The multiple-century-old tamarind tree at the entrance to Crocus Bay, on the northwest coast of Anguilla, was plucked away by the fierce wind of Hurricane Irma, and the lashing sea, in September 2017.
Now, in its place, is an attractive gazebo built by the self-help efforts of community-minded persons who have been frequenting the delightful area for years. But it is not just for them. It is really for everybody in Anguilla, one of them, Mr. Ralph Hodge, unselfishly explained.
Not only is the new fixture painted in the national colours of Anguilla but, like the tree, it stands sentinel over an area of Anguillian history, and azure waters, providing a pleasant place for relaxation, reflection or simply “to while the time away.”
To add to its commanding location is the hillside backdrop of CeBlue villas to the east, one of the newest resorts in Anguilla; below, to the south, DaVida Restaurant and DaVida Beach Bar & Grill; and out at sea, the t-shaped jetty, a growing number of yachts, other craft for day trips; and local fishing boats bringing in the fresh catch of the day. The gazebo, just across from the desalination plant to the north, is in a little paradise area nestled at the end of the steep road down the bay.
Among those working on the gazebo on Sunday, January 27, were Mr. Ralph Hodge and others. They were not there for a photo shoot, but to demonstrate how persons, working together in a community, can achieve something to be proud about.
“Well, everyone knows that Hurricane Irma destroyed the tamarind tree here and the speculation is that it is several hundred years old,” Mr. Hodge said. “We were aware that, at some point in time, the tree would go and we were planning how we would replace it. That’s because it had become such a part of Crocus Bay and Anguillian life that we would ensure that something memorable went into its place. So, from the early days, the idea of an octagon-shaped gazebo was thought about – and when the tree eventually went down, we decided to do just that. This is a collaborative effort of a community in Anguilla. and I think we are exceedingly happy how the community responded. Not only people from the Crocus Bay and Roaches Hill areas, but The Valley and all around the island, both men and women, decided to start the work. There were several delays but a group pushed it quite significantly and off we went.
“There is no praise enough for Horace Brooks who we call “Baker” because he spearheaded this project from day one. He is a builder and we had several other builders from the community – and I am certain that everybody worked in unison. This was like one of the Anguillian jollifications – not in the ground, but this time in building – where members of the community and other persons in the public provided assistance in terms of finance; where women in the area made their contributions – some providing money and others support services like lunch.
“It is an idea that I hope will take root in Anguilla because we need more village gazebos, community centres and other congregating places like this where communities can rally around. I know that the Crocus Bay/Valley community set the marker and we expect it to extend throughout the island. But for people like me, this is very dear to me. I am a fourth generation Crocus Bay person with my great grandmother and my mother having been born here. Like all the other Crocus Bay people, I am exceedingly proud to be a part of it. No praise is too much for the core guys who worked here diligently; provided finance and labour. We can’t start calling names because as soon we do so we are going to get into trouble.
“On behalf of Baker and his crew, the domino guys and the others who congregate here for various reasons – the swimmers and the women – we want to say a hearty thank you. We are virtually complete now because we are looking at the painting and, sooner or later, we are going to put a management committee to run this place and not to leave it a free for all.”
Mr. Hodge added: “While it is a gathering place for us, who come here regularly, we also see it as a gathering place for Anguillians in general. We believe that it can move into an area of formal weddings and parties, but we certainly will be putting together a management committee to control its use.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Wilmoth Richardson, Manager of D.A & A Paints Ltd., one of the project partners and suppliers, donated the paint for the gazebo. Since 2003 he has been the Anguillian distributor for Harris Paints – the Caribbean Champions of Colour – one of the largest paint companies in the Eastern Caribbean.
“Known for their vibrant colours and durability, these products are designed and manufactured in the Caribbean to suit the climate of this region,” he stated. “Colour is the essence of life, enriches beauty – and at Harris their paints present a world of colours to explore.”
Mr. Richardson concluded: “I am a proud citizen of The Valley community. Throughout my childhood, and into adulthood, I have had many fond memories walking to Crocus Bay and liming under the big tamarind tree. This iconic tree was destroyed by Hurricane Irma – hence the need for the gazebo. I am extremely proud to be associated with this venture and, on behalf of Harris Paints and D.A & A, I remain committed to satisfying the painting needs of all Anguillians.”
