On the afternoon of Sunday, March 1st 2026, the Government of Anguilla hosted a special service in Honour of the late James Ronald Webster, widely regarded as the “Father of the Nation”.
This memorial event took place at the Church of God (Holiness) and was held in recognition of what would have been Mr. Webster’s 100th birthday, which was celebrated on the following day, Monday, March 2nd as a public Holiday. The national hero was born on March 2nd 1926.
The Ecumenical Service brought together patriots from all across the island, including members of the clergy, elected officials, members of Mr. Webster’s family and members of the wider community. They had come in a spirit of unity to pay homage in appreciation for Mr. Webster’s daring exploits in the quest for political freedom for Anguilla through his fierce fight in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
In delivering the Call to Worship, Pastor Gareth Hodge alluded to the song “Stand up Stand up for Jesus”, which he cited as the song that Mr. Webster himself had customized into an anthem of sorts, during informal events when he would gather his foot-soldiers and supporters to strategize his revolutionary plans. That song was lustily sung as an opening hymn for the ecumenical service.
Reverend Lindsey Richardson of the Methodist Church delivered Reflections and a Prayer: “One hundred years ago a child was born,” he reflected. “His parents were happy and perhaps anxious a little; one hundred years ago a child was born, and like any other ordinary child, these parents had no clue of what the future would hold for him; one hundred years ago a child was born. Little did anyone know that he would not only be a man, but he would be a man who would hear a call from the cries of his people for him to be courageous and take a stand. It was a call to stand up for his people, for his country and for his God. It was a call to take a stand against injustice and political disrespect.
“It was a call,” the Reverend said, “that enabled him to gain the admiration and respect of his own people – a people whom he rallied around himself; a people whom he challenged and motivated to stand up with him. He was chosen to lead, and so he led.”
Rev. Lindsey’s fervent prayer expressed hearty thanks to God for the life of Mr. Webster. He acknowledged that God had chosen him, called him, and ordained him to lead and liberate his people into a life of freedom from political bondage and oppression. He prayed that, like Mr. Webster, the people of Anguilla would be inspired to first give of themselves to God, and to offer themselves in service for each other.
The First Scripture Reading was designated to be read by the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, but due to his absence was read by Opposition Member, Haydn Hughes. The passage came from Exodus 3:7-17. It gave a vivid account of Moses leading God’s people out of dreadful Egyptian bondage, akin to Mr. Webster leading his people out of an age of dark dismay to light and liberation.
The Second Scripture Reading taken from Hebrews 11:1-10 and James 2:17-20 and was delivered by the Honourable Premier, Cora Richardson-Hodge. This passage speaks to the kind of bold faith that Mr. Webster would have possessed as he ventured to take the glaring risks and make the costly sacrifices that would have set The Revolution in motion.
The sermon entitled “Anguilla Needs Another Revolution” was preached by the Church’s leader, Pastor Phillip Gumbs. He called on Anguilla’s people, and men in particular, to lead the young people, especially young men, even as Mr. Webster led. He called on responsible Anguillians to lead our youth away from destructive traits and ill-fated lifestyles.
Quoting from a documentary on Webster, Pastor Gumbs relayed a message that is profound: “Mr. James Ronald Webster is often remembered as the protagonist of The Anguilla Revolution. One reason for this is that many consider him to have demonstrated the prototypical features of a hero marked by bravery, sacrifice, conviction risk-taking and moral integrity for an honorable purpose,” the writing relates.
One attractive highlight of the service was the singing of the patriotic song, “Anguilla My Home” written by Pastor Gumbs in 2007 and melodiously sung by him and members of his family. The immaculate lyrics call to mind the oppressive conditions under which Anguilla existed prior to The Revolution and the new day that broke forth through the dawn of The Revolution. It calls upon God to end all forms of oppression and make the nation truly prosperous – a land where “faith, love and peace” will reign.
The only daughter of Mr. Webster, Parlona Webster Reece, paid a special tribute in writing to the legacy of her Dad: “On this national celebration,” she wrote, “let us honour him not only with words, but with commitment – commitment to our unity.” (Parlona’s entire tribute is published elsewhere in this edition.)
With regard to the aspect of “unity”, per se, Dr. Timothy Hodge made a stunning observation as it pertains to Anguilla’s Coat of Arms. He noted that while the Coat of Arms pride three dolphins, it depicts only two virtues, namely: “strength” and “endurance”. However, he suggested that there be room for a third virtue, which is “unity”. “These three elements,” he proposed, “would then go along well with the dolphins to make the emblem complete.” He therefore suggested that legislation be put forward to effectively amend this.
Towards the end of the service, Pastor Cecil Gumbs offered an intercessory prayer. In it he thanked God for protecting Mr. Webster and his foot-soldiers in times of impending danger and for keeping the brave stalwarts safe during the time of fearsome The Revolution. “And though we have drifted from all that you have done for us,” he acknowledged, “and though we are not as grateful as we are to be, Lord we ask you in the name of your son, Jesus, to forgive us.”
The service was then brought to an end with the vibrant singing of the revolutionary song, “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
By: James R. Harrigan
