The Global Humanistic University has awarded Premier Ellis Webster the title of honorary professor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.
He accepted the award “for Island Harbour and for Anguilla” on 10 September before family, friends, colleagues and mentors.
Read an excerpt of his acceptance address below:
“In May 1985, Dr Ronald McNair, physicist and NASA astronaut, gave the commencement speech at the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, entitled ‘You are better than enough’.
“Dr McNair described his education experience like a boxing match with each round representing one year of university.
“Round by round he was pushed up against the ropes by difficult physics courses or knocked down by end-of-year examinations, or discouraged by those who would question whether as a black student he was good enough.
“In his senior year, the final round, he eventually found his stride, conquered physics and excelled. He realised that he was ‘better than enough’.
“He graduated from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Unfortunately, Dr McNair perished in the space shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986.
“His parting message resonates even now, ‘You are better than enough. You may not have come from the most well-to-do financial background; you may not have come from the most affluent social background.
“‘You may not have glided through the College of the Virgin Islands with the greatest of ease; but if you are willing to work hard, sacrifice and endure the struggle, I proclaim that you are better than enough’.
“I recall his uplifting words whenever I am faced with a challenging situation. Whenever my ability is questioned, I am reminded that I am better than enough.
“When I entered Dental Training School in Trinidad at 16 years old, they said I was not old enough.
“When I entered the University of the Virgin Islands, where I completed the Bachelor of Science degree in three years, they said that coming from Anguilla I was not ready enough.
“When I entered Yale University Graduate School and Medical School with a funny accent and too much of a tan on my skin, they said I did not belong, I was not American enough.
“When I returned to Anguilla to provide ENT care to Anguillians, renounced US citizenship to run in the election to represent my people, they said I was not Anguillian enough.
“When we were elected and made tough decisions to get Anguilla financially stable and on a more sustainable path, they said I was not leader enough.
“This award tonight is testament that no matter what others think of me, that with God’s help and the support of those who saw my potential, I persevered, I overcame, I made a difference, because I am better than enough.
“So to every Anguillian boy and girl, from Island Harbour to West End, from Shoal Bay to The Forest, do not let others define you or limit you.
“It does not matter your social status. It does not matter your financial circumstance. It does matter though the friends you keep and the choices you make.
“You may feel disenfranchised and marginalised and the odds may be stacked against you. You may not always be treated fairly. You may not always get what you deserve.
“You may hear that you cannot succeed, that you are not good enough. I am here to tell you that you are better than enough.
“My journey has not has been as straight as the crow flies, but on the convoluted path of academic pursuit and professional achievement, I have always sought wisdom, understanding and the technical expertise to improve the wellbeing of others.
“I have learned that challenges come with opportunities and continuous improvement is necessary. I have learned that the world does not get better unless we work together to make it better.
“This award gives me a credible platform to advance the causes which are important to us.
“To strengthen our health care system, to improve our education system, to bolster social safety nets, to enhance financial stability, to right the wrongs of inequity in all its forms; to seek solutions to gun crime and violence.
“As an honorary professor, I have a more powerful voice to speak to the existential threat of climate change with rising temperatures and ocean levels, and natural disasters such as hurricanes increasing in frequency and intensity.
“I can speak for those who have been silenced and advocate for those less fortunate and underrepresented.”
Webster offered thanks to the university, to his mother, his family, friends, colleagues, officials and fellow members of Cabinet.
