When the profiles of Anguillians noted for their indomitable courage and dedicated service are written, the Honourable Eric Leith Reid will stand out among them. The long-serving and highly-respected Minister of Social Development has added a new chapter to his contribution to Anguilla, the people of the island and to his own life. Known for his resilience and steadfast faith, he has adjusted quickly to the difficulty of losing his vision and on Wednesday this week, April 14, resumed his ministerial duties after an absence of about four months.

Before proceeding overseas for treatment late December 2003, Mr. Reid succeeded in launching the Health Authority of Anguilla, an autonomous body now charged with the responsibility of delivering quality medical and health services to the people of the island. This historic accomplishment, with the assistance of a cadre of committed persons, is widely regarded as a feather in his cap and a landmark in his long political career.

Mr. Reid being escorted by his son Stanley (right) and brother David

Mr. Reid first travelled to St. Maarten, then to Puerto Rico and finally to the United States for diagnosis and treatment of his condition. He spent much time at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York, where Anguillian Dr. Milton (Tony) Gumbs holds a leading position. He was later transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan and on discharge took up residence with his sister Rosalind in New Jersey. It was from there that he made his low-key return to Wallblake Airport in Anguilla on Saturday, April 10. He commented on arrival that he was anxiously looking forward to returning home. His residence at North Side has seen a steady flow of visitors and well-wishers.

“I want to say to the people firstly that I am very pleased to be back home after being away for approximately four months,” Minister Reid told The Anguillian on Tuesday. “I want to thank all those people who remembered me in their prayers, sent me cards letters and their best wishes.” He made the point that although he had accepted the loss of his vision their encouragement had gone a long way in assisting him to deal with the difficulty and to resume his life.

While acknowledging the support of everyone, he felt obliged to single out Dr. Franklin Lloyd, the former Director of Health Services for his assistance. He thanked Dr. Lloyd for travelling with him on two occasions to St. Maarten to ensure he had seen the right doctors and had the necessary tests. Lloyd also visited him on several occasions in New York and was able to go over his charts with physicians at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Sir Emile greeting Mr. Reid at Wallblake Airport

Mr. Reid, who often repeated his thanks to all who stood by his side, went on: “I want to say to the people that my term of office expires next year and I am going to serve to the best of my ability until that time. I ask them for their continued support because I can only do that with their assistance.

“Then I know that there are people who will say that I am blind, I can’t see and I need to stay home. But I want to bring a new dimension to bear to show Anguillians that people who are handicapped in one way, shape or form, need not be pushed in a corner; and therefore I am going to do what I have got to do.”

Mr. Reid at his ministerial desk on Wednesday

The courageous Minister pointed to the fact that in the more developed countries handicapped persons are not pushed away, but benefit greatly from programmes offered by Governments and social departments. He regretted that such quality assistance is not available in small states like Anguilla. He is however of the view that, with one’s own faith and determination to rally on and with the support of family and community, handicapped persons can live useful and productive lives.

A leading churchman, having served faithfully as a Lay Reader in the Anglican Church for many years, up to his illness, Mr. Reid worshipped at St. Mary’s the day following his arrival. He was given a warm welcome by Bishop Errol Brooks and the congregation.
The Anguillian joins in welcoming Mr. Reid back home and in extending to him every good wish for the present and the future.

The Hon. Eric Reid (file photo)

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