An Anguillian young man, filled with zeal and ambition, but challenged by impaired vision, is grateful to the Rotary Club of Anguilla, business persons and various individuals, who have assisted him with owning his own brand new home.
He is Tyrone Richardson whose attractive and spacious one-bedroom house, with the necessary facilities and amenities, is situated at North Side, just next to his family’s home. He is well-known throughout the Anguillian community having used his well-developed sense of direction to travel widely on the island on foot – and sometimes even on a bicycle – to the amazement of many. He has worked at the Water Corporation and at Aronel, a private water company. He has also played in a musical band and now plays his own music on a keyboard in the comfort of his home.
The Rotary Club of Anguilla, whose President is the well-respected community worker, Mr. Seymour Hodge, held a house-warming and blessing ceremony at Tyrone’s home on Saturday, June 13.
Anglican Priest, Reverend Menes Hodge, and Pastor Philip Gumbs, of the Church of God (Holiness), officiated at the ceremony during which a number of Rotarians participated in the Scripture and blessing readings.
Rotarian Mr. Harris Richardson related how Tyrone approached him requesting assistance from the Rotary Club, and then turned up unexpectedly at one of the Club’s weekly meetings to underscore his desire for help to build his house. The matter was subsequently taken up by the Rotary Club which provided the bulk of the funding.
“The total cost to Rotary was over US$24,000, but we got a lot of in-kind contributions – and if you put a value to that, it can come up to about US$50, 000,” Rotarian Seymour Hodge told The Anguillian. “The paint was donated, the lights and so forth were donated; and Pastor Philip was instrumental in getting some of the doors donated, and so again the in-kind assistance was tremendous.” He was unable to mention everyone who assisted in anyway, saying that in general all the assistance was greatly appreciated.
Asked how the Rotary Club handles requests for the type of assistance Tyrone required, Rotarian Hodge replied: “The project comes to the Board and the Board approves it as a humanitarian project. Once we complete the project, we hand it over and move on. The individual, or in some instances, the government, with the help of others, will maintain the completed project.”
The Rotary Club of Anguilla has previously worked on a small house at George Hill and has been involved in equipping the playgrounds of all the primary schools.
Tyrone took the opportunity to thank the Rotary Club and all the donors. He singled out the contractor, Mr. Hugh Christian, who completed the construction in one month; Kenneth Maynard and Marvin Carty.
How does Tyrone feel now that he has his own house?
“I feel good when I get up in the morning, and open my own door and nobody tell me nuttin,” he replied.
