My heart was deeply saddened and troubled as I listened to the Hon. Edison Baird speak from his political rostrum on Monday, January 25, at West End. Mr Baird in his speech outlined a number of reasons why it is important to pay homage to our revolutionaries of 1967, with specific emphasis on the Father of the Nation, the Honourable Mr. James Ronald Webster.

It’s troubling because, as a young Anguillian, I am reminded of the hard work, dedication and determination of the Hon. Mr. Webster, who risked his life in the struggle for freedom and a better life for us as a people, and we have failed to simply recognise the good in what he has done. We have failed to acknowledge that good, and if we continue to carry on with this ungrateful attitude, then how could we expect anything different from our children and future generations?

One could only imagine how frightening it must have been to leave your family for days, living and sleeping in the dark bushes at times without food or water. I was born long after the revolution, but I recognise the courage it took for him to make that sacrifice, not knowing if he would return safely to his family. I recognise the anguish, the psychological pain, the anxiety his family must have undergone not having any communications or not being able to see him for days; and having heard Mr. Baird speak of this, I was forced to asked myself, why is it that we in Anguilla wait until our loved ones, our honourable ones lay breathless in their caskets to give them their honours? Why wait until their eyes are closed and they can no longer hear?

Is the cause justified by placing a flag on their caskets? Is it justified to have them lie in state? Is this enough for someone who has placed his/her life on the line and has sacrificed so much for his country?

As a nation professed to be built on Christian principles, I am compelled to ask, where is the love, where is the respect?

The Hon. James Ronald Webster has gone the extra mile to ensure a better future for all of us and, to put it bluntly, he deserves his day. All around the world, people have seen it fit to recognise their outstanding citizens, heroes, heroines, call it as you wish. What will it take for us to step up to the plate and bestow the honours on our own?

Mr. Baird reminded us that there is coming a time when Mr. Webster will no longer be with us, and we know that that time will come for all of us; so let’s make use of this opportunity while he is still alive. I strongly believe in giving flowers while people are alive, for when they have passed they know nothing.

I therefore urge all Anguillians to ensure that the Hon. James Ronald Webster gets his day. He DESERVES it, and he deserves the respect of each Anguillian, young and old alike. Indeed his legacy will be long remembered and forever cherished.

Hold your head up high, Mr. Webster, I love you and Anguilla loves you too!

- Name withheld at writer's request

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