One of the hallmarks of a good leader is humility and despite the strength of his character and unflinching resolve which Mr. Ronald Webster has demonstrated during Anguilla’s revolutionary period, he has remained a very humble man. Even his reported wealth has not stood in the way of his simplicity of life and association with the downtrodden. In fact, it was the destitute and forgotten people of Anguilla, an island once regarded as “a backwater of the Caribbean”, that he was prepared to give his life for in their liberation from the feared Bradshaw regime in St. Kitts.

It was no exaggeration for him to have been called “the George Washington of Anguilla”, “Moses” and, more recently, and perhaps more applicably, “the Father of the Nation.” His clenched jaws, cold hand shake and calm disposition with which he frowned at every unacceptable offer to negotiate Anguilla’s stance against separation from St. Kitts-Nevis, and with which he brushed aside those who opposed him, are still lingering memories in the minds of many.

For a man like him, and what he has done for Anguilla and its people, no honour is too great or priceless to return thanks to him. And yet, unlike other heroes, he appears to take the low road, appearing at times even elusive of public recognition and appearance. His dauntless qualities as a grassroots leader in 1967 had marginalised other persons elsewhere embarking on critical leadership roles and his determination and vision have stood the test of time. Now at 84, and far removed from active political involvement, he appears to be content to sit humbly on the sidelines as others, for whom he sacrificially and valiantly cleared the ground, carry on the mantle of leadership. Apart from the late Atlin Harrigan, the success of Anguilla’s revolution is really the work of Mr. Webster whose fortitude and sacrifice, along with a band of freedom fighters and foot soldiers, assured the separation of the island from the unyielding grip of Robert Bradshaw. What would Anguilla have been like in these days if it were still a double colony of St. Kitts (and Britain), is anyone’s guess.

The honouring of Mr.Webster by his people, first with a school holiday and now, more widely, a public holiday on his birthday, for all the people of Anguilla, is but a small honour and tribute to his heroic vision and leadership. The many people who celebrated on Tuesday this week at the park, which so fittingly bears his name, and where many of the revolutionary meetings were held and decisions were made, have been a testimony of the high esteem in which he is held and revered. A salute and a round of applause for Mr. James Ronald Webster.

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