Myself, Dina, the Honourable Deputy Governor and all at Government House were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Emile Gumbs. With his passing Anguilla bids farewell to another of her founding fathers. Sir Emile’s legacy will, however, surely live on for many generations as Anguillans continue to enjoy the prosperity and stability which flowed from his time in public office.
Sir Emile’s political achievements as Anguilla’s longest serving Chief Minister, and an undefeated parliamentarian, are well established and need little elaboration. But as I have come to understand, the measure of Sir Emile far exceeds the simple metric of time served in office. Everyone speaks of a kind and generous man who truly put country before self and took the time to listen and understand the views of others, even if he disagreed. It was with these characteristics that Sir Emile steered Anguilla, like the boats with which he was so famously associated, to a safe and calm harbour. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay Sir Emile is to try to be just a little bit like him in everything we do.
Dina and myself were lucky enough to meet with Sir Emile and Lady Josephine shortly after his ninetieth birthday, an event he had so clearly enjoyed with his family. I count myself fortunate to have been in the presence of a man who had achieved so much and made such a tangible difference to those he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with those closest to him on that day. May his soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.
