The Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, once penned these words: “The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.” It is in this context that we would place the leadership qualities of former Chief Minister of Anguilla, Mr. Hubert Benjamin Hughes, who celebrated his 87th birthday on Thursday, October 15th.
That evening, all in sundry turned out to honour him for his many years of service and unique style of leadership. People from all walks of life had come to honour a man who learned how to be in touch with “his people” — and one astute in the school of practical politics.
His celebration took the form of a Service of Thanksgiving held on the Community Field in South Hill. The event followed a road naming ceremony, earlier that evening, when the South Hill stretch of road was officially named the Hubert Benjamin Hughes Drive in honour of Mr. Hughes’ tenure in Government and for his admirable service to the people of Anguilla.
Though currently not in the best of health, Mr. Hughes is still obviously enjoying his twilight years and, on his remarkable birthday, both he and Mrs. Hughes shared the stage of honour, elegantly seated before a huge audience in the comfort of two gold and white throne-like chairs at the Thanksgiving Service. Moderating the program was Mr. Hughes’ niece, Mrs. Janice Hodge.
Among the many tributes delivered, was a jovial address by HE Governor Tim Foy. Apart from giving the couple many accolades of commendation, mingled with a tinge of his usual humour, the Governor reflected: “Mr. Hughes, during my time here, I have greatly enjoyed visiting with you, and I have never ended my visits with you without learning something new, and for that I am truly thankful.”
Then with another humorous spin, he declared: “Mr. Hughes, if you had only stayed in Britain, I have no doubt that it would not have been long before you would have become the Honourable Member of Parliament for Slough.” That statement was met with hilarious applause. HE continued: “So, on behalf of my wife Dana, I would like to say thank you for the many sacrifices you have made for the people of Anguilla. Mr. Hughes, my friend and brother, I wish you a very happy birthday and many more to come. May God bless you, and May God bless Anguilla.”
An address by the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, not only highlighted the qualities of Mr. Hughes, but of his wife, Norma, as well: “Tonight it gives me pleasure to convey appreciation to our beautiful couple, the Honourable Hubert B. Hughes and Mrs. Norma Hughes, for their dedicated service to Anguilla. We join them in celebrating the 87th birthday of our past Chief Minister. After so many years of knowing both of you, I can confidently say that you are the kindest, most supportive, and the most amazing friends I have known.”
Mr. Hodge continued: “Mrs. Hughes, on behalf of the people of Anguilla, I thank you for your twenty-three years of work in the Anguilla public service as an educator. You have truly played an invaluable role in the Anguillian society, most specifically in the District 6 community.”
Then turning to Mr. Hughes, Mr. Hodge went on: “To you, Mr. Hughes, words cannot express the honour and privilege it gives me to be a part of this grand celebration.” And to the audience, he declared: “Fellow Anguillians, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that your presence here this evening means the world to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes. So on their behalf, let me thank you for choosing to spend this time here with us.”
In his tribute, the Hon. Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster noted: “In November 2015 when I became the third leader of the Movement, it was a humbling experience and an honour for me to take over the reins of leadership from Mr. Hughes. It has been an awesome honour for me to have known him and to have learned from him. Mr. Hughes has left the stage of active politics, but his name is still one to be reckoned with.
“Throughout the Caribbean the name Hubert Hughes strikes fear in some people and respect in many others. I have seen Mr. Hughes in action, and I know that when he speaks people are well informed. I know that he will continue to give of himself, even though he is not as strong today as he used to be. Mr. Hughes, as you celebrate 87 years, I truly wish you a happy birthday. I hope and pray that you will be here with us for many more years. May God bless you, Teacher Norma, as well as the rest of your family, and may God bless Anguilla.”
Also speaking at the service, was the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge. In her brief remarks she commended Mr. Hughes as a caring man: “I did not get the opportunity to work with Mr. Hughes in Government,” she said, “but during my five years in office, on several occasions, he would contact me to request assistance for people in need. It showed me how this gentleman, though he is out of the public arena, still cares enough to call for help on behalf of others. He is still trying to look out for his people.” (Cheerful applause.)
She alluded to the hard work and sacrifices made by the noble Mr. Hughes. She also recognised and praised Mrs. Hughes, as well, who had willing stood beside her husband and played that necessary supportive role through the many years that he had worked for the people of Anguilla. Overall, she commended Mr. Hughes for his harmonious relationship with his wife, his children and the people of his community — and she thanked him for his love for Anguilla at large.
A brief sermon was delivered by Pastor Cecil Richardson, with focus on Luke 17 in which the story of The Ten Lepers is recorded. “Out of the ten,” the minister stressed, “only one of them returned to give thanks after they were healed and restored.”
“We must be a thankful people,” he charged, “and we must not forget what God has done for us. Instead of spending time complaining we must show appreciation for the good that God has done, and for where he has brought us from. And even though we are in the midst of tough times now, we ought to be grateful for past blessings.”
Pastor Cecil thanked Mr. Hughes for his tenure of service to the people of Anguilla, and encouraged the audience to take time out to express their thanks to him — and to give gratitude to God for all that He had enabled Mr. Hughes to do on their behalf.
Following the sermon, a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving was pronounced upon Mr. Hughes and his family by Bishop Dr. Samuel Daniel.
Mr. Hughes is a humble man who has shown a wealth of discernment, care and concern for the people whom he led. He had occupied himself in the local political arena for some 36 years, and led Anguilla as “Commander in Chief” for eleven of those formidable years of Anguilla’s development. His willingness to learn from the achievements and mistake of his predecessors, as well as his ability to glean from the advice and needs of the electorate, have positioned him as one worthy of true adoration. May God favour his life with many more years.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
