Pastor Peters, who came over to Anguilla from St. Maarten, where he is conducting an evangelistic crusade, recalled his pastoral work in Anguilla and his personal knowledge of Brother Edwar Webster. The visiting Minister praised him for his commitment to his family; his God; Church and to his island. “He was a Deacon and a Choir Member. I always admired him for his hard work and his faithfulness to duty,” the Preacher stated. “He laboured tirelessly in the construction of this Church building; he opened his doors to me and treated me as a family member, together with his dear wife, Sister Gratel.” Pastor Peters was pleased to have been able to minister to him during his illness and to have had the opportunity to participate in his funeral service. In his sermon, he focussed on the importance of spiritual living and the comfort, hope and salvation it brings – and he challenged his listeners to order their lives towards that end.
Edwar’s surviving immediate family members include his wife, Mrs. Gratel Webster; children: Greta Vanterpool, Jewett Harrington, Rossborne Webster and Paul Webster, MD; eight grandchildren; one sister, Zelma Webster, and one brother, Boyston Webster; and a large number of other relatives and friends. To all of them, The Anguillian proffers its heartfelt condolences.
