Anguilla has given full honours to one of its sons, Thomas Bernard Bryan “Tall Boy”, who gave yeoman service to his homeland as a freedom fighter during the 1967 Anguilla Revolution and later, in tourism, as a taxi-driver and ferryboat owner and operator.
He got his popular nickname as a result of his towering stature. This was frequently referred to during the tributes, and the service, by a number of speakers who thought that he was not only “tall in height, but tall in his contribution to Anguilla” as well.
The National Service was held at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary on Saturday, August 22. The officiating Clergy were the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks and Rev. Raliville Christian. “Eternal Father Strong To Save”, one of the best-known seafarers’ hymns, set the tone for the service and the many tributes.
There was an hour-and-a-half of general tributes, in word and song, delivered by a number of persons who, over the years, had closely followed the life and service of the national hero. The Jubilee Choir, directed by Ms. Lois Hazell, led the singing during the tributes – and throughout the service – giving much patriotic pride and ceremony to the occasion.
The Eulogy was delivered by the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes. He described “Tall Boy” as having been “one of the exceptional Anguillians whose life and legacy was built on foresight and a desire to be part of the general development of his beloved country, Anguilla.”
In tracing “Tall Boy’s” many maritime ventures and successes, the Minister stated: “He was a man who always thrived for excellence and was always ready to invest and upgrade to provide the best quality of service possible. He was a man who was never satisfied with the status quo and was always seeking to explore new avenues. This led him to the boating arena where he, without a doubt, became the pioneer of the fast ferry service between Anguilla and the St. Martin channel. Today, Anguillians have something they can boast about.”
In the same vein, former Chief Minister of Anguilla, Mr. Hubert Hughes, who has a tremendous knowledge and much involvement in boating on the island, praised “Tall Boy” for his patriotic seafaring service. (He spoke by way of a recorded tribute.)
Back to the official tributes, the Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, said in part: “We, Anguillians, today stand on the shoulders of persons like Mr. Bryan who, during difficult financial periods in Anguilla, were able to open businesses and provide various services to and for the benefit of our people. In the case of Mr. Bryan, his ferry services allowed us to travel back and forth between Anguilla and St. Martin for employment, to conduct business transactions, spend time with our families, shop and take advantage of many other opportunities that our close proximity to St. Martin/St. Maarten affords us.
“Mr. Bryan was a stalwart who contributed towards the advancement of the maritime industry in Anguilla. Anguilla mourns the passing of this great pioneer and trailblazer who touched the lives of so many persons in so many ways.”
Premier Dr. Ellis Webster delivered the main Official Statement. Among other matters, he stated that during the Anguilla Revolution, Mr. Bryan “had served as a watchman who guarded Anguilla’s ports and beaches to thwart any attempt of invasion by St. Kitts. His love for Anguilla fuelled his dedication to ensure the island’s coastlines were safe and protected, with his main focus being the western side of the island.”
The Premier continued: “In addition, Mr. Bryan played an integral part in the enhancement of Anguilla’s transportation sector through his development and operation of businesses providing Ferry and Taxi Services in Anguilla.
“In 2001, the Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate were bestowed upon him for the role he played in the Revolution.”
Premier Webster went on to speak about the decision of the Executive Council to approve a National Funeral for the dedicated Anguillian Freedom Fighter; the flying of flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for his passing; a Police Guard of Honour; the draping of his casket with the National Flag; and the bearing of his body to and from the Church by a contingent of uniformed Police Officers.
The sermon was delivered by the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks. He prefaced it by reflecting on the boyhood days between him and “Tall Boy”; his early experiences travelling with him on ferryboats owned by persons outside Anguilla; and his delight in seeing him with his own ferries.
“He was ambitious and determined,” the Bishop observed. “He was concerned not only about his interest, but also about the advancement of Anguilla.”
He added: “And so, as we gather to say fare thee well to our brother, we give thanks to God for his contributions to the development of this island. He has finished his course on this earth. We pray that God will grant him rest in His Kingdom. To his wife, his children and other family members, we offer our deepest sympathy. May God grant you strength and peace in the days ahead.”
It was a very impressive National Funeral. And, despite the squally weather, occasioned by the passing of Tropical Storm, Laura, there was a large crowd in attendance. The stormy weather may have been an example of the squalls and high seas that “Tall Boy” sometimes encountered while navigating his ferryboats and passengers to safety – to his credit as a modern-day seafarer.
The National Flag that draped his casket was presented as a fitting memento to his wife, Mrs. Almin Bryan, and the rest of his family.
“Tall Boy” passed away at the age of 71 on June 21, 2020. He was a Business Owner and Former Captain of the Big Bird, Big Bird ll, Early Bird, Diamond 1 and Diamond 2 Ferryboats.
