Seven Anguillians, including a husband and wife, were awarded on Anguilla Day on Monday, May 30, 2016, during the Official Parade on the James Ronald Webster Park. The awards were either for their part in the May 1967 Anguilla Revolution or for their contribution to the social development of the island. They were presented with the Badge of Honour and a Queen’s Certificate by Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks.
The honourees for the Anguilla Revolution were as follows:
• Mr. Collins Hodge, formerly of Rey Hill, who resides in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He was one of 18 men who travelled to St. Kitts on The Rambler owned by Revolutionary Leader, Ronald Webster, to execute the invasion aimed at overthrowing the then Central Government of Robert Bradshaw. The attack eventually failed and Collins was one of the Anguillians who were arrested and charged. He was the first to be tried in the St. Kitts High Court – was drilled in a cross-examination for three days. He was eventually freed after a non-guilty verdict and was immediately flown home to a hero’s welcome. His award was received by his sister, Valerie Hodge.
• Mrs. Ethlyn Fleming of Sandy Hill who transported supporters of the Revolution to demonstrations, and was among a band of vocal and brave women in the forefront of the struggle.
• Juliette Hawley, who, out of deep love for Anguilla, was among the noted women-folk at the demonstrations carrying protest banners while travelling on foot or by truck. Her award was received by her daughter, Yvonne Duncan.
• Agnes Duncan who, among other activities, stood vigil at the shores of Anguilla and rolled drums on the airport to stop the feared invasions and the landing of St. Kitts Policemen to retake Anguilla.
Those awarded for Social Development were as follows:
• Mrs. Miriam D. Hodge of Long Bay, regarded as one of the pillars of the West End community. The mother of seven children, including surgeon Dr. Rona Hodge, she played an active role in the Methodist Church there for over 50 years; served as a representative of the Public Service Commission and the Social Welfare Department; was a popular seamstress and, like her husband, was deeply engrossed in the national sport of boat-racing.
• Mrs. Viola Connor of Blowing Point, a stalwart of the Maranatha Methodist Church there; and a community worker having served on the Poor Relief Board; a Liaison Officer of the Welfare Department and President of the Blowing Point Community Policing Watch Committee. She also served as Scout Master for the 6th Anguilla Boys Scouts of Blowing Point in the 1990s.
• Mr. Raymond Connor was one of the pioneers of the boat-building industry in Anguilla. His boats were first used by fishermen and, with improved models, in the ferry and cargo service between Anguilla and French and Dutch St. Martin/St. Maarten. He contributed significantly to the social and economic life of Anguilla through the use of varied entrepreneurial skills and, along with his wife, Mrs. Viola Connor, mentioned above, raised a family of ten children.
