The second edition of A Handbook History of Anguilla, written and published by Colville L. Petty, complements his already noteworthy contribution to the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the people of this island.
The main part of the book, excluding preliminaries and references, comprises two hundred and twenty-four (224) pages divided into ten (10) parts. These ten parts span the period 2000 B.C to 23 June 2015. All of the sections have the same structure as, in each, the most significant events of each year are recorded in brief notes. The entries range from births, deaths, passage of laws, changes of government, significant visits, events, comments, statistics and much more.
Consider for example, the fact that in 1824 – 2,451 slaves divided among 255 owners lived here or the fact that in January 1943 ‘the Americans cleared a portion of land at WallBlake Estate for use as an emergency airstrip by their armed forces operating in the Caribbean during World War II’ or that in 1979 student enrollment in government primary schools stood at 1, 496 with a further 475 in secondary school.
Think too of the results of the Country Poverty Assessment undertaken in the year 2000 (a time of relative plenty, if you remember): 20% of 3,730 households living in poverty, 23% of the population impoverished with 2% living in severe poverty. What would such a survey reveal if it were conducted in this current year?
A privileged position is accorded in the Handbook to the Anguilla Summer Festival and its antecedents with winners of the Miss Anguilla, Calypso Monarch and Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch as well as the Champion of Champions Boat Race recorded for each year. The winners of the around the island Anguilla Day Boat Race will also find their achievements acknowledged herein.
Mr. Petty also commemorates centenarians in this book and since 1950, well over ten individuals have reached the age of 100 in Anguilla. Many have lived several years beyond. That is remarkable for such a small place with such a small population.
All of this information and much much more is presented in a very accessible print and carried in prose with a very engaging tone. The only disappointments are the very few photos – only 15 with more than half of those on the covers – and the narrow margins which preclude interactivity in the form of personal notes.
A cursory glance does not suffice, however, to sound the depths of this volume. It is important to see A Handbook History of Anguilla as a resource to turn to when we need to find ourselves, as a way to preserve our past and as a means of speaking to the future.
Therein lies the import of A Handbook History of Anguilla. It offers us ourselves and it offers us to the generations to come. It is our story – without which we are little more than nothing. Wisps of air which dissipate and are no more. It is indisputable that words in print maintain our existence when we expire. Indeed, works like those produced by Mr. Petty need to be complemented by studies and works of art that document and preserve the experience of the Anguillian people as they march ever on. Others must follow in his mission to tell our story. Undoubtedly, Mr. Petty’s is a steadfast gaze. His mission is clear. He says resoundingly by word and deed: ‘This land is my land. My land has a story. Its story is worthy to be written.’
The metaphor Mr. Petty provides for this story is borrowed from Arthur Marwick, Scottish-born professor of history and appears in the preface. For him our story is our rudder – to be used for stabilization and control. Using our story as a rudder would allow us to follow a chosen direction. Using our story as a rudder would prevent us from being lost. In light of this, it is obvious that we ignore our story to our peril.
In his updating and upgrading of A Handbook History of Anguilla, Mr. Petty makes the point that true progress is only achieved when there is a clear sense of identity. This identity is further validated when the scribal tradition reinforces the oral.
It is evident that there is much to ponder in A Handbook History of Anguilla. Its relevance cannot be overemphasized. A Handbook History of Anguilla is far more than a chronicle of what happened way back when. It is the story of Anguilla and Anguillians, the guide to “who we are, where we are and from whence we came”. It is an “enriching and empowering tool for assisting in the charting of a course for … socio-economic and political advancement”. So says the author in the preface.
Mr. Petty must again be thanked for his invaluable contribution to our essential journey of self-discovery and the all-important safeguarding of national identity.
