The late Mr. Randolph MacArthur Babrow is remembered as one of Anguilla’s astute businessmen of his day. His contribution to the island’s commercial sector, in the mid-1970s, helped to shape the growth and development of Anguillian entrepreneurship and paved the way for more local involvement.
He was a member of the Babrow family who ran a small store immediately across from Lake’s Gas Station in the Upper Valley/Quarter area, and just down from the site of the historic mahogany tree.
The third offspring of his parents, he attended The Valley Boys’ School. At that time, there was no secondary school education in Anguilla. Like a number of other Anguillian students, he sought and gained enrolment at the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School.
Mr. Babrow lived in St. Kitts for many years and his schooling there eventually led to his employment in the chemistry lab of the St. Kitts Producers’ Association which operated the sugar factory and the island-wide sugar estates.
Always known for his spirit of enterprise and self-development, he eventually ventured on his own and established a trucking business, among other initiatives. One of his best known ventures was the agency for Singer Sewing Machines in the heart of Basseterre.
His mind, however, was in Anguilla where he was born on February 13, 1926. His patriotic love eventually brought him back home in the mid-1970s. He quickly set up Babrow’s Enterprises in his family’s road-side building which he ran up to his declining years.
During his more active years, Mr. Babrow served as a Realtor and Auctioneer which made him a well-known and popular figure in Anguilla. His shrewd business acumen was one of his leadership qualities that led to his appointment as a Director of the former National Bank of Anguilla. He resided at his parents’ premises until he built his own home higher up in The Quarter area.
A lover of laughter, wit and humour, he developed a wide circle of friends across the island and was an outstanding bridge card player, competing with local and visiting teams.
His was a long, productive and enjoyable life. He passed away on Tuesday morning, January 5, at the age of 94 years.
