The Island Harbour and the Island community of Anguilla were awakened on Saturday 23rd September, 2023, to the news of the passing of Pastor Davis Napolean Lloyd, one week shy of his 92nd birthday, and exactly one year after the passing of his wife of sixty-six years, Sister Matile Lloyd.
Pastor Lloyd was a pillar in the community for over seven decades and served as the founding Pastor of The Hill Top Baptist Church, which was dedicated on 9th April 1969, where he served as senior pastor for forty-five unbroken years.
Pastor Lloyd has been classed as one of Anguilla’s great spiritual leaders. His sacrificial, dedicated, and exemplary leadership in the development of this island nation should never be forgotten.
In September 2018, both Pastor Lloyd and his wife Matile were honoured in a special National Service, jointly held by the Government of Anguilla, the Anguilla Evangelical Association, The Anguilla Christian Council, The Anguilla Development Board, Anguilla Social Security Board, Malliouhana-Anico insurance company and The Royale Caribbean Hotel.
At that function, Pastor Lloyd was honoured in four areas of exemplary and dedicated leadership.
REVOLUTION: Pastor Lloyd was intricately involved in the struggles of the Anguilla Revolution of 1966 to 1969. From the day he was approached by Messers Ronald Webster and Atlin Harrigan with the plans to revolt and overthrow the central government, he joined the movement in full support.
GOVERNMENT: The strengthening, diversification and development of the institutions of government could not be achieved without the inclusion and involvement of civic minded Anguillians. So the revolutionary leader, Ronald Webster called on Pastor Lloyd in 1981 to serve on the first Social Security Board and later, the Anguilla Development Board during its formative years.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: In the early 1960’s, the family established an over the counter grocery shop which later grew into the Harbour View Supermarket. These were the main suppliers of groceries to the community. Through his benevolent spirit , he also fed many less fortunate island wide. Pastor Lloyd built his first schooner, The Yankie Girl and later The Atlantic Star which became some of the main cargo vessels serving Anguilla. He helped to revolutionize the shipping industry in Anguilla by bringing the second steel hull cargo vessel The Dacosta and later The Joanie. Pastor Lloyd was also a great boat builder, building many fishing boats in Island Harbor.
PASTORAL AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP: In 1963, at an open air service across the street near his home, Pastor Lloyd was converted . That same night after the service, he tore down the sign “Licensed to sell liquor by retail”, emptied all the liquor, tore up all the cigarettes and tore up the books with records of people owing him. 0n April 9th 1969, Pastor Lloyd with his wife pioneered the Hilltop Baptist Church which he pastored for forty-five unbroken years and became an island wide and regional respected church leader.
There are many more records of his involvement in the island’s political, revolution, socio-economic and spiritual development which will follow in subsequent news items.
Pastor Davis Lloyd is survived by his three daughters and many close friends and family.
The editor and staff of The Anguillian express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
