Very often when tourists are asked what they like most about Anguilla, they respond – “the people.” We often forget what makes us so special as a people. We were reminded recently by the recognition of the contribution of two of Anguilla’s community members. Their recognition reminded us of the value of service and that there are those among us who have given and are giving unstinting service without seeking accolades.
Shellecia Johnson, in her recent My Anguilla Experience Facebook post, highlighted the contribution of Ms. Irma Richardson to Anguilla and Anguillians. Ms. Richardson was described as having showed up for Anguilla for over six decades. It was said that – “She shaped, defended and believed in the children she taught and in doing so, quietly helped build a generation of Anguillians.” In those few words the great depth of her contribution to Anguilla and its people over six decades is captured. To shape, defend and believe in our children is possibly the very remedy that has prevented deviant behaviour in some persons and that we need to correct some of the social ills that plague our communities. Ms. Ima Richardson has played her part in reducing social ills in Anguilla.
She continues to seek to shape children and adults with the advice she dispenses, as captured in the Facebook post. To children she says – “Do your best, and do it earnestly. Without a solid education and knowledge, advantage can be taken of you.” To teachers she says – “No matter what obstacles you face, hold on because you will be helping someone. Some children will be profiting from what you do. Don’t give up. Be true to yourself.”
Ms. Richardson’s words are not hollow. She walked the path and stayed the course and is a true testament to what service to community looks like. She can attest and have attested to the rewards that service can reap, not for her personally but for her community and Anguilla.
The second community member whose sterling contribution to Anguilla was recently highlighted is Mr. Timothy C. Richardson. He has devoted countless hours over many years to developing the sport of cycling locally. He can often be seen training young cyclists of all ages and sizes on Anguilla’s roads as he shares his love for the sport of cycling with them. Having recognised the importance of nurturing the next generation, he has introduced many young persons to the sport of cycling and has offered them guidance and mentorship on and off the bike. His efforts have seen young persons, not only gaining cycling skills but also life-changing traits such as discipline, confidence and working as a team. He is credited with directing many young men away from deviant behaviour. Mr. Richardson is well deserving of the Anguilla Badge of Honour and King’s Certificate which were presented to him during the Anguilla Day Celebrations on 1st June, 2026.
Ms. Irma Richardson and Mr. Timothy C. Richardson are but two of the many persons in Anguilla who have and are offering service to their communities without counting the cost or seeking recognition. The many sporting clubs, church youth groups, social clubs, that exist all have persons who volunteer their time to mentor, guide and train young persons. The contributions of these persons are too often lost among our anxiety over the acts of violence that mar life in Anguilla.
We must remind ourselves that there are many more young persons who are leading positive and productive lives than those who have strayed and that is in no small measure due to the contributions of persons like Ms. Irma Richardson and Mr. Timothy C. Richardson and other persons who like them are generous with their time and talent.
