The nation is in a state of grief and sadness today over the passing of the Father of the Nation and our most celebrated Hero, the Honourable James Ronald Webster.
On the eve of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution it is especially heart wrenching as we realize that he will not be here to celebrate this milestone achievement with us, as well as to hear for himself the many accolades that would undoubtedly be piled on him during those celebrations for his unequalled contribution to taking our people on the path to self-determination.
However, we must expect that our grief and sadness can in no measure compare with that being experienced by his dear wife and devoted companion Cleopatra “Cleo” Webster who has been with him through all the changing situations of his life. She has indeed been a pillar of strength and unwavering support until the very end. Our prayers are with her and the entire family during this very difficult period.
Mr. Webster has touched the lives of all Anguillans of all walks of life through his service and his generosity. To lead Anguilla down the path to becoming a nation “proud strong and free” has been the vision that he espoused throughout his life and has been the cementing mantra of our people over the lasts fifty years. We thank him for the humility of his leadership style that has been the distinguishing mark of his service to the people of Anguilla.
The days ahead will be painful for all of us. The glad tidings of this Christmas Season will in some way be marred by this news of his passing even as we celebrate God’s greatest gift to mankind. Help us not to be unmindful of the supremacy of God’s plan even as we express our bereavement.
I regret that I am not on island at this time — but will be back shortly to personally share in your expressions and acts of respect befitting the Father of the Nation, the late Honourable James Ronald Webster. My prayers are with all of us but most especially with his dear wife and family whose sense of loss and bereavement we can never truly imagine in these moments and during the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
May his soul rest in peace.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
