On Friday 30 June 2017, Baroness Valerie Amos, in association with Anguillians In Action, hosted a reception at the House of Lords, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution, and to celebrate Anguilla and its diverse and vibrant culture. We were delighted to have had for the first time in history, at the House of Lords, a live soca band, Boss & the Horse Power Band (HPB), who flew in from Anguilla and entertained guests with traditional soca music. The event welcomed over 200 guests and included a host of keynote speakers brought together to discuss Anguilla, the nation’s history, and the thriving British-Anguillian community that forms an integral part of modern Britain.
From the catalyst that ended a former British Prime Minister’s career 50 years ago, to the ongoing contribution of the Anguillian diaspora to the UK, the impact of Anguilla on the British Isles continues to be felt today, forming a key part of the tapestry that represents our shared histories.
Anguilla’s story is one of struggle, survival and success.
Little known outside of Anguilla is the monumental impact that this tiny Caribbean island, with a population of just 6,000 inhabitants, had on its British matriarch. Intervention by the British, although successful in assisting the eventual separation of Anguilla from St. Kitts, represented a public relations disgrace for Britain in 1967. Dubbed “the Bay of Piglets”, by the world press, the operation was both costly and signified yet another blow to the public face of the dwindling British Empire. Harold Wilson, Britain’s Prime Minister in 1967, lost the general election 3 years later, largely as a result of his flailing popularity that was dealt a harsh blow by Revolution in Anguilla. Anguilla, albeit small, made its mark on history, and showed that voices – no matter how small – can be heard.
Today, Anguilla remains a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, and its bilateral relationship with the UK grows from strength to strength. In Anguilla, Anguillians celebrated their independence from St Kitts and their heritage of strength with an annual boat race around the island. For those Anguillians in the UK, a celebratory church service, and a range of events throughout the summer of 2017, show that the spirit of Anguilla continues to live on in the UK, where the large Anguillian community plays an active role in making the UK the hub of diversity and multiculturalism it is today. Baroness Amos welcomed the 50th Anniversary of Anguilla’s Revolution to showcase the influence of Anguilla in the UK, and to celebrate the progress made in half a century.
Note to editor:
Valerie Amos was the eighth UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, serving previously as British High Commissioner to Australia, Leader of the House of Lords, and Lord President of the Council. A native of British Guiana, Valerie became the first black woman to sit in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. Valerie is currently Director at SOAS, and has been a Labour Life Peer since 1997.
