Former Anguillian Educator, Mr Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool, was given a National Funeral at St Augustine’s Anglican Church at East End on Thursday, July 3.
A special feature of the event was a ceremony, just before the closing of the casket, during which the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate was conferred on him.
Both the National Funeral and the award presentation were agreed to by the Executive Council acting on recommendations by the Anguilla Honours and Awards Committee. The honour was bestowed on Mr Vanterpool in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Education and Social Development in Anguilla.
It was arranged for a Police Guard of Honour to be drawn up at the Church, and for the body of the late Educator to be borne in and out of the Church, and at the gravesite, by a contingent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. The casket was draped with the National Flag.
As a further tribute to Teacher Arthwin, flags were flown at half-mast on Wednesday, the day preceding the funeral until immediately after Thursday’s funeral service.
“To the family and other relatives of this proud Anguillian, we pray God’s guidance during these very difficult moments,” a press release from the Government of Anguilla stated.
Teacher Arthwin died on Sunday, June 22, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Marjorie Vanterpool, six children and many other family members.
