I would like to wish all Anguillians, both home and abroad, a Happy Anguilla Day.
Due to the unprecedented realities of our current health position, we are not able to embrace the full grandeur of our normal celebrations today; and I know the distance for family members overseas is felt acutely. But, whatever the distance and however difficult the circumstances, for Anguillians, the strength of identity, the ties of the community and the faith of the nation remains strong.
As Anguilla’s rich history shows, it takes the vision of a few to help others believe challenges can be overcome, and that change and growth is possible.
Every year it is important on Anguilla Day to take time to give thanks to the revolutionaries, the men and women who saw Anguilla’s potential and had a clear vision of the port to which they successfully sailed and anchored this great nation.
They were very much the architects of Anguilla’s future – this was not a casual quest nor one in which they stood alone. They shared a common doctrine and dedicated much of their lives to creating a nation which is, as the National Song reflects, “proud, strong and free”. This national holiday is a time to reflect on their endeavours, their wisdom, and their spiritual strength, to contribute selflessly and to work collectively so that this island could prosper.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all families who have lost loved ones this past year, including most recently former Chief Minister, the Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes. As we mourn their loss, we recognise the contributions they each made to the growth of Anguilla over their life time as members of our community.
Lessons can be learnt from the belief that one person’s plight must be helped along by his or her community.
Today’s 2021 honourees have certainly taken forward that baton of public service – representing a cadre of selfless care and drive, to improve day to day lives, through innovation, creativity and education. In developing and promoting the talents of our nation, they have certainly been an inspiration to generations of Anguillians. We extend our congratulations to this year’s award winners and their families – Mrs Mona Fleming, Mr Anthony Bryan (better known as Dr Splinter), Mrs Florence Harrigan, Mr Elvet Hughes and the posthumous award to Mr Clive Carty.
Anguilla has shown how it is able to always rise to a challenge. It’s resilience and high potential holds true today just as it did 54 years ago. Anguilla is a nation of proud community minded people, working together and supporting one another to reach a common goal, which is one of the best ways to honour the men and women of Anguilla’s past.
Working together as one in supporting the public health response to the recent cluster of Covid-19 cases is testament to the strength of our community ties and determination of our health team. This has set Anguilla apart, both regionally and internationally, in leading successful containment of the pandemic within our shores.
This year, it is particularly relevant to give thanks also to those around us who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. We cannot thank enough and respect the dedicated efforts and personal sacrifices of our health care workers in driving Anguilla’s public health response; and the supportive and committed efforts of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Special Constables, the Repatriation team and all other front line workers.
I hope that Anguilla Day this year can be a memorable albeit a different way of celebrating this great nation. Inspiration to move forward can be taken from the actions and sacrifices of the founding fathers and mothers of this nation and also from the people we see everyday who are putting their love and belief in Anguilla above all else.
Thank you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
31 May 2021
