The Government and people of Anguilla are saddened by the loss of Anguilla’s third Chief Minister, the Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes.
The late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes was dedicated to the service of the people of Anguilla. He first demonstrated an interest in politics during the 1960s, and was first elected to serve in the Anguilla House of Assembly in 1976. From that time, until his retirement from active politics in 2015, he distinguished himself by seeking to be the voice of the voiceless, the champion of the under-served, the hope of the distressed.
One of the most admirable qualities of the late Mr Hughes was that he was never afraid of standing up for what he believed to be right and just, even if it meant he stood alone. He did not shy away from taking a position even though it may have been unpopular. As a legislator, the late Hubert Benjamin Hughes was a skilled orator and brought historical perspective, witty analogies and longevity to Parliamentary debates. He refused to be silenced until he was satisfied that all the issues of concern to him had been fully ventilated.
The late Hubert Benjamin Hughes served as Anguilla’s Chief Minister from 1994 to 2000 and from 2010 to 2015. He was a compassionate leader, and always demonstrated concern for the well-being of the Anguillian people. He believed in the empowerment and enlightenment of people. He therefore never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge and wisdom with others.
It is no secret that the late Mr Hughes was often dissatisfied with the relationship between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Anguilla and he relentlessly advocated for what he believed to be in Anguilla’s best interests and what the people of Anguilla deserved. He was bold and outspoken and his forthrightness caused discomfort to some. However, that discomfort often created the opportunity for further dialogue, compromise and ultimately the amicable resolution of contentious issues.
The late Mr Hughes was a regionalist at heart. He was keen for Anguillians to identify firstly as Caribbean people and not just as citizens of the United Kingdom. As a result, he sought to ensure that Anguilla fostered close ties with our Caribbean neighbours and he welcomed Caribbean nationals to our shores to live and work among us.
The late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes dreamed of an independent Anguilla. That dream has not yet been realised, but he has helped to pave the way by encouraging us to be confident in our abilities, unwavering in our determination and unafraid to stand and be counted.
To honour the life and legacy of the late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes, Executive Council has approved a period of national mourning which will be observed from Monday 14th June to Friday 18th June 2021.
The week will include a series of events culminating with an Official Funeral on Friday 18th June 2021 at 11:00 am at the Pro-Cathedral of St Mary and the final salute at the Bethel Methodist Cemetery. Friday 18th June 2021 will be declared a public holiday.
We pray that the marks of national respect accorded to our late Chief Minister, will bring comfort to his wife Mrs Norma Hughes, his children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends and Anguillians, generally, during this time of bereavement.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Ellis L. Webster, MD
Premier
-Press Release
