On Friday 27th March, the well known Anguillian Maryllia Martin also known as “Aunty B” and now “Queen of Shoal Bay”, celebrated her 90th Birthday. Maryllia or Aunty B is well known for her out pouring of love. She has a charming and captivating personality that attracts persons of all ages to her. Persons would remember her featuring in the video on Anguilla, “The Bachelor”, which was aired in 2011.The fact that she is charming, and makes many friends, was evident by the presence of over one hundred persons (including visitors) who attended the birthday celebration . During the celebration, which was fittingly hosted at Madeariman in Shoal Bay, several persons spoke about how her kindness, charm and loving spirit have impacted their lives.
On Sunday 29th March, there was a church service at Hill Top Baptist Church (where she has been a faithful member for over forty five (45) years) held in her honour. Again, persons from all walks of life attended the service and spoke about the loving and caring spirit of Aunty B and how she has impacted their lives. After the service she had lunch with her family (children and grandchildren).
At 90 years she continues to serve God and give him thanks and praise for his goodness to her. She is an active member of the Anguilla women’s craft group. She can be seen daily (except Sundays) at Shoal Bay – sitting under a grape tree right at the entrance to the beach – selling her craft items (including her dolls), welcoming the many visitors who visit the popular beach and sharing her love with them. Many of these visitors take back many fond memories of their visit to Shoal Bay Beach and their encounter with Aunty B , the “Queen of Shoal Bay”.
There is no doubt that as she sits daily on her “throne” under the grape tree, next to Madeariman, at Shoal Bay she would have fond memories of the celebration held there in honour of her 90th birthday.
– Contributed
