The Anguilla Government has accorded a National Funeral to Mr Claudius Lake in recognition of his invaluable contribution to Anguilla during the 1967 Revolution.
Mr Lake, who died on Sunday, May 25, was one of two persons wounded during the Statehood Queen Show, at The Valley Secondary School, one of the St Kitts-organised activities. That event, on February 4, 1967, was part of the official arrangements in the run-up to Statehood Day on February 27, against which the people of Anguilla protested. Mr Lake was shot in the ankle. In 1992 he was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for his critical role in the Revolution.
A statement, signed by the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon Jerome Roberts, said the Executive Council had “given its approval for the holding of a National Funeral for this fallen hero.”
The statement announced that, as a mark of respect, arrangements had been made for flags to be flown at half-mast on Wednesday, this week, the day preceding the funeral, until immediately after the funeral on Thursday afternoon. The arrangements also included a Police Guard of Honour drawn up at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church, and at the graveside at the Sandy Hill Cemetery; and the draping of the casket with the National Flag.
In expressing sympathy to his family, the Ministry of Home Affairs described Mr Lake as “a proud freedom fighter” and prayed for “God’s guidance for them during these very difficult moments.”
Mr Lake was a quiet, humble and unassuming gentleman who loved and cherished his island home. For a number of years he served as an Elder at the Mount Fortune SDA Church and a Leader of its Prison Ministry. He was also a diligent community worker, transporting elderly folk from their homes or institutions for medical care, on behalf of the Anguilla Red Cross.
The Ministry’s statement, referred to above, took the opportunity to point out that the Executive Council was cognisant that there had been a number of freedom fighters and foot soldiers who had passed on. “They were once in the forefront of the Revolution and, together with the leaders, can take much credit for the freedom and status Anguillians enjoy today.”
