Anguilla has lost one of its well-known cultural musicians, Mr. Neal Sigamond Carty, of Stoney Ground.
In earlier years, he was one of the island’s leading entertainers who kept the cultural string band music alive with group performances at various community functions. He was a point man of the Happy Hits and Sleepy & the All Stars string bands – and served as a player up to the time when he unfortunately fell ill and was confined to his home.
Older folk will also recall his cricketing days at the then Burrowes Park, now the James Ronald Webster Park. In those days, he and other Anguillians played what was simply called ‘bat and ball’ at village grass fields. From there the sport saw much foundation growth at the park which helped to set the pace for the current generation of Anguillian cricketers locally, regionally and internationally.
Neal’s employment background was in building construction where he was particularly regarded as the steel man – and he was in demand everywhere on the island.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Pricilla Carty; one daughter, Merline; and one son, popularly known as “Maca”, a leading field employee at the Anguilla Water Corporation; two grandchildren and one great grandson.
The Service of Thanksgiving, for the late Mr. Neal Sigamond Carty, will be held at the St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Saturday, March 15, commencing at 3.00 pm.
The Anguillian newspaper offers heartfelt condolences to his family.
