Well-known businessman, Arthur Richardson, has been given the honour of a busy road in the centre of Anguilla bearing his name.
The Arthur E. Richardson Road is located outside his three-storey building which serves as a family residence and a business place. It is one of the busiest offshoots from the main road for traffic travelling in an east or west direction at the landmark Ultra-Cool Building, as his property became known over the years.
“The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing is delighted to have you at this official ceremony for the naming of one of the busiest roads in The Valley area,” Mrs. Sandra York Gumbs, Finance & Administrative Services Manager, told the gathering as she chaired the ceremony. “Your presence is indicative of the importance that you have placed on this event and, more importantly, it is suggestive of your appreciation for the contributions that Mr. Richardson has made to the Anguillian community.
Minister of Infrastructure, Evan Gumbs, spoke about some of Mr. Richardson’s contributions to the island. They included his work as a former Woodwork Teacher, Electronics Technician and Restaurant operator. He continues to operate his long-established furniture-manufacturing business and is the owner of real estate apartments and a car rental. “He is a good man in the community and I think that it is very fitting that we honour him by doing something such as naming a road after him,” the Minister added.
Replying, Mr. Arthur Richardson thanked the Anguilla Government, the Road-Naming Committee, the Department of Infrastructure and other departments, for considering and naming the thoroughfare the ‘Arthur Richardson Road’.
“I am indeed grateful for this honour and it surely goes a long with my belief –and as the songwriter says –‘please give me my flowers while I am living,’’’ he said.
Mr. Richardson took the opportunity to make such suggestions such as numbers on buildings, and additional road signs, for the convenience of persons travelling in the area. He was grateful to all who were in attendance to join him in what he called ‘” a historic and memorable occasion.”
Mr. Richardson was escorted to unveil the road sign, bearing his name, where he was assisted by his granddaughter and surrounded by many family members.
