Anguilla paused on Tuesday, March 2, to celebrate the memory of its late Revolutionary Leader, James Ronald Webster, who courageously led his people in the Caribbean’s most stunning political revolution during the years 1967-1969.
It was not a military type celebration or parade, as might have been the case in other societies, but a second annual Singspiration involving religious and secular singers from various parts of the island. They, and many other persons, came together on the National Holiday, Mr. Webster’s birthday, to pay their respects to him. The event was held at the decorated hillside Mausoleum housing the remains of the Revolutionary Leader – and overlooking the Ronald Webster Park and the surrounding Valley area.
Mr. Webster was born on March 2, 1926. Aided by a number of fellow leaders, a band of heroes and heroines – and his indomitable courage – he dismantled Anguilla’s 1825 unpopular union with St. Kitts in 1967, setting the island on a course of self-determination.
Anguilla struggle for formal separation from St. Kitts-Nevis came to an end in December 1980 when both Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom passed the Anguilla Act under which Anguilla reverted to direct British rule in close cooperation with local elected representatives. Prior to that, in 1976, the revered Mr. Webster became Anguilla’s First Chief Minister and earned the affectionate title of ‘Father of the Nation.’
Mr. Webster, a grass root politician, and a deeply religious former leader – the annual Singspiration, held in his honour, is a fitting tribute to him. This year’s event, chaired by retired Teacher, Mrs. Janice Hodge, opened with prayers, led by Anglican Priest, Rev. Fr. Raliville Christian, on the steps of the Mausoleum. The first hymn, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”, was a favourite of the Revolutionary Leader.
Other items on the programme included: singing by members of the St. Augustine Chorale; a presentation by two pupils from the James Ronald Webster Pre-School at East End; a poem on Mr. Webster by the late cultural bearer, Daisy (Wong) Richardson, read by her daughter, Verlyn Richardson Yearwood; musical presentations by Bankie Banx on the guitar, accompanied by the Roots Binghi drummers; Sprocka (Corrine Richardson); Kingsley Richardson and Roots Binghi.
The several presentations were interspersed by hymn singing and Scripture readings. The programme also included reflections by Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster who recalled some of Mr. Webster’s written words, and his leadership advice to the people of Anguilla, reported elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian newspaper.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mrs. Yvonne Webster-Pryce, the Revolutionary Leader’s adopted daughter. Among those she thanked, in particular, was Mrs. Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch who organised the programme.
The closing prayer was delivered by Mr. Lyndon (Don) Duncan, a former avid foot soldier of Mr. Webster and the Anguilla Revolution.
