The late patriotic Anguillian national, Mr. Evans McKenley Richardson, a stalwart of Long Bay, will be remembered as having been among the island’s freedom fighters and foot soldiers of the 1967-1969 Anguilla Revolution.
As a mark of respect, for his service and commitment, the Government of Anguilla, through its Protocol Office, observed his passing with a National Funeral. This included the flying of the Official Flag at half-mast before and following the funeral; a Police Guard of Honour which bore his casket to the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, West End and to the Immanuel Methodist Church Cemetery.
The National Funeral was held for Mr. Richardson on Friday, October 29. He was born on May 4, 1930 and passed away on September 21, 2021.
Anguilla’s Premier, Dr. Lorenzo Webster, a personal friend of Mr. Richardson, issued an Official Statement on his passing.
“Mr. Richardson was an Anguillian patriot whose humility and love for his fellowman propelled him to become a foot soldier in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution,” the Premier stated. “He was a committed freedom fighter who believed in the revolutionary call for building a new Anguilla. He rallied alongside revolutionary leaders as they led various demonstrations to bring attention to the plight of the Anguillian people – and to demand change.
“His love for Anguilla fuelled his dedication to ensure the island’s coastlines were safe and protected. He therefore willingly served as a watchman who guarded the beaches mainly on the western side of the island to thwart any attempt of invasion by St. Kitts. In 1995, this Anguillian revolutionary was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for the role he played in the Anguilla Revolution.”
The Premier’s statement continued: “In addition to the Revolution, Mr. Richardson was an active and well-loved member of his community. He was a sailor, fisherman and boat racing captain and positively influenced the lives of those around him. His readiness to always be of service to his people was again demonstrated when he vied for political office in 1981. While he was unsuccessful, his commitment to the cause of the less fortunate will forever be remembered.”
The leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, who was off-island, was represented at the National Funeral by her colleague, Mr. Cardigan Connor, the Opposition Elected Member for District 7, West End and Long Bay.
In her statement in the funeral brochure, she said in part: “Mr. Richardson was self-made, industrious and innovative. His belief system was formed by not only his experiences from childhood, but also from his exploits while travelling both abroad and at home. His various sojourns took him to the United States as a seasonal worker, becoming the owner and operator of a cargo vessel, a boat captain, a fisherman plying his trade and, of course, his venture into politics. One can only imagine the number of lives Mr. Richardson would have touched as he engaged in every one of these activities over the many years.”
The Opposition Leader added: “Mr. Richardson heeded the clarion call to not only play a significant role during the Anguilla Revolution, but also to later make his contribution to Anguilla’s political landscape. As a result of his beneficence, Mr. Richardson received the Badge of Honour and the Queen’s Certificate in 1995 for his particular involvement in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
“I wish to extend profound sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones on the loss of the late Mr. Evans McKenely Richardson.”
The National Service was conducted by the Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Circuit, Rev. Vincia Celestine; Rev. Wilmoth Hodge and Rev. Dunstan Richardson.
Rev. Richardson, who was a close friend Minister of the deceased spoke highly of him in terms of his various positive commitments in life and to the service of God.
Rev. Wilmoth Hodge delivered the sermon and also took the opportunity to commend Mr. Richardson for his service to the community – and for the respect and love he had attracted from many persons in Anguilla.
Following the funeral, Mr. Richardson’s casket was transported to the Immanuel Methodist Cemetery at West End. There, the National Flag, which draped his casket, was presented to his widow, Mrs. Violet Richardson.
The final official event was a gun salute by the Firing Party of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
