Sporting a white flowing Santa Claus beard, but wearing a replica of a King’s crown, former Elected Representative of District 1, Island Harbour, Mr. Kenneth Harrigan, has been the recipient of much praise by his community members.
Mr. Harrigan, a former Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, retired from active politics several years ago but still retains much interest in political and governance issues.
A motorcade was held in his honour from Island Harbour to The Valley area followed by a social gathering on the Island Harbour pond fill. It was stressed by Mr. Harrigan and the organisers that the event had nothing to do with politics. The afternoon event was held on December 22.
The speakers on the pond fill included the Elected Representative of District 1, East End/Sandy Hill, Mrs. Cora Richardson Hodge; Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, Leader of the Anguilla Progressive Movement and the 2020 elections candidate for District 1; Mr. Oris Smith, a nephew of Mtr. Harrigan, who is a District I candidate with the Anguilla United Front; and Mr. Othlyn Vanterpool, an At-Large candidate with the AUF who chaired the proceedings. They all spoke about the love, kindness and community work of Mr. Harrigan.
Other speakers were: Mr. Michael Fleming who delivered the opening prayer; Mr. Winston Hodge (Ziggy) who worked as a staff member in Mr. Harrigan’s Ministry in the vehicle inspection section and had established a close working relationship with him; Mr. Brent Davis, another Government employee at the time who admired Mr. Harrigan; Ms. Monica Fleming, one of the organisers of the event; and Mrs. Gratel Webster, Mr. Harrigan’s sister, who spoke about the love and community spirit of the close-knit family.
Responding and overcome by emotion, Mr. Harrigan expressed thanks and appreciation for the honour and respect accorded him – while hugging some of the organisers.
The organisers were: Monica, Kelver,Verrin and Kelly Fleming and Janine Johnson. According to a statement from them, they have begun a non-political initiative to honour a number of persons in the Island Harbour community who have shown leadership, dedication, care, compassion and courage over the years.
Mr. Harrigan, who is generally referred to as “Uncle Kenneth” in the community, is the first of those persons to be honoured. In addition to the motorcade, an abundance of food and other refreshment was provided on the pond fill.
