Under the theme “Fulfilling the Dreams of Our Revolutionaries: Making Unity and Patriotism Our Priorities”, Friday May 30th, Anguilla Day 2025, marked the 58th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution which was sparked off on May 30th 1967.
The format of the Anguilla Day official celebrations followed the customary trend – the official parade and ceremony to commemorate the Revolution began at the Ronald Webster Park at 8:00 a.m. The Premier’s Cup Boat Race then followed at 10:45 at Sandy Ground, and the third major activity was the serving of the Senior Citizen’s Luncheon at Blue Ridge Resort at 12:30 p.m.
Premier Calls for Community Unity
During her Anguilla Day address, the Hon. Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge called on all residents of Anguilla to do their part in regaining the unity that once existed in the society and to salvage the one-village community spirit that has been lost. Her address was characteristic of a plea for national togetherness, especially in light of rising violence and gun-related crime on the island.
“If there is ever a time to pursue the things that unite us,” the Premier said, “and reject the things that divide us, it is now. If there is ever a time to come together with one heart and one mind, and to reflect on what each of us as individuals and as a united community can do to bring us closer to achieving the dreams of our fore-fathers, it is now.
“We are reminded of the timeless truth, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’,” she reflected. “That same village-spirit, the one that raised our heroes and built our communities, must now rise again to confront the challenges we face, especially the growing concerns of gun crimes and violence.”
“Let us be clear,” she admonished. “This violence is not just an attack on our safety, but it is an attack on our future, on our children, and on the dreams of our revolutionaries.”
She continued her passionate plea by focusing on the virtues of unity as an ‘action word’ of selflessness that has the potential to bring Anguilla’s people together. “The term ‘unity’ is not just a word to be uttered in times of celebration,” she insisted, “but it is a force that must guide our actions at all times. So what does unity really mean for us?
“Unity means breaking the silence; it means refusing to turn a blind eye to wrong doing; it means standing up, not just when we are directly affected, but when our neighbor is in pain; it means being concerned when our young people are in crisis – when our communities are in danger.
“Unity means putting country above self,” she charged. “It means letting go of differences and choosing to act in the best interest of Anguilla. ‘Unity’, and by extension ‘patriotism’, is not simply waving our flag, but it is building a future worthy of that flag.”
“Anguillians, we are not helpless and we are not hopeless,” she declared. “And when we come together we are unstoppable!”
“We believe that the real power for change lies not in laws alone, but in every single one of us who makes up our communities – parents, guardians, teachers, pastors and neighbours – you are the first line of defense. You are the mentors; the listeners; the guides. You are that village,” she affirmed.
Also presenting addresses were Her Excellency Governor Julia Crouch and the Former Premier and now Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ellis L. Webster.
In addition to spectacular parades by uniformed bodies, other activities that morning at the Ronald Webster Park included a modified acapella version of Bankie Banks’ “Cherish The Rock”, rendered by the Anguilla National Male Chorus. Another attractive feature of the ceremony was a sentimental song of patriotism, entitled “Anguilla My Home”, written by Pastor Phillip Gumbs and rendered by the Gumbs Family.
Three female honourees were ceremoniously recognized this year and presented with the prestigious King’s Badge of Honour. The three, Nurse Margaret Augustus, Ms. Ann J. Edwards and Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, were serenaded by renowned poet, Alexis Ryan, who rendered a performance of his poem “The Anguillian Woman”, specially written in honor of the trio.
Yet another feature was the presentation of several awards for the winners of the Patriotic Village Competition spearheaded by the Anguilla Enhancement Project, under the direction of President Nakishma Rogers and Vice President Louise Fayet.
(Results of the Patriotic Village Competition are posted elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian.)
Premier’s Cup Boat Race Created Heightened Excitement
At about 10:45 the A Class Premier’s Cup Boat Race got underway at Sandy Ground. Several boats competed in the around the island race. Multitudes of boat race enthusiasts eagerly followed the races out at sea in commercial ferries and other escort boats.
By evening fall, as the competitors returned to the finish line in an atmosphere of shear excitement, it turned out that first place was captured by Light n Peace; in 2nd position was Real Deal; coming in 3rd place was The Wizard; Speed and Comfort was 4th position, and in 5th place was the Sonic.
Senior Citizens’ Luncheon A Delightful Experience
At lunchtime, an appreciative number of seniors turned out at Blue Ridge Resort for the annual Senior Citizens’ Luncheon. The sumptuous meal brought much joy to hearts and delight to the palates of the honoured elders.
Governor Julia Crouch, as well as Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, presented messages of gratitude to the seniors for their patriotic roles played in contributing to the development of Anguilla over the years.
The Anguilla Day Seniors’ Luncheon was introduced by the Department of Social Development, as part of the holiday’s activities, many years ago. It was enhanced throughout the years by former President of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, Mrs. Gilda Gumbs-Samuel. She was present at Blue Ridge during Friday’s luncheon to greet the seniors and to express her appreciation for being given the opportunity to render hospitable service to them.
Over the years, this event has been met with great enthusiasm, gratitude and appreciation by those seniors who patronize it. Apart from feasting on delectable food in an enjoyable ambiance, the luncheon gives the elders an opportunity to create great camaraderie and to converse with each other while reminiscing the memories of the pre and post-revolutionary years.
