The launch of an issue of postage stamps, under the theme: “Anguilla Day- Around The Island Boat Race Champions”, took place on Friday evening, May 29th, 2015, at the auditorium of the Orelia Kelly Primary School. The stamp theme was selected by the Anguilla Stamp Advisory Committee, (ASAC) and produced in conjunction with the Anguilla Philatelic Bureau to highlight Anguilla’s national sport by commemorating fourteen of the island’s racing boats which won the prestigious Anguilla Day-Around-The-Island title on one or more occasions.
The boats featured and number of championships won include: De Chan (8), De Tree (5), UFO (4), Natalie (3), Super Star (3), Real Deal (2), Wasp (2), Bee (1), Satellite (1), Sonic (1), Saga Boy (1), Viagra (1),Warrior140 (1) and O.K. Joe (1). Due to the non-receipt of the necessary photographs for the, Warrior 140, O.K. Joe and Bee these boats could not be featured on the actual stamps. However, special mention of them was made in the complementary brochure of the stamps issue.
The stamp-launching ceremony, which was chaired by Dr. Wycliffe Fahie, featured welcome remarks by Ms. Sherri-Ann Roberts, Philatelic Bureau Supervisor, as well as a brief address by Postmaster General, Mrs. Jacqueline Bryan Niles, who underscored the importance of highlighting Anguilla’s indigenous past. She remarked in part. “It is quite heartening to see so many of you who have responded to the invitation to join us this evening to share in this evening of cultural reflection as we reminisce on the advent of boat racing, the socio-economic contribution it has made to Anguilla – and celebrate the number of racing boats, their captains and crew which have over the years emerged champions in this exacting tournament.”
The special event was supported by an appreciable number of attendees which included several Government officials, among them Honourable Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary – (Sports), who delivered remarks in support of the initiative. Other highlights of the very educational and entertaining evening included a feature address by Mr. Calvert Carty who traced the history of boat racing from our earliest ancestors. He engaged the attentive audience on an educational journey of what has today evolved into an iconic, modern pastime deeply rooted in the island’s inextricable link to the sea as a means of survival.
A special feature of the evening was the honouring of Mr. Harris Richardson “Mr. Cool” who, with a group of boat racing enthusiasts, is credited for pioneering the now well-established Anguilla Day round-The-Island race inaugurated in 1982. Mr. Richardson’s involvement in the development of the island’s national sport was lauded, by Mr. David Carty, as a labour of love dedicated to preserving a most integral aspect of Anguilla’s cultural heritage. The very inspiring presentation, which was punctuated by nuggets of boat racing lore, equated the sport to the daily course of life itself, where “tacks” have to be made and sails often adjusted to catch a more favourable wind. Mr. Carty’s analogy was especially meaningful to the honouree, Mr. Richardson, who has in recent times faced some significant health challenges. In his response, Mr. Richardson expressed profound appreciation to the Postmaster General and her staff for recognizing the importance of documenting Anguilla’s culture in the form of boat racing, on the island’s postage stamps, and for paying tribute not only to himself, but to all the captains, crew and their boats who have persevered in making what he viewed as “a very expensive sport” still possible. Mr. Richardson also took the opportunity to pay glowing tribute to Captain Percy Romney, former captain of Mr. Richardson’s racing legend, De Chan for his many years of dedicated service, expertise and commitment to the sport. In concluding, he pledged, in very resilient and resolute tones, his undying desire to be involved in his cherished sport of boat racing despite his apparent physical setback.
Presentations of appropriately chosen momentos were made to representatives of the boats featured on the stamps including a number of captains who were present. These presentations were made by Hon. Cardigan Connor assisted by Postal Accounts Manager, Ms. Myanica Richardson. Of special note was an award presented to Captain Percy Romney on behalf of the Post Office in recognition of his eight championships going around the island at the tiller of De Chan.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Marcia Richardson, Deputy Postmaster (Commercial) and coordinator of the event.
Special entertainment was provided by Mr. Ash Hodge featuring his recently released tune “Down by de Bay”, as well as by Ira Richardson “DJ Richie” with his signature composition, “We love Boat Racing”.
