Fellow Anguillians, and friends of Anguilla, it is with humility and honour that I address you this Christmas as Premier of this noble country. With just six months in this sacred position, I still fondly recall the moments, the enthusiasm, the hard work, and sacrifices it took for me, and the members of my administration, to earn the privilege to represent and safeguard the collective dreams and aspirations of every Anguillian. Your prayers, advice, encouragement and support provide the strength to propel us on this journey.
Together we have made new commitments and celebrated new beginnings but, sadly, we have mourned the loss of many loved ones, including patriots and pillars of society. Each rise and fall play a significant role in our Nation’s history; an ode to what has been and a point to pivot into what can be.
This year, the world ground to a halt as governments and countries grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to border closures, lockdowns, social distancing, restricted movements and other methods to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable amongst us. Ironically, we had to separate ourselves to save each other; an action that is so un-Anguillian.
At this time of year as we take time off with family and friends, we should remember those less fortunate here in Anguilla and especially abroad, and those who cannot spend time with their loved ones because they have passed, or they are kept apart by the coronavirus pandemic. Let us say a prayer, reach out and help those who are in need.
We are reminded of those who protect and care for us, our frontline workers, unsung heroes who kept our world moving in a way no one else could, to keep us safe. As 2020 comes to a close, I would like to—on behalf of myself, the Government and people of Anguilla – express gratitude to our doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, first responders, volunteers, surveillance teams, the Ministry of Health and in particular our Chief Medical Officer for working tirelessly to keep us safe since March. Your commitment to service; placing the health of the community above your own will be remembered and lauded for generations to come.
Health and safety have been at the core of what we do and as this crisis evolved from a health crisis to a financial one, our health officials continued to work throughout the day and night to help us navigate the difficult task of reopening our borders for the sake of the economy. Our success relies on the support, resilience and hard work of the officials dedicated to supporting our mission of protecting the public whilst generating economic activity.
I wish to thank those throughout the Hospitality sector who have joined the frontline and reaffirmed their commitment to Anguilla by learning how to operate safely in what we ordinarily refer to as the “COVID economy”. Each training session, meeting and site visit demonstrated just how committed to our collective safety they are. They reinforce why resilience is synonymous with Anguillian. It has been a pleasure working with you to jumpstart our economy and I look forward to our continued collaboration.
2020 has reminded us that “we are all in this together” and collaboration and partnership have played a significant role in our nation’s ability to respond to this health and economic crisis. I would like to thank His Excellency Governor Tim Foy, the Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office and the United Kingdom Government for their continued support and commitment to Anguilla by providing financial aid for budgetary support, improved healthcare and enhanced border security. They also provided supplies, laboratory equipment and expert technical support from Public Health England which helped to expand our testing capability, the backbone of our reopening protocols.
The Bible often reinforces the Christian virtue of gratitude. It was Apostle Paul who impressed on us through his teachings to be thankful in every circumstance, even those that are uncertain or difficult, and seemingly endless.
I extend my sincerest gratitude to the resourceful men and women of the Anguilla Public Service who work tirelessly to keep Anguilla moving. Thank you for your continued commitment to build this nation steeped in pride, strength and freedom.
I am grateful to you, the people of Anguilla, because the strength of this great nation has always been – and will always be its people. From rocky coastline, to crystal shore, your collective commitment to keeping the Anguillian dream alive continues to be the force that fuels the engines of innovation, revolution and progress.
Above all else, thanks to our Heavenly Father for his continued commitment to our national prayer to ‘Bless Anguilla, nurture and keep her.’ In spite of pandemics and hurricanes, He has kept us safe through this year.
The message of the Christ child is one of both sacrifice and hope. For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son to die so that we may live. In this life we are called to be like Christ willing to sacrifice for each other, and the community, with the expectation that through this we will all contribute to building a better society.
Christmas time is also a moment for reflection of the sacrifices we have all made and the embedded hope that the coming new year will be better than the last. It is with this hope that we must rekindle the warmth, generosity and goodness for which Anguillians are known. We must find strength in our differences, realising that we are all in this together.
In this season of celebration, love and renewal, may we be guided by our shared history and inspired by our hope for the future. I look towards 2021 as a year of restoration. Our restoration will call for sacrifice, commitment and collective agreement that will define us as a people and cement us as a formidable Nation. Let us, therefore, enjoy this holiday season and be prepared for a new year where endless possibilities abound, once we work hard, stay united and stay determined.
May God bless you and give you the gift of Faith, the blessing of Hope and the Peace of His Love at Christmas and always. Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
God bless Anguilla.
