The brothers and sisters of Atlin Harrigan OBE, would like to thank Mr. Colville Petty and Mr. Nathaniel Hodge for their truthful chronicle pertaining to the role that Atlin played in the Anguilla Revolution. It is a truthful historical perspective and we are deeply appreciative. However, we are mindful that, over the years, there seems to be a reluctance to identify him as the architect of our freedom from the St. Kitts Labour Government. We are confident that the greatest history is found in having lived it.
Atlin returned to Anguilla from England in the 60s and went to work in St.Thomas as a qualified electrician. He was agitated over the conditions and plight of his people and gave up his job. He became infuriated about the federation process, and its implications for Anguilla. He vowed to establish a referendum to oppose it. He along with others, organized volunteers to travel throughout the island with petitions to sign in protest. His fight was always for the advancement of the ordinary Anguillian. The conditions of the island helped to ferment and galvanize our populace in an attempt to destroy any possibility for annexation with St. Kitts.
Atlin Harrigan came at a time when our democracy was at stake. He emerged at a moment in our history when our country was threatened by the leadership of a tyrant, Mr. Robert Bradshaw, head of the St. Kitts Labour Party. The ruling party in St. Kitts was determined to isolate and destroy Anguilla. There was absolutely no infrastructure and there was the constant migration of our people in search of jobs and a better way of life. Bradshaw proclaimed that he would turn Anguilla into a desert. It was Atlin Harrigan’s determination that this would never happen.
His life was an example of bravery, patriotism and political servitude. He challenged the status quo, and that changed the entire country in an unthinkable manner. In the darkest moment of our crisis, a leader of boldness, simplicity and honesty, came forth with strength and was embraced by the comprehensive support of the masses.
Today, as history is rewritten and bold facts and truths are frequently expressed, many views have been reversed. Our movement past and present is a formidable one. Generations must embrace the real message about our survival experience. Any history that ignores truth plunges a nation into darkness. There were many who were willing to make sacrifices – but were it not for the insight and determination of Mr. Harrigan, Anguilla, as we know it today, would have been much different.
Anguillians living abroad came forward in meaningful numbers to assist in many ways. Atlin’s historical and political print was a rubber stamp for Anguilla’s journey to secession from St. Kitts, and its evolution as a developing nation. It was his involvement that marked the genesis of our revolution, and there can be no other valid claim. No other citizen played as important a role in the chronicle of events that occurred prior to the British invasion of our country. He ignored the possibility of treason, as he and others forged a new path for realization, hope, socio-economic progress and political autonomy for our people. There were many other stalwarts who formed the nucleus for the struggle that was to emerge.
Every Island Harbour man and woman, boy or girl, must regard our political struggle with exuberance for it was born here. Every citizen must remain proud that our forebears recognized the value of this little rock. Whatever difficulties we face, there must be a common goal that drives us forward. It is important to realize that no season of problems can be resolved without tested leadership, and no leader can last forever without the power of the people. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the women who were engaged in this struggle. We hesitate to mention their names for fear of exclusion. They were all courageous and patriotic.
The words echoed by Atlin Harrigan, over fifty years ago, are still applicable as they allude to the power of a democracy and the privilege granted through the unity of its people. It speaks to the present situation where generosity has dwindled. We should never tolerate any person, or group, that attempts to limit our freedom to express ourselves in a decent and justifiable manner. He felt that political divisions, created extreme dominance over people of good will and opposing points of view. Atlin Harrigan continued to be vigilant in his quest for justice for his people. History must never favour or stand on the side of intolerable and dictatorial behavior.
Our brother fought aggressively to create an atmosphere of hope and deliverance for the entire country. The government under Ronald Webster presented him as a man who had changed his political perspective. Atlin favoured an alliance with Britain while charting a way forward. He feared our country would become a breeding ground for political factions destined to become despots. This neither sabotaged his bold spirit for national advancement, nor procrastinated his powerful expression and anticipation of purpose for his people. He felt that a step backward to colonialism was appropriate, rather than to plunge Anguilla into a Republic.
Atlin detested the prevailing egoism and blatant abuse of power by political parties – as well as other entities and individuals who stood on the fringes ready to incite turmoil. He was confident that Mr. Ronald Webster’s interests sometimes excluded those of the people. This was mirrored by his singular approach to decision-making on major issues affecting our country. Even in this regard, no one should underestimate Webster’s contribution to the development of our country. We should celebrate the journey travelled and the persistence of our leaders over the years. Any objective study of Anguilla’s 1967. Revolution must commence with Atlin Harrigan.
Let each generation be mindful of, and reflect upon, the chronicle of events of the Anguilla Revolution. More so, our schools must teach the history of our revolution and the political evolution of our people. Its success was based upon the unity of our people. We need a new stirring of responsibility and togetherness. Anguilla will forge ahead by God’s grace and our collective effort.
