The success of young Omari Banks on the West Indies Cricket Team playing in competition against well-seasoned international teams, is both a personal and a national triumph. Omari is seen as a hero and an ambassador for Anguilla. The fact that he was followed to Antigua for last weekend’s match against the Australians by cheering fans and compatriots, speaks to the pride and high esteem in which he is being regarded at home and abroad. The praise showered on him by commentators and other persons outside of Anguilla and on the island is a source of encouragement not only to him but to all of us. It encourages us to aspire to other positions of achievement, honour and influence.

It is significant that Anguilla is having a name on the regional and international scene at this time in the run-up to the celebration of the 36th Anniversary of the island’s bloodless revolution. This has not only brought us much attention and respect for our courage and vision. It has also set us on a course on which we can make further strides in terms of economic and constitutional advancement – probably in the long run eventually becoming a self-governing territory if all things are equal.

Since our revolution and break with St. Kitts-Nevis, we have made an amazing re-entry into Caribbean affairs and have become an active and distinguished partner in various organisations and around the conference tables. Although we are only an Associate Member of CARICOM, the Unity Torch Run through the island a few days ago symbolised a small but important element of our partnership in the region. Anguilla, whose citizens have travelled near and far in search of employment, now plays host to a number of regional nationals residing and working among our citizenry and in essence we are one Caribbean people.

Anguilla must remain a proud island, unrepentant of its revolution and grateful to those who led us thus far over the troublesome and dark days to these better times. Our journey however is far from complete. Its success will depend on our people maintaining their reputation, resourcefulness, strength of character, resilience and determination and continuing to build a sound future on these virtues. In doing so we also need to pay close attention to our political and constitutional systems of governance and the economic development and social issues that together will affect the well-being of our people. Yes, in all of the circumstances Anguilla must forever remain a proud island and, like Omari Banks on the cricket field, all of us must play our part well.

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