Christian Richardson, an Anguillian linguist with outstanding skills in French, Spanish and Latin, has been showered with praise for his sterling contribution to foreign language education in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Mr. Richardson’s teaching career in Anguilla, St. Kitts and St. Thomas spanned some forty-two years, sixteen of which he taught French and Spanish at the Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas. Prior to serving at that school, he was a Spanish teacher at Lincoln School (now J. Antonio Jarvis). He has also been teaching Spanish part-time at the University of the Virgin Islands for several years.

A reception in honour of his teaching career in foreign languages and to mark his retirement was held at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort in St. Thomas on May 23. The booklet for the occasion was filled with glowing tributes and messages of congratulations to him for his work. Silvia R. Campbell, Foreign Languages Coordinator for St. Thomas and St. John School District who first met him in 1987, wrote in part:

“The multi-linguistical talents of Christian Richardson have been put to good use at every opportunity available. Many times throughout the years there have been emergencies in which a Spanish teacher had an extended leave of absence, unexpectedly had to resign in the middle of the year, never showed up at the beginning of the school year, or quit at an inopportune time, leaving Spanish students without a teacher. Every time, without fail, that Christian Richardson was asked to lend a helping hand, whether it meant teaching his full load as well as giving up his preparation periods or extending his day or split sessions in order to teach additional classes, he did so. He went the extra mile… and this speaks well of his character.”

Writing on behalf of the administration, faculty, staff and students, Jeanette Smith, Principal of the Charlotte Amalie High School said in part: “Mr. Richardson has contributed much to students’ acquisition of a foreign language and this is certainly commendable…He must be proud of his accomplishments.”

Mr. Richardson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in Canada and a Master of Arts degree from the University of the Virgin Islands.

He is an ardent Methodist and serves as chorister and lay preacher. He is married to his Valley Secondary School classmate Edith (formerly Brooks). They have three children: Terrance, Christian Jr. and Joy as well as several grandchildren.

The Anguillian offers every good wish to Mr. Richardson who is held in high esteem at home and thanks him for being a good ambassador for Anguilla.

Christian Richardson

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