Anguilla is marking the centenary of the birth of James Ronald Webster today (2 March) with a public holiday following a week of events honouring his life and legacy.
The celebrations were held to recognise the first chief minister’s pivotal role in shaping the island’s modern political history and his lasting influence on its identity and self-determination.
As part of the week’s events, the Department of Education hosted a series of activities for young people, including fact-sharing sessions and a birthday card design competition.
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Students from public and private schools also joined a morning parade through The Valley on 24 February, with each school represented by a flag or sign and accompanied by music.
Participants donned their school uniforms, with pops of purple to reflect the festive colour theme of the celebrations.
On 1 March, the Church of God (Holiness) in Pope Hill welcomed worshippers from across the island for an afternoon ecumenical service as part of the centenary celebrations.
Then on 2 March, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge delivered a speech in which she said the island was marking “a historic milestone”.
She described the centenary as “a moment of remembrance and a celebration of a life that reshaped Anguilla’s destiny and awakened a people to their worth, their voice and their power.”
The premier described Webster as a leader of courage and conviction with a deep faith at a time when Anguilla was marginalised and overlooked.
“He stood firm and demanded dignity, justice and self determination for our people,” she said, adding that his vision extended beyond political freedom to social protection and economic security.
That foresight led to the establishment of the Anguilla Social Security Board, ensuring that working people, the elderly and the most vulnerable would have “a measure of security and dignity”.
Guided by strong Christian principles, Webster believed leadership was rooted in service, moral responsibility and love for people, earning him the enduring title ‘Father of the Nation’, she added.
Richardson Hodge reminded Anguilla’s citizens that nation-building is ongoing: “Freedom must be protected, institutions must be strengthened and people must always come first.”
In that spirit, the government is committed to advancing his vision through social protection, pension sustainability, education and skills development, and inclusive economic growth, she said.
James Ronald Webster (1926-2016) was Anguilla’s first chief minister and a leading figure in the island’s push for political autonomy.
He played a central role in the Anguilla Revolution and worked throughout his life to promote the development and self-governance of the territory.
In 2010 the Anguilla government proclaimed 2 March – Webster’s birthday – a national public holiday in his honour, and named it James Ronald Webster Day.
Find out more about his life on the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society website here.
The B Class James Ronald Webster around the island boat race scheduled for 2 March was postponed due to weather conditions.
