On Saturday afternoon, March 2nd, 2024, the Department of Education joined the family of the late James Ronald Webster to host the 5th Annual “Singspiration” and the 3rd Annual Essay Writing Competition Awards Ceremony at the Father of the Nation’s Mausoleum on Pope Hill.
March 2nd marks the birthday of the late Ronald Webster, popularly hailed as Anguilla’s Father of the Nation. Mr. Webster gained fame and notoriety on account of his leadership position in the patriotic fight for freedom through the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
One of Anguilla’s renowned choirs, The St. Augustine’s Choral, provided most of the renditions for the “Singspiration”. The moderator was Mr. Lyndon Duncan, a son of one of Webster’s fellow freedom-fighters, the late Doreen Duncan.
One highlight of the ceremony was the customary laying of a wreath on the tomb by Mr. Webster’s wife, Mrs. Cleopatra Webster, accompanied by the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster. They were escorted to the tomb by Mr. Webster’s daughter, Mrs. Yvonne Webster-Price.
Mr. Webster’s other two daughters, Ms. Valarie Thompson and Ms. Parlona Reece, read scriptures from Psalm 103: 1-4 and Philippians 1:3-11 respectively.
Premier Webster addressed the gathering as he reflected on the courage and determination that the legendary Mr. Webster exhibited in the struggle for freedom during the bloodless battle against the St. Kitts regime, demonstrating boldness and bravery during the Anguilla Revolution.
Quoting from the book The Battle for Freedom, the Premier said: “Mr. Colville Petty, Anguilla’s renowned historian, and A. Nat Hodge, in their book Anguilla’s Battle for Freedom 1967 to 1969, stated: ‘It was Mr. Webster’s vision, determination, courage and raw guts, coupled with the resolve of the Anguillian people, which saw the struggle through to a successful conclusion. Webster harnessed the energies of the people with whom he had laid the foundation to create the environment which eventually allowed the Anguillian people to participate in charting and controlling their own destiny.’”
He noted that with the celebration of International Women’s Week just ahead, he wished to recognize all the women who rallied alongside Mr. Webster during the daring Revolution. He particularly thanked Mrs. Cleopatra Webster, who willingly allowed her husband James Ronald Webster to stand at the forefront in pioneering the cause of Anguilla’s freedom.
The educational aspect of the program was under the auspices of the Department of Education, moderated by Mrs. Susan Smith and Ms. Sandra Fahie. They presented plaques and cash prizes to the three winners of the Essay Writing Competition. In third place was ten-year-old Aajah Joseph of the Omololu International School. Second was eleven-year-old Keiarah Webster of Morris Vanterpool Primary School and first was eleven-year-old Tiana Smith of the Orealia Kelly Primary School.
Tiana was given the privilege of reading her story entitled Victory to the audience. Based upon her vivid imagination of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, Tiana’s story depicted the plans and preparations made by Mr. Webster and his squadron of warriors to execute The Revolution. She related how Mr. Webster (whom she casually called James) was willing to sacrifice his life, if it was needed, for the liberty of all Anguillians. She told of how Mr. Webster and his men shut down the notorious “Queen Show” of 1967 and banished the Kittitian policemen from Anguilla’s shores, after seizing their weapons.
The Honourable Minister of Education Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers congratulated the three winning students: “While we gather here every year to pay homage to our visionary leader, James Ronald Webster,” she said, “we also gather to celebrate the academic endeavour that our students participate in – their pursuit of intellect and knowledge.”
“It is fitting that we honour the late Father of the Nation, James Ronald Webster, whose courage and leadership realized our victory in our struggle for self determination,” the Minister said. “To our participating students, your dedication, your research your passion for history, and your eloquence in articulating your thoughts have left a great mark of excellence on this competition and on this island.”
“In a world that is marked by discord and division,” she said, “your commitment to participate in this essay writing competition gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through your essays you have not only honoured the Father of the Nation, James Ronald Webster, but you have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue and the values that define us as a nation and individuals.”
The Minister told the students that whether they choose careers in academia, in politics, or in any other field, they must understand that their ability to think critically and communicate effectively would be their greatest assets.
“In closing,” she said, “I would like to congratulate all of the winners for your outstanding achievements in this James Ronald Webster Essay Writing Competition. May you always continue to strive for excellence and seek knowledge relentlessly.”
