Anguilla records, with much regret, the passing of Mr. Calvert Carty, whose love for, and involvement in, the island’s culture, had made him an icon in that area of national life. He passed away in the United States on Thursday, September 25, after a prolonged illness.
On Tuesday, October 1, the House of Assembly, at a meeting to conduct its business agenda, paid glowing tribute to him for his many notable contributions to Anguilla.
He was a preserver of various aspects of Anguillian culture in song, dance, music and the performing arts. He is best remembered for his role as an original member of the Anguilla Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre in which he performed admirably at national celebrations, social and cultural events, and at various hotels and other private and public places and occasions.
He served as Chairman of the Anguilla Boat-racing Association, contributing greatly to the island’s national sport which had some of its early beginnings during the “Santo Domingo run”. That was when some of the island’s famous schooners ferried Anguillian workmen to and from the Spanish-speaking territory in the Greater Antilles.
Calvert was a popular and beloved figure in Anguilla, and has been involved in about every facet of Anguillian life. This included the rich cultural archives of the island, the education sector (as a former teacher), and the hospitality and food business. He also served as Labour Officer.
Calvert was a staunch Methodist, a church and community worker, and was a one-time political candidate in the Road North constituency where he resided.
A friendly and amicable person, he was unshaken in his strong views on any subject, and was quick to engage in conversations which were enlightening and at best enjoyable. He will be sorely missed by the Anguillian community and even more by his family members, friends and acquaintances across the length and breadth of the island. To them, The Anguillian newspaper offers heartfelt condolence.
