Finally … PAM founder gets due recognition

Palm Grove Park to be renamed in Lloyd’s honour

"It is an honour given by the British Virgin Islands Government and the people in appreciation, gratitude and love of the great, great job that Mr. Lloyd did for all of us," the Premier said. While pinning Mr. Lloyd, the Premier congratulated him and said, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

The Premier also announced that as a tribute to Lloyd, his Government will rename the Palm Grove Park, "The Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park." The Premier said he will soon take a motion to the House of Assembly to propose the name change.

From a citation His Excellency the Governor David Pearey prepared for the occasion, the Premier read that, "In the 1960s the Bates-Hill Company of Britain bought out the local owner of an island in Road Town harbour called Wickham’s Cay. Bates-Hill then signed an agreement with the local government, giving the firm permission to reclaim the area around the Cay, on the basis of a 199 year lease, as well as control of three quarters of Anegada. Opposition to the agreement began to build almost at once. But to succeed the critics needed a leader. In 1968 Noel Lloyd formed the Positive Action Movement (PAM) to oppose the development."

In attendance to congratulate. Lloyd was also Fifth District Representative Honourable Elvis Harrigan who said, "This event really formed a big part of the history of the British Virgin Islands because of Lloyd and the Positive Action Movement. One of the most valuable lands in the BVI belongs to BVIslanders because of their efforts."

Patsy Lake, a founding member of PAM, recounted the work of the PAM and said that it was a great honour to attend in support of her dear brother and friend.

Although he is unable to speak clearly, Lloyd, in his response, thanked everyone and said that it is a privilege for him to be able to share this happiness with his family and friends. Other speakers included Lloyd’s daughter Sarah Lloyd Gomez who thanked the government and people of the British Virgin Islands for the timely recognition of her father’s courage, sacrifice and vision.

Premier O’Neal presented Lloyd with the books "Life Notes" by J. R. O’Neal and "Memoirs of H. R. Penn". O’Neal also presented the management of the Health Care Centre with signed copies of the textbook "Primary Social Studies - The British Virgin Islands" in which Lloyd is featured as a local BVI hero.

Management, staff and residents came out in great numbers to witness the ceremony honouring Lloyd. Administrator Wendy Stoutjesdijk said that the event will be long remembered at the Health Center and they are indeed honoured to have such an outstanding resident in Lloyd.

Noel Lloyd was born in the British Virgin Islands in 1936. He served in the Royal Air Force, in the late 1950s and early 1960s after which he lived for four years in Kenya where he owned a tool-making plant before returning to the BVI in the mid 1960s. He has two daughters Sarah Lloyd Gomez and Michelle Lloyd.

The Award of Certificate and Badge of Honour is presented to a Virgin Islander who, among other things, has performed an outstanding act of bravery while placing his or her life at risk in the process.

In 1999, the BVI StandPoint, then the Pennysaver, ran a three-part story of PAM by Ndigo Naka. At the end of the series, a group of concerned citizens, including the writer and Publisher of StandPoint Elton Callwood, presented a National Heroes Award to Noel Lloyd and Lindy ‘aka Ras Uhuru’ DeCastro who had passed away the same year.

The group felt that recognition delayed was recognition denied and did not feel they had to wait for Government’s action to acknowledge and recognise the leaders of the Positive Action Movement.