Friday, December 9, 2016 was a day of immeasurable sadness and grief as I was awakened to the news of the death of our beloved Father of the Nation, the Honourable James Ronald Webster. My first thought was of his dedicated wife Cleo, who has demonstrated so much love, patience and understanding over the years. Then to his children, relatives, family members and the Anguillian community. To all I offer heartfelt condolences. I reflected on the countless hours I have spent with Mr. Webster over the past 10 years. I remembered his strong grip, the sparkle in his eye, his love for his wife, his family, his country. He exuded wisdom, and passion, and strength of purpose. He was not afraid to acknowledge that he made mistakes, as all humans do, but stated that he used them as learning experiences. As I listened to his account of his life, and read his autobiographical manuscript, I was not only impressed by his knowledge and self-taught leadership skills, but by his commitment to the motto “I would rather die standing, than to live kneeling.”
Words alone cannot define Mr. Webster, his life, his sacrifice, his legacy, and his impact on history, not only in Anguilla, but throughout the region and the world. He was definitely a true Leader. When asked to describe himself, Mr. Webster wrote in his autobiography, Revolutionary Leader, “Some described me as a Revolutionary. Others dubbed me ‘the George Washington of Anguilla’, and others called me Moses.” He continued, “I often smiled at that reference although, sadly, Moses himself never reached the Promised Land.” On November 19, 2016, when I last saw Mr. Webster, although bedridden and physically tired, he held my hand, and I sensed the great effort it took to gather his thoughts as he talked about his love for his people and political independence for Anguilla, his proverbial ‘promised land’, which ironically, like Moses, he did not live to experience. Mr. Webster lived and died hoping for an Independent Anguilla. It is up to us, his people, to continue his work and finish the journey.
The story of the Honourable James Ronald Webster is that of many Anguillians, born to humble beginnings, enduring hardship and struggles while growing up, working hard to make a living and raise a family, trying to make things better for each subsequent generation; some having to migrate to other countries to fulfill that dream, but never forgetting our proud heritage and beloved country; living (and sometimes dying) with the hope of a free and prosperous nation.
In the final chapter of his autobiography, Mr. Webster wrote in his ‘Final Message to All’, “Our Revolution in 1967 responded to oppression and social injustice. It demanded sacrifice, hard work and determination to go forward, so that generations of our people could graduate from the position of want and ignorance, and live with dignity and self-respect. It must be understood clearly that a society does not prosper unless its entire people experience improvement based on fairness and integrity, so that when the rising tide floats the largest ships, it must float the small boats as well.” He ended his ‘Message’ stating “It is my earnest prayer that such sentiments that worked so successfully for our struggle during the time of our rebellion may again work for us in these times of economic uncertainty and social delinquency. We should never bow down to anyone because of political or economic pressure. Anguillians must maintain self-respect and dignity. Be patient, be loyal, be respectful, be reverent, but never retreat or surrender when the cause is just.”
All of us have benefitted from the life and leadership of Mr. Webster, whether through educational scholarships, the Social Security Scheme, professional opportunities or his economic initiatives. He started Anguilla on an upward trajectory from ‘an era of darkness’ to an island with modern amenities and potential for a progressive economy. His faith in God, love for his country and his people, his stubborn persistence, his courage, strength and belief in a just cause, should give us a great sense of pride, motivate us, and propel all of us to a bright and prosperous future. God bless us All.
Rest In Peace, Father.
Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster
