The highlight of the official Anguilla Day celebrations which marked the 55th anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution, took place on Monday, 30th May, at the James Ronald Webster Park.
It was the official Anguilla Day parade accompanied by other remarkable features such as the issuing of the Anguilla Badge of Honour and the Queen’s Certificate. Thankfully, the open air event was once again made possible following the lifting of Covid restrictions of the past two years.
Notwithstanding, a number of other national events took place, during the latter part of May, leading up to Monday’s Anguilla Day parade. For the past two years this national commemoration was held indoors, due to the protocols of the Covid pandemic.
However, in comparison to previous years’ parades, Monday’s attendance was rather low, with a relatively sparse turn-out from the community. Moderator, Dana Connor, cordially welcomed all dignatories, invited guests and members of the community in general.
The parade comprised contingents of uniformed organisations which marched in military fashion as a tribute to the memory of the phenomenal Revolution in which no life was lost, and hardly any blood was shed – fifty-five years ago.
Parade groupings were made up of a contingency of officers from the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF), officers from Her Majesty’s Prison, Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services, Security Guards, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders as well as schoolchildren. Upon the invitation of Commanding Officer, Kenneth Millet, the parade was inspected by the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster, accompanied by Commissioner of Police, David Lynch.
The RAPF contingent performed a stunning march pass in quick time, and slow time, while a salute was taken by Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster.
One captivating display by the RAPF officers was a surprising vibrant dance performance to the African music of S’ Villa, featuring Zuma. The audience was quite appreciative of the admirable show of the lawmen’s ‘wit and gusto’. The audience also had the privilege of savouring a fantastic steel-pan medley rendered by the group Monday Mix and Beyond Pan Ensemble led by renowned pan maestro, Michael “Dumpa” Martin. In addition, an appropriate poem entitled “Long Live Anguilla’s Land”, written by local calypsonian, Johnny Lloyd, was energetically recited by students of the Orealia Kelly Primary School, directed by Teacher Krystie Webster.
Her Excellency the Governor spoke of the importance of Anguillians embracing the spirit of national pride through the memory of the Revolution: “After the extremely challenging time with the pandemic, I think we all hold dear the return to the James Ronald Webster Park to mark this momentous day on the calendar of all Anguillians,” she said. “The Theme of Anguilla Day 2022 is “Standing Proudly 55 Years Later, United We Make Anguilla Greater.”
“This is a fitting theme that encourages reflection on the significance of the Revolution and the importance of embracing that spirit of national pride, and working in partnership to ensure a bright future for all Anguillians.”
Also alluding to the freedom of holding the parade in the open air, the Honourable Premier, in his address, said: “I want to welcome all invited guests and dignitaries here today. It is certainly a pleasure to be out here in the open on this hallowed ground. On this spot, fifty-five years and one day ago, the people of Anguilla stood here and decided that they would expel the Police Force of St. Kitts the very next day. This was the point of no return. This decision committed the people of Anguilla to the Anguilla Revolution.”
Dr. Webster continued, in part, to thank several persons and entities for the role they played in Anguilla’s development in recent times, particularly during adversities like Hurricane Irma and the notorious Covid pandemic. “In addition, I would like to thank the members of the Government, this administration, the Anguilla Progressive Movement,” he said. “This government has worked hard to keep this country going and to continue the legacy of our forebears. So, I want to thank all the elected members of Government for what you do and continue to do.”
“Most of all,” he noted, “I want to thank the people of Anguilla for their constant support that they have given to me and to this administration. You provide the shoulders that we can lean on, and I wish to say thanks for the advice that you have given, as well as for the words of assurance when you express support for us. Certainly, it has not been easy, coming off Irma and going through Covid. Some people have not made it easy for us, but God is good all the time.”
In her address, Leader of the Opposition emphatically stated: “Fifty-five years ago, our forefathers and foremothers set out to change the future of Anguilla. They rebelled against many poor living conditions…The fight to improve the standard of living for our people was for a just and noble cause.”
“Today, we take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate how far we have come,” she said. “And it is fitting that we recognise not just our revolutionary heroes but our brothers and sisters who continue to contribute socially to the enhancement of our country.
The presentation of awards followed with the 2022 Honourees, namely Ms. Irma Geneva Carty, Ms. Joan Harriet Carty, Ms. Shara Proctor and Mr. Zharnel Hughes, receiving the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate. These were bestowed upon the recipients by Her Excellency the Governor and Premier Webster, assisted by Miss Anguilla 1975, Ms. Hazel Daniel.
A beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered to HE the Governor, by young Khadijah Richardson, pupil of St. Mary’s Preschool. This was followed by an awards presentation to representatives of Shoal Bay and Little Dix, the Honourable Shellya Rogers-Webster and Cutlyn Carty on behalf of the Anguilla Enhancement Project – in respect of the island’s most patriotic village.
The ceremony came to a close with three cheers for Anguilla by the RAPF. The final salute followed and the uniformed contingents exited the parade field.
