Anguilla has lost one of its well-known nationals who contributed much to the island’s tourism industry as a taxi-driver, and tour operator, for many years.
He is the late Benson Darwin Richardson of Rey Hill. He was born on January 20, 1947, and passed away on May 12, 2021. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life was held at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary on Saturday, July 3.
The Officiating Ministers were the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks and Rev. Fr. Raliville Christian.
The Service of Thanksgiving followed a number of tributes from relatives and friends including members of the Anguilla Taxi Association.
The tribute section of the well-attended funeral was conducted by the Minster of Home Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, in his private capacity as a family friend of Mr. Richardson.
Mr. Hodge spoke about the close relationship he and his family shared with Mr. Richardson – and of his contribution, as a taxi-driver, to Anguilla’s tourism industry.
Among other matters, an excerpt from the funeral bulletin stated as follows:
“Benson was never a shy man and one can only imagine what the experience was like for a tourist with him. He would have told them all they needed to know about Anguilla…Our historic sites, our beaches, our outstanding citizens, our political history and, in general, how great Anguilla is [were topics he would have spoken about]…He enjoyed being a taxi operator and despite health challenges along the way, he returned to operating his taxi until December 2020. He was a champion for the rights of taxi operators in Anguilla and earned the respect of his colleagues. This is the legacy he leaves behind.”
The Anguillian newspaper offers heartfelt condolences to the relatives and friends of the late Benson Darwin Richardson.
My his soul rest in peace.
