On the evening of Sunday December 7th 2025, on the beach front, just north of Elvis Restaurant and Bar in Sandy Ground, Avenella K. Griffith introduced to the public her second and newest book in the series Sandy Ground Tales. This new edition, entitled “Fishermen”, portrays a collection of fisher-folk stories indicative of the way of life that historically characterized the quaint sea-fearing village of Sandy Ground – the locality of Anguilla’s commercial seaport.
Through “Fishermen” Avenella relates the experiences of two outstanding Sandy Ground fishermen, namely Edwin “Ed” Carty and Aristo Richardson, as well as – to a lesser extent – Sam Webster, from the eastern fishing village of Island Harbour. And, by virtue of her admiration for the culture on which the sea-loving villagers thrive, Avenella pays tribute to all fisher-folk of Anguilla who are known for providing sustenance from the sea for their families, friends or free enterprise.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Pastor Lesley Richardson, Avenella’s pastor, offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the writing talents of the author. The playing of the National Song was then rendered by renowned saxophonist, Elliot Gumbs.
Moderator of the Ceremony was KCN-TV’s personality, Rosanna Browne, who gave some sterling commentary on “Fishermen”, and applauded Avenella for the fine quality of her new production: “Through these stories, Avenella gently reminds us of her resilience, humility, courage and community spirit – qualities that have always anchored the people of Sandy Ground,” Ms. Browne noted. “In ‘Fishermen’, her work also adds historical meaning, capturing a way of life that is both timeless and evolving, ensuring that future generations could come to know and appreciate the people who cast their nets, not only into the sea for a catch, but into the heart of this island’s cultural identity,” she added.
Congratulatory remarks also came from Ms. Susan Hodge, the Secretary of the Anguilla Fisher-folk Association: “On behalf of the Anguilla Fisher-folk Association, I want to recognize and sincerely thank Avenella for capturing these stories. If we do not write our own stories,” she opined, “someone else will write them for us, and we may no longer be the heroes of our stories.”
The Department of Youth and Culture was instrumental in the publishing of “Fishermen”. Its Director, Avon Carty, also conveyed congratulatory commentary: “Today, I am honoured and excited to be able to bring remarks and congratulations on behalf of my Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, and my team at the Department of Youth and Culture.”
“We have a small budget,” she acknowledged, “but it is still enough to help our local authors write our stories. We want to make sure that when our children read, they are not only reading about ‘windy willows and rivers’ that we can’t relate to, but it is important for our children to read our own stories. Avenella has given us this opportunity, as a people, to have our own stories written in our own voices,” Ms. Carty claimed.
Also on hand for the launch was Pastor Phillip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness) who is a close acquaintance and affiliate of Avenella. He was chosen to present a snippet of the first story from the pages of “Fishermen”, which was a horrific tale of one dreadful day when a few of Sandy Ground’s fishermen chanced to ply in the waters called The North, where other fishermen before them had feared to tread.
To Sandy Ground’s fishermen, The North had presented itself as a kind of invincible Goliath, and on one particular morning in the 1960s, three brave fish-hunters took on the challenge to venture out in The North – in the ominous waters of the Atlantic. But when they failed to return home within a reasonable timeframe, the entire Sandy Ground community got worried and feared The North had devoured them. Sadly, the three had never returned.
So, Pastor Gumbs read: “The North seemingly besieged the Sandy Ground fishermen and filled their hearts with fear. Like Goliath he defied them as if to challenge ‘Ah yuh come out here, if ah yuh so bad!’ His challenge seemed valid, until early one morning, Ed, that one fearless Sandy Ground fisherman, arose to take on the dreaded North. Five hours later, there were great shouts and applause across the village to welcome Ed and his two fellow fishers back into The Bay. Like David, with one throw, Ed had knocked out Goliath cold, cold and chopped off his head…”
Mrs. Rita Celestine Carty, one of Anguilla’s more prolific writers, was designated to present a review of the book.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the second book in the Sandy Ground Tales series is here,” she said. “Avenella K. Griffith has brought out ‘Fishermen’, highlighting the inspiring fishing exploits of Messrs Ed Carty and Aristo Richardson. We know them well, and we love them deeply. But this knowledge and this affection are now lifted to a higher level…We had her book ‘Boatmen’, and once again in ‘Fishermen’, Avenella K. Griffith ensures that stories of Anguilla and its incredible people are indelibly recorded…”
“In this collection of stories,” Mrs. Carty observed, “Avenella reveals the authenticity and rhythm of the language and the idiom. In the first story, the “jargon or fishing lingo tantalizes our ears even when we are not sure of the meaning of her terms like coble boats; sweeps; live-well; frilling the boat; and transom. The themes highlight in true old-fashion the Anguillian traditions of working hard to own your own and looking out for your own…”
Then, in presenting her extensive address, Avenella stated in part: “Thanks to God for Sandy Ground. Here is where I grew up, and I think it is the best. I thank God for depositing in me the privilege to write, so that in generations to come our young ones can read Sandy Ground Tales.”
“This village has hundreds of stories,” she said, “and I give God thanks for allowing me to publish “Fishermen”, the second one in the series, after ‘Boatmen’ which was published back in 2021.” After elaborating much on the journey which brought her to this destination, Avenella voiced her sincere honour and gratitude to all who assisted her in the project in one way or another.
She thanked all of her friends and associates who had helped to make the book become a reality, and she expressed her appreciation to all those who had contributed behind the scenes to make the launch of “Fishermen” such a success, as well as to all who had come out on the Sunday evening to show their support.
Avenella delightfully presented complimentary copies of “Fishermen” in respect of three individual fishermen, who had played an indispensible role in providing her with information for the creation of the book. These included the renowned sea-fearing stalwarts, Ed Carty and Aristo Richardson, as well as William “Uncle” Connor (deceased) whose book was accepted by his caregiver, Marzena Connor, on behalf of his son, Keith in Australia.
A prayer of blessing on the book was offered by Pastor Lindsey Richardson. At the end of the ceremony, several persons went forward to purchase a copy, as well as to patronize the author herself who had creatively made provision for the sale of Anguilla’s “roas fish on de wire”; fried fish; bar-b-qued fish; fish cakes, fried cakes; “roas corn”; johnny cakes; and good “ole-fashioned sugar ‘n water” – familiar delicacies from Anguillian culture.
By: James R. Harrigan