The sound of spikes striking the track, cheers rolling across the stands, and young athletes pushing themselves to the limit transformed the James Ronald Webster Park into a vibrant stage for Caribbean athletics on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, as the Full Stride Track Club hosted its 4th Annual Brown Bucket Track & Field Invitational.
What began four years ago as an ambitious local meet has steadily grown into one of Anguilla’s most anticipated youth sporting events, drawing athletes from across the region and creating a sporting atmosphere that felt far bigger than the island itself. Competitors from Anguilla, St. Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda and other neighbouring islands filled the park with energy and determination throughout the day, turning every sprint, jump and relay into a display of both talent and pride.
Yet beyond the races, the invitational made sure the spotlight also shone on the figures who helped build the foundation of athletics in Anguilla long before today’s generation stepped onto the track.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Full Stride Track Club President Rosanna Brown, who set the tone for the day, presenting the meet as far more than a competition.
Brown warmly welcomed the visiting teams, noting that their participation reflected “the unifying power of sport and the strong bonds among our Caribbean islands.”
The ceremony notably recognised two individuals whose contributions helped shape Anguillian athletics long before many of the day’s competitors were born – Susan Ione Smith and Rollins Richardson.
Widely regarded as one of Anguilla’s standout athletes of her generation, Ms. Smith’s achievements remain deeply woven into the island’s sporting history. While attending the Valley Secondary School, she emerged as an exceptional high jumper and later broke a record that stood for 17 years with a leap of 1.8 metres at just 17 years old.
In 1983, Smith and fellow athlete Trevor “Ras Bucket” Davis became among the first Anguillians to represent the island internationally at the International Amateur Athletic Federation level, now known as World Athletics, in Helsinki, Finland. The achievement marked a historic breakthrough for Anguillian athletics on the global stage.
She also excelled in softball, volleyball and windball cricket, earning recognition as one of Anguilla’s finest softball shortstops and power hitters.
Although she was unable to attend the ceremony, her son Shane Smith accepted the honour on her behalf.
Rollins Ronaldo Richardson — affectionately known as “RRR” — received recognition for decades of service to sports development in Anguilla as an athlete, coach, educator and administrator.
A certified World Athletics Level 4 coach, Richardson has played a major role in mentoring young athletes and helping many pursue opportunities both in sport and education. His work has extended beyond coaching into sports administration and programme development, helping strengthen the island’s wider sporting structure.
In his acceptance remarks, Richardson thanked organisers for ensuring younger generations understand “who were the pioneers of sports in Anguilla.” He also paid tribute to Susan Ione Smith, describing her distinguished involvement in sports and acknowledging her enduring influence.
The recognition of both honourees served as a reminder that the Brown Bucket Invitational is not only about medals and finishing times, but also about preserving the legacy of Anguillian athletics while inspiring its future. As young competitors prepared nearby for their events, the ceremony created a powerful connection between the pioneers who once carried the island’s sporting hopes and the next generation now stepping onto the track.
That theme of youth development and regional unity continued throughout the morning’s addresses. A representative from Liberty Cooperative Credit Union, the event’s main sponsor for the third consecutive year, praised the invitational for creating opportunities for young people to develop both on and off the field – describing the event as “a celebration of discipline, determination, teamwork, and community spirit.”
Hon. Minister of Sports Cardigan Connor also commended the organisers, coaches, sponsors and volunteers who have helped the Brown Bucket Invitational grow into a sustainable and respected fixture on Anguilla’s sporting calendar. He pointed toward the future, expressing the government’s desire “that in the very near future, we will take you to a stadium that is fit for purpose.”
The President of the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association, Karim Hodge, echoed similar sentiments, praising the dedication shown by organisers over the last four years while encouraging participants to compete with integrity and embrace every event as a learning experience.
Before competition officially began, organisers paused for a moment of silence in memory of Mr. Carlton Pickering Sr. of KCN Television, remembered as one of the island’s most dedicated supporters of local sports coverage.
As the formalities concluded, Mr. Richardson declared the games officially open and within moments, ceremony gave way to action.
Young runners exploded from starting blocks, coaches shouted encouragement from the sidelines, and proud families crowded the stands as the next generation of Caribbean athletes seized their opportunity to compete.
The Brown Bucket Invitational was a reminder that athletics in Anguilla continues to grow through community effort, regional partnership and the determination of young people willing to test themselves on the track.
By Janissa Fleming
