July 19, 2007 In spite of a late start and
finish, the Concerned Citizens rally dubbed
Emancipation Concert
reverberated with passion and energy last evening in
the center of the Valley. Speakers sent a powerful
message across the airwaves as hundreds gathered outside the
southern wall of Webster's park to listen to an effective
mix of music and speech.
The cross-section of Anguillians in the crowd was
representative of those which appeared on stage.
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| Mrs. Ijahnya Christian
voiced support for a renewed Pro Indenpendence
Movement |
Speakers included, Paulette Harrigan, Wilmoth Hodge,
Maclean Webster, Henford Ruan, Percy Thomas,
Hayden Hughes,
Daisy (Wong) Richardson, Ijahnya Christian, Iwandai Gumbs,
Quincy Gumbs, Lyndon Duncan, George Kentish,
Hubert Hughes, Mitchell Lake, Joyce Kentish and
Josephine Gumbs-Connor .
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| Mr. Bankie Banks in one
of his excellent performances |
Villages from Island Harbour to West End were represented on
stage and each speaker in his/her own way reiterated a
consistent theme of complete
dissatisfaction with the manner in which the government of Anguilla has pursued and continues to pursue foreign
investment.
The primary targets were Anguilla's Chief Minister, Mr.
Osbourne Fleming, the developers of Viceroy at Barnes Bay
and British contract firm Carillion.
Several Speakers voiced
opposition to the importation of Asian workers to Anguilla,
the low wages paid to such workers and what they consider to
be the disregard by the government of Anguilla for several
concerns voiced by Anguillians.
Entertainers onstage included Calypsonians, I-Spy, Dynamite, Tornado
and Reggae legend Bankie Banks without and with his Roots & Herbs.
According to organizers there were several purposes to the
event, including:
- Making the public aware of the issues of concern.
- Giving a cross section of people an opportunity to
speak to the public.
- Giving Anguillians an opportunity to unite and show
solidarity.
- Promoting political discussions.
Several of the speakers and singers, evoked passionate applause
from the crowds and overall organisers seemed buoyant in
preparation for Thursday morning's march to the Governor's
residence.
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| Mr Quincy Gumbs
outlined nine reasons for a Judicial Inquiry |
A
petition to be delivered to the Governor was circulated for
signatures, and T-shirts, which at US$10.00 and read "I
am a Member of the select group" in the front, were
available.
Anyone who anticipated a loss of momentum leading into
this unprecedented gathering in post 1967-Anguilla,
would have been utterly disappointed.
The question that now remains for organizers however, is
whether this successful event under the disguise of darkness
will translate into a successful daylight march on Thursday
July 19.
The March hopes to deliver a powerful message in addition to
a signed petition requesting a referendum on a new
constitution and a judicial inquiry into the dealings
between Viceroy and the Government of Anguilla.
Below are photos of some of the individuals who spoke on Wednesday
Evening.
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Daisy "Wong" Richardson |
Maclean Webster |
George Kentish |
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Hayden Hughes |
Dynamite & Percy
Thomas |
Henford Ruan |
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|
Wilmoth Hodge |
Lyndon Duncan |
Iwandai Gumbs |
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