I regret that due to a prior commitment I will not be on island to participate physically in celebrating the life of one of Anguilla’s most famous patriots, the late Daisy “Wong” Richardson. The Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers who will be acting in my absence will deliver the official tribute befitting this beloved honoree and heroine of the Anguilla Revolution. Therefore my expressions on this occasion comprise my personal thoughts and memories of my friend and surrogate mother Daisy “Wong”. I usually called her “Dee”.
Among the early band of pioneers in the struggle for political liberation from the clutches of a hostile central government, “Daisy Wong”, as this fallen patriot was affectionately called, – stood out as a bastion of strength to that cause and a leader of both men and women in that enterprise. Her very name conjured up 1images of a warrior to persons who may not have met her at the time. And true to that portrait was a real life personality who was determined to be at the forefront of the noble cause of building a nation proud, strong and free.
Her strength was not crude in its projection — for despite her strong resolve and stubbornness of purpose she remained a lady at all times. She spoke her mind in a manner that left no doubt as to where she stood — yet at the same time maintaining her sense of humour. Her laugh was infectious.
The evidence that I knew Daisy Wong all my life is borne out by the fact that she was one of the few persons in Anguilla who continued to refer to me as “Junior”. It was a name by which I was known as a youngster — and one which as I grew up I never took a liking to. “Dee” is one of the few people who could get away with that because I knew that it was for her, a term of endearment and maternal entitlement.
When I returned home in 1980 to work as an advisor to the late James Ronald Webster, Father of the Nation, Dee embraced me as a political parent. And since that time, despite any intervening differences of opinion we never relinquished that bond of mutual affection that no one could ever destroy.
As a youngster I can recall that Dee was everywhere. Whichever form the activity took, whether in the Church or the community — Dee was an integral part of it. In fact she was sought after by every organization to participate in concerts; cantatas; picnics; excursions; bazaars; etc. And of course when the Anguilla Revolution came she was in every protest march; demonstration; public meeting etc. Those of us who were born before the 1960’s may vividly remember “Daisy Wong” as an early activist in the cause of Anguilla’s freedom.
I was always impressed, at the many concerts I attended as a youngster, with Dee’s performances in dramatic presentations, singing, and reciting. She had a prodigious memory which I especially noted when she would recite long poems she must have learned as a youngster. But above all, I was impressed by her creative genius which she eventually documented in her own book of poems. That anthology will become a priceless artifact of her sojourn on this rock, Anguilla, which she loved, unselfishly with all her heart and soul. We will be able to savour that work long after our palates have forgotten the taste of her delicious coccinyas.
I know that our sorrow at the passing of this great woman pales in comparison to the heart wrenching grief which her children, grandchildren, relatives and close friends are be experiencing at this time. As a grateful people we thank you for sharing her life with us. Anguilla has lost a true patriot — but we are confident that the memories she has left us will forever live in our hearts. May Her Soul Rest in Peace!
