Anguillians woke up this morning, Friday 24th August to the sad news of the passing of one of the stalwarts of the Anguilla Revolution, the late Collins J. Carty (also known as Collins Hodge) of Rey Hill, Anguilla. He was affectionately known as “Jesse” to many Anguillians.
I feel duty bound based on his contribution to the events surrounding the Anguilla Revolution, to extend condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, as well as on my own behalf, to the family and friends of this fallen patriot. His contribution is well-chronicled by Mr. Colville Petty and Mr. Nat Hodge in their book: “Anguilla’s Battle for Freedom, 1967-1969.
Of notable mention is his arrest by the St. Kitts Police Force on suspicion of being involved in a failed plot to overthrow the Central Government led at that time by the late Premier Robert Bradshaw. He was alleged to be a part of a group of four young Anguillians, similarly charged. Jesse was, a mere youngster, twenty years old at that time. And even though the verdict came in non-guilty, he had already spent almost four months of his youth in a Kittitian prison. For a young man in a prison across the waters seventy miles away from home and family, this must have been a traumatic experience. No wonder large crowds of Anguillians came out to greet him upon his return immediately after his acquittal from these serious charges.
The late Mr. Carty (Jesse) was awarded with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the Anguilla Revolution and as is customary the appropriate arrangements and celebrations befitting this fallen patriot will be observed.
Jesse will not only be remembered for his role in the Anguilla Revolution but also as the leader of the popular band: “Jesse and the Fantastics” that provided much entertainment during those uncertain times of our history.
Anguilla once again mourns the passing of a great citizen who has touched the lives of so many persons, young and old, in so many ways. I share with his family; his many friends; and indeed all Anguillians in mourning his loss. May his soul rest in peace!
