The 1967 Anguilla Revolution, which led to the formal separation of the island from St. Kitts-Nevis, came into sharp focus when Collins Carty (formerly known as Collins Hodge) was accorded a National Funeral on Saturday, September 8, at St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
The late freedom fighter, otherwise known as “Jesse” from his involvement in his band Jesse and the Fantastics in the 1960s and early 1970s, died on August 24, 2018, at the age of 72. The interment arrangements were handled by Two Sons Funeral Home.
His most patriotic contribution was his involvement in the Anguilla Revolution when he, and other Anguillians, staged a daring armed invasion of St. Kitts on June 10, 1967 – an event that is well acknowledged and documented in the modern history of Anguilla. Though the attack failed, it nevertheless underscored the island’s determination to be free from its unpopular and oppressive union with St. Kitts imposed in 1825. The Anguilla Revolution climaxed a series of protests over the years which eventually led to the formal separation of the island in December 1980.
Collins, who was the first of the Anguillian invaders to be tried in St. Kitts, was eventually freed after a not guilty verdict and was immediately flown to Anguilla to a hero’s welcome. That event is fully recorded in the often quoted book: Anguilla’s Battle For Freedom 1967-1969 written by Colville Petty and Nat Hodge.
Speaking at the National Funeral, Chief Minister, Mr Victor Banks, said in part: “Collins was a young man of some 20 years old when he was involved in the Anguilla Revolution, but his contribution to that cause far exceeded what you would expect of a youngster of that age. He was among the band of men who ensured that the St. Kitts policemen were dispatched from the Wallblake Airport onto a private aircraft back to St. Kitts on May 30th 1967.
“The importance of that date in our history is highlighted by the decision to celebrate it as Anguilla Day. He was one of the two men who guarded the plane on that occasion to ensure that the policemen did not disembark. Of primary significance was his contribution to the plot to overthrow the ruling government in St. Kitts in 1967 which has been detailed by Mr. Petty and Mr. Hodge in their book, Anguilla’s Battle For Freedom 1967-1969.”
Mr. Banks continued: “It was the afternoon of June 9th 1967 that the sloop, Rambler, owned by the late Honourable James Ronald Webster, Father of the Nation, set sail for St. Kitts with 18 men on board, including Jesse, to execute the mission to depose the Central Government. Collins, along with four others, were captured and arrested by the St. Kitts Police on suspicion of their involvement in the failed coup d’etat.
“It would take some four months before the case was heard and, on October 26th, 1967, Collins was the first suspect to be tried and, on the announcement of a non-guilty verdict, he was immediately flown to his beloved home where he was greeted by a large and festive crowd in manner tantamount to a hero’s welcome.”
The Chief Minister was pleased that Collins was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for his involvement in the Anguilla Revolution. He expressed condolences to the freedom fighter’s family on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla.
Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster, said Collins had inspired the people of Anguilla by his courage and life – particularly his amazing courage to put country above self, and that of his family, by risking his life in the invasion of St. Kitts. Comparing his contribution to a number of other influential persons in the world, she observed: “In Anguilla, in Jesse’s life, we have the biggest inspiration of all and you can say, perhaps, as Mr. Petty and Mr. Hodge concluded, that without Jesse’s sacrifice and actions we would not be where we are today.”
She thought it was a wonderful thing for him to have been regarded as a national hero of Anguilla. She was of the opinion, however, that there were “a number of our heroes in Anguilla who were not benefiting from a life of dignity based on the sacrifices they had made for their country.”
Ms. Webster added: “ I am going to say to the family, and to all of you, that we can use Jesse’s life and his great sacrifice…to dedicate our commitment today to those special persons [like him] by giving them their flowers while they are living.”
A comprehensive eulogy, touching many facets of the life of the late freedom fighter, was delivered by his brother, Mr. Roland Hodge. He said, among other matters, that Collins was the recipient of a number of awards. These were from: the Anguilla Cricket Association for his dedicated and outstanding contributions to Anguilla cricket; the Sunshine Theatre Company of the Virgin Islands for his outstanding contribution to the Anguilla Revolution; the City Council of New York for being an outstanding citizen worthy of the esteem of both the community and the great city of New York; the Anguilla Progressive Association of New York in recognition of his dedication to the political and historical development of Anguilla; and the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for his contribution to the Anguilla Revolution.
The National Funeral was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks assisted by Mr. Chrispen Gumbs with the organists being Mr. Remicko Richards and Mr. Devaunie Richardson. Bishop Brooks recalled that in 1971 Collins’ band, Jesse and the Fantastics, had provided the music for a Procession of Witness for the Diocesan Anglican Young People Association Conference and the Church Service that followed. He also reflected on Collins’ involvement in various cricket teams on the island which had contributed greatly to the development of sports and team spirit in Anguilla.
As is the case with all National Funerals in Anguilla, flags were flown at half mast in Anguilla; Collins’ body was bourne to and from the Church by a contingent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force; and there was a gun salute at the graveside.
