While still in office as Chief Minister of Anguilla on February 13, the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which he is a member, held a special service in recognition of the 70th birthday of now retired Anguillian leader, Osbourne Fleming.
He officially retired on Tuesday this week from active politics, undefeated for some 29 years, as Elected Representative of District 2. Mr. Fleming attended the church service along with many invited guests.

Staff from the Chief Minister's Office (except Mrs. Bradley at left)

Among them were his political colleagues, staff from the Chief Minister’s Office, the Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) of which he is Chairman, his wife, Mrs. Ruby Fleming and their children, other close relatives residing in Anguilla and abroad and Mr. Fleming’s kidney donor and relative, Aneka Williams.

The first part of the programme included welcome remarks by Pastor Virgil Sams, the opening prayer by Methodist Minister, Rev. Joseph Lloyd, and musical selections by a CCB group and staff from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The various Clergymen at the special service

A tribute to Mr. Fleming was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Ambrose Richardson of the Christian Fellowship Church at Blowing Point. He said the former Government leader was “like an eagle, soaring over all his troubles, mistakes and failures.” He described him as “a man of great love, kindness and compassion”, freely giving of his means to others. He urged him to spend quality time with his family and enjoy what he had laboured for. “I salute you as a great statesman and may the peace of God be with you now and always,” he added.

Mr. Fleming with Mrs. Fleming and Ms. Williams (his kidney donor)

Former SDA District Minister in Anguilla, Pastor Danny Phillip, based his sermon on the Apostle Paul’s farewell speech announcing, among other things, that his departure was at hand and he was giving way to a successor. “There are times when you have done your best, but others may have criticised you, but it is perseverance and determination which will cause you to finish the race,” he told Mr. Fleming. “There are times when others will pull the rug from under your feet… and when those you laboured for will not appreciate your service, but it is endurance and determination that will take to finish the race.”

Mr. Fleming's colleagues, daughter and others

Pastor Phillip went on: “He is saying thanks to the people of District 2 who, for the past 29 years, supported him and gave him the opportunity to be their representative; he is thankful to his colleagues, his friends and his extended family for being by his side. He is thankful to his office staff for their assistance and to God for preserving his life during his illness; he is thankful to Aneka Williams who unselfishly gave him one of her kidneys… and to his church for rallying with him. He is saying thanks to other Pastors and church members for their prayers….and to his wife, children and grandchildren. But what he wants to say thanks to God for, is not his political career…and service to this nation…but Brother Fleming wants to say thanks that in 2005 God rescued him, placed his hands on him and gave him salvation once again…”

A gift from the Mount Fortune Church

Following Pastor Philip’s delivery, Pastor Virgil Sams called Mr. Fleming and his family to the altar and prayed for them. Mr. Fleming was presented with a plaque by the Church’s Communications Secretary, Melsadis Fleming, on behalf of the Pastor and congregation at Mount Fortune Church.

Others who participated in the anniversary service were SDA Pastor Carl Hastings who served in Anguilla but is now stationed in Dominica, and Pastor Gareth Hodge of Destiny Church in The Valley.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Haydn Fleming, one of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming.

The anniversary service climaxed in a reception at the family’s home at Seafeathers.

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