It seems that over the last few weeks we have lost a lot of our history through the lives of men and women who have played significant roles in Anguilla’s culture and development. I have commented on a number of them, and as we celebrated Anguilla Day many of us have reflected on the memory of those who have passed on. This week we will “lay to rest” another one of the personalities of the Revolution with full national ceremony. The late Claudius Lake is one of the stalwarts of the Revolution whose blood (along with that of the late Vincent Webster of Island Harbour) was shed during that early period. Of course we have heard of a number of incidents later during the political struggle – most notable among which was the injury to another heroine the late Doreen Duncan during the protest days of the seventies. There are many versions of the incidents of that period but what is certain is that the claim that it was a “bloodless revolution” is not totally accurate. However, whatever the flaws of recollection I must agree with the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers, in his powerful and moving presentation on Anguilla Day, when he sums it all up with the statement: “Anguilla is the better for it!”
Last week I was also moved by the eulogy delivered by Mr. David Carty of the life of the late Donald Livingstone Lloyd of North Hill. It brought out the important contribution and sacrifice that so many ordinary (as opposed to well-known) Anguillians have made to this heritage that is ours. Carty touched on so many things we have taken for granted over the years about what such ordinary people have had to endure to secure that heritage. The late Mr. Lloyd’s job was to keep the Sombrero Lighthouse functioning as an aid to ships navigating those treacherous waters around our island. For many years he was the principal keeper of that lighthouse — it was a responsibility he took very seriously until technology rendered his role obsolete. But we cannot allow such social and cultural memories and experiences to pass forgotten in our history. This is where we came from and that contribution was important to our development. Again this week another “keeper of the light”, the late Mr. Hubert Wilson Niles, will be laid to rest. He also served on Sombrero and I am sure that when he is eulogized that period of his life will be proudly recounted. I will like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to these heroic Anguillians who kept that important beacon lit for the safety of countless seamen that would have passed that way. It is certainly an important aspect of our culture and development that has slipped away as these courageous men pass on. May their souls rest in peace!
The souls whom I have just celebrated were all Anguillians. Even if circumstances caused them to be born on one of the neighbouring islands, I can safely say they were “bred” Anguillian — literally from the cradle to the grave. They had no decision to make in the matter. That decision was made for them by their parents even before they were born. But I must use this opportunity to speak about another “guardian of the beaches and keeper of our lights” who has also passed on. The Late Leon Roydon was not a born and bred Anguillian. He chose to come here almost thirty-four years ago to make an investment in Anguilla’s tourism industry. He came as an investor; became a cherished friend of many Anguillians from all walks of life; and has passed on respected and admired for his tremendous contribution to Anguilla’s development and its high acclaim in the tourist industry.
Mr. Roydon never left Anguilla for any extended periods of time since he came here. And it was obvious that this is where he wanted to be. And he fought along with the stalwarts of the tourism industry to protect and defend our resources for the benefit of all Anguillians.
He was a businessman of great acumen but his philanthropy was well known in the community and among those with whom he was associated. In the early days, the Malliouhana Hotel ( his property) was probably the second largest employer (after the Government) but he refused to relinquish the role of Manager and just be an absentee owner. He took a personal interest in both the staff and his investment. Undoubtedly, there were challenges in the early days when Anguilla was a new entrant into the world of private sector employment. However, the fact that he was able to maintain a loyal and dedicated staff, until its closure three years ago, is an indication of how he was able to earn the respect and appreciation of his managers and staff.
Mr. Roydon also encouraged a number of his employees to move on into private businesses and in many cases used their services and gave them support to ensure their success. There are many such stories highlighting the generosity of the man. He even provided loans for members of his staff when they were experiencing genuine financial hardships, to include medical treatment overseas; transportation to get to work; tuition fees; and so on. He was usually the first port of call for donations to community groups and organizations and he seldom ever turned down any worthy cause.
But, perhaps, Mr. Roydon’s premier contribution was his role, along with other smaller Anguillian hoteliers, in launching the first Anguilla Tourist Board. At a time when no viable funding mechanism for the Tourist Board was yet in place, Mr. Roydon often used his own resources to supplement the activities of the newly established Board. The new Tourist Board was established as the entity that would manage and direct the marketing and promotion of the industry, and provide technical support for the Ministry and the Government in executing its vision for the sector. At that time the Tourist Board and the Ministry worked like a well-oiled machine and, because of the clear vision and experience of its membership, there were no issues outside of the need for a predictable funding mechanism to finance its programs. Had Mr. Roydon been in good form during his latter days I am certain he would have been extremely disappointed by the way in which the Board has been operating over the past four years.
Anguilla has been fortunate to have had developers/investors like the late Leon Roydon. He was a quiet man, polite and courteous; and easy to address – but a man firm, yet humble, in his approach to achieving his vision for tourism in Anguilla. For many years his property was one of the hallmarks of our tourism industry. The Malliouhana Hotel won numerous industry awards for its product and services. Mr. Roydon was singularly responsible for ensuring that our destination maintained a high profile in the marketplace.
I feel strongly that Mr. Roydon should stand out among those Anguillians who have been celebrated over the years for their contribution to our development. And while we celebrate the life of “born and bred” Anguillians, I feel that it is most appropriate that we should likewise show our appreciation to a great man who chose to come here and contribute to the people of Anguilla. Like those who guarded our shores, and kept the lights burning, so too did Mr. Roydon defend our beach resources and kept the lights burning in many households around our island. Let us place his memory among those leaders who have helped to make Anguilla a special place. We will be the better for it!
