Among the current spate of deaths in Anguilla, was the passing of one of the best known heroines of the Anguilla Revolution, Mrs. Camilee Mildred Vanterpool-Hodge of the White Hill, Mount Fortune. Like a number of other late stalwarts and foot soldiers in the vanguard of the Revolution, she was accorded a full national funeral by the Government of Anguilla.
Mrs. Vanterpool-Hodge, who was born on June 19, 1923, died on September 24, 2016. The Funeral Eucharist was held at St. Mary’s Parish Church in The Valley on Saturday morning, September 24. The officiating Ministers were the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks and the Rev. Menes Hodge.
Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks spoke on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla and himself and family. He mentioned, in particular, her very active involvement in the protests when the Revolution against Statehood with St. Kitts-Nevis began in May 1967, and in March 1969 when British troops invaded Anguilla. He extended condolences to her relatives on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla and on his own behalf.
He said in part: “Milly was foremost among a group of women, all over the island, who can be credited with many of the successes of the Anguilla Revolution. She was among some 27 Anguillian women featured in the book Anguilla’s Battle For Freedom 1967-1969 by renowned historian, Mr. Colville Petty, under the caption: Women in The Revolution. Mr. Petty notes that the history of Anguilla will give them credit for, among other things, keeping the revolutionary spirit alive. Their participation also included keeping the freedom fighters in hiding supplied with food and drink, guarding the beaches alongside the menfolk and demonstrating against the invading British forces.
“As a mark of respect, flags were flown at half-mast on Friday, September 23, and again today until immediately after the funeral service. A Police Guard of Honour has been drawn up at the Church. It has been arranged for a contingent of uniformed officers to bear the body in and out of the Church and at the graveyard; and for a gun salute. The casket is draped with the National Flag. I believe that all of this is a fitting, yet humble, ceremony for this outstanding Anguillian who helped to shape the freedoms that we enjoy today. We all agree that it is most appropriate to celebrate the lives and contributions of outstanding citizens of our island. This National Funeral is a small step towards fulfilling that purpose.
“Let me acknowledge the coverage by the various media of this occasion, including The Anguillian, and I am sure radio stations as well, and all of you who have come to celebrate the life of this exceptional woman. We hope this collective token of national respect will bring much comfort to the grieving family.”
Attorney-at-Law, Mr. John Benjamin, a long-time friend of the deceased, recalled Mrs. Vanterpool-Hodge’s support for his former radio show, Talk Your Mind, and the constitutional battle which ensued when the Radio Anguilla programme was ordered off the air by the then Chief Minister. The case was eventually won following a historic ruling in favour of free expression by the Privy Council in London.
Bishop Brooks prefaced his sermon by commending the revolutionary heroine for her service to Anguilla. That service included her contributions to the Anguilla community; her involvement in the Anguilla Revolution; her generosity to children; her participation in cultural activities; her deep interest in preserving Anguilla’s cultural heritage and her involvement in the work of the church.
He added: “All of these things bear witness to the fact that, although Milly was a no-nonsense person… and was one who was very strong-willed and quick on her mouth, there was a loving and jovial side to her. She lived a full life.”
Milly was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 1994 for her outstanding contribution to the Anguilla Revolution.
