Mrs. Daisy (Wong) Hyacinth Richardson, a Heroine of the Anguilla Revolution and a Culture Bearer of much prominence, was the most celebrated Anguillian woman in recent times to have been accorded a National Funeral by the Government for her significant contribution to her island and people over the years. That outstanding contribution earned her a place in Anguilla’s Battle for Freedom, 1967-1969, by historians Colville Petty and Nat Hodge. Her photograph sits elegantly among the Women in the Revolution.
Daisy Wong’s passing in the United States at the age of 97, on March 8, 2018, International Women’s Day, was followed by a series of memorial events in New York, where she spent time with her daughter, Mrs. Dawne Benjamin, and family, and had been receiving treatment; St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church in Anguilla where she was celebrated with a cultural event; and St. Mary’s Parish Church where she was a regular and admired worshipper. It was also at St. Mary’s where the National Funeral for her was held on Saturday, April 14, attended by a large number of mourners from across Anguilla and overseas.
As with all National Funerals, the Anguilla Government and the Royal Anguilla Police Force, featured prominently in the occasion. A recipient of the full rites of the Anglican Church, Daisy ‘Wong’, or Dee, as she was usually called, was also honoured by the presence of members of the Mothers’ Union; Scouts; Cub Scouts and Guides; St. Mary’s Choir; and the Cadets Corps, the paramilitary organisation with links to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
At all memorial events and the National Funeral, she was the subject of glowing eulogies and tributes, signifying the high esteem in which she was held during her long, colourful and exemplary life.
Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, deputising for Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who was off the island, praised the late heroine, poet and cultural performer for her varied contributions.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, as well as on my own behalf, I join in expressing condolences to the family and friends of Daisy ‘Wong’ Richardson,” he stated. “Please allow me to convey sincere regrets on behalf of the Honourable Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who is unavoidably off the island on previously scheduled matters. He sends his very warm greetings to the family.”
Minister Rogers continued: “The late Daisy ‘Wong’ was noted for her bravery in travelling to St. Kitts secretly, along with her cousin, Mena Bryan, toward the end of the Anguilla Revolution in order to nominate an Anguillian for the Anguilla seat in the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla state elections. She was also one of the leading women who demonstrated against statehood and one of the principal leading voices for Anguilla’s separation from St. Kitts.
“As the author of Lil Bit A Guinea Corn Porridge, published in 1997 to commemorate 30 years since the Anguilla Revolution, she demonstrated the diversities of life in Anguilla through poetry. In 2016, just short of Anguilla’s 50th Anniversary of the Revolution, Mrs. Richardson was recognised with a plaque at the Malliouhana Poetry Competition for her salient involvement in the literary and cultural development of this island…”
Mr. Rogers recollected that Mrs. Richardson was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen Certificate for her outstanding contribution to the Anguilla Revolution. “All of us in Anguilla hold this late daughter of the soil, and all those great freedom fighters many of whom have already passed, in high regard,” he stated. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their unstinted resolve in those dark and uncertain days. Their actions in those days have brought about a better life for us here in Anguilla for fifty years and counting.
“For that we are, and continue to be, very thankful for the life and sterling contribution of our dear departed sister, Daisy ‘Wong’ Richardson.
“As a mark of respect, flags were flown at half-mast yesterday and today; and today a National Funeral is being held in recognition of her memory; a Police Guard of Honour is in attendance; and a contingent of uniformed officers will bear the body in and out of the church and at the gravesite. The casket is draped with the National Flag. This collective demonstration of national respect accorded to the late Daisy ‘Wong’ Richardson, will bring much comfort to the grieving family and friends.
“We pray God’s divine guidance and comfort during these very difficult moments, months and years to come. We hope and pray that God will continue to bless you and bless Anguilla.
“May her soul rest in perpetual peace.”
The Minister’s address was followed by the playing of the Anguilla National Song by the Royal Anguilla Police/Community Band.
Earlier, a comprehensive and insightful eulogy was delivered by the deceased’s daughter, Mrs. Dawne Benjamin, covering in much detail various aspects of her life.
The officiating Clergy were the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks; Rev. Menes Hodge; and Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Superintendent Minister of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit. Rev. Dr. Gumbs, a well-known poet, delivered a short prose in which he said among other words of tribute: “Daisy lived; she loved; she shared; she cared. She did not seek a blessing, but served her Lord with devotion and Anguillians with distinction.”
The sermon was delivered by Bishop Brooks who said that “Daisy ‘Wong’ had made her mark on Anguilla’s national landscape.” He continued:
“Over the past days we have borne witness to her influence in verse and song, so I need not, at this point, recap all that she has done to build a new Anguilla. Suffice it to say that… Daisy [Dee] has been a positive influence to many of us. Few people have the power of influence upon us as do our mothers. Mothers touch our lives in ways beyond our counting. The biological children, and those whom she adopted, can attest to this fact: throughout our lives, each of us needs someone to offer a light to our paths. Daisy has been a powerful light on our journey. I admire the fact that, although she had to contend with nurturing and the upbringing of her own children, she found the time to be involved in the life of others.”
The Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks spoke to some extent about many aspects of her Christian faith, life and service including her patriotic love for Anguilla.
In concluding his sermon, he said of the late Daisy ‘Wong’: “She was one of those who sung that song – ‘We are out to build a new Anguilla with God, our pioneer.’ She not only sang it, she lived it. Today, we sing: ‘God Bless Anguilla. Nurture and keep her’. We, my brothers and sisters, in our day, have to place God first in our lives; not material things; not power or position. If we forget God, our island will be destroyed. If we focus on God, and participate in what God is doing in the world, our island surely will be blessed.”
