Already busy with the ferry service between Anguilla and its French and Dutch neighbours, Blowing Point was the scene of increased activity on Sunday, July 7.
It was there, along the coastline, that family and other residents celebrated the life and times of the late Albert Romney, a renowned boatman and villager. His contribution, as a mariner, was both in the areas of commercial sailing and boat-racing which made him one of Anguilla’s proud icons of the sea.
The late sailor, who was born on July 2, 1919, would now have been 100 years old, had he not died two months short of his 63rd birthday on April 30, 1982. Sunday’s event was the main cultural activity to celebrate his 100th anniversary and to call attention to his large family, including his brother, Percy Romney, who has faithfully carried on the boat-racing sport.
And yet, with all that glowing tribute to the late boatman, his name was not Albert. That was just the nickname for a man who was also affectionately known as ‘Bob’ but whose official name was Daniel Alford Romney. An astute businessman in his day, selling various food staples, he was the owner of several ferry and cargo boats as well as the helmsman or captain of a number of popular racing boats.
The boat race, in his honour, attracted nine boats. It started at Sandy Ground and ended at Blowing Point, cross-crossing the busy inshore waters in the route of the outgoing and incoming ferryboats. Eight of the nine boats completed the race which saw an accident between the Speed N’ Comfort and UFO.
The winning boats in the first five positions were: Real Deal, US $1,200; Sonic, $1,000; Satellite, $800; Bluebird, $600; and Light N’ Peace, $400. While the cash prizes were donated by several persons and businesses in Anguilla and St. Thomas, the trophies for all five boats were donated by Four Seasons Resort and Residencies. The other boats in the race, De Tree Again, Klizard , UFO and Speed N’ Comfort, received consolation prizes of US $200 each.
A special award of a carved rock of Anguilla, in the shape of a sailboat, was presented to Percy Romney, regarded as one of Anguilla’s best captains in the history of boat-racing, having learnt the skill of the national sport from his late older brother, Albert Romney.
The presentation ceremony was presided over by Ms. Averil Romney, granddaughter of the deceased and well-remembered boatman.
Tents with food and refreshment and music by DJ Sugar, the Mussington Brothers and others kept the large crowd entertained throughout the event.
