For the first time, in 53 years, following the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, there has been a suggestion that the Anguillians who risked their lives in June that year to invade St. Kitts to protect the revolution, should be recognised for that daring event.
Premier Victor Banks made the statement while delivering his 2020 Anguilla Day Address, on May 29, in the Conference of the Ministry of Finance where the official ceremony was held.
He told his listeners: “I want to take this opportunity, for the first time, on Anguilla Day, to salute all those brave young men, by name, who on June 9th, 1967, 53 years ago, travelled to St. Kitts on a speedboat on an uncertain mission with what could have been a perilous outcome. [They went] to demonstrate their willingness to stand up to defend our struggle for self-determination against a hostile administration across the seas, 70 miles away from home.
“Their mission cannot be erased from our history and we have certainly passed the time for any possible recriminations. Even so, I move to salute them for their courage and determination. [They are]: Mr. Valentine (Bobby) Ruan; Mr. Lemuel Phillip; Mr. Reuben (Ruby) Gumbs; Mr. Collins (Jessie) Hodge; Mr. Oliver (Shaff) Gumbs; Mr. Wilkin Smith; Mr. Albert Gumbs; Mr. Mitchell (Delprado) Harrigan; Mr. Todville Harrigan; Mr. Connell Harrigan; Mr. Henderson Smith; and Mr. Randolph Richardson. We salute them this day.
“Most of these brave men have passed on but I want us to remember their sacrifice as a living testimony to our heritage of indomitable courage and strong resolve. This is indeed an aspect of the Anguillian identity of which we speak today.
“Their date in history is June 10th, 1967 and we, as a Government, have decided that they should be adequately recognised in a substantial way for their role in our struggle for self-determination. And this year, 2020, must be that year that they are accorded some special token of our appreciation and gratitude.”
(The Anguillians’s armed attack on St. Kitts is well documented in Anguilla’s Battle For Freedom 1967-1969, by Colville Petty and Nat Hodge.)
The theme of Anguilla Day was: “History, Culture & Heritage, Know Your Identity, Anguilla Day 2020.”
