| The uncertainty of death recently brought a tear to many an eye and a heartache to those who were intimately related to, or affectionately associated with, the moving on from the earthly existence of Mr Julian R Harrigan. Just at the time when he appeared settled to expand his contribution to family, relatives and the wider Anguillian society in general, his earthly journey was suddenly halted. |
We can spend lots of time giving him many a commendation such as a wonderful son, a caring father, a loving husband, a good relative, a cultural enthusiast, an unselfish individual, a sensible pragmatist, a religious gentleman, a visionary political associate and a reliable citizen and friend among the many other proven attributes. Many will know him as a longstanding public servant who was never afraid to get his point of view across even if it resulted in problems for himself. As Head of Public Administration his knowledge base was adorned with common sense, a quality which seldom exists in the present economic, social and cultural climate. If you were part of his team you could be assured that he was always in your corner. He always supported the view that the Anguilla Public Service has to reform to meet the challenges of a changing modern society and that the role of the Public Service is to facilitate the development of the Private Sector. I cannot forget the weekly management meetings between himself, Deputy Governor McCrory and myself as we planned the Strategic Direction of the Public Service. His contributions were very helpful in laying the foundation for our Public Service which is still a work in progress. Julian realized that being a senior public servant, was just a little part of his contribution to the wider society, a fact that is not fully accepted by similar professionals now a day. He was ever willing to balance his professional life with his life as a private citizen. He always had a deep appreciation for caring moments with his family, relatives, fellow professionals and friends. I can recall him telling me how Brother Pets would call him everyday when he was hospitalized, whether Petty was on or off island. Coming from a large family, he had great concerns for family values and at times, when his professional colleagues would want to make reckless and aggressive decisions, he would always ask that the impact on their family be carefully considered. He would never fail to point out that his family connections stretched from Island Harbour to West End. My association with our departed colleague went way beyond the Public Service ranging from the boyish wrestling matches at Crocus Bay, to the years at Mona and as far as major administrative training in our region and Washington. Among my most jovial recollections was when he fell from a flight of stairs at Taylor Hall (UWI Mona Campus) and bounced on his rear end, bouncing on every step right to the bottom of the staircase, and then turned, laughed and removed my fears of personal injury by jovially indicating he was alright. In an island where there is always so much more water than actual land, and where our marine resources are not effectively used by Anguillians, Julian was never afraid to take on the challenge of fishing. He was always ready to give you a story about his fishing escapades but the truth is that he was a great lover of fishing and he fished around the entire island and made many friends from his fishing exploits. Among his favourite fishing spots was Flat Cap Point where he caught many a Bonito and Cavally. He was quick to boast about his cooking ability and anyone who ate a meal he prepared would admit that he was a real good cook. His cooking skills were that good that he successfully operated a restaurant at Lime Stone Bay and among his future plans was to re-open the Lime Stone Bay Café. Born of Anguillians parents in Curacao, Julian came to Anguilla at an early age and as he grew in years and talent he became an icon in the development and preservation of Anguillian folkloric culture. His involvement with the Interdenominational Group, the Choral Circle, and his leadership in the premier local cultural group, the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre, propelled the groups to national notoriety. It is difficult to think of Mayoumba without Julian Harrigan. I am sure the remainder of the group realizes that his spirit will guide and push them to even higher heights. His involvement with the Methodist Church throughout Anguilla was exceptional. The management of the Valley Methodist Church could have always called on him to fill any musical void in worship. His imposing figure playing the organ at Sunday Worhip will be there no more but I am sure that he will live within the memories of those who saw him play the organ. He was always concerned about the political direction of our island and was always willing to make known his personal views as to how the politics of the island could and should be restructured. For those of us who only knew him as a manager in the Public Service, I would like to draw your attention to his work as a Trained Air Traffic Controller and a stalwart in the development of the Welfare Department on Anguilla. You could have fought a vicious intellectual battle with him and at the end of it there was no personal animosity. Such a quality must be commended especially bearing in mind the readiness of many in this present era to carry animosities throughout their lives. He was very committed to the training of Anguillians to meet the future challenges that will arise. He was a firm believer that square pegs cannot be effectively placed in round holes. It is extremely mind-boggling of our present day theory that square pegs could accurately fit in round holes and provide optimal outcomes. Death may have robbed us of a humble but astute individual who was always ready to share his expertise and offer a cautious word of advice. His contribution to present day Anguilla must never be forgotten as we continue trying to make our island a better place for all concerned. His legacies of humility, self actualization and development, cultural and national development will be continued by his wife and children, his siblings, relatives, friends and colleagues in our quest for a better Anguilla. As his body laid in the Ebenezer Chapel just south of his early family home, that Saturday afternoon, I am sure many present would have reflected on a life snatched by the jaws of death at a moment when there was much more to be contributed. The family members, the Government Ministers and politicians past and present, his colleague Permanent Secretaries, his Mayoumba Folkloric Associates, schoolmates, friends and family well wishers, all with grieving faces showed their respect and admiration for his contribution to our beloved island. As his body was lowered in its final resting place, in The Valley Methodist Cemetery, the voices and instruments of his beloved Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre spiritedly echoed: well done, our dear colleague, we will certainly miss you. May his life be an inspiration not only to his remaining family members but to all Anguillians as we face the future with renewed determination and commitment. Thanks Julian, for the many memories you have left behind and may your soul rest in perfect peace. |
