Over the years, since the 1960s, Anguilla had given birth to numerous airplane pilots who served the traveling public both at home and abroad. Among them, of course, was the legendary Capt. Clayton J. Lloyd, after whom our airport is named, but serving close to him “back in the day” was Capt. Maurice Ellwood Connor, a brilliant and conscientious airman.
From 1968 to 1984, Maurice would have served the Anguillian community with his flying career for some 16 years, first as a pilot for Anguilla Airways then with Valley Air Service.
On Thursday, March 29th, Capt. Connor turned 77, and he was honourably treated in a semi-formal setting with a mild degree of pomp and ceremony on the grounds of the Blowing Point Port.
The event was by no means a “birthday bash party”, but rather the humble gathering of a few hand-picked folks who had come to show appreciation to Capt. Connor, while they reminisced about the fervent spirit of awe that accorded the trend of local aviation in the early years of our nation’s history.
Spearheading the occasion was the organizer Mr. Cardigan Gumbs, a former employee of Valley Air Service. Cardigan is an extremely passionate individual who took his job seriously while he worked as a grounds service attendant – doing everything from bag handling to refueling the small fleet of planes, to carrying out minor service checks at the small aircrafts. Cardigan lived and breathed aviation on his level back then and, over the years, he never lost his enthusiasm and passion for the thrill of flying.
Attending the event was Mr. Connor’s long-standing friend and comrade, the Hon. Victor Banks. In fact, it was Mr. Banks who persuaded Capt. Connor to “throw his hat” into the political ring in 1981, thus ending his active piloting stint by becoming the Road North’s representative in Ronald Webster’s APP Government until 1984.
Mr. Banks bore testimony of Capt. Connor’s stalwart image as one of Anguilla’s most daring pilots: “I must say thanks to Cardigan for organizing this admirable event. Because we are an island and we had to reach out to the rest of the world, it was necessary for us to grow and develop pilots and captains. Due to that fact, we have led the region in being pioneers in aviation and shipping.
“Mr. Connor has been in the forefront of our aviation history. He was one of our first pilots, going back a generation. I recall his father, Eddy Connor, as one of Anguilla’s fist boat owners, who was legendary for his exploits. In that era, most of the time when a plane would be traveling overhead, it would be a plane hired by Eddie Connor coming up from Puerto Rico where he conducted his trade. And the basic reason why Maurice decided to take on aviation, as a daring career, was due to Eddie’s need for air transport.
“Maurice has contributed much to the history of Anguilla. He is the kind of leader and a visionary that has helped to shape us into what we are today. Certainly, Mr. Maurice Connor stands out. He is my good friend but, most of all, he is a great leader, an entrepreneur and a pioneer who has made Anguilla proud. So happy birthday, Maurice. We honour you today.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Pam Webster, was also on hand to share in the celebrations of the moment. She said: “I am happy to be here today to be a part of this great energy. I am humbled by the opportunity to be included in this event. The year 1977 was a very special year for me because of Valley Air Service where Maurice was a great captain. That year, Valley Air Service sponsored my participation in the National Queen Pageant and gave me the opportunity to be the representative for Miss Anguilla.
“This is the prime context in which I really got to know Maurice. Over the years, he has continued to be someone whom I have always looked up to. It is Valley Air Service and Maurice and Cardigan and the team at the airport that helped me to establish and develop my sense of pride in Anguilla. So, today, I am wishing you a happy birthday, Maurice. Congratulations and may the Lord bless you.”
The Hon. McNeil Rogers also gave his tribute for the work and service of Maurice in the aviation industry. He reminisced on his first flight with Capt. Connor, on August 1st 1970 when he was transported on Anguilla Airways to St. Thomas and then to St. Croix to spend his school’s summer vacation. He commended Mr. Connor for his noble years of stellar service, and he wished him God’s speed and good health for the future.
Music for the celebration was provided by the Roots Band led by Ras Bucket. A light reception followed on the nearby grounds of K & H Souvenir Shop. Capt. Connor gave high praise and thanks to Cardigan Gumbs for the great gesture in recognizing him for his services in aviation. He expressed his appreciation to all who came to make his day so special.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
