May 8th, 2021 Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis extends his heartfelt sympathy to the people of Anguilla and the wider Caribbean on the passing of the Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes, who has died at the age of 87 years old. The Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes was born on October 15th, 1933 in the village of South Hill.
“Former Chief Minister Hughes was an amiable personality, full of life, a patriot of Anguilla and deeply, passionately connected to the country and people of St. Kitts-Nevis,” Prime Minister Harris said yesterday, Friday, May 7th, 2021.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, I extend my most profound condolences to his beloved wife, children, family, friends and fellow citizens of Anguilla. May he rest in eternal peace,” the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis added.
Last October, the Government and people of Anguilla celebrated the life and legacy of the Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes, immortalizing him on his 87th birthday with a road naming ceremony in South Hill, which brought the Hubert Benjamin Hughes Drive into existence.
Speeches, songs and other public expressions of honour and appreciation for the three-time Chief Minister of Anguilla followed during a Thanksgiving Service at the Community Field in South Hill. Seated by the Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes’ side was his beloved wife, Teacher Norma. Mrs. Hughes was also honoured for her 20-plus years of public service as an educator.
“The Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes led a full, impactful life that was rich in experience, friendship, leadership, love and service, and his legacy will forever be linked to his formative influence on Anguilla’s political and socioeconomic development leading into the 21st century and beyond,” Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris also said.
The late Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes was first elected to the Anguilla House of Assembly 45 years ago in 1976. He served as Chief Minister from 1994 to 1999, 1999 to 2000 and 2010 to 2015.