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.
M
y 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]
Greville G. Liburd says
This article touched me deeply. I remember in 1961 when I met DC on the Betsy for the first time. I was on my way to Anguilla on the Betsy from Basseterre, St. Kitts to spend a week. As I arrived in Anguilla, I was not sure where I wanted to stay, but this choice was easily made when DC and his whole family surrounded me and invited me to stay at their home.
I had a wonderful time. I was able to meet his gracious wife, and their children, Arthur and Sheila, as well as some other very important relatives like his mother who was the head cook at the Valley Hospital. Since I had had the opportunity to teach at Basseterre Boys’ School with Anita Morton, another daughter of DC’s I felt very fortunate to get to know the family that well.
But my greatest pleasant surprise came when my bicycle that I left in Anguilla was sent to me by special dispatch on the Betsy, under the care of Arthur, who smilingly brought it to my residence at Fort Thomas Road, in Basseterre.
I sadly lost contact with the family when my regular correspondence with Sheila waned in 1961, and was therefore very happy to see this picture of DC in your article. The memory is quite wonderful and meaningful to me. Thanks a lot.
Greville G. Liburd, MBA, CPA, CGMA, CRCMP.
United States of America