There is a saying that little things count – and in fact they do – taking into consideration the very positive way that the people of the West End area have reacted to a welcome sign unveiled in their district on Tuesday, June 24.
That sign, beautifully tiled and surrounded by ornamental lilies, reads: “Welcome to West-End Village: Meads Bay. The Cove. Long Bay.” The sign has been conspicuously erected at the junction of the Main Road named the John Hodge Drive – and the Long Bay Road, a very busy traffic intersection.
Well conceived, timely, but long in coming, the decorated sign was unveiled by the Elected Representative Mr. Cardigan Connor assisted by Ms. Irma Richardson, on behalf of her family, and the four top spelling B students at the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School. They were: Alana Carty, Nomar Rodriques, Tamara Hall-Samson – and Ethan Connor who is also champion of the recent Primary Schools’ Calypso Competition.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Mr. Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Youth and Culture, said in part: “It is a case of coming together with the understanding of what this is all about. It is something that, five or six years ago, I made a commitment to have a welcome sign to our villages.”
He was grateful to retired Teacher Irma Richardson who not only gave him permission to erect the signage at the border of her family’s land, but told him: “That would make our community extra-special.”
Mr. Connor continued: “It is important for us, as we go forward, that we work together as a community. Those who have the time, please give it, and those who can give financially, please do so. And those who, like the Richardson’s family, have allowed us to use part of their property to help to advance our community, it is vitally important.” He was grateful for the large turnout and for the support of everyone.
Mr. Connor gave Ms. Richardson and her brother, Mr. Walcott Richardson, a former Elected Representative of the district and former Minister of Home Affairs, an opportunity to speak at the occasion. Ms. Richardson stated: “I just like to say that I am so happy that we were chosen to accommodate this sign that will be a means of enhancing our community. Even before it was unveiled, so many people were looking at it that I was hoping it would not cause an accident – seeking where it is placed. Anything that we can do for the enhancement of our community, we are always ready and willing to do.”
Mr. Richardson, her brother, also thanked and congratulated Mr. Connor for choosing his family’s property for the welcome sign. He said the corner area was prone to accidents, and that some motorists had a way of dangerously driving through the family’s property, near the residence, to escape the traffic. He noted that a protective perimeter fence on the land was removed at the request of the Government. He requested Mr. Connor to have the fence replaced in consultation with his family.
Mr. Connor observed that there were a number of five star hotels and high-end restaurants in the West End area which he felt were in a financial position to give back to the district. He was pleased that Quintessence Hotel had kindly undertaken to sponsor the provision and erection of the welcome sign – and he invited the General Manager, Mrs. Merla Smith-Halley, to address the gathering.
“It is a pleasure to be part of this occasion,” she said: “The ownership of Quintessence is pleased to sponsor this sign. As many of you know, our owner, Mr. Jeffrey Fieger, holds Long Bay Village dear to his heart. As a result, over the years, he has continually strived to maintain the upkeep and cleanliness of this quaint village within the West End community.
“The people of West End have welcomed the Fieger family to their prestigious village since the early 80s and he, in return, has continued to nurture this relationship through his investments and love which he gives back whenever possible. It gives me and my team great pleasure to present to you – the Village of West End sign sponsored by Quintessence Hotel, better known as Q.”
Another person who participated in the unveiling of the sign was Rev. Candis Niles of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit. Mr. Connor took the opportunity to recognise Mr. Cheddie Richardson whom he said had designed the welcome sign.
