Invited guests and others, attending the Official Anguilla Day Parade at the James Ronald Webster Park, on Thursday, May 30, 2019, were taken aback in amusement when a contingent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force danced across the parade area just before presenting a special drill display. Waving their ceremonial rifles, they jigged and rolled to the rousing music of Hello – a recording from the Kes Band of Trinidad.
The police officers’ dancing performance, which evoked much laughter and applause from the audience, helped to set the stage for the pomp, ceremony and patriotism that marked the 52nd Anniversary of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
On parade were contingents from the Royal Anguilla Police Force; Cadet Corps; Fire and Rescue Service; Her Majesty’s Prison; JTR Advanced Security; Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.
The parade was inspected by Premier Victor Banks, his first public engagement outside his regular duties since his appointment was restyled from Chief Minister by the recent amendments to the Anguilla Constitution. He was accompanied on his inspection tour by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Morrison and Parade Commander, Inspector Kenneth Millette.
Following that, Premier Banks and His Excellency Governor Timothy Foy, OBE, took the Royal Salute from the parading contingents during their most impressive March Past in Quick Time.
The Chairperson, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, who took over the programme, gave a brief but comprehensive outline of the Anguilla Revolution and the men and women who contributed to its success.
The official addresses were delivered by Governor Foy, the Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmovan Webster, and Premier Banks. Excerpts of or the texts of their addresses are published elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian newspaper.
Seven honorees were presented with Medals of Honour and Queen Certificates by Premier Banks. He was assisted by Miss Anguilla 2018/2019, Ms. Mikeela Skellekie and Ms. Taitu Goodwin from the Ministry of Finance.
The awardees were: Mr. Clarence B. Fleming (Posthumously), Revolution; Mr. Franklyn K. Gumbs, Revolution; Mr. Kenneth A. Richardson, Revolution; Dr. OLuwakemi M. Linda Banks, Social Development; Mr. Horace Brookes, Social Development; Mr. George M. Brooks, Social Development; and Mr. James Lawrence Carty, Social Development.
There were two presentations. One was a bouquet of flowers to Dr. Dina Foy, wife of His Excellency the Governor. The other was a glass carving to Mr. Kenneth Hodge in appreciation of his work as the Government of Anguilla’s Protocol Officer for many years. The presenters, in both cases, were Ms. Tavia Nelson Connor and Ms. Natasha Chaseau.
Others who participated in the Anguilla Day Programme were Rev. Wilmoth Hodge, of the Methodist Church, who delivered the opening prayer; and a dance group from the Christian Fellowship Church.
