Robert Benjamin Harrigan, popularly known as “Robert”, was fittingly honoured on Tuesday, February 12, when the Island Harbour fishing jetty was officially named after him at a ceremony at the road-side beach.
“The fact that many of you have taken time out of your very busy schedules reminds me of how important it is to celebrate achievements such as this,” Nigel Connor, Deputy Chief Engineer at the Department of Infrastructure, said in chairing the ceremony. “We are pleased to have our esteemed guest, Mr. Robert Harrigan, here with us. Although this ceremony is brief, an indelible imprint will be left that resonates the honour bestowed on Mr. Harrigan to have this landmark named after him.”
Sam Webster, Adviser to the Minister of Infrastructure, gave a short biography of the honoree. He said Harrigan had served the Island Harbour community as a fisherman and as a watchdog at the beach, especially in rough weather, to ensure the safety of boats. “He is a reliable person, often assisting everyone and is therefore deserving of this recognition – ‘the Robert Benjamin Harrigan Jetty.’”
Minister of Infrastructure, Evan Gumbs, was particularly delighted that the recognition was accorded to Mr.Harrigan while he was alive. “I think we are lacking in looking out for each other, and I wish we can have that spirit once again that Robert had,” the Minister said. “It will make here a better Island Harbour and Anguilla a better island.”
Lanville Harrigan thanked the Anguilla Government for honouring his uncle, saying it was well-deserved. He said in part: “I am very glad of the opportunity afforded to me, to be here to witness a page in history where I, as a family member, and my children, can look back and appreciate the contribution that my dear uncle has made to the development of fishing in the Island Harbour district.”
The sign, bearing Robert’s name, was unveiled by the honoree and members of his family.
