Over the past week we have grappled with the loss of precious individuals taken from us in the most terrible ways imaginable. Many of us are still in shock, trying desperately to come to grips with what has transpired in our little island.
Despite these challenging circumstances, I am inspired by the members of the community who responded to such tragedy with love, caring and compassion. This is indeed a true reflection of the real Anguillian society; a reflection which we must maintain.
I was encouraged by so many who came out to show their support and solidarity with the family members of Taitu Kai Goodwin as we marched to memorialize this beautiful young lady. As we shared in the grief of her loss, it was also an opportune moment to raise awareness about the social ills that we face, the need to speak out and to seek help or refuge in times of distress.
Even now, as I write, I am aware that there are many ongoing cases of domestic violence. This is a scourge we must address. It is prevalent throughout the world; the difference is that some countries confront the issue and provide protections, others don’t.
Our Christian principles teach us that we are all our brothers’ keeper. Our ability to put differences aside, unite and connect, as One Anguilla, will make all the difference. This unity that speaks to the good of the collective is able to transcend social class and status, mend broken families, and repair the political divide that has kept us stagnant for so long.
Our development as a nation, our success on the world stage and our ability to positively transform the lives of every Anguillian can only be achieved within a One Anguilla state of mind and being. We have glimpsed this phenomenon before: in the struggle of the revolution where brave men and women came together for one purpose – freedom and self-determination. We have seen One Anguilla manifested in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. And most recently, we have seen One Anguilla shine through the candle light of every person gathered to pay tribute to Taitu Kai Goodwin.
One Anguilla is exemplified in that little boy or girl who share their lunch with a friend; that driver who stops to offer a ride; that business owner who gives back to the community; that youth group caring for the environment. It is exemplified in every smile and kind word spoken; in every prayer for God’s guidance and a brighter tomorrow. When we put our differences aside and work together for the best interest of all, there is nothing that we cannot achieve.
As I reflected on the past week I am reminded of the story of Ubuntu:
“One day, a western anthropologist went to Africa to study the social behaviour of an indigenous tribe. He proposed a game to the children and they willingly agreed to be part of it. He put a basket filled with sweets underneath a tree and told the children that whoever would reach the basket first would win the whole basket and could eat the sweets all by him- or herself. He lined them all up and raised his hand to give the start signal. Ready. Set. Go!
The children took each other’s hands and started running together. They all reached the basket at the same time. Then they sat down in a big circle and enjoyed the sweets together, laughing and smiling all the time. The anthropologist could not believe what he saw and he asked them why they had waited for each other as one could have taken the whole basket all for him- or herself. The children shook their heads and replied, “Ubuntu, how can one of us be happy if all the others are sad?”
Ubuntu – I am because we are!
This is the Anguilla we dream of, an Anguilla where it is clearly understood that we need each other; that every person has a role to play, and that every person deserves to be happy, to be loved and to be given the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. This is possible in a One Anguilla environment.
I therefore present a challenge to all who read this article – think of ways in which you can contribute meaningfully to the development of your community and country. There are many avenues through which we can all make a difference and positively impact the lives of all Anguillians. Let’s find ways we can turn recent tragedies into meaningful change and collective triumph.
