Archives for July 2011

Life on Anguilla before the containers and cranes arrived in Sandy Ground depended on the hard workmen who risked their lives on the high seas in ships like the Warspite, the Yankie Girl and the Betsy.  These vessels allowed for goods and services to be traded.

My father, George G. Richardson, known mostly by the initials DC sailed for many years on the Betsy.  Growing up I can recall the many occasions when my siblings and I and our mother would see the characteristic cut of sail of the sloop from our perch on Roaches Hill as it headed for the Forrest Bay.

We knew that our father would be coming home with his harbor sack over his shoulder and in it would be journey cakes that were part of the ship’s cuisine that was cooked before entering the Statia channel, which was know for its high waves. Often these cakes were as large as saucers and as hard as rocks. For us though, they were reminders of the sacrifice that was made not only for us but also for all Anguillians.

Today the memory of DC lives on through the DC Development Corporation and the Andora Building in Sachasess. The property is a three story multifamily complex that is semi furnished and available for rent.

It is managed by Anita Morton Brooks who is one of the children of DC.  If you were interested in seeing any of the available suites, she would be more than happy to facilitate a viewing.

You can reach me at [email protected]