Anguilla’s Chief Minister, the Hon. Victor Banks, was briefly overcome by emotion as he contemplated on the outright patriotism displayed by the people of Anguilla for the 50th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution.
Speaking at the Official Parade at the Ronald Webster Park on Tuesday, May 30, a grateful Mr. Banks said in part: “This Anguillian community never ceases to amaze me. Just a few weeks ago one would have gotten the impression that there was no spirit of celebration in the atmosphere. However, over the past week, the kinds of decorations, celebrations and expressions of patriotism in all art forms were overwhelming. I was especially pleased to see the way in which corporate Anguilla embraced the historic Fiftieth Anniversary of our struggle for self-determination and freedom.
“This was a most pleasant outcome especially in the face of threats of boycotting and protest marches on this most patriotic day on our national calendar. I must singularly express my appreciation to my neighbours in the Sachasses Community for making me feel special. Even under cover of the setting sun, and the darkness, they were adorning our street with the trimmings of celebration and appreciation.”
The Chief Minister was also impressed with the spectacular display by parading schoolchildren in the island’s national colours. “I must highly commend the organisers in the Department of Education and other sponsors,” he stated. “They have once again brought our young people into this participation of national pride in our history and heritage. It is important for our youth not only to hear, but also participate in such depictions of our past. This will ensure the sustainability of the legacy of the stalwarts of the Revolution over the last fifty years and position our young people to understand their responsibility to take the vision forward.”
Mr. Banks listed a number of examples where the spirit of the Golden Jubilee was captured:
• The roundabouts and villages are adorned in national trim and lights.
• The Festival of Choirs was staged and serenaded us with uplifting songs of hope and thanksgiving.
• The Anguilla LitFest captured and shared this important period of our cultural heritage and lifestyle in a most creative way.
• The dramatization of the fight for Anguilla’s Freedom entitled Pepper in dey Soup by Felix Fleming and the Sunshine Theatre family, is a “must see” that conjures up a real sense of our Revolution.
• The composition of that inspiring and patriotic masterpiece: Our Golden Jubilee by poet and song writer, Mr. Marvin Gumbs.
• The historic 20-20 cricket match between legends of West Indies Cricket and Anguillian national cricketers.
• To crown it all, “the very inspiring Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Bethel Methodist Church where I was once again struck by the patriotism in song and presentations under the passionate and animated direction of Ms. Lois Hazell.”
He also spoke about the usual engaging style of Rev. Lindsay Richardson during his sermon. “It was a message most appropriate for encouraging us to be thankful for the many blessings we have received and taken for granted over the last 50 years.”
The concluding portions of the address by Chief Minister Banks included the following: “I feel blessed and honoured that I happen to be the Chief Minister of Anguilla on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution. During the early period of the Revolution I was a young teacher at The Valley Secondary School now the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School – a mere 19-year-old to whom the events of that period would have been just an exciting experience, having only read about rebellion and revolution in the history books or in the news as in the case of the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
“But most importantly, and significantly, I have been in active politics for thirty-seven of those fifty years. Hopefully, this fact counts for something in God’s plan for Anguilla. Like Rev. Lindsay Richardson said: God is able to use our very imperfections for His purpose. My colleagues and I are not perfect but we certainly feel blessed to be here at this time to fulfil God’s purpose for Anguilla. Only He can change that.”
