Anguilla’s Revolutionary Leader and Father of the Nation, the late James Ronald Webster, is being remembered with a Gospel Singspiration. The humble, but lion-hearted first Chief Minister of the island, died on December 9, 2016, at the age of 90.
He was accorded an Official Funeral by the Government of Anguilla on January 13, 2017. Tuesday, March 2, his birthday, is an annual National Holiday in Anguilla.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Cleopatra Webster (Cleo), and a number of children. Mrs. Webster and his adopted daughter, Mrs. Patricia (Patsy) Webster-Pryce, have organised a special Singspiration with prayers and tributes in memory of the late Honourable Mr. Webster. This will take place on Tuesday March 2, commencing at 2.00 pm, at the Mausoleum, overlooking the Ronald Webster Park, which houses his remains.
The event, to be chaired by retired teacher, Mrs. Janice Hodge, will begin with the National Song, God Bless Anguilla, followed by welcome remarks and prayers by Rev. Fr. Raliville Christian -and other items on the programme.
The activities include a presentation by the James Ronald Webster Preschool at East End; a poem by the late cultural bearer, Mrs. Daisy “Wong” Richardson, read by her daughter, Verlyn Richardson Yearwood, in a tribute to Mr. Webster; and presentations by Anguilla’s international reggae singer, Bankie Banks; Sprocka (Corrine Richardson); Kingsley Richardson; the Augustine’s Chorale; and Roots Binghi, the Rastafarian Drum Band.
Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, the Premier of Anguilla and an admirer of the Revolutionary Leader, will deliver reflections on Mr. Webster’s life and contributions to Anguilla.
The Vote of Thanks will be delivered by Mrs. Yvonne Webster-Pryce, followed by the Closing Prayer by Mr. Lyndon Duncan, a former avid supporter of the Revolutionary Leader.’
Meanwhile, Historian and Writer, Mr. Colville Petty, has reprinted a feature article about Mr. Webster in this week’s edition of The Anguillian newspaper. The article is entitled A Hen and Her Chickens. Mr. Petty is of the view that it is the best signature article he has written about Mr. Webster, capturing his caring love for the people of Anguilla – and the strength of his leadership style during the difficult and dark revolutionary years of 1967-1969.
