I wish you all a blessed and joyous Anguilla Day today.
Anguilla Day is a time set aside rightly to remember, to celebrate and to take pride in not only achievements but also in the values that join Anguillians together as a people.
Anguilla is a nation of proud community minded people. Over the past two and a half years, I have had the honour of serving as your Governor.
I have witnessed countless examples of how the strength and resilience of our community is the backbone of this nation. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with so many dedicated people; and across all communities, I have seen admirable commitment to national development and unwavering support in driving charitable endeavours.
It is without a doubt that with 56 years behind her, Anguilla continues to embrace the vision of the founding fathers and mothers, who fought for the perseverance of the Anguillian identity, who saw Anguilla’s potential and had a clear vision of the port to which they successfully sailed and anchored this great nation.
As we take time to remember today, my thoughts and prayers are with all those families who have lost loved ones this past year. I take this moment to recognise the contributions they each made over their lifetime as members of our community.
As for our leaders 56 years ago and for our leaders within our communities today, we are tasked with being problem solvers, of establishing trust and confidence, encouraging creativity and driving innovation. We must accept this role with dignity and grace; in good times and when challenges may seem near impossible. Inspiration to move forward can be taken from the actions and sacrifices of the founding fathers and mothers of this nation and from the people we see every day who are putting their love and belief in Anguilla above all else.
I do believe, as it has done to date, this strong foundation of community identity, of strength and resilience, will continue to carry Anguilla through all challenges that it may face be it economic, environmental or societal.
Tackling the present challenge, of ensuring the safety of this precious island, requires that strength of community to come forth. Now more than ever, a strong relationship between the police, partner agencies and our communities that they serve is of critical importance. As we engage and establish trust in the sharing of information, the room for activity that may threaten our island’s safety will reduce.
We recognise today leaders of all forms from across our communities and in particular celebrate our honourees, who are ambassadors of service, of community care and pride. It is this strength of service that is felt so keenly across the island that makes Anguilla, Anguilla.
The Archbishop of Canterbury said during the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III:
‘We crown a King to serve. The King of Kings, Jesus Christ was anointed not to be served, but to serve. He creates the unchangeable law of good authority that with the privilege of power comes the duty to serve.’
As I conclude my service to you as your Governor, I would like to thank you all for your warm embrace, and for sharing you strength and pride of community with me, as I delivered my duties and obligations as your Governor.
I gave an oath to serve the people of Anguilla and sought to do this with devoted commitment and care. I appreciate deeply your unwavering support over my term of office. It has been a sincere honour to serve. As I say goodbye, I wish each of you all the best as you drive forward, with strength and resilience, the continued prosperity of this beautiful and precious island. Happy Anguilla Day!
