The above is an endlessly debated question. For the foreseeable future, we, the people of Anguilla, should concentrate on the advancement of our young entrepreneurs. I consider leadership management ability and team building skills to be essential qualities of an influential leader. I firmly believe that great entrepreneurs can – and do – make great leaders. I also believe that for Anguilla to be successful, we should use the success of our young people – especially the women – as examples so that others can follow in their footsteps. It is often said that youngsters are a destructive element to society. While this may be true for a specific, minute group, the larger percentage of our younger generation is morally productive, showing sound judgment and rationality. For the next few months, I will devote a little of my time to writing to highlight a few of Anguilla’s existing and up and coming political leaders…leaders whom I believe will be a profound asset to this nation. So let’s get it on…
I wish to start with Cora Richardson-Hodge – a young, highly educated professional woman, whom I admire greatly. Cora was born on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is currently an attorney at law and the principal at CR Hodge & Associates based on Anguilla. Cora completed her secondary education at the Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas. She then furthered her education at the Florida Institute of Technology, Stetson University – College of Law, and Eugene Depuch Law School. As a result of her schooling, she has attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, a Juris Doctorate in Law, and a Legal Education certificate. In addition, she has been a mediator in the state of Florida, as well as in Anguilla.
Over a period of time, I have been bombarded with questions from people on whether or not I know Cora. I have answered their questions profoundly. Now, I believe that it is equally important for me to further enlighten the wider public with insight of my memories of Cora as a child. As I will not be able to do this in one segment, I will attempt to give you just a little glimpse for now because it is wise for us as a people to expose and promote Anguilla’s true intellectuals.
As I previously mentioned, Cora was born on St. Thomas. However, both of her parents were born on Anguilla then migrated to the U.S. Virgin Islands. As I, too, migrated to St. Thomas, I was privileged to have known her through my wife, Jocelyn. Jocelyn is Cora’s father’s first cousin and Cora’s godmother. My association with this family is significant and I have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to Cora’s childhood upbringing. Her family background is one of true Anguillian patriotism. Her father, Kenneth Richardson, is an ingenious construction technician and the brother of one of Anguilla’s brave freedom fighters, the late Gifford Richardson. Her father’s sister, Verna Bryan, is another distinguished and highly recognized participant in Anguilla’s Revolution. Her father’s brother, Quincy Gumbs, is one of Anguilla’s well-known entrepreneurs. Cora’s late mother was an educator who taught in St. Thomas. She was one of the most gracious human beings I have ever met in my lifetime. While I may not have had an extensive relationship with Cora’s maternal side of the family, her mother, the late Doris Connor-Richardson, was related to the lawyer/magistrate/historian/educator, Lolita Davis, who, in my opinion, is one of Anguilla’s greatest legal minds. Ms. Davis is a lady whom I admire for her wealth of knowledge and the fact that she is always willing to freely share with the rest of us. It is obvious that Cora comes from an outstanding gene pool.
To appreciate Mrs. Richardson-Hodge for who she is and what she stands for, we all must first understand her roots and her background because we tend to judge or analyze each other based on family dynamics. In my humble opinion, I can place my signature to the fact that many of her family members on both sides are credible, ambitious and intelligent. Now, my best recollection of Cora from a baby to her high school years is one of her being a very quiet, serious, well-mannered child. She made learning her number one priority. What made her stand out in my mind most of all was this: Cora, at all times, maintained academic excellence in school.
Anguillians, you need to know this fact: One day, in particular, little Cora and four other friends visited our residence. To my recollection, she was only 9 or 10 years old. At the same time, my daughter, Shevern, had four of her friends over for a sleepover. Those 10 girls cranked up a conversation about what they wanted to become when they grew up. This conversation included professions such as teachers, brain surgeons and other medical professionals, astronauts, political scientists, FBI agents and business executives. But this is where it got extremely interesting. Cora’s vision, specifically, for her adult career was to become a humanitarian. She went on to explain what she meant by that. She said that she would pursue becoming an environmentalist, a businesswoman, teacher, politician, lawyer and, most of all, she stated that she would like to be directly involved with a school to help less fortunate children and slow learners.
Fellow Anguillians, Mrs. Richardson-Hodge is all of the above today, and I am sure you can agree with me that this cannot be a coincidence. Bear in mind, this conversation was initiated by a 9 or 10 year old child without any adult intervention. If this does not qualify one as a born leader or a visionary, then what exactly constitutes a leader? What amazed me most of all, is that Cora was the leading voice of ideas and made a very convincing case to her other little colleagues.
Anguilla, do you recognize where I am going with this?
Anguillians, Cora is innately intelligent and always has been. I believe she has the visionary ability to help to create a better future for this nation. I have a very optimistic view of her potential to assist us all in taking Anguilla to new dimensions of success. This new season of Anguilla’s greatness will depend on unprecedented actions. We need to rally behind excellence, intelligence, and visionary, innovative thinkers. It is time for Anguilla to wholeheartedly embrace women at the forefront of national politics – women like Cora Richardson-Hodge. I have given you only a tiny preview into the powerhouse this young woman is.
I can promise you that as I continue on at a later point in time, you will have no choice but to agree with me that this young woman will be an outstanding force to help move Anguilla forward at such a crucial historical juncture. I firmly believe that she would faithfully perform her responsibilities for the people of Anguilla.
Do stay tuned…there is much more to come.
God bless you all and God bless Anguilla.
