Anguilla mourns the loss of the Former Chief Minister, Sir Emile Gumbs. He first served as Chief Minister from 1977 to 1980 and was the leader of the Anguilla National Alliance. Sir Emile Gumbs also served in that capacity for ten years. It was a period that spanned from 1984 to 1994. Today, we say goodbye to a stalwart, a servant of the people and a humble leader. Like Indira Ghandi, he felt that “Our nation’s strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not what it can borrow from others.”
The Honourable members and the staff of the House of Assembly express profound sympathy to his wife and children, as well as the rest of his family. It is in times like these that we should reflect upon the contributions he has made to our country. He was a symbol of good and easily stands out as a great leader. It was his ability to move our country ahead at a time when society’s primary concern was secession. He possessed a sense of humour and knew how to get along with others. He served with dignity and purpose and will be remembered for his warmth and friendliness. Sir Emile Gumbs occupied leadership positions in politics in Anguilla for twenty seven years. He is the only person from Anguilla to have been knighted in the 1994 New Year Honours.
His contribution to the Anguilla Revolution remains significant as he spearheaded tourism as a major factor for promoting our economy. In this course, he gave Idalia Gumbs the first woman elected in Anguilla, the opportunity to run the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources. He sought the advice of others and recognized that with authority comes responsibility. It was under Sir Emile Gumbs leadership that the “Anguilla Development Board (ADB) was established in 1978.
As we continue to mourn his passing, we pray for his family going forward. May God Bless his soul.
Terry Harrigan
Hon Deputy Speaker
