The news of the passing of our Father of the Nation, Mr. James Ronald Webster, was received with great sadness by all Anguillians at home and abroad. As Chairman of the Social Security Board, I bring you a message of condolence on behalf of the Board Members, Director (who is off island at this time), Management and Staff of Social Security.
Today the Social Security Board joins all Anguillians in mourning the loss of a great man, a visionary, a leader, a son of the soil, the Hon. Father of the Nation and Social Security, Mr. James Ronald Webster.
His life was characterized by his devotion and service to his country. That life has been eclipsed by illness and death and the extraordinary light that shone in this country has been extinguished; but his legacy will live on.
We are grateful to Mr. Webster and his revolutionary heroes and heroines for the freedom bestowed upon us after the long and tedious struggle for self–government. Mr. Webster was a genuine revolutionary leader whose primary objective was seeking a better way for the advancement of the wellbeing of the people of Anguilla.
Among Mr. Webster’s most significant contributions to Anguilla, since the Anguilla Revolution, was the introduction of the Social Security System. He defied all opposition and imposed the social safety net upon Anguilla on January 1, 1982. Today, because of his vision and foresight, the Social Security Fund constitutes the largest pool of collective financial assets in Anguilla, and a true commitment to the sustainable development of Anguilla.
Let us remember the Hon. Father of the Nation who is no longer with us for his vision, courage and leadership. Let us as a nation give thanks to God for bestowing upon us such a remarkable leader.
In the words of the late great Nelson Mandela: “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Social Security extend sincere and deepest condolences to the immediate and extended family of Mr. Webster and by extension the people of Anguilla.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
