The name Haraldo is quite popular in many walks of life on Anguilla, as thousands of people know him to be the shrewd businessman who traversed the length and breadth of the island trafficking in fruits and vegetables, housewares and the famous thatch broom. At the ripe age of 99, Haraldo succumbed to a brief illness, and died at the Princess Alexandra Hospital at 3:30 a.m. on Monday, August 5th.
Born in 1920 in the then sleepy village of Shoal Bay, Haraldo made history on both personal and national fronts. From his station in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for example, he was quite instrumental and patriotic in supporting the pioneers of The Anguilla Revolution during those fearsome times of uncertainty in the mid to late nineteen sixties. He was involved in joining rallies with his fellow Anguillians as they jockeyed support for the noble cause back home.
Prior to The Revolution, however, Haraldo demonstrated a great deal of influence in initiating — along with Austin Rogers, Renford Hawley and the Little Dix/Shoal Bay communities — the cutting of a road from Little Dix to Shoal Bay. His vision was important in transforming that treacherous route from the narrow foot track, that it was, to somewhat of a rustic thoroughfare. And though the road that he started was but a rough trail back then, it was one that could easily accommodate vehicular traffic, providing a convenient link to the Shoal Bay beach which has been acclaimed as “best beach in the world” by Trip Advisor.
God had given Haraldo a wonderful slice of life. He made good use of his many years, not just by working to accomplish his dreams, but the crowning aspect of his years was his recognition that Jesus Christ was the source of his soul’s salvation, and he encouraged those whom he befriended to invest their years in serving the Lord as well.
Haraldo was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine, and his daughter, Stephanie. Immediate family members who mourn his loss include his children: Joseph, James, Dorcas, John and Jerome.
The Anguillian extends its sincere condolences. May his soul rest in peace.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
