The rank and file of the Anguillian community, as well as visitors, turned out in large numbers for the national funeral for the late Charles (Charlie) Christopher Gumbs on Saturday, May 17. The oldest citizen in Anguilla, Mr Gumbs died on April 29 at the age of 103.
He was accorded the National Funeral by the Government of Anguilla in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the island, and its people, during a life of service and commitment that has spanned the old and new Anguilla. An astute businessman in his productive years, he was a noted contributor to the social and economic development of his island home. He later underscored that contribution by his contribution to the Anguilla Revolution which, over the years, successfully mushroomed into the intended separation of Anguilla from St Kitts-Nevis and placed the island on a path to prosperity.
It is for this reason that the grand and revered gentleman was honoured with a Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate during the 1995 Anguilla Day celebrations. The National Funeral and Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s Anglican Church, several days ago, included an impressive military style-procession comprising the funeral cortege, a contingent from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Police/Community Band, the bearing of the casket, wrapped in the Official Flag of Anguilla, by Police Officers, and a gun salute at the graveside. A similar National Funeral was previously accorded to two other Anguillians as part of a developing government policy of recognition and awards.
That policy, to honour deserving persons, was touched on by the Hon Jerome Roberts who, at the time of his address, was Acting Chief Minister of Anguilla. Speaking following the eulogy, Mr Roberts praised the deceased for his legacy and contribution to Anguilla and was pleased that the Government had undertaken to honour his passing.
The eulogy, which commenced the service, was delivered by Mr Arthur Gumbs, one of the late Mr Gumbs’ five children. Arthur, who resides in Canada, is a retired civil servant who worked with the Ministry of Revenue as a Professional Accountant. “My father had a very interesting, dynamic and multi-faceted life,” he said in part. “He was born to poor parents but, through hard work, ambition, an extremely positive attitude, and an undeniable desire to succeed, he, and my beloved mother, built a privileged life for us their children.” He described his father as having been “unselfish, caring, generous, loving, and a model human being.”
In his well-crafted and measured discourse, Arthur, who outlined many facets of his father’s life and accomplishments, continued on behalf of his siblings: “Our father, whose body is lying in that casket, is an icon because he was the absolute best father anyone could have. He possessed a deep and divine faith in God, and was not afraid to express it. He genuinely cared for us and would go out of his way to help other people. He respected others and taught us to do the same. He accomplished the most important thing any man can accomplish on this earth: and that is to be a real father to his children; to put God and his family above all else.”
The sermon at the Funeral Eucharist was delivered by the Right Reverend L Errol Brooks who, in cricketing terms, remarked that Charlie Gumbs “played a good innings at 103”. He went on: “Yes, Charlie has played an excellent innings. He was among those who contributed to laying a sound foundation for our society. It is fitting that Government should accord him a National Funeral. Today, as we give thanks to God for Charlie, and all he has done in terms of helping others, we are reminded to think seriously about our relationship with God, the way in which we are utilising our time, talent and treasure, the contribution that we are making to our society, and whether we are assisting others in their relationship with God.”
The service, which lasted for more than two hours, was broadcast live on radio and the internet, thus giving an opportunity for a wider audience, beyond the shores of Anguilla. The departed Anguillian national was laid to rest in a double tomb, in St Mary’s Churchyard Cemetery, which also houses the remains of his wife, Mrs Violet “Lorenda” Gumbs, who preceded him in death in 1994.
