MEMORIES OF NATION BUILDING: A WATERSHED IN MY FAMILY’S HISTORY
The village of John Hughes holds a special place in my family’s history. It is where my grandfather Adolphus Fleming dared to dream big. He left Anguilla for Antigua in the late 1800s to help build Wallings Dam, an innovative structure designed to create a critical water supply for the area.
Although my grandfather passed away at a young age, his legacy lives on. More than 50 years after his death, I was humbled to be assigned to the newly opened John Hughes school in 1964. As a senior teacher alongside my husband Charlesworth Samuel, as head teacher, we resided in the school house overlooking Wallings Dam and forged a strong relationship with the community. The John Hughes school was renamed in 2008 to honor my late husband, as the first principal and long-term parliamentary representative for the area.
The people of John Hughes welcomed my family to their community the same way they welcomed Aldophus Fleming, a labourer from Anguilla many years before. My grandfather’s dreams of creating opportunities for his family have been manifested through my accomplishments. This is a testament of the progress and possibilities that my grandfather had envisioned, when he chose Antigua and Barbuda as his second home.
Wallings Dam remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for me. I find solace amidst the rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. It is a reminder of the lives that my husband and I have touched. It is also a marker for the sacrifices made by labourers like my grandfather, who built this structure which still serves the community today. The lesson for all of us is that with dedication and tireless effort, we can shape our destiny and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Learn more about the rich history and culture of our nation through the pages of my book “Mirie’s Magic Recipe: Loving, Leading, Legacy.” Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2QZL8fk. #miriesmagic#legacybooktour#inspiration#RecipeForLife#NationBuilding#gratefulthankfulblessed#miriesmagic #legacybooktour#inspiration#RecipeForLife#NationBuilding
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