FREEDOM FIGHTERS HONOURED FOR THEIR BRAVERY

The late Honourable James Ronald Webster is lauded as the “Father of the Nation” on account of his daring fight for Anguilla’s political and social liberation. However, it is comprehensible that the victories which he won on behalf of the people of Anguilla are to be celebrated, just as much, by those brave stalwarts who took it upon themselves — alongside of him — to bear the weight of the political, economic and social burdens of this island which, in 1967, was in a sad state of deprivation. Together, these home-grown warriors blazed the trail to attain our freedom through Webster’s influence and his encouragement as a leader.

It was with such individuals in mind that Ms. Palmavon Webster, former Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, took the initiative to sponsor a ceremony for the recognition of their bravery — these valiant patriots of the Revolution. The noteworthy event was held on the evening of Saturday, May 30th (Anguilla Day proper), at the Falcon Nest Restaurant in Island Harbour.

Island Harbour, Electoral District #1, where Pam is the elected representative, was the catalyst village for the Revolution. The little fishing village had birthed a special breed of fearless folk, who were providentially cut out for taking on the challenging task of securing Anguilla’s release from the grip of Bradshaw’s oppressive St. Kitts regime. Yes, Island Harbour is the homestead of Anguilla’s undaunted freedom fighters.

ADVERTISEMENT

The event began with a prayer offered by Ms. Marie Horsford. Extracts of that prayer are worth mentioning here: “Lord, thank you for Island Harbour, the birthplace of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution. Today, we are giving thanks and showing appreciation to some of the heroes and heroines of this District for their contribution towards the laying of the foundation for a better life for all Anguillans.
“Lord, the 1967 Revolution can never be forgotten. We pause for a while to remember the valour, the commitment and the actions of these true patriots. Lord, there are many people to be recognized this evening, and I pray that work will continue in the building of a wall where the names of these patriots can be displayed…We ask your blessings on these heroes and heroines, their families and on these proceedings, Amen.”

A special address for the occasion was given by the President of the One Anguilla Youth Movement, Ms. Terraine Webster. She recounted: “In 1967 Anguilla declared its separation from the Federation of St. Kitts/Nevis, determined to improve our social and economical status. Anguilla at that time lacked paved roads, electricity, proper ports and industry. In comparison to the social and economic development of St. Kitts and Nevis, and due to the constitutional link with those islands, Anguillians felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness due to the level of insensitivity to their aspirations, and lack of care for the poverty that our people faced.

“This evening, I am honoured to be in the presence of so many of Anguilla’s revolutionaries, and I am happy to demonstrate my gratitude. I am pleased to participate in this ceremony this evening to wholly acknowledge and celebrate you. The sacrifices you made, the trauma you experienced, and the heartaches you endured for our freedom, were demonstrations of true bravery. You played a role in creating this opportunity for me to stand here this evening as an emancipated Anguillian. Tonight, I salute you for taking a stand in honour of this country. We appreciate you, we honour you, and we will always love and respect you.”

Bearing testament to the unflinching courage that boiled within their spirits some 53 years ago, Ms. Pam Webster, the event’s sponsor noted: “It is especially humbling to stand before you as a beneficiary of your bravery and your sacrifice, and to recognize your hard work in liberating our country. Without you, I would not be standing here; without you I would not have had the opportunity to grow and develop.”
In reflecting on those who had taken part in the attempted brazen coup to overthrow the St. Kitts administration of Robert Bradshaw, in June 1967, she said: “Some of you were imprisoned in St. Kitts for us. You faced the guns for our freedom. This evening I want you to feel very special, for indeed you are. I want you to know that we are truly grateful for the part you played in the Revolution. And I want you, above all, to know how much we love and appreciate you.”
She then called the names of the honourees for whom special awards were prepared. There was a moment of silence in respect of those who are now deceased. Those awarded included: Wilkin Smith, Todville Harrigan, Sylvia Webster, Olive Hodge, Clevette Rogers, Maclean Webster, Verna Bryan, Joseph Lake, Clive Smith, Adolphus Vanterpool, Edmead Smith, Henderson Smith, Synrick “Foggle” Webster, Violet Harrigan, Ethlyn Fleming, Lemuel Phillip, Olive Rogers, Leander Bryan, Valentine Ruan, Ammantrude Fleming, Edwin Lionel Lloyd, Kenneth Harrigan, Aleaume Tomas, Hamlet Harrigan, Naaman Webster and Irad Ruan.

So, one by one the celebrated warriors — many now advanced in years — ascended the wooden steps of Falcon Nest to be greeted by Pam as she bestowed upon them words of honour and appreciation while presenting them with their treasured, well deserved awards.

After receiving their awards, many of the honourees took the opportunity to relate their experiences surrounding the Revolution. One noteworthy patriot who gave his story was former Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mitchel Harrigan. His was a June 9th account of him maneuvering the Rambler speedboat on a daring, treacherous journey to St. Kitts, with a group of eleven other radical “men-of-war”, to overthrow the St. Kitts government on June 10th 1967.

The intended coup had failed, and the men were imprisoned. But it was through this act of bravery that Anguilla’s plight caught the attention lawmen, from all across the Caribbean, who voluntarily went to St. Kitts to hear their case and pleaded on their behalf — the 12 Rambler warriors — thus securing their freedom and ultimately the freedom of Anguilla at large. A full account of their experiences can be found in “Battle for Freedom 1967-1969” by Colville Petty and Nat Hodge.

At the end of the ceremony, the vote of thanks was given by a member of the One Anguilla Youth Movement, Ms. Miggy Llorera. In particular, she thanked the men and women of the Revolution for their bravery and sacrifice. She also thanked the Hon. Palmovan Webster for sponsoring the event, saying: “Pam, you are very special to us. We thank you for your continued support and advocacy for our revolutionists in this community as well as throughout Anguilla in general.”
Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan