Fellow Anguillians, I greet you on this Anguilla Day, on the 54thAnniversary of the Anguilla Revolution; proud of my heritage; proud to be an Anguillian; thanking God Almighty that He has spared our lives to reach this milestone.
This is the second year that the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented this event from being held at the James Ronald Webster Park and limited the lunch with our elderly citizens. We do not need the pomp and circumstance to celebrate Anguilla Day and recognize our honourees, but it would have been good to sit at lunch and listen to the recollections of those who participated in the Revolution.
Anguilla Day is a mindset. It represents the conviction of purpose, a yearning for a better life, a sense of urgency and the unwavering support of the Anguillian people. It represents what is possible when a people stand united for a just cause. It says “Yes we can” no matter the obstacles. (For our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters –Si se puede).
Anguilla Day reminds us of that bridge between the past and the future. It should also reinforce the bridge between Anguillians everywhere, whether in Anguilla, the UK, the USA, Sint Maarten, St. Martin, St. Thomas or elsewhere in the Diaspora. There is a sense of belonging that is uniquely Anguillian no matter how close or remote your connection is to Anguilla.
It is this ‘oneness’, this kinship that keeps us connected whether we are in Anguilla or many miles away, knowing that we are stronger and better together. If we have to live true to the ideals of the patriots that gave us a chance with their struggles back in 1967, we have to come together again.
We celebrate Anguilla Day on the 30th of May because on that Tuesday, 30 May 1967, the St. Kitts police were expelled from Anguilla and this act of Rebellion was the highlight of the Anguilla Revolution.
Anguilla was poor and undeveloped. There were no paved roads, no electricity, no pipe-borne water, no telephones and no proper airport or seaport facilities.
The Anguillian people were convinced that they could only progress if they were free from St. Kitts and in control of their own destiny.
We should never forget our revolutionary heroes and heroines and that we owe them a debt of gratitude. We should never forget that the Revolution took tremendous courage, struggle and sacrifice. The Father of the Nation, the Honourable James Ronald Webster wrote in his autobiography Revolutionary Leader, “I learned a valuable lesson that Anguillians were willing and ready to risk their lives to change their political and economic future.”
I will never forget that the only reason I can be here today is because 54 years ago Mr. Webster stood up, in spite of the risk, despite the odds. He stood up for justice. He stood up for progress. Then a few more Anguillians stood up. And then a few hundred stood up. And finally a few thousand stood together and managed to change the course of history.
Intentionality and commitment; this deliberate purpose-driven dedication to the cause led to the Anguilla Revolution which made it possible for Anguilla to progress to where we are today.
Today we face different challenges but nonetheless similar uncertainty. We are still reeling from the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, the collapse of 2 indigenous banks, Hurricane Irma, and now the coronavirus pandemic. The health and economic challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic calls out for a new type of leadership that is bold and resolute.
Successful management of this pandemic and the recent cluster required bold leadership by this administration in collaboration with an expert, competent and dedicated health team, the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Governor’s Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Public Health UK and the people of Anguilla.
The Covid-19 vaccine supplied by the UK Government gives us the best chance to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from this devastating disease.
Some of you may be concerned by the decisions which were taken to raise the health care fees, water rates and port fees and to continue to implement the Goods and Service Tax started under the previous administration.
These measures, along with financial assistance from the UK Government, are necessary to maintain Anguilla’s solvency given the poor financial position and high National debt we inherited on 30 June 2020.
We were faced with not being able to meet Anguilla’s debt obligations, not being able to pay bills, and not being able to give adequate subventions to provide health care and water services; all of which would result in a Constitutional crisis. We could not allow that to happen. We could not dishonor those who fought so valiantly in the Anguilla Revolution.
Like our forebears, we chose to make the tough decisions and sacrifices necessary to save our beloved country. We made a commitment to tackle the long-standing fiscal issues and help Anguilla to develop a stronger, more resilient and self-sufficient economy.
Yes, we are far away from the dirt roads, lack of electricity, telephones and water services as in 1967. The port facilities are improving, and the health and education facilities are being rebuilt or upgraded with UK funding.
However, there is still the same struggle for a better Anguilla. The economic crisis, worsened by the stagnation of our main industry, Tourism, has negatively impacted the small business sector; crippled the construction sector; has limited the opportunities for our Youth, who feel disenfranchised and have become disengaged; and made our elderly more vulnerable.
Health and wellness, Youth development and empowerment, economic growth and expansion, maintenance of our environment, and climate change are the challenges we face today. However, this moment of great challenge also presents a moment of great opportunity to make the lives of Anguillians, present and future, better and sustainable.
We must provide more incentives for local investments, more support for the establishment of small businesses; a commitment to renewable energy and financial services; and a comprehensive policy to deliver on the full potential of the fishing and farming industries, boosted by utilizing modern technologies.
We must prepare our children better so they can take their rightful place in the community and be able to create wealth for themselves and this country, through improving our education system, exploiting technology; through innovation and efficiency. They must be assured that the Anguillian Dream is still possible: to have a job, build a home, raise a family and make things better for the next generation.
We must enhance the Tourism industry by diversifying our product, expanding markets and expanding our airport and encouraging Anguillians to come home more often.
There is no challenge that we cannot overcome together. And with unity and a deep sense of purpose we must be confident that a united community working together, striving together, can achieve the dreams and aspirations of its entire people.
This is the Era of revolution and great change in the world. Women and men of African descent are demanding justice, respect, equality and fairness, and are making great strides in the world. Black and Brown Lives Matter.
Involving Anguillians everywhere brings to the table various experiences and abilities which can improve our economy and enhance our people’s lives; all the people, regardless of which village you live in, your last name or social status.
Our first Chief Minister, the Honourable James Ronald Webster stated that a society does not prosper unless its entire people experience improvement based upon fairness and integrity, so that when the rising tide floats the largest ships it must float the small boats as well.
We know that the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of thousands of people working for change.
I am asking you, the people of Anguilla to get engaged to help this Nation to reach its full potential and to help inspire a new generation.
This is our defining moment. When your children ask what you did when you had the chance to help Anguilla make meaningful progress, you can proudly say – you showed up, you stood up, you spoke up, you got to work, and you made a difference.
The Nation’s future progress must be intentional, committed and steadfast.
I wish to congratulate those who are being honoured today for their outstanding contributions to Anguilla and the part you have played in developing this Nation. I thank God for you and your families.
Let this 54th observance of Anguilla Day be a time of reflection, renewal and reunion. When all is said and done, we are all in the same boat.
Have a happy, safe and healthy Anguilla Day.
May God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
Thank you.
