The island came together on 30 May to mark the 58th anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution with a day of celebration, reflection and national pride.
The official ceremony and parade of uniformed groups was held at Ronald Webster Park in The Valley in tribute to those who fought for self-determination in 1967.
In a statement, the Government of Anguilla described the atmosphere as one of “pride, unity and joy” with a strong turnout and community spirit shown throughout the day.
“Together, we commemorated our past, embraced our present and strengthened our commitment to Anguilla’s bright future,” it said.
This year’s celebrations held added significance, with Premier Cora Richardson Hodge – the island’s first female Premier – leading the day’s events.
The government described her leadership on the day as “a proud milestone reflecting our island’s continuing journey toward unity, strength and equality”.
After the march past, inspection of the parade and drills, Governor Julia Crouch marked the day with a call for unity and collective action in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the symbolism of the Old Courthouse – where the Executive Council met this week for the first time since 1955 – she described it as “a symbol of strength and resilience”.
The governor acknowledged the grief caused by recent gun violence across the islands and emphasised the need for everyone to play a role in building a safer, more united society.
“Just as in 1967, we can’t sit at home and say this problem is too difficult, too complex, it’s for someone else to sort out. Each one of us must play our part,” she said.
Leader of the Opposition Ellis Webster reflected on the meaning of the 1967 revolution and the sacrifices made by those who fought for the island’s self-determination.
He said the day was not just about political autonomy, but about the right “to shape our own future, to preserve our heritage, and to ensure that our voices are heard”.
Webster also called on Anguillians to embrace the responsibilities that come with self-governance, asking: “What are you willing to do for Anguilla?”
He concluded by urging the nation to stay true to its founding values of unity, sacrifice and justice.
The premier then took to the podium to praise the courage of those who dared to envision a united and self-determined Anguilla.
She highlighted the vibrant displays of national pride across the island, from homes to street festivals, as a powerful expression of community spirit.
Emphasising this year’s theme, she said the celebration is about “fulfilling the dreams of our revolutionaries, making unity and patriotism our priorities”.
The premier called on everyone to engage in serious introspection and work together to confront challenges like rising crime, stating that unity means “breaking the silence”.
She urged the community to reconnect with young people, offering guidance and support as a path toward a brighter future.
Closing with a message of hope, she said: “We are not helpless, and we are not hopeless – we are Anguillians and when we come together, we are unstoppable.”
Anguilla Day is a national holiday held annually on 30 May to commemorate the start of the Anguilla Revolution in 1967.
Anguillians resisted efforts to be governed as part of a federation with St Kitts and Nevis by staging protests, expelling St Kitts officials, and eventually taking control of the administration.
This year marks 58 years since the movement began, and the island continues to honour the legacy of those who led the call for greater autonomy.
The three-hour programme also included spoken word, awards presentations, dance and a variety of musical performances.
Watch the official ceremony and parade in full below:
