HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WELCOMES CHIEF MINISTER Fleming "I Have an Undying Love For Anguillians"

The Anguilla House of Assembly departed from its usual reading and prayer by the Chaplain Reverend Joseph Lloyd on Tuesday, October 10, and allowed him to conduct what amounted to be a Thanksgiving Service instead with all the members participating.

It was part of the continued rejoicing over the renewed health of Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, following a successful kidney transplant operation in the United States and his return to work.

In his opening prayer, Reverend Lloyd thanked God for the safe return of the Chief after months of medical assistance and surgery; for the donor, Aneke Williams, his first cousin who freely and willing volunteered to offer a kidney to make the transplant possible; for the surgeons and other care-givers; for the renewed strength and faith given to the Chief Minister during his ordeal; and for his family, colleagues, constituents and others at home and abroad for their prayers and support. “Now that he has returned and assumed normal duties, we pray that he will allow zeal and commitment to duty to be tempered with wise and sound judgment,” he concluded. “We entrust our brother Osbourne and ourselves into your precious care and loving keeping.”

Speaker of the House, David Carty, told the Chief Minister that his safe return had provoked a broad gamut of emotion among his family, friends, colleagues and fellowmen, ranging from relief, appreciation and gratitude to God and for the incredibly courageous donor. He stated that it was also realised what remarkable things could be accomplished when happiness, faith, conviction and even a feeling of triumph of the human spirit combined with medical technology.

“Your nature, sir, has been one of optimistic perseverance in the face of grave adversity – a perseverance that has been richly rewarded,” Mr.Carty went on. “If I may be so bold I would like to suggest that in your deliverance there is a responsibility which you must now find a way to discharge, that teaches us the way of that adversity. There are those of us who at times take life too much for granted and forget the preciousness of each moment that we share on this earth.

"If we believe that God works in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform, there is a lesson here, sir, for you and your people. I trust that with your safe return you will discern that lesson which you have learnt and, with this ordeal, reach out to others to share your wisdom with which you have now been so richly blessed.”

Minister of Finance, Victor Banks, who acted as Chief Minister over the past months, made the point that God was involved in the entire process: the donor, those who performed the surgery and its success.

Mr. Banks said that Mr. Fleming lived a life which had endeared him to many people to whom he had been very generous and that in his time of need they had come forward with their support. “The Lord has blessed Mr. Fleming with long life,” Banks continued. “He has blessed him with success in business, politics and all spheres of his life. I believe that we all should take an example of the kinds of persons that we are and understand that we have got to make our contribution to our fellowmen so that in some way our fellowmen will be able to make a contribution to us.”

Opposition Member Edison Baird was happy with Mr. Fleming’s return and hoped he would continue to enjoy good health and make a complete recovery. “I continue to wish you the best of health, the best of luck and that you will live to be 100 and more,” he added.

The other Opposition Member, Hubert Hughes, said: “No one can deny the fact that Osbourne Fleming, as a man, has shown that he is a strong believer in God. It is due to that faith, fortitude and strength why he is here today looking younger and fresher than ever before.”

He stated that the donation of the kidney not only said much about the donor, but much about the Chief Minister. “For somebody to make that type of rare sacrifice there must be something good Mr. Fleming has done in her life or some great impression he has made on her,” he reasoned. “It would have been difficult for me even to do it for my father. For her to do it for a relative, says much about that relative.”

Mr. Hughes was happy that Anguilla had a dialysis unit which, apart from serving local patients, was also being used three times a week by persons visiting from Nevis. He urged the Government, and particularly the Minister of Social Development, to explore the possibility of obtaining more equipment to provide for diagnostic and treatment services not only for kidney failure but other acute conditions as well.

Evans Rogers, the Minister of Social Development, assured the House that every effort would be made to have the necessary equipment available for use in the treatment of persons on the island and to prevent them from having to go abroad. He noted that there were genetics and hereditary issues which led to certain ailments, but he advised all persons to seek medical examinations noting that early detection of diseases was an important factor in successful treatment.

Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities, Kenneth Harrigan, reflected on the kindness of Mr. Fleming and, like Banks, stated that such acts of generosity often resulted in a return of favours as the Chief Minister had attracted. He pleaded for treatment facilities to be upgraded in Anguilla to make it easier for Anguillians.

Albert Hughes, the Parliamentary Secretary, believed that Mr. Fleming’s life was spared so that he could be called to the ministry to tell of his experience and to help others. He had high praise for the kidney donor and the great sacrifice she had made and asked Mr. Fleming not to forget her.

First Nominated Member, Donna Banks, said her heart was “exceedingly sorrowful when the Chief Minister began dialysis treatment and underwent surgery. I can say now that my heart is not sorrowful. My heart is exceedingly glad,” she stated.

“We give the ultimate thanks and praise to God,” she said. “We recognise the advances in science and technology. We recognise that it has to be the hand of God. While Mr. Fleming’s faith was being tested, he stood strong and steadfast because he knew that God was going to see him through. God has done a good job and it is for you to maintain it.”

Second Nominated Member, Keesha Webster, was happy that every member of the House had acknowledged that God was the force that allowed the Chief Minister to be back and doing well. She saw it as a challenge to Mr. Fleming to minister to others not only with respect to government matters but in encouraging and helping them in times of adversity.

Deputy Governor, Stanley Reid, told the Chief Minister: “I am happy you are back with us. I wish you good health and discipline to do what is necessary and right to ensure that you continue in good health.”

Attorney General, Ronald Scipio, said: “There cannot be many persons in the Chief Minister’s position who have received such an outpouring of love and affection from his people. He is indeed a privileged and blessed man and this reflects on his qualities and many people would like to be in his position.”

Mr. Scipio, who has relinquished his post as Attorney General, took the opportunity to thank the Chief Minister for hosting the recent appreciation dinner held in his honour, but which Mr. Fleming was unable to attend.

Replying to the welcome remarks, the Chief Minister noted that in addition to Anguilla, many persons in various parts of the world had shown him an outpouring of support and love. He emphasised that Anguillians were dear to him and he would do anything to help them. “I have an undying love for the people of Anguilla,” he declared. “During my illness no one can imagine the kind of support I received from them – even from those who do not support me politically.”

He expressed his determination to work towards programmes to assist legislators, other public officers and the general citizenry to be able to meet some of the substantial costs for major medical problems. He indicated that the cost of a kidney transplant treatment for example could run up to some EC$800,000. He cited that the National Health Insurance system soon to be introduced was an important means towards helping to provide the necessary funding for certain specialised treatments.

“I have a lot to thank God for,” he acknowledged. He disclosed that throughout his problem, unknown to him and without any request from him, a number of persons had made financial contributions on his behalf. He named them as being Urvin and Jean Philips, Albert Lake and sons Ramie and Remington Lake, Maurice Connor and Jed Hunte, and expressed his thanks to them.

The Chief Minister said his humility had helped to carry him through the difficult process and he pledged to work towards sensitising the people of the island as to the dangers of kidney failure and to do whatever else he could to assist them.