The Department of Education held a tribute ceremony this week in honour of cherished educator, leader and mentor Yolande Richardson who passed away earlier this year.
Conducted at Bethel Methodist Church in South Hill on 19 February, the vibrant event was a celebration of the former chief education officer’s achievements over her long career.
Government officials, education department staff, teachers and students gathered along with Mrs Richardson’s family and friends to pay their respects.
During the event, students sang songs and read poems in recognition of her love for the arts, while current and former educators took to the stage with musical tributes.
Others shared memories of their former colleague in a video played during the ceremony, offering heartfelt tributes to her lasting impact on both education and the community.
Chief education officer Bren Romney described Mrs Richardson to those gathered as “a visionary, a mentor and, for many of us, a guiding force”.
He said her influence extended far beyond the walls of the classroom into “every fabric of our society” and her contributions to education in Anguilla are unparalleled.
Officiating at the event were Pastor Phillip Gumbs, president of the Anguilla Evangelical Association and teacher at Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, and Reverend Candis Niles, local Methodist Presbyter and tourism education coordinator at the Department of Education.
Watch the ceremony in full here.
Department of Education tribute
Mrs Yolande Richardson was a distinguished leader who devoted her life to public service, most especially in the areas of education and personal development.
During her 32-year tenure with the Department of Education from 1969 to 2001, she consistently built an extraordinary career serving with distinction as a teacher, graduate teacher, principal, education officer – curriculum, and ultimately as chief education officer.
Throughout her professional life, she achieved several firsts, most notably, appointment as the first sixth form teacher in 1969 at the then Valley Secondary School.
Then in 1986, appointment as the first principal of the newly-launched Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS), and in 1990, appointment as the first education officer – curriculum.
Her contribution was instrumental in key areas including the launch of a more inclusive, comprehensive approach to education in Anguilla, the strengthening of information technology and science in the curriculum, and the development of the in-service training programme for primary school teachers.
Her leadership extended beyond the classroom and the Department of Education.
She demonstrated an abiding interest in development of youth and women across the wider community in her roles in the Girls Brigade, the Anguilla National Council of Women, the Soroptimists, the Anguilla Progressive Association of New York (APANY) and the Methodist Church, most latterly in the project for restoration of the Bethel Methodist Church.
Her decades of dedication shaped not only the education system but also the lives of countless students and educators across Anguilla.
Moreover, after retirement she continued to serve in education and public service.
She was a valued member of the board of governors of the Anguilla Community College, served on the Public Service Commission and was a meticulous invigilator for the annual CXC exams.
Mrs Richardson was perhaps an archetype of today’s modern woman, pulling together family life, community commitment, a meaningful career and also creating space especially in later life for what was perhaps, her first love – the English language.
Not only was she a sponsor of a Graduation Award for the top student in English B at ALHCS, she was also a poet, a consistent and enthusiastic participant and supporter of the annual Malliouhana Poetry Competition.
Mrs Yolande Richardson’s distinguished leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, attention to detail, love of language and passion for learning will forever be remembered and cherished.
Her legacy remains a cornerstone of the Department of Education and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
