In the 75th year of boatracing in Anguilla, six persons from West End were honoured with glass plaques – at Meads Bay on Sunday, July 12 – for their contribution to the national sport.
The presentations were made by Mr. Cardigan Connor on behalf of the West End Pioneers Committee. The honourees were Oliver “Arbor” Hodge (Light & Peace), Kevin “Bragg” Connor (Light & Peace); Earl “Toller” Hughes (Light & Peace and Wizard), Lenville Connor (Light & Peace); and Oliver Hodge (Light & Peace) and Devon Richardson (NW0 and Upsetter) who were both absent. Edgar “Bragger” Richardson received an appreciation award for his support for boat racing. Recognition was also paid to Malcolm Connor (one of the proprietors of the family land at Meads Bay being used by the West End community to facilitate boatracing).
“This is the fifth year of honouring our boat racing pioneers, not only at West End but throughout Anguilla,” Mr. Connor said. “With six being honoured, they take the total number of honourees, so far, to fifty-four boat owners, captains and crew members who have contributed to the legacy of boat racing in West End.”
Mr. Connor noted that the honourees were in their forties and fifties and, apart from the older pioneers like the late Mason Hodge, they had become pioneers of boat racing in their own right.
The awards presentation was a crowded event, with a large number of boatracing captains, crews and fans in attendance. Besides being a presentation ceremony, it was also a feasting time with the serving of food and refreshment.
Mr. Connor took the opportunity to express thanks to all the sponsors of the event whose names were listed on a quantity of t-shirts. They were: Ledn & Cheryl Cerullo, an American couple frequently in Anguilla; Cardy & Jacquie Connor; A & A Trucking Services; Anguilla Tourist Board; Cheddie’s Sandblasting; Cap Juluca; CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa; Viceroy Anguilla; Altamer; Meads Bay Villa Resort; Frangipani Beach Resort; Straw Hat Restaurant; Ocean Echo Restaurant; Mango’s Cliffside Grill; Fun Time Boat Charters Anguilla; KCN and B &D’s.
