The names of three deserving Anguillians, two alive and the other deceased, have been given to three playing fields in Anguilla. The first honouree is Owen Mussington of East End, after whom the Pond Ground playing field has been named. The second honouree is Clarence Fleming Rogers, whose name has been given to the Island Harbour playing field. The third honouree is the late Frederick O. Harrigan, after whom the Welches playing field has been named. The joint ceremony, at Pond Ground, was held on Friday, February 12.

Presentation to Ms. Osbourne (left)

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sports, Youth and Culture, Chanelle Petty-Barrett, said the three persons had made significant contributions to sports development in Anguilla without any fanfare, only quietly doing what they loved to do.

Presentation to Clarence Fleming

Former Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, said it was an honour for the Ministry of Sports to recognise the three persons. He said it was no doubt that Owen Mussington had done a tremendous job, not only at the Pond Ground playing field, but in sports in general throughout Anguilla. He commended him for his contribution to pony league basketball, softball and, in particular, 10/10 cricket which had attracted the participation of many players and onlookers.

Presentation to Owen Mussington

Mr. Rogers paid much tribute to Clarence Fleming-Rogers (Blackie) with whom he had played several cricket matches. He noted that the honouree, who is now handicapped, but travels effectively in a self-propelled wheelchair, was not deterred by his challenges and continued to be actively involved in sports. He described him as a champion, offering hope and success to other persons, and therefore thought it was a fitting honour to him to name the Island Harbour playing field after him. “Anguilla will be a better place with you because of the time and effort that you have put in sports,” Mr. Rogers stated. He commended the honouree for organising the female wind ball cricket team which had been winning the competition for a number of years and which was now set for competing in the region.

In honour of Owen Mussington

Mr. Rogers praised the family of the late Frederick O. Harrigan for their contribution to the development of sports and social activities. He said it was highly commendable that the family had made available the land in Welches for the playing field at a time when land was so expensive and many people were unwilling to donate such property for national development.

In honour of Clarence Fleming

Just retired Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, disclosed that the Government had agreed to purchase some additional land to extend the Pond Ground playing field and to accommodate a suitable building to enhance the recreation grounds. He was pleased that the naming of the three playing fields was the initiative of former Minister of Infrastructure, Kenneth Harrigan who, like himself, has demitted office.

In honour of the late Frederick O. Harrigan

“I have never seen a young man who has taken on the role of looking after the young people in the East End area as Owen and his interest in their development,” Mr. Fleming remarked. He also spoke highly about Clarence Fleming Rogers’ contribution to sports at Island Harbour and recommended that he should receive a stipend from the Government for his work. Speaking about the Welches playing field, Mr. Fleming observed in part: “For a family in Anguilla to give land free of cost to the Government is great undertaken. We have had cases in this country where persons have charged the Government and people of Anguilla for scraps of land which they could have given for the benefit of the island.” He added that the people in Welches, and the island as a whole, should be grateful to the Harrigan’s family. “I think this is a noble gift to the people of Anguilla,” he added.

Short biographies of the honourees were read by Rollins Richardson, Deputy Director of Sports, following which there were presentations to the honourees, who responded with expressions of thanks and commitment. The response on behalf of Frederick Harrigan was delivered by his daughter, Ms. Osbourne, who recounted fond memories of him and his social contribution to the people of Anguilla.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the names of the three playing fields at which the honourees, their families and Government officials were in attendance.

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