One of Anguilla’s former sea captains, Mr. Eldidge Webster (Coo), of Island Harbour, now a resident at the Rosewood Senior Citizens’ Home at White Ground, Sandy Hill, celebrated his 87th birthday on Monday, September 23, 2019.
Mr. Webster recalls what he refers to as “the good old days” of sea-faring which had seen him sailing on various Anguillian cargo vessels throughout the Caribbean area, contributing much to maritime services – and the transport of merchandise for businesses and individuals.
One of the most recent boats on which he travelled was The MV Tiny Gull, which was among the last wooden-hull boats to be built and operated in Anguilla. That was later replaced by Jackie B, one of the last steel-hull cargo boats to be imported in Anguilla.
Coo eventually retired from sailing. His most travelled routes were Anguilla, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas; Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis. After that, he served for several years working as a security guard before fully retiring from active life.
He sailed with the well-known seaman and boat-owner, the late Mr. Joseph Randolph Webster. They were both awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen Certificate for their contribution to social development – an aspect of the Anguilla Revolution.
