The Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, Right Reverend L. Errol Brooks, Dignitaries, Former Members of the House of Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen; we assemble here to celebrate the life of a son of this soil.
Today, Anguilla mourns the loss of the Former Chief Minister, Sir Emile Gumbs. He first served as Chief Minister from 1977 to 1980, and again from 1984 to 1994. He was the honourable leader of the Anguilla National Alliance… for almost two decades. We assemble here to 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 Staff of the House of Assembly express profound sympathy to his wife and children, as well as the rest of his family. There are many reasons why we should thank God for his life, and it is in times like these that we should reflect upon the many 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 forward; at a time when society’s primary concern was secession that is most notable. He lived by the principle that the little things we do for our country, can stand tall in the face of those who do nothing.
He possessed a sense of humour and knew how to get along with others. His service was one of dignity and purpose, and he will be remembered for his warmth and friendliness. Sir Emile Gumbs occupied leadership positions in the Anguilla political domain for twenty seven years. He is the only person from Anguilla to have been knighted in the 1994 New Year Honours.
His role in the Anguilla Revolution remains quite significant. During his tenure, he spearheaded tourism as a major factor promoting our economy. He gave Idalia Gumbs the first woman elected in Anguilla, the opportunity to run the Ministry of tourism and Natural Resources. He customarily sought the advice of others and recognized that with authority comes responsibility. It was under his leadership that the “Anguilla Development Board” (ADB) was established in 1978.
Sir Emile Gumbs showed us that through our concerted efforts; we can achieve greater success, admiration and inclusion. Through his leadership, we gained an indispensable sense that even during the most difficult times; we can project our ambitions to redirect a nation worthy of glorious opportunities and possibilities. He was unafraid to raise the distinction between good and bad.
He was someone who devoted his life to public service. Although not conflicted by war and turmoil, he was a soldier for his people. I can only characterize him by paraphrasing Mark Anthony’s remarks about Brutus. “His life was gentle and the elements mixed so well in him, that we can stand up and say to the world, this was a man.”
We remain ever grateful for the service to our nation by such a remarkable citizen. I imagine that as a servant of the people, he was guided by the words found in Galatians Chapter 6 verse 9. It reads, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing; if we don’t give up.”As we continue to mourn his passing, we pray for his family going forward. May his soul rest in peace!
