The above-named freedom fighter is regarded not just as one of the foot soldiers of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, but one of the patriotic and brave Anguillians who protected Revolutionary Leader, Mr. James Ronald Webster, from capture by St. Kitts and British forces, in order for him to carry on the Revolution.
That was both the reason for the presentation of the Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate to the late Mr. Thomas Benjamin Smith (Ben-Ben) on Anguilla Day 2010; and also the reason for having accorded him a National Funeral by the Government of Anguilla on Friday, May 13, 2016, at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church.
Mr. Smith, who was born on October 10, 1931, lived for many years in the Island Harbour community where the main thrust of the Revolution was concentrated. He died on April 24, 2016. As a tribute to him, flags were flown at half-mast on the day before, and on the day of, his funeral. His body was borne in and out of the church by a contingent from the Royal Anguilla Police Force. His casket was draped with the National Flag and a gun salute of three rounds was fired at the grave site. This is the typical honour accorded to all recognised and honoured freedom fighters of the Anguilla Revolution.
Former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes, who presented the Anguilla Day Award to Mr. Smith in 2010, hailed him as a man who was well-loved across the island and who had contributed much to his beloved land. Mr. Hughes spoke during the tribute section of the funeral service. “We must be grateful for the contribution he made to the Revolution and the society of Anguilla,” he said. “Ben-Ben was known throughout the island and was a very special man, a kind, friendly, hard-working individual.”
Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Elected Representative for District 2, and Minister of Home Affairs, spoke on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. “Ben-Ben was one of the top foot soldiers of the Anguilla Revolution who worked closely with Revolutionary Leader, Mr. Ronald Webster, and other freedom fighters in 1967,” she stated in part. “He continued his work over the years to ensure the success of the Revolution. In recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Revolution, and the Anguilla community as a whole, he was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate in 2010. And so, we are gathered here today, as a Government and people, to pay tribute to the legacy of dedication, bravery and service of a fallen freedom fighter who, like so many of that memorable era, was willing to risk life and limb in defence of this rock we call Anguilla.”
The officiating Clergy were the Rt. Reverend L. Errol Brooks and Rev. Menes Hodge. “Ben-Ben was a faithful servant of God and a faithful servant of this community,” Bishop Brooks said. “That faithfulness was most evident in his devotion to the work of God and our church…He was a Chalice Administrator, Sacrosanct, Sextant, Custodian, a Member of the Brethren of St. Andrew and, on many occasions, a Member of the Parish Vestry. He gave of his best to God’s service and his fellowmen.”
The funeral service also included tributes in word, song, and music, by various groups and individuals. The national service was attended by a large number of persons with the participation of the Police, the Police/Community Band, Scouts and Guides – adding much pomp and ceremony to the occasion.
