Just over two weeks ago I began my weekly article with the following statement:
“The entire island was in a state of shock last week Friday as reports filtered through the early morning hours about the tragic death of two young men as a result of a car accident. These deceased youngsters, Esterlin Connor Jr. of Blowing Point and Marlon Harrigan of East End, were obviously enjoying a growing pastime of youth in Anguilla and the wider region, namely, drag car racing. Sadly their lives were snatched away in the very prime of their youth. Like every other sport, drag car racing has its share of tragic incidents, many of which have served to encourage the development of safer equipment and facilities for enthusiasts of the sport all over the world. Such measures may be too late for Esterlin and Marlon who we now mourn. However, since we know that the sport will live on we should reverence their passing as an inspiration to make it safer. In this way their memory will always be associated with the positives changes in this youthful pastime. Let me use this opportunity to extend my sincere condolences to the parents; family; relatives and friends of these two wonderful young men — of whom I have heard nothing but good things. May their souls rest in peace!”
After making those comments I proceeded to deal with the core issue of my article under the title: “… in a feeding frenzy”. The article was subsequently posted on my facebook page and attracted a number of comments. I do not normally respond to many of the comments on my facebook page, partly because of the large number I receive, but also because I mainly use it as a “listening device”. However, one of the comments that caught my attention was from a very polite young lady who wrote:
“No disrespect Mr. Banks but I think that you disrespected the dead (Marlon and Esterlin Jr) when you made political comments in the same post immediately after you paid your respects to the young men. In my humble opinion I do think that you should have made separate posts. Thank you.”
Without being defensive, I immediately responded by apologizing for whatever disrespect I would have unintentionally caused and thereupon decided that after the young men were appropriately interred I would dedicate an entire column to the issue of drag racing. There were many differences of opinion expressed on that very facebook page – regarding this issue – ranging from the immediate banning of drag racing in Anguilla; the need for more regulation and safety measures; the need for the Government to designate a strip; and so on. Some persons blamed the police; some blamed the Government; some blamed the parents; some blamed bad company; some blamed television and the Internet; and still others blamed the youngsters themselves. There was no shortage of blame to go around. Yet there was a shortage of realistic responses to the issue.
But perhaps those who attended the funerals of Marlon and Sill will now come to the realization that the sport of drag racing is firmly entrenched in the psyche of the Anguillian community. It will therefore make it clearer that the idea of trying to eradicate the sport is practically impossible. The amount of investment and enthusiasm for the sport was displayed in “living colour” at the funeral ceremonies as the fans paraded their allegiance and exhibited their equipment for all to see. Obviously, they were paying their respects to fallen comrades —but at the same time making it known that they were memorializing them as heroes in the struggle to make car racing a recognized sport on Anguilla.
As one of the commentators said, there is absolutely no chance that “drag car racing” can remain an “underground activity” like cock fighting and/or dog fighting. Despite all the criticisms that abound it is certain that no one can say that there is any cruelty involved to either man or animal. It is indeed an expensive and dangerous sport like many others — but in the history of mankind no sport has ever been disqualified/banned for either being too expensive or too dangerous. In fact these very factors may have contributed to its popularity because it is a recognized sport in most countries of the world —both the developed and the developing countries. In these circumstances the question, therefore, is not whether drag car racing will become a recognized pastime in Anguilla — but rather when.
If drag car racing is an inevitable pastime of the future — what now should be our concern? Obviously, to ensure that the dangers are mitigated; proper facilities are in place; and that all participants adhere to a sound set of rules and regulations. Given the existence of car racing associations of all kinds internationally, there is absolutely no need to “reinvent the wheel”. In this context, the memory of Marlon and Sill can be immortalized as the “sacrificial lambs” that brought attention to the need for the car racing associations of Anguilla to come together to acquire better facilities; put in place “proven” safety measures; and participate in the consultative process for the establishment of proper rules and regulations to govern the sport.
Through my research into the history of car racing in the United States in particular, I have noticed that almost every new safety measure implemented – either to the facilities or the racing cars – was introduced as the result of a particular fatality or serious injury. Fireball Roberts, Darrell Russell, Eric Medlens, Scott Kallita were all among the many driver fatalities in several versions of car racing whose passing led to various safety measures and devices being developed. Neither are spectators immune from tragic accidents at racing facilities. And, as a consequence, a number of rules and regulations governing the design and structure of such facilities have been standardized throughout the racing community in the United States – and adopted elsewhere in the world especially where international events in the sport are held.
Will the Anguilla Car Racing enthusiasts rise to the occasion and honor their fallen comrades with a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose? Will the powers that be recognize that they have decisions to make, and a role to play, in creating a proper environment to ensure the safe enjoyment of this pastime for all concerned? Will the community come to the realization that such a sport has positive benefits for the society and the economy, if well administered? The answers to these questions can make a critical difference as to whether or not drag car racing in Anguilla becomes an accepted outlet for what Bishop Errol Brooks described in his sermon as “youthful exuberance”. We know that there are many other avenues that such “exuberance” can find expression among the young people of our community – many other places which may be more violently tragic and destructive.
Our neighbouring islands have begun the process of developing responsible drag racing communities to the extent that have recognized our fallen youngsters even in this dismal period. The Deputy Premier and Senior Minister of Sports in Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley, sent his personal condolences saying in part:
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families of these two young men as well as to the drag racing fraternity and to the people of Anguilla generally. I urge our drag racers to pursue the sport responsibly ensuring to take all safety precautions so that we are not again subject to such horrible tragedy.”
Obviously Nevis, an island of similar size and population to Anguilla, has already come to the realization that the safety of its youngsters and other enthusiasts of the sport is best assured by proper management at all levels. Should this not also be the path we take?
In the face of the lack of facilities, enforced safety measures and proper rules and regulations, is there an interim action that we should take? Obviously, based on the number racing cars on display on Monday there must be some “underground activities” taking place. Should we, or are we turning a blind eye to such infractions of the law? Or should we find a way to make some form of accommodation that is safe and well managed until better can be done? These questions will obviously need consultation and discussion. There are many persons that may be affected by these decisions and their interests must be taken into account. Our dilemma is that our laws are being broken even while we seek to find a sensible solution. And many persons employed to enforce the law are themselves reluctant do so.
Since it is clear that this issue will not disappear without positive action — we may as well take up the challenge to devise a viable solution. Drag racing is a popular pastime that deserves some respectability. We have examples of a way forward in many of the neighbouring islands. Naturally, we will want to improve on many of those models — but it is still a good place to start. We sincerely hope that enthusiasts and spectators alike will some day, soon, enjoy the dignity and respectability inherent in the call: “Gentlemen! Start your engines!”
