Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5719/-1/140/
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Birthday Message From Ronald Webster
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Anguilla’s Revolutionary Leader, James Ronald Webster, has risen above the den of noise about an annual national holiday for his birthday simply to send a statesmanlike message to citizens urging them to continue to build and strengthen their homeland for another 40 years.
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Mr. Ronald Webster
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The ageing revolutionary, whose courage, fortitude and stubborn leadership in 1967 and beyond, earned him a noble place in Anguilla’s modern history, is largely responsible for the 1980 formal separation of the island from its unpopular and almost a century-and-a-half-old political and constitutional union with St. Kitts.
Though no longer activity involved in the affairs of Anguilla, he is widely revered for his contribution to the freedom and development of the island. It was in recognition of the role he played that led to the approval of a school holiday for his birthday by the House of Assembly. There were calls by members of the public for a full national holiday instead, which almost led to a protest march on Monday, this week, the day after his March 2 birthday. The March was called off due to lack of attendance and perhaps organisation.
Mr. Webster made no comment on the matter in his message to the people of the island which he sent to The Anguillian on Tuesday, March 4, for publication. The text of that message is as follows:
“My Dear Good Citizens of Anguilla, greetings. I am pleased to be celebrating with you my birthday which is a milestone in my life. I am fortunate to have reached the ripe age of 82 years.
“As I reflect on the past 40 years, despite the ups and downs, we were able to cope with the adverse situations. We must continue to build and strengthen our nation through love and harmony. We have come a long way but it must be conceded that the journey to the next frontier is still long and tedious.
“In the years ahead, the goings will be tough in getting conditions in Anguilla back on track. Since 2008 promises a double share of problems and challenges, we must be prepared to act wisely with a sense of foresight and responsibility and to ensure that whatever we do is done in the interest of all.
“Chances will be taken and it is known that people who never take chances never get ahead. Chances and changes are turning points that contain both danger and opportunities. We must develop strategies that will help identify and avoid the dangers. We can become whatever we want to become since countries do not develop people, but rather, people develop countries. We must resolve that whatever we do must be done in the best interest of Anguilla and its people.
“Good luck. May the Good Lord bless and direct your path.
“Respectfully yours, Ronald Webster.”