ANGUILLA--A record number of Anguillians were at Webster Park this year to celebrate Anguilla Day 2000. "Today is our day, we are all Anguillians, we are all equal," said Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, addressing the crowd.
He emphasized that there was no disparity and that everyone was going to eat and drink together. He spoke of his pride and pleasure in standing before the people, noting that it was his government's aim to bring Anguilla together.
The Chief Minister congratulated all who had fought the battle of the Revolution and said he was particularly pleased to see Ronald Webster and Atlin Harrigan in the audience. The sense of unity and cooperation that existed 33 years ago has diminished, according to Fleming, and he said it was time to get it back.
"We need cooperation to fight against drugs, crime, the behaviour in the schools and the abuse of women," Fleming said. He congratulated those who had been honoured in the past and the three who were receiving awards this year.
There was an impressive parade consisting of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Cadets, Scouts and Pathfinders, who were inspected by the Chief Minister, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Mitchell Harrigan and Acting Superintendent Alan Carty who led the parade. The Police put on a superb display of marching in formation.
Three awards were presented by the Chief Minister to Hyacinth Carty (Miss Joseph), to Edward Webster and to Iona Hodge. They each received the Anguilla Medal of Honour and the Queen's Certificate.
The Chief Minister explained that the format for Anguilla Day had been changed and that instead of a cocktail party at a hotel, all Anguillians were being invited to eat and drink at the Park, following the parade.
"Anguilla Day is a day for the people, for Anguillians to be together," he stressed. At the end of the parade this was what happened and everyone present was invited to have refreshments. The senior citizens were especially catered for and then they enjoyed a tour of the island.
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