One of Anguilla’s most versatile businessmen, Mr. Qiuncy Gumbs, is about to turn 60 in September. In keeping with his proactive principles for his outlook on life, Mr. Gumbs scheduled a special weekend of events to celebrate his sixty years, more than a month before his actual birthday.
August 17th through 19th saw events of dynamic proportions held at the Royale Caribbean Hotel of which Mr. Gumbs is proprietor. The Friday evening featured two panel discussions that led into Saturday morning with an additional two panel discussions. Local professionals as well as visiting delegates from across the region constituted the various panels. The discussions were broadcast simultaneously on Radio Anguilla and KLASS fm.
Friday evening’s discussions centered on such topics as: single parent employment; youth delinquency; loneliness in families due to demanding professions; the role of the family in determining greatness; education opportunities for the less fortunate; social services and the needs of the underprivileged; and North American ideologies vs. Caribbean ideals.
Saturday’s panels focused on conditions in the OECS and discussed such topics as: hindrances to trade within the OECS; attracting foreign investments in OECS countries; economic diversification in the OECS; and OECS citizens’ investment in OECS economies.
All of the topics are dear to Mr. Gumbs’ heart for he is an individual who thinks deeply about family values as well as regional integration. As regards the state of the region, Mr. Gumbs opined: “I feel very strongly now, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, that we need to end the story of these small states. For the most part, they have no defense, they cannot balance their own budgets, and they have no real natural resources. We need to pool all that we have within the OECS first. And I believe that our OECS should include Puerto Rico, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and the French and Dutch islands along with the existing 10 countries that now comprise the OECS. I believe we should have a strong central government and a devolution of powers to the State.”
As the Saturday morning’s session gave way to the evening, the schedule of celebrative events called for a black-tie gala banquet. The Evelyn Matthias Ballroom of the hotel was a splendid display of rich decor. Elegantly attired guests were comfortably seated at well-suited round tables bearing shimmering golden table cloths and sparkling cutlery. The meals were catered by Tasty’s and served by Anguilla’s sommelier, Mr. Albert Lake and his team of professional waiters and waitresses.
Everyone was appreciative of the fine banquet that provided a spectacular setting where all the guests shone with appreciation and gratitude for Quincy’s life-work and his benevolent spirit towards his fellowmen. Many took time to come forward with tributes, speaking publicly of his values and the qualities that make him the model character of goodness that he is.
On Sunday afternoon, the ballroom became charged with a spiritual atmosphere, at 3:30, as an invited group The Grace and Truth Choir from Dominica, raised their voices in worship and praise. Under the capable direction of Dominica’s Pastor Randy Rodney, the choir led the congregation into a lively spirit of exuberant adoration to the Lord. This was well in accord with the expectations of Mr. Gumbs who is a former Baptist Pastor.
Two sermons were preached that evening. One entitled “Healing Waters” was rendered by Rev. Claud Klien of the British Virgin Islands. The other sermon was delivered by Rev. Terrance Griffith of the US. Both inspiring sermons had threads of unity, self-determination and new life woven into them. By the end of the night’s service, many souls were revived and charged with a new surge of hope.
In an aside conversation with Graphics Edge designer Ken Hodge, Mr. Gumbs was asked what were his reflections upon approaching 60. He answered: “The first reflection is that I do not have 60 more years to play with. In addition, anything that I have to do needs to be done now. I must say that God has been extremely good to me. I reflect upon the year 2010 when I suffered a massive heart attack. I survived that by God’s will. In 2015, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and thank God I am surviving that very well. So, maybe, I do not have as much time left, as other people, to do all the things that I would like to do. So, there is a haste to do all that I can as fast as I can.”
The Anguillian newspaper takes this opportunity to extend to Mr. Gumbs best wishes for a bright, successful and healthy future. As he approaches the 60th milestone of his life, it is hoped that he will see many more rewarding years.
