A derelict concrete structure, which stretched for about one hundred feet, more or less, blocking the panoramic view of the eastern section of the Island Harbour Bay front, has been demolished.
Having served as a hardware store, Baptist Church School and then abandoned, the badly-deteriorated building now gives way to possible plans for gazebos, bars and restaurants as well as other activities along the scenic strip of land.
The former building was demolished on Friday, January 25, by Mr. Kenneth Harrigan, a retired Elected Representative, and Minister of Government, who retains a passion for community and island-wide development. Working closely with him, in support of his long-held vision for Island Harbour Bay, is his nephew, Mr. Orris Smith, whom he is mentoring.
The building was erected by the late Mr. Ronald Webster in the 1960s, soon after his return to Anguilla from his sojourn in St. Maarten, and prior to leading the Anguilla Revolution. Mr. Harrigan recalled: “Long ago, Mr. Webster closed his business and turned over the building to the Island Harbour Baptist Church for one dollar. Pastor Norril Gumbs later ran the Church School there. However, the Government and I discovered that the building was not safe for the children so we moved them to the Government’s former clinic building on the pond fill. Pastor Gumbs afterwards transferred them to his new First Baptist Church building at Welches.”
Mr. Harrigan went on: “Mr. Webster had given me permission to take down the building and I was grateful to him for that opportunity. However, later on, he gave it to my cousin, Joshua Hodge, who also permitted me to demolish it because it was an eyesore to Island Harbour and Anguilla – and I thank him as well. Right now, my nephew and I have financed the removal of the building – and cleanup of the site.
“The land still belongs to Joshua but we will continue to build the waterfront which I started ten years ago. The area will provide access to persons interested, for example, in gazebos selling watches, clothing and other things, but I have to finish the work on the area. Orris is now on board with me and we will be talking to Joshua about what he wants to do.”
Mr. Harrigan acknowledged that Ms. Palmovan Webster, the present Elected Representative for Island Harbour, had given financial assistance to him to fill up the area with boulders.
Mr. Orris Smith commented: “I am delighted to work with my uncle, the Honourable Kenneth Harrigan. It is a tourism project in Anguilla and a community effort in Island Harbour. My uncle took the initiative to undertake the preparatory work for what will be a boardwalk, an idea that no other person thought about, and I am happy to take the lead with it.
“It will be a good thing for Island Harbour and Anguilla. It will enhance the area and add some value to the beach bars and restaurants already on the beach. We spoke to Joshua about developing the site. We know he has a plan for it – and are negotiating with him about incorporating our plans in the project going forward. He is in total agreement with the boardwalk project. It is not just knocking down the building. It is developing Anguilla.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Harrigan has expressed thanks to Greta Webster, who operates restaurant services in the vicinity, for her cooperation and support in allowing part of the boardwalk to be in front of her business place.
In another matter, Mr. Smith reported that, for some time now, there was a broken light on the bay front and that he had secured a new replacement pole, and two LED light bulbs, which he will shortly put in place. This will light up some 200 feet along the wharf to assist fishermen. He will also replace the missing planks on the wharf until more funds are available to do a complete renovation – and will remove the excess sand at the ramp area.
