The names of over sixty Anguillian pilots, some deceased, have been inscribed on a plaque which now adorns the outside front wall of the Clayton Lloyd International Airport. Further, a real life painting of the late Captain Lloyd, one of the island’s original pilots and operator of the former Valley Air Service, has been provided for posting inside the terminal building.
The driving force behind the provision and the unveiling of the plaque, at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, is Mr. Edgar Richardson (a resident of West End) of Modern Day Productions, and a long-time friend and admirer of past and present Anguillian pilots. In 2012, Mr. Richardson held his first event for the pilots, which included a church service, a dinner, an awards ceremony and a boat race.
Tuesday’s programme was chaired by Mr. Evan Gumbs, Minister of Infrastructure and an avid admirer of pilots. He provided the painting of Captain Clayton Lloyd for presentation to Mrs. Lena Lloyd and her daughter, Lisa, and for posting at the airport.
One of the island’s long-serving pilots, Captain Restormel Franklin, sent a message for the occasion which was read by Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster. “Anguilla’s pilots have made their mark by their bravery, expertise and their lives,” he wrote in part. “Few will remember the sacrifice that Anguilla’s pilots paid for aviation in Anguilla and not to mention the captains and sailors who also helped to make Anguilla what it is today…When I came on the scene, there was nobody but God and ourselves. There was fellowship among us. We built a name for ourselves among the aviators in the Caribbean and the Americas, flying and operating our own carriers with a skill that matched any aviator. We still have our presence here today, carrying on the cause – Anguilla Air Services (Avery Thomas); Trans-Anguilla (Joshua Gumbs’ family); Lloyd’s Aviation (David Lloyd); Ace Flight Centre (Cleophas Hodge); Express Carriers (Dean Richardson); Sister Rose, Brother Colin and our ferryboat operations).”
Another Anguillian pilot, Paul Webster, accompanied by his son and fellow pilot, Paul Jr., spoke briefly. Emotionally moved, he recalled the tragic passing of his brother, Marti; his colleague, Captain Kirby Hodge, and other deceased pilots. He was grateful to Mr. Edgar Richardson and the Anguilla Government for joining in honouring the island’s pilots.
Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, called for a minute of silence in honour of a number of deceased Anguillian pilots. “Today, we unveil a plaque containing well over 60 names of these pilots, some of whom are deceased,” he said. “As a nation we must be proud of the fact that this 35-square mile rock has produced, perhaps, the highest number of pilots anywhere in the region, among them a number of females. It is therefore fitting, at this time, that I ask you to stand and observe a moment of silence as a mark of respect for all those who are no longer with us.”
The Chief Minister added: “As a Government and people, we must be proud of the contributions which our pilots have made, and continue to make, to the development of air travel in Anguilla and the region over the past fifty years. I take pleasure in unveiling this plaque.”
Mr. Vanroy Hodge, CEO of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority, stated that “the experiences of Anguilla, with regards to its pilots, have been of great pride and honour, and of sadness, tragedy and despair.” He observed: “It has been a profession that has brought us together…as a nation by deep sympathy, but it has also been a profession that has caused us to be filled with overwhelming delight, joy and satisfaction. Anguillian pilots have been pioneers in the region…”
Mr. Hodge continued: “It is with a sense of humility and profound sentiment that I stand before you to thank the pilots (both past and present), and their families, for the substantial contribution and sacrifice that has been made over the years. I trust that we will continue to honour and recognise those that are identified for their contributions. I wish them God’s protection and guidance for the pilot profession that is crucial for Anguilla, the region ands beyond.”
