Anguilla has lost another national who was highly regarded in the community. He is the late Mr. Griffit Mac Glarin Gumbs affectionately known as “Griff”. News of his passing, after a period of illness, began circulating on Wednesday, June 9.
A member of a well-known Rey Hill family, Mr. Gumbs served for some thirty-five years as a Special Constable in the Royal Anguilla Police Force. In his spare time, he was a familiar face at Ashley & Sons Supermarket in The Valley where he served as a Security Guard. Like in the Force, he earned the respect of all and sundry who came into contact with him.
A tribute, expressing deep regret over his passing, was placed on the Police Facebook page. It reads in part:
“He was a very committed, reliable and dependable officer who could have been called upon to assist at any time and would favourably respond.
“Griffit was easy to get on with, and was sure to bring a smile to his colleagues especially when he gave his best attempt at speaking Spanish.
“The Commissioner of Police [Mr. David Lynch] and the Rank and File of the Royal Anguilla Police Force extend heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Griffit. We pray that they may find solace in this time of bereavement because ‘weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’”
The sad passing of the beloved Special Constable was followed by a flurry of Facebook postings from many persons in the community.
The Anguillian newspaper joins in expressing condolences to his sorrowing family and friends.
