Mr Hubert Hughes 
Premier Victor Banks
After several attempts to contact former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes, now receiving treatment in a Colombian hospital, Premier Victor Banks was delighted to have finally succeeded in telephoning him on May 28, on the eve of Anguilla Day 2020.
Following the official addresses and the presentation of the Anguilla Day Awards, Premier Banks told The Anguillian newspaper about his delight in having had the opportunity to speak to the ailing former Government leader of the Anguilla United Movement, AUM.
Mr. Banks, who served as Minister of Finance in Mr. Hughes’ Government in the past, said: “I was very grateful to eventually get the Honourable Hubert Hughes, my predecessor, on the phone, during his illness in Colombia. My good friend, Greig, his son, and I constantly communicate about how he has been doing and I tried on many occasions to get him – but yesterday (May 28), we had the opportunity to speak for a very long time. He has been going through some ordeals but I think he is doing pretty well, given the circumstances of his illness. He promised me that within six days he will complete that part of his treatment in Colombia, and will be back in Anguilla so that he could probably do the further treatments on the island.
“He is in very good spirits and is grateful especially to his nephew, Nixon, who lives in the United States – but has been with him all the time. He is very close to Hubert – who regards him as a son; and he has spent his entire time with him in Colombia. When I spoke to Hubert Nixon was next to him on his hospital bed.
“Mr. Hughes was very sharp mentally, but you could see that he was ailing and we pray for his speedy recovery. I actually called him on Facebook live video so I was able to see him physically, talk to him and observe his demeanour. He seemed very grateful to God for His mercies and blessings and he is doing very well, as I said.”
The Anguillian later spoke to the former Chief Minister on May 30 and was told: “Do you know who called me day before yesterday? Victor. We had a nice conversation. That’s the way it should be.”
Mr. Hughes is grateful to all persons in Anguilla who either called, inquired about him or offered prayers and get-well wishes on his behalf.
