Anguilla’s national sport of boat-racing has lost one of its new generation boat-racers in the person of Lionel James Perkins, otherwise known as “Stretch” or “Samson”, of North Hill.
He was the son of the late Peter Perkins, also of North Hill, whose name stands out as having been one of the celebrated boat-racing figures in his day.
Lionel James Perkins was a key crew member of De Tree, the popular Blowing Point community racing boat, for many years. He was born on June 4, 1959 and died on July 22, 2016.
His funeral was held at Bethel Methodist Church on Saturday, August 20, where there was a heavy attendance of residents from the North Hill and Blowing Point communities. The officiating Ministers were Reverend Dunstan Richardson and Reverend Velina Petit.
The tributes were led by Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Elected Representative for Road North. The formal remembrance was delivered by Mr. Curtis Richardson, Elected Member for Road South, and a keen supporter of De Tree racing boat.
“Lionel James Perkins came into the world on June 4, 1959. He was extra-large and strong-looking and so, immediately, he was nicknamed Samson. Names are powerful. “He was a Samson indeed,” Mr. Richardson stated. “He was a warrior and a conqueror – not without flaws – but mighty indeed. ‘Stretch’ confirmed the realities of life: to everything in life, there is a season. There is a time to be born and a time to die.”
Mr. Richardson, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communications, described “Stretch” as having been a hard worker as a fisherman and a construction worker specialising in plastering; an honest individual; a good husband; a great father; and a remarkable and caring person.
“Stretch”/“Samson” is survived by a large number of relatives. His immediate family members are his wife: Mrs. Donna Perkins, two daughters: Darnell and Darnicia Perkins and one son: Donbert Romney.
He was laid to rest at Sandy Ground Cemetery.
