The passing of Mr. Gifford Richardson, formerly of Pond Site, East End, has been announced by his family in Anguilla. He died in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on Sunday morning, March 31, at the age of 66.
The late Mr. Richardson is known to have been an activist and foot soldier in the Anguilla Revolution. In recognition of his service to the island, at a crucial period of its history,he was awarded a Queen’s Certificate and the Anguilla Badge of Honour in the 2011 Anguilla Day Official Parade at the Ronald Webster Park. The award was presented by Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes.
Mr. Richardson, who was a well-known tradesman and builder in St. Thomas and Anguilla, is survived by nine brothers: Quincy Gumbs, Pastor John Gumbs, Kenneth Richardson, Harris Richardson, Albert Gumbs, Leslie Gumbs, Andrew Gumbs, Jerome Gumbs and Charles Liddie (an adopted brother); and two sisters: Verna Bryan and Linda Gumbs. He was the father of four children and grandfather of four.
Gifford, a quiet and congenial person, was a master interior designer whose creative skills were employed at Fair Play Complex, Scotiabank, Malliouhana Hotel Spa and Royal Caribbean Hotel, a family-owned property at Little Harbour.
It is understood that the Government of Anguilla, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will accord Mr. Richardson a National Funeral in keeping with a recent Executive Council decision to develop a policy of honouring persons in certain categories who made significant contributions to the Anguilla Revolution.Further details will be given later.
This will be the second National Funeral to be held for one of the island’s deceased freedom fighters. The first was in January, this year, for the late Anguillian heroine, Mrs. Nardine Lake of Pond Ground, East End.
In February 2005, the first State Funeral in Anguilla was held for the late Atlin Harrigan, OBE, a co-leader of the Anguilla Revolution.
