Mr. Frank Kenneth Gumbs of Stoney Ground, who played an essential participatory role on the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, passed away on May 26th 2025 at the age of 81. He, in fact, died only two weeks after his brother, the late Pastor Norril Gumbs. And like his brother, his funeral was also held at the First Baptist Church in Welches. However, his was on Saturday, July 5th.
His though, was a national funeral, awarded to him in recognition of his acts of bravery throughout the era of the Anguilla Revolution.
At the Church, a couple tributes were rendered, hymns were sung, and the Scripture read. The sermon was delivered by Pastor Gareth Hodge, in which he depicted the importance of rendering faithful service to God and to country irrespective of who is in charge as Head in authority or leadership.
Frank was a humble, modest man who faithfully served God and country. Like his brother, he was a sturdy man of faith and courage, and he was careful to exhibit his Christian service first in the Baptist Church, and in his later years, among the Wesleyan Holiness congregation in Stoney Ground.
His spiritual shepherd there, Pastor Juliet Simon, referred to him as an ever punctual member, present at every service, and a trusted custodian of God’s House.
But Frank was not only faithful to God and to His church. He, in his own way, also loyal to his government and his country. He courageously contributed acts of bravery during the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, and as such he was duly accorded a national funeral by the Government of Anguilla.
In recognition of his fearless courage and love for Anguilla, a statement from the Office of the Premier read in part: “One of Frank’s most notable contributions during the Anguilla Revolution was his brave use of heavy equipment to block off the [dirt strip] runway at the old Wallblake Airport. This blockage effectively prevented planes landing with police and reinforcements from St. Kitts. This act symbolized the determination of Frank and other Anguillians to assert their autonomy.”
In addition, Frank was one of the fearless foot soldiers who kept guard on the vulnerable beaches during the nights of the revolutionary period.
The late Frank K. Gumbs was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 2019 for his remarkable service to Anguilla.
As a mark of respect for this fallen patriot, all national flags were flown at half-mast on Friday July 4th and on the day of the funeral until the service was ended. A police guard of honour and the Police Community Band were present at the funeral service, and a contingent of police officers bore the body in and out of the church and at the Sandy Hill cemetery.
The casket was draped with the Anguilla national flag, which was folded in military fashion and presented to Frank’s daughter, Staria, prior to his burial. A gun salute by members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force was also observed in Frank’s honour at the Sandy Hill cemetery.
