APM UNITY AND THANKSGIVING RALLY AN ADMIRABLE EVENT

On the evening of Sunday, July 26th, the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) held its “Unity & Thanksgiving Rally” on the grounds of the Scouts and Guides Headquarters in The Valley. It was a scene of spirited worship, jubilant praise, thanksgiving, and inspirational prayers. Choirs, worship teams, songsters, ministers of religion, and dancers, ministered from under the popular gazebo — with a high degree of zest and enthusiasm — to an energetic audience.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the Premier. Its purpose was not to celebrate the victory of the newly elected APM government — as some might have assumed — for as far as “celebrations” go, those were already held. Rather, the motive of this gathering was to specially pray for the unity of the island’s people, following a harrowing campaign, and to reflect on giving thanks to God for his bestowed upon the nation. The thanksgiving was also for God’s gracious favour on the island and its people amidst the stubborn COVID-19 global pandemic.

The Moderator of the event was Inspector Chrispen Gumbs of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. The service got underway when Pastor Philip Gumbs delivered a fervent prayer for an atmosphere of harmony, solidarity and unity to prevail among Anguilla’ s people — in every walk of life. This prayer was followed by the National Song, uniquely rendered by the National Choir under the direction of Ms. Lois Hazel. Ms. Hazel then led the choir in another melodious rendition, “Whom the Son Sets Free”.

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The Honourable Premier, Mr. Ellis Webster, was tasked with the role of giving the welcome remarks and thanksgiving comments. He contemplatively made reference to the divisions that would have resulted from the rigours of recent heated campaign rhetoric. The Premier began: “It is a pleasure for me to stand before you this afternoon as your Premier and leader of the government’s business. We have had a long and protracted campaign, which might have caused separations in families, divisions among church members, and the like. However, now that the campaign is over, it is time for us to unite as one, because it is only as we unite that we would be able to conquer the challenges that confront us.”
“These are unprecedented times,” he said, “and as I welcome you here today, I remind you that unity is strength. Together we will aspire, and together we will achieve. So let us now put aside the different colours of blue and yellow. Let us come together and merge as one people and know that we stand united for Anguilla.”

From a perspective of gratitude, apart from mentioning many others, the new Premier was careful to make special reference to the tenure of the former Premier, Mr. Victor Banks: “I wish to take this opportunity to thank the former Premier, the Hon. Mr. Victor Banks, for his years of service to this country. As we move forward, let us learn from the past. Let us build upon the foundation that was set — and continue to move this country forward in a manner that is beneficial for us all. I would like for us all to give a round of applause for the service of the Hon. Mr. Victor Banks.” (The audience gave a cheerful applause.)

He also said that he thanks former Chief Minister, Hon. Hubert Hughes, for his service in past years, and that he thanked God for the fact that Mr. Hughes had made it back to Anguilla safely, after receiving medical treatment overseas. He encouraged the audience to pray for his continued recovery.
Further, the Premier made a point of expressing his appreciation for the Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Rodney Rey, and his team of officers — including the IT personnel — particularly in operating the voting machines — for the proper management of the electoral process. In addition, he thanked the Government of Anguilla and the Foreign Commonwealth Office, through the Governor’s office, for providing these voting machines.

In reference to the extended closure of the ports due to COVID-19, he remarked: “We must thank God for sparing us thus far, especially with regard to only three cases which have fully recovered. When the time is right, we have to open our borders in a manner that is safe. We must do it in a way that we protect our people. And even though times are hard economically, in this time of pandemic we must look out first for our people’s health and wellbeing which is paramount. So, we will make every effort to open the borders in phases — slowly — in order to protect the people of this great land of ours.”

Apart from thanking God for all his favours, the Premier made sure to mention many in the community, especially those who had played an instrumental part in keeping the nation running during the shutdown period. He stated: “I would like to thank our health officials, the Governor’s Office, front line workers, the police, the fire services, immigration, customs, supermarket workers, our sanitary workers, and the aircraft patrol — along with patrol boats that have kept watch over our skies and waters. I thank ANGLEC and the workers in the water corporation, the banks, FLOW and Digicel, the opened restaurants, as well as the radio and newspaper which have been keeping us informed during these critical times.”
He continued: “I want to also thank those who work in the tourism industry for keeping our tourism product in the minds of potential travelers. They know that we are in difficult times, but they are doing their best in tourism, and I thank them. I also thank our teachers and everyone in the Department of Education. They have worked in a manner that has helped to get our students through all of the setbacks that they experienced.”

In coming to a close, the Premier said: “So today I want to welcome you to this programme. I thank the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Kenneth Hodge, and his team, for setting this up. I thank you all for coming and for showing that we believe in Anguilla; we believe in one purpose. And that is that we keep together, united as one people.”
Other items on the programme included a sermon by Pastor Phillip Gumbs and prayers by the Rt. Rev. L. Errol Brooks. Pastor Gumbs, in his sermon, encouraged the audience not to allow their circumstances to determine their attitudes. He noted: “We have gathered in this place of unity, and we cannot allow our circumstances to determine our attitude, no matter what those circumstances might be.”

He then quoted from a new popular worship song: “I love you Lord – all my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.” “Indeed God has been good to us,” he recounted. “He deserves the highest honor and praise. So let’s give God praise despite our circumstances.”
The Rev. Errol Brooks’ prayer focused mainly on those in authority over Anguilla. He prayed, “God and Father of us all, graciously bless Anguilla. Send us your light and your truth to lead us in paths of justice and peace. Give wisdom to those who execute authority in the government of our land. Lord, remove all causes of contention and strife from among us, and unite us for the service of your kingdom. Make us a God-fearing people regarding your laws, and help us to live together in brotherly love and concord, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Other participants in the evening’s programme included Sheik Essa of the island’s Muslim organization; the Royal Organization of Anguilla Rastafari (ROAR); Roots Binghi Rasta Group; and prayers by the leader of the Spanish community, Pastor Rosa Balbuena. The Vote of thanks was delivered by the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Mr. Kenneth Hodge.

• Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan