Anguilla’s former national, Mrs. Irene Lake, of The Forest, the small village on the south coast of the island, has passed away at the age of 105.
Over the years, the staunch Anglican Churchwoman has not only been praised for her longevity, but also for agility and fine example to the island’s citizenry.
In the House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 8, both Premier Victor Banks, and the Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster, paid tribute to the late senior Anguillian.
Premier Banks said: “There are times when we have to acknowledge certain persons who have made certain achievements in our community, in one way or the other, and have passed on. I take this opportunity to commensurate with the family of the late Mrs. Irene Lake who passed at the ‘young age’ of 105. I think she has been blessed with many, many years, and has made great contributions to the development of Anguilla in one way or another – whether in the church or the community, or in whatever walk of life in which she would have been involved.
“Certainly, Mr. Speaker, I know that for someone at that age there would have been a lot of family members who are mourning her loss and who, at this time, would be in a period of reflection on her life – what she has done, what she had changed. I would especially commensurate with her immediate family – a number of those persons whom we know well, but I don’t want to take the risk of calling all of them. But it is important that we remember Mrs. Irene Lake for her long life. I know her husband passed some years ago and he, too, had achieved a very long life and had been blessed in that way as well.
“I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, to make mention of her passing in this Honourable House and may her soul rest in peace.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster, stated: “You knew her as Irene Lake but we knew her always as ‘Campbell’, ‘Campbell Bell’, ‘Ca’, or Rene – so many ways that we, in Island Harbour, referred to her. She was in fact a strong and amazing woman from Island Harbour.
“She married and went to The Forest but she was from Island Harbour – just 200 yards from where I was born, and where I live. I know her children and I want to express my condolences to them right here. All members of the family have always been a family that valued life and were of a strong faith – and Campbell was like that.
“She was also an extremely loving person and had an amazing memory up until her passing. She could recount all the names of many persons – and some of the wonderful stories that have been passed on. We celebrate her life and God’s blessings through her. Everybody knew that she worked very hard. Hers is a marvelous legacy with incredible values that she has passed on, and we are grateful for her life.”
Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Ministerial Assistant, also joined in paying tribute to Mrs. Lake. “I also like to extend my condolences to the family of the late Irena Lake. I pray that God will give them strength to go through this period of grief.”
Mrs. Bradley also remembered the late Mr. Calvert Carty to whom the House of Assembly paid tribute last week during her absence.
