People from all walks of life, across the island, turned up in large numbers at the Anguilla Day Official Parade at the James Ronald Webster Park on Monday, May 30, 2016. The turnout was described by observers as a record attendance in recent years, both in terms of invited guests, other community spectators, and uniformed organisations.
The observations were that there was little or no heed paid to an unpatriotic call for a boycott of the national event by persons opposed to the banking resolution. In fact, such was the volume of the turnout, that one person summed it up this way: “The people boycott the boycott”.
The pavilions, rear grounds of the park, and the official tent, were all substantially crowded. Ms. Aurjul Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who chaired the proceeds said in part: “There is no denying of the national pride and patriotism of our people today as the grounds of the James Ronald Webster Park are awash with brilliant colour in all shades of orange, turquoise and white. On this bright and sunny day, the area is truly spectacular.”
She welcomed all to the 49th Anniversary of the Anguilla Day Revolution saying that this year’s theme was: Cherishing past contributions, fostering new commitments, charting Anguilla’s course at 49. The theme was conceived by Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, Principal of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School. “It is fitting at this time to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Mr. James Ronald Webster, along with those who served with him, for their contribution,” Miss Wilson added, while also commending the Boys’ Brigade, the Cadet Corps, and schoolchildren for participating in the parade, as well as 16-year-old T’sani Rogers for leading a contingent of Pathfinders in a most impressive drill display. Other contingents represented the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Her Majesty’s Prison, Security Officers, Fire and Rescue Services, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Guides and Brownies.
Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Christina Scott, responding to above theme, said: “Anguilla should indeed cherish its past contributions with great satisfaction. Forty-nine years have seen considerable achievements – testament to the contributions of many that a modest population has driven a nation so far. I join with you today in thanking so many individuals for 49 years of commitment and service to the nation; to the revolutionary heroes [and heroines] who fought in the past; those who articulated a clear vision; those who built the structures that improve lives, nurture ambition, protect the vulnerable and support the economy; and those who keep Anguilla safe and secure.” She also thanked all the uniformed participants in the parade.
In other areas of nation-building, since last year, she referred to the opening of new tourism resorts, improvements to our critical infrastructure; new school buildings, an improved water supply; the placing of Anguilla on the international map through world-class sporting and musical achievements; the demonstration by Anguilla to uphold international standards of best practice such as by signing international conventions to support the elimination of discrimination against women; and ensuring that the financial services sector meets international standards for tax transparency.
The Governor called for new commitments in taking Anguilla forward to new goals and to actively listen to the views of others. She gave three suggestions which may be helpful to the island: putting the needs of the community ahead of self-interest; being polite but straightforward in our dealings with one another; and supporting each other in times of need.
Ms Palmavon Webster, Leader of the Opposition, was of the view that “more than any other day of the year, Anguilla Day is when we celebrate the unity of the Anguillian people; the spirit of cooperation that brought us here and harmony that we hope will lead us to a brighter future.”
She, however, regretted that the people of Anguilla were now “apparently divided” with some, disillusioned by “the style of Government”, staying away from the event. She continued: “We are not truly one Anguilla at this time, but your presence, and my presence, demonstrate today that we can strive to become one Anguilla again in peace and love with God guidance and help.”
Ms. Webster took the opportunity to criticise the Government’s handling of the banking resolution and leadership of the island, and saw her election as permitting her “to stand in the unprecedented role of a truly independent Leader of the Opposition”. She further described herself as having “a voice and a vote unencumbered by party politics”, but charged that the Government had ignored her advice on various matters including the banking sector.
She later added: “For my own part, I see it as my role to thread the tight rope of being the voice of the people while, at the same time, aiming for constructive change and ultimately unity.”
Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, called for due recognition of those on parade: “Please give a round of applause to all the uniformed bodies who worked so hard to make this special event a success, and in particular our young people who are now being moulded to be patriots of Anguilla and to respect Anguilla Day,” he stated.
“Last year here, I commented that all over Anguilla there seems to be a growing sense of pride and patriotism blowing across our land like a breath of fresh air. I said on that occasion it was a good thing. It is still a good thing and I am pleased to report that this year it seems to be even getting stronger.” He referred to decoration of roundabouts, and other places, as well as presentations of patriotic and cultural performances at various functions and special churches services – all in celebration of Anguilla Day.
Mr. Banks said Anguilla was facing serious challenges, but the occasion was not the time to discuss them. “Since we live in a democracy these will readily become topics for discussion, debate and speculation but I have no intention of using Anguilla Day as a platform to leverage support for our position on any issue nor to blame or shame anyone of our detractors,” he stated. Anguilla Day should be a day for healing – not for salting wounds.
He continued: “In addition this 49th Anniversary, while it is a time for celebration, is also a time for preparation for that momentous milestone – the Jubilee Anniversary next year. A good question is: Are we on the right path to achieving the vision of the architects of the Anguilla Revolution? I also add a follow-up question: Are we employing the tried and proven teachings of mutual respect that distinguish our people at home and abroad?…There are many basic principles and attributes that our people and their leaders used to bring us to the place where we are today. If we have lost them, it is during this time of reflection and self-examination that we must go back and get them…
“Anguilla Day should always be a day to preach love – not hate and retribution. It is 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 day to be trapped in a time warp of the past. It is a day to pray and hope for our leaders – ready to be bold and courageous yet always remembering to be compassionate and caring.”
The Chief Minister commended all the Anguilla Day Honourees – past and present awardees – for their sterling contributions in so many ways. He also paid homage to the island’s past leaders –especially former Chief Ministers in particular the Father of the Nation, James Ronald Webster; Sir Emile Gumbs, Hubert Hughes and Osbourne Fleming for their service and contribution in whatever way to Anguilla.
