January 16, 2013
Let her legacy live on
Dear Editor:
My sincerest condolences to the family, co-workers, friends and comrades of the late Ms. Linda Lake. She is now an ancestor who has made her transition, but she will remain in our hearts forever, as we pledge to let her legacy live on. Although, I did not know Ms. Lake, based on the glowing tributes in her memory at her home going service (the Anguillian Newspaper), I too share a sense of loss. My message of comfort is, there is consolation in knowing that the greatest tribute we can give her, is to let her legacy live on.
Glowing tributes to Ms. Lake showed, she was a proud, dynamic Anguillan woman; whose sense of purpose and dedication to our youth is a positive model to emulate. Her fondness and love of Anguilla, its traditional culture and folkways was extraordinary. She embodied, endeared and recognized the power of our ancestral African tradition of “jollification”. Her genuine home grown Anguillan pride was deep in her soul. She chose to lead by example, by having an extraordinary level of commitment and dedication to using her gifts as an educator to empower and uplift our children; so that they can soar as balanced, productive, resourceful proud citizens of our island nation of Anguilla; as well as anywhere within the global community. Let her legacy live on.
A few weeks ago, I read an article in your publication, highlighting career day for primary school students. As an educator, I was pleased as punch to learn that primary students are being exposed to early career education. What a better way to let her legacy live on; than to follow in her footsteps and continue to empower our youth, by developing a sustainable model for diversified early career education in Anguilla; that conjures up our home grown Anguillan pride for nation building.
Back in the day, we were taught to “aim high”, so that each one of us could reach our true potential. So many of us did. As a matter of home grown Anguillan pride; we are entitled to bragging rights for having produced “more pilots” than any other island within the region. No doubt, we will continue to produce more pilots (men and women); but we must also encourage our youth to pursue sustainable allied aviation careers (airline mechanics, air traffic control, ground crew, freight, cargo, logistics and management). And saying that to say this, what a more positive model for our future pilots to follow. Our youth can now beam with home grown Anguillan pride; because our airport is now named Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport to honor our very own first pilot; and its maintenance services managed by one of our very own Lloyd’s Aviation Services.
Moreover, I believe that we also have bragging rights for being one of the islands within the region (where the merchant class has been distinctively Anguillan) that has produced so many self-made very successful small and major business entrepreneurs (men and women) from all walks of life: (Mr. Albert Lake, CEO, Lake Supermarkets and other industries, The Anguilla Drug Store, J.W. Proctors, “Johnno”, Mr. Nat Hodge publisher of our own newspaper, Mr. Walton Fleming, Mr. Hugo Rey, Judge John Benjamin, Esq., of Benjamine Companies, Mr. Frankie Connor, Ashley’s and Sons, Dr. Hughes of Hughes Medical Center, the Owens family, Hon. Emile Gumbs, “Barbrows”, Mr. Dennis Lloyd, Mr. Arthur and Albert Richardson, Rev. John Gumbs, “Smitty”, Mr. Neville Richardson, Mr. “Cheddie Richardson”, Mr. Pedro Marlin, Mr. Hugo Rey, Mr. Sheridan Smith, Mr. Allan Gumbs, Hon. Victor Banks, Mr. Colville Petty, (Mr. Audley Carty, Mr. George Brooks, Mr. Elkin Lloyd construction managers), Ms. Louise Brooks (artist)
Hon. Osbourne B. Fleming, Ms. Donna Banks, Dr. Linda Banks, Hon. Hubert Hughes, Mr. Maurice Connor, Ms. Ann Edwards, “Millie” of “Millie’s”, Eudora Wallace, Mr. Seymour Hodge, Dr. Brett Hodge, (the late Mr. Jeremiah Gumbs, Mr. Joe Gumbs, Mr. Watkins Hodge, Mr. Sy Richardson, Mr. Eddie Connor, Mr. Connel Harrigan, Mr. Walter Hodge, Mr. Otlin Rogers, Mr. Atlin Rogers, Mr. Henry Reid, Mr. Mack Brooks, Mr. Zylphus Fleming, Mr. Johnson Hodge, Mr. George Lloyd, Capt. Kirby Hodge, Mr. Charlie Fleming) and so many others who are too numerous to mention).
We also have bragging rights for being the first to contribute a sustainable model “Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast in Crocus Hill); that has laid the foundation for today’s “upscale tourism industry” on the island of Anguilla. Therefore, it is so important for early career education in Anguilla, or any kind of career fairs; to also include a solid sustainable model for our future budding entrepreneurs, to learn how to start, own and manage their own successful businesses. Our youth must believe that if they choose, they can also become successful businesspersons in Anguilla; and maintain our inter-generational tradition of starting, owning and managing our own successful businesses.
Furthermore, apart from careers in the hotel and tourism industry; during career fairs and early career education, we must also elevate and expose our youth to diversified sustainable careers and leadership roles for nation building: (teachers and teacher’s assistants, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse and nurse technicians, radiologists, careers in Math, science and technology, IT specialists, careers in government service, religious and community leaders, law enforcement, counselors, human service careers, managers, linguists, legal specialists, engineers, agricultural and environmental specialists, land surveyors, customer service reps, sales and, marketing, boat builders, building trades / construction contractors, fishing trades, seafaring, journalists, radio broadcasting and public relations to name a few. Those careers are sustainable, because they provide a lifelong career path for personal satisfaction, growth, development, career security and nation building. In addition, early career education in Anguilla; should also pair our youth with a mentor who can provide career guidance, support, share information, internships, apprenticeships or job shadowing opportunities.
In closing, as we honor our revered ancestor Ms. Linda Lake, as a symbol of her home grown Anguillan pride, we affirm that the tradition continues in the spirit of “jollification” (collective work and responsibility); for the common good and betterment of our unique island nation of Anguilla, the crown jewel of the region underneath the northeastern Caribbean sun. May she rest in eternal peace. Let her legacy live on.
[Name held upon request]
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
