The 17-year-old certified private pilot from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Granville T. Smith Jr. (Theo), has added a letter from the four Ministers of the Government of Anguilla to his collections with respect to his flight to ten Caribbean Islands last month.

Pilot presents gifts to CM Fleming and Honourable Victor Banks

The 11th grade youngster, with an ‘A’ average at the Tutu Church of God Academy, left St. Thomas on August 18 for Aruba on his 10-island hop and returned to St. Thomas on August 31 after flying into Anguilla from Antigua earlier that day.

He was welcomed at Wallblake Airport by Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, and Minister of Finance, Victor Banks. They told him he was an excellent example to young people, every where, and that he should continue to set and achieve goals. He presented them with bags containing the official flag of the US Virgin islands and other associated paraphernalia of State.

Welcome party of friends and others

A number of other Anguillians, (including Quincy Gumbs’ family who knew the young pilot and his family) were also on hand to welcome him.

Before leaving Anguilla, Theo Smith, who was accompanied on his two-engine Aztec aircraft by his father, Granville Smith, and one of his flight instructors, obtained a letter of commendation and best wishes from the Government.

Mr. Quincy Gumbs tags pendant

The letter, signed by Chief Minister Fleming, Ministers Victor Banks, Kenneth Harrigan and Evans Rogers, read as follows:
“On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, we would like to extend a warm and friendly welcome to you to our beautiful island.

“We further commend and congratulate you on this very important milestone in your short career and express the hope that as you continue to live your dream that everything that is possible will be achieved.

“Your decision to embark on such an important milestone in your life is extremely gratifying and is seen as a role model to the young people not only of Anguilla but the entire region as a whole and it augurs well for the belief that one can achieve anything one wants to so once the mindset continues to be a positive one.
“Continue to live your dream and may God bless you as you proceed on your journey.”

The Anguilla Government was pleased to hear that Cleophas Hodge, an Anguillian Flight Instructor in St. Thomas, and Kurby Hodge, an Anguillian pilot also in St. Thomas, were instrumental in Theo’s success as a pilot.

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