Remembering Edgar (Eager) Harrigan
(AKA: Doctor Keech and Speed King)
On Anguilla Day, our father is going to be remembered by the Government of Anguilla for his participation in the Anguilla Revolution. But we as his kids and family would be remiss not to remind ourselves and others how he revolutionized business in Anguilla. He was a pioneer, a visionary, a driven man with great passion for the things he dreamt of doing.
As a young man he left Anguilla for St. Kitts to work in the sugar cane fields, but our father had bigger dreams. He returned to Anguilla where he started building homes but his dreams did not stop there. He started a taxi service and sold lobster and other fish every week. He arranged to have planes come in from Puerto Rico to transport lobster out of Anguilla and transport things like fruits, vegetables, hamburgers, hotdogs, popsicles, and ice cream into Anguilla for the first time. He made Island Harbour the most successful fishing capital in Anguilla, leading to the wealth of many people. On weekends he would also butcher fresh meat and deliver it around the island. He went on to build restaurants, bars, and a dance hall. His most successful bar & restaurant was called the Bamboo Shay, where he hosted many local bands such as Jessie and the Fantastics, Steel Band from Northside and other artists from around the Caribbean, such as The Mighty Sparrow and Calypso Rose. He even hosted a magic show featuring Rex Harrison. He also transported kids from Island Harbour, Blowing Point, and West End to the high school in The Valley.
He was a man beyond this time, did not take no for an answer, and failure was not an option. He was just passionate about making things happen. Our father lived a fast and furious life, as if he couldn’t wait for things to happen. The most beautiful thing he did in his life was to help create his beautiful and loving children.
We want to thank a few people who had a great impact on his life, such as Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lake and Jerry Gumbs and family. We also, particularly, want to thank the Government of Anguilla for remembering our father, a forward-thinking man who made a difference in people’s lives.
Eustace Harrigan
On behalf of
Edgar Harrigan’s Children
