Midori Komatsu once said, “Passion is what drives us crazy, what makes us do extraordinary things, to discover, to challenge ourselves. Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.” Miss Linda Lake was undeniably the definition of passionate. A mentor, supervisor and a friend, Linda’s strong but fair personality made her a delight to work with. Moments of shared laughter, anger, sadness and accomplishment filled the rooms of the Department of Youth and Culture as we collectively attempted to promote and strengthen arts and culture in Anguilla.
Words like “no” “can’t” and “impossible” didn’t exist for Linda. She truly believed that if there was a will there would be a way, and the combination of dedicated citizens, corporate philanthropy and community spirit would ensure Anguilla’s prosperity through cultural and artistic preservation.
As she moves on to a place of eternal rest, it is with sadness and void that I comitt myself to maintaining her drive and passion for the arts. Linda’s willingness to go above and beyond her duties is evidenced by the countless individuals whom she has helped academically, financially and emotionally in her capacity as a teacher, programme officer and woman of strength. May you rest in peace.
Love always,
Shellya Rogers
I can clearly remember the first day I met Linda. She came across as a strict person, but within just a few minutes I learnt that it was definitely just a look. Over time, I started to realise that she was indeed a jovial person with a genuine heart. Linda completely won my heart over. We became close friends and she always provided me with moral support and advice when needed. I am very happy today, that I have always thanked her for her unfailing support and everything that she taught me.
Cheers, to the Youth E.S.C.A.P.E. Programme her brainchild! I can clearly recall her making the abbreviation to Educational Summer Creative Arts Production and Entertainment (E.S.C.A.P.E.). A programme which turned out to be a great success and I am confident that the staff of DYC will continue to ensure that her creation will be sustained.
Linda was never afraid to speak her mind. That was one of the many things I admired so dearly about her. She loved to talk and when she spoke it was so captivating that I used tosit and listen for however LONG. I will miss our little chats, the famous one being, “Nicky, Government needs to give me back my money.” I shook my head as I reflected on that ever so famous statement while preparing her back pay.
I will miss our Friday lunches at various restaurants, especially atNico’s, and the million and one phone calls over the weekends. Linda, sleepon my dear in the loving arms of the Saviour until we meet again. We loved you but Jesus loves you best! She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and cheering spirit.
Love
Tamara Richardson
We must count ourselves blessed if at some time during our lives we had personal encounters with Ms. Lake whose zest for life was inspiring. I surely learnt a lot during my four years of knowing and working with her.
She was a woman who always had a notepad and pen in hand….jotting down abbreviations, themes and quotations…. “Hyacinth I had this in mind” … “and I had that in mind” ……
Ms. Lake was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in and indeed was never afraid to express how she felt!! She loved the Art….and I can clearly recall her first painting of an ‘Anguillan’ rooster during one of our Youth ESCAPE summer programmes….she came back to office with her ‘rooster’ in hand and a huge smile on her face!
Her passion for culture and sharing was amazing. Her hope was one day soon, the spirit of ‘Jollification’ would again surround us – as a family, a community and a nation.
Ms. Lake loved poetry and she also loved photography. I could always rely on her for taking photos and capturing the best moments during our work activities. I will miss her.
Let’s always remember Ms. Lake, and on her behalf support her sons and mother in our own individual ways.
May her soul rest in blissful peace…………..
Hyacinth Augustine
I knew Teacher Linda briefly during her tenure at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School but later got the opportunity to work closer with her in 2011 when I joined the Department of Youth and Culture (DYC).
My first day on the job, she welcomed me warmly and in a one-on-one meeting later that day she said, “Dwayne we applied for the same post. You got it and I didn’t, but I expect us to be able to work together for our country…and don’t forget I am your elder.” What could I say except, “Yes, Teach.” And with that I realized I would always know where I stood with her. We agreed on much concerning the direction for DYC and where we did not agree there was no shoo-shooing of opinions.
She had a tremendous love for Anguillian culture and craft; a great passion for photography, poetry, choral speaking and was deeply concerned about the preservation of “authentic” or, some would say, “traditional” Anguillian culture.
Now that she has moved on to Glory, I am not one of those who will lament over what could have been said and shared. We spoke about everything at one time or another: family, work-related stresses, sabbaticals, gtun-related crime, marriage, God, wealth, health, Government and perhaps most about time.
On behalf of the staff and friends of the DYC, I extend our sincere sympathies and heart-felt prayers to her grieving family.
Dwayne Adams
Director of the DYC
