The government has named the national green space in The Valley in honour of retired Anguilla public servant William Vanterpool.
The ‘William Vanterpool National Green Space’ recognises his 41 years as a civil servant, including 36 years dedicated to Anguilla’s agriculture and natural resources sector.
A commemorative sign bearing his image was unveiled during the former director of agriculture’s retirement celebration and permanently erected at the public site on 30 July.
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Speaking following the event, Vanterpool said it was a pleasure to have served the people of Anguilla and he thanked the Executive Council for approving the naming of the site.
“It is a recognition well taken – I didn’t say deserved – well taken,” he joked, adding: “I think I did my best. I tried to make sure that agriculture production was lifted.
“And the people of Anguilla, in terms of food production, that they were able to sustain themselves and grow from strength to strength in the farming industry, and I hope that this continues.”
He said he has all confidence in the team at the Department of Agriculture that they will continue to grow agriculture and “see us to real food security”.
Natural resources minister Kyle Hodge thanked Vanterpool for his service and said he looked forward to him continuing in “some form or fashion” in the future.
In a Facebook post, the government congratulated Vanterpool on his retirement and thanked him for his “remarkable contributions” to the development of Anguilla.
“We look forward to seeing him relaxing and enjoying the green space that now proudly bears his name,” it added.
