Noel Lloyd story published in UK magazine
Andrea Wilson, said "the national hero’s successful opposition to British developer Kenneth Bates’ Wickham Cay and Anegada development projects in 1968 is told in a 10-page special titled ‘Positive Action Movement’ in the magazine published in Leeds, Northern England. It also appears on the publication’s website."
Using interviews and research material from the documentary, the article explains Bates, now the chairman of Leeds United Football Club, planned exclusive luxury leisure projects which excluded Virgin Islanders, the granting of a 199-year lease to reclaim land on Wickham’s Cay and his desire to control three quarters of Anegada.
Writer Daniel Chapman also dwells on Noel’s legacy, highlighting his activism and sacrifices – the one-man protest in Road Town, forming the Positive Action Movement, organising and leading the historic 1968 march to government house, and his arrest and imprisonment for treason.
Chapman wrote: “When Ken Bates took over his homeland in 1968 Noel Lloyd led the fight to take it back.”
The British writer said his readers now want to know more about Noel.
“The reaction so far has been really good. A lot of people have been surprised that Ken Bates could be an even worse person than they thought; and one person suggested that Noel Lloyd's name should be sung at Leeds United games. People have also asked how they can see the film.”
With the UK a key travel market, this feature is an excellence promotion of the territory’s rich history.
“Noel’s story now has a new audience – the UK. We were approached by the magazine a few months ago and were happy to contribute to the article. Noel’s life was one of selflessness, sacrifice and determination. He played a crucial role in preventing segregation in the Virgin Islands. We are thrilled the accomplishment of this national hero is now known by print and online readers of The Square Ball. The article is insightful and well written and I encourage you all to read it,” says producer Andrea Wilson.
Noel lost his battle with cancer on August 3, 2008 in Florida, United States. In March 2009, his activism was nationally recognised – the Palm Grove Park in Road Town was renamed the Noel Lloyd’s Positive Action Movement Park.
The 90-minute documentary celebrates his amazing life, capturing his experiences growing up in Fahie Hill, Tortola, serving in the Royal Air Force, his African adventures, struggles in business and activism.
NOEL LLOYD: A PATRIOCTIC MAN features revealing interviews with Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Opposition Leader the Hon. Dr Orlando Smith, Ex Governor David Pearey, Noel’s brother Alfred Lloyd, daughter Sarah Lloyd and ex-wife Nerida Cruz-Velez. Other interviewees included Positive Action Movement members Patsy Lake, Wilfred Smith, Musa Mohammed and George Malone along with admirers Deputy Premier, the Hon. Dancia Penn and politicians Mark Vanterpool, Vincent Scatliffe and Sowande Uhuru.
The documentary was successfully launched at U.P’s Cineplex on October 4, 2010 and is now regularly broadcast on JTV Channel 55.
“We did this documentary because we wanted Noel’s legacy preserved. We wanted his fight for equality in the Virgin Islands and personal sacrifices known by the younger generation at a time when young men and women in the territory need more positive role models. This is a man who realised something was wrong and took positive action to protect the rights and future of all Virgin Islanders,” adds producer Amanda Wilson.
On December 3, 2011 Noel would have celebrated his 75th birthday. His legacy lives on.
The production team once again thanks everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project, especially the Lloyd Family and the Social Development Department.
“Foundations have to be built for the coming generations and some of us have to make sacrifices.” - NOEL LLOYD, 1999.
2 Responses to “Noel Lloyd story published in UK magazine”