An accomplished Anguillian, who rose to much honour and influence in the United States, was celebrated at a Memorial and Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church on Monday, December 19, Heroes and Heroines Day in Anguilla.
It was a fitting occasion for such an event in that the celebrated Mr. Clyde Eliot Gumbs was the son of the late Mr. Jeremiah Gumbs who earned the title “Roving Ambassador of Anguilla.” During the Anguilla Revolution, Mr. Jeremiah Gumbs, an oil dealer in the United States, put forward Anguilla’s case to the United Nations Committee of 24 and at other international forums as well as the world press.
His son, Clyde, one of several children, born to him and the late Mrs. Lydia Gumbs, was born in Perth Amboy, USA, in the family’s home, on June 11, 1954. He died on October 18, 2016.
Clyde a frequent resident of Anguilla, was a graduate of Riverdale County School in New York; and later the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, earning both Bachelor and Masters Degrees. He was also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
He was a retired Business Consultant, Lawyer, Poet and the author of The Seven Seeds and Without Apology (in honour of black women). He was the first African American Vice President of the Bank of New York. He was the co-founder of The Chrysalis Experience L.L.C. and co-founder of the Integral Group. In Anguilla he oversaw the renovation of Smokey’s at The Cove in 2008 and managed it until his return to Edison, New Jersey.
Among other family and friends, Clyde is survived by his former wife, Pauline Mckenzie of Atlanta; and their children, Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Ariana Christine Good both of whom spoke at the service. He is also survived by his siblings: Alan Gumbs, Una Gumbs and Duane Carter Gumbs.
Among those who delivered glowing tributes were Clyde’s long-standing best friend, Mr. Egbert Perry of Antigua, and Mr. Claudel Romney of Anguilla who both spoke about his assistance to them in the United States.
In delivering the homily, Bishop Brooks reflected on the beauty of God’s creation in the universe and said: “Obviously, Clyde enjoyed God’s creation and he enjoyed this little piece of God’s creation – in particular Anguilla. He is man after my heart because I love this place too bad. It is our responsibility to take care of God’s creation.” He added: “If there is anything we should learn from our brother, Clyde, it is to really enjoy God’s creation and to do our best to share life with others and to help them to improve and to understand what life is all about. It is not so much about how much we amass, but about the quality of life.”
Bishop Brooks was assisted by Methodist Minister, Mr. Franklin Roberts.
The box containing Clyde’s ashes was taken to Sandy Ground Cemetery for internment.
