Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/1215/-1/135/

ANGUILLA DAY CELEBRATIONS: CM: Get Involved In Anguilla's Progress

Anguilla’s Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming has appealed to nationals to form community action groups to provide voluntary service to the island in an effort to contribute to nation-building. He made the appeal during the official parade at the Ronald Webster Park on May 30 in observance of the 36th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution.


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
The call was in keeping with the theme of the celebrations: Community Mobilisation To Build Our Nation. He saw the Community Policing Programme as an excellent way in which the public could become involved in nation-building by helping to maintain Anguilla’s low crime rate. Mr. Fleming spoke in the presence of a large audience. It comprised officials from the Governor’s Office, the Government, a cross-section of members from the rank and file of the community and such uniformed bodies as the Police, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders, Boys and Girls Brigade and the Cadet Corps. He thought the Anguilla Day theme was significant because it was a recognition that the island’s future development depended on the collective input of all citizens.


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
“Our very visible economic progress would not have been possible without the contribution of the public and private sectors,” the Chief Minister acknowledged. “The people of Anguilla owe our public servants a great debt of gratitude for the invaluable service they render. We offer our thanks too, to our private sector partners who continue to demonstrate their faith and confidence in the future of our island by investing scarce resources in the productive sectors of our economy.


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
“We must also pay tribute to our workers in the private sector both local and expatriate who together with our public servants are the social capital and are therefore indispensable for the production and accumulation of the wealth we see displayed all over Anguilla.”


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Mr. Fleming pointed out that citizens and residents had an opportunity to help shape policy and legislation by participating in the many matters organised by Government Departments to facilitate public debate. “Foremost among these is the Constitutional Review and Electoral Reform process,” he went on. “Community involvement in this exercise is also critical for nation-building. I anticipate that there will be renewed interest in this debate following the recently-concluded seminar organised by the United Nations Decolonisation Committee. The options for self-determination must be rationally examined and a consensus arrived at. The 1967 Revolution was the first step in our quest for self-determination. The process must be completed when the time is right.”

The Chief Minister emphasised a statement he made last year that there was “light at the end the tunnel” – a claim which was the subject of much public debate. He said that light was now brighter than ever, stating that a number of public and private sector projects were in full swing and would soon be realised throughout the economy. He mentioned the planned expansion of Wallblake Airport as the major focus of the Government and stated that every effort would be made to implement the project as the island’s survival depended on it.

“In addition to the physical development initiatives, Government is actively addressing the social development needs of the new Anguilla,” Mr. Fleming continued. “All of our economic gains would be meaningless without a healthy, educated and safe society. A national health reform programme is currently in progress. The aim is to improve the administration and delivery of health care through the provision of cost-effective and high quality services. A major aim of this reform will be debated on and implementation of a National Health Insurance Scheme.


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
“The Social Development Department will be re-organised so that it can be more responsive to the challenges posed by dysfunctional youth and families. Trained personnel and support services will be available to meet the needs of socially-excluded groups and at risk youth. Our policy is geared towards balanced development through consultation and partnership with all of the social partners.”

Speaking about the Revolution, and on behalf of the people of Anguilla and his colleagues, Mr. Fleming saluted all the brave men and women (some of whom are now dead) for the sacrifices they made for the island over the years. He was particularly grateful to Ronald Webster and Atlin Harrigan for their great courage, contribution and leadership roles.


Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
Parade scene at the Ronald Webster Park
“The freedom fighters of 1967 have left a legacy for us to follow,” Chief Minister Fleming added. “I appeal to our young people in particular, and there are so many of you gathered here today, to study your history so that you can appreciate what you have today. Educate yourselves so that you will become wise managers of the resources available to you and thereby guarantee Anguilla’s sustainable development.”

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming inspecting Girl Guides and other uniformed units on Anguilla Day, May 30th, 2003.



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