For many years “Jiggy George” or formally, George Brooks, was a household name among the citizenry of Anguilla and in the construction industry. Today, though he passed away on Monday, October 14, his name still lives on in the minds of those who knew and interacted with him – and will continue to do so for a long time.
Years before there was any real thought or mention of a Building Board and regulations in Anguilla, this former student, of the then Old Boys’ School and The Valley Secondary School, not only pursued the technical and building trades, but virtually dictated the standard of building on the island. Having worked in St. Thomas and St.Croix, US Virgin Islands, for some years during the construction boom there, he eventually settled in his homeland. He quickly made a name for himself, over the years, and was in much demand as Anguillians continued to construct private houses and commercial buildings. Many of these fine buildings across the island not only stand in testimony of his skilled workmanship, but earned Anguilla much commendation as having some of the best homes and other buildings in the Caribbean region.
“Jiggy George”, 75, a staunch Anglican, served as the Building Adviser for the uniquely-built St. Mary’s Preschool which currently has the largest number of early education students on the island – and from which there are annual transfers to the Primary Schools.
He was a general builder, contractor and adviser for various projects in the private and public sectors and was a leading resident at North Side. He inspired confidence, goodwill and respect among those for whom he worked and those who worked with him. He was trusted for his estimates and other valuations work by the Anguilla Development Board and Commercial Banks for their lending programmes to home and business owners. He was a quick and careful builder – and for those persons who had the money to fully complete their homes and other buildings, he regarded it as a pleasure to do just that and then to hand them the keys.
Though retired from active construction work, he was of much assistance to home and business owners in assisting them with their restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. By then he had also emerged as a cabinet builder to occupy his time, and to further pass on some of his skills to others.
A disciplinarian, over the years he instilled good workmanship ethics in his many construction workers who benefitted from his tutelage, leadership and the earning power he provided for them. Today, there are many seasoned construction workers, plumbers and even electricians, who owe him a great deal of gratitude for the employment and personal development opportunities he gave them.
“Jiggy George’s” work and achievements have not gone unnoticed. On Anguilla Day 2019, he was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for his contribution to the Social Development.
The presentation was made to him by Chief Minister (now Premier) Victor Banks assisted by Miss Anguilla 2018/2019, Mikeela Skellekie.
May the soul of “Jiggy George” rest in peace.
