The long Easter holiday weekend passed without any major incidents or accidents. And for that we must all show gratitude to the Almighty for his providence and protection. The only event that came uncomfortably close to a disaster was the Easter Monday Boat Race. Indeed, it is a testimony to the popularity of boat racing and the courage of the captains and their crews that the race took place at all. I was told that the winds were in excess of speeds recommended for this form of boat racing, and the crew members tasked with bailing the steady swells of water whelming the decks of those “open craft” could hardly keep up. Little wonder that six of the nine boats that participated in the race “broke down” and, in fact, “De Tree”, one of the most popular boats in the contest, actually sank. Fortunately, besides a few broken masts, jibs, mainsails and so on, there was no injury, or loss of limb or life to any persons involved. Of course there were some disappointments among those who crave a competitive finish — but these will be soon be forgotten when the next boat racing season comes around. It is the nature of the sport.
On another note, also over the weekend friends, relatives and loved ones were saddened at the passing of two well-known patriots who, during their brief sojourn on this earth, epitomized the quiet and unassuming confidence that has distinguished us (Anguillians) as a people over the centuries. Mr. Stanley Gumbs of Stoney Ground, affectionately known as “Black Pete” or “Peedie”, was an exceptional character whose direct and frank style endeared him to many persons all over Anguilla. He was a man who never allowed any injury, illness or other adversities to prevent him from pursuing a decent and honest living through hard work and inventiveness. He always bounced back. Mr. Gifford Richardson of Pond Site was similarly resilient, and though he possessed a very calm demeanour he could be equally explosive and passionate when articulating a point of view that he strongly believed in. His loyalty and dedication to the cause of Anguilla’s struggle for self-determination earned him the Anguilla Medal of Honour and Certificate in a recent Anguilla Day Ceremony. Both these Anguillian stalwarts will be dearly missed. May their souls rest in peace!
But since the Easter Season speaks about suffering, death and resurrection — sadness and joy are both emotions that are quite fitting to the occasion. Our brothers have passed on, but the messages throughout the Churches over the season promise us that, through His death upon The Cross, there is hope of eternal life for all of us. It was an awesome price that was paid — one that was motivated by a great love which has no comparison. How should we show gratitude? Should we only do so through religious worship, or should there also be a more secular expression of our joy in his resurrection and the pardon we have received for our sins? Our tradition has taught us to do both! A key question therefore is: “In which expression of our joy are we the most fervent?” Herein lies the dilemma that we all face as practicing Christians from time to time. Case in point: the Church services were well attended — but so was Festival del Mar.
For yet another year, Festival del Mar was a “sold out” event especially on the Sunday afternoon. And, by the way, I met a number of persons who went to the St. Augustine’s Church Easter Cantata as well. At the Festival there were all kinds of seafood dishes; drinks; water sports; crab races; beach volley ball; fishing tournaments; boat races; swimming races; music; dancing; fashion shows; you name it. There was never a dull moment — not even when the rain poured down. In fact, there were those who swore that after six months of drought the rain was a symbol that the Festival was a blessed event. Of course there were a few who were of the view that we were finally receiving the blessings of the Kenyan Minister. In any case the rain came and our thirsty lands were replenished.
But there was one criticism about the Festival this year that was brought to my attention at my quiet oasis on the Festival strip. In fact it is a criticism that I am told can be readily applied to every year of the event, namely, the inadequacy of sanitary facilities. I believe that this is a situation that should not go unattended for another year. And especially at an event that serves food and drink — this should be a major concern. Public toilet facilities should be conveniently located and serviced by attendants at the next Festival del Mar. It is not an option. It is a top priority. The Festival is attracting more and more international visitors as well as public officials from our neighbouring islands who are now making it a feature of their Easter weekend respite. The Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Hon. Sarah Wescott-Williams, former Governor Franklyn Richards, and former Senator Marcel Gumbs and others, were among our St. Maarten/St Martin family. The atmosphere was both exhilarating and relaxing. I neither witnessed nor heard of any contravention or breach of the tranquility and peace that attended the entire proceedings.
The Anglican Easter Monday Bazaar is the final event of the four-day weekend. Traditionally, the highlight is a cricket match between the Anglicans and the Methodists. In the earlier days it used to be an actual cricket match complete with a 5½ ounce ball, willow-wood bats, cricket pads and gloves. Today, we play “bat and ball” with a fluffy tennis wind ball and a white pine bat. Nevertheless, the friendly rivalry remains and the spectators from each denomination have great fun.
Again, this year, I went to the Ruthwill Auditorium Grounds specifically with revenge in my heart to beat the Anglican team, the Bishop Brooks’s Eleven. Our team, the Rev. Dunstan Richardson’s Eleven, was determined to put an end to the successive years of defeat visited upon us by these boastful Anglicans. For my part we may not have won last year but my article in The Anguillian, in which I reported on the circumstances of the match, made a few of the humourless Anglicans mad enough to afford me great sense of satisfaction. Before I go any further let me inform you that we lost yet again. And, to add fire to fury, the “star of the show” was that arrogant Nurse Nanton who took two wickets in her bowling spell – and retired “bat in hand” after hitting a number of fours into the spectator stands. Every time she hit a four she did a despicable dance that irritated the Methodist spectators down to their rawest nerve. Let me reluctantly congratulate the Anglicans because of my forgiving nature!
However, as I did last year, I would like to present a few relevant points for consideration:
• Unfortunately, I did not play on the side.
• The Anglican team had five players in their squad from a well-known cricketing family.
• There was only one Umpire. He was an Anglican.
• I was disqualified to be the second Umpire because the Anglican Umpire claimed that I did not know what LBW meant.
• Again, one of the Anglican female players wore a very intimidating, unsportsmanlike and distracting white T-Shirt with a bunch of upsetting slogans.
• The Scorer was an Anglican.
• One of the Anglican spectators, whose husband was the only Umpire in the game, was distracting our players from the stands and sending instructions to her husband on the field.
• The Anglicans chilled the eager Methodist Team by holding up the game trying to put a winning team together.
Again, let me make it clear that I am not looking for any excuses for having lost. I am simply reaching out to fair-minded Anglicans to evaluate the circumstances of our defeat. We will still come back again next year.
By the way, there is one thing that the Anglicans and the Methodists, in fact all Anguillians, can agree on that took place this weekend. We can share in extending our congratulations to young Anguillian Zharnel Hughes for taking the Gold Medal in the 100 meters dash in the Carifta Games in The Bahamas. This was an outstanding performance by a young man who has done real well with limited resources and support. As I watched the entire race on YouTube I could not help notice the confidence in his stride as he pushed ahead of the competition to the finish line. And when the commentator said: Look at that — poetry in motion! I could not help but shout: “Go Zharnel! Go!”
