Sirens on the vehicles of the Anguilla Police Force and Fire Services screamed a final salute to Governor Alan Huckle on Friday, June 2. He was at the time inside the small Trans Anguilla aircraft as it taxied down the runway for his flight to St. Maarten en-route to Miami.

Governor Huckle waves good-bye

Mr. Huckle, accompanied by his wife and daughter, had just inspected a Guard of Honour comprising contingents from the Royal Anguilla Police Force and the Anguilla Fire Service.

Members of the Government Judiciary and the Clergy at Wallblake Airport

Prior to that, he delivered a short farewell address to the gathering, his voice filled with emotion. “A Governor always has a speech, but this Governor is very sad to leave,” he struggled for words. “[It is good] to see everybody here and to have had so many nice tributes and personal messages of thanks to both us (his wife, Helen, included) but it is really us who ought to thank you.

Members of the Government Judiciary and the Clergy at Wallblake Airport

“We really had a wonderful time in Anguilla. It’s been an honour to serve you; it has been an honour to be your Governor and I wish I had been here for longer, but I hope that the next Governor, Andrew George, will be as welcomed as we were and will work well with you all. Anyhow, I have to go.

Governor Huckle inspecting police

Mr. Huckle with Chief Minister, Deputy Governor & Police Commissioner

I will certainly come and shake all your hands and just say thank you for the friendship, companionship, the kiss of courtesy and the very real kindness that you have extended to myself, Helen and our family. We won’t forget this place. We won’t forget the people who live here. Thank you very much and we are sorry to go.”

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