'Special cadre' of horse racing stalwarts honoured
The persons honoured were Rita Francis, William I. Rymer, Mark Simmonds, Granville Christopher, John ‘Foncie’ Nibbs and Winfred Maduro.
The many persons that turned up for the occasion to show their support for the honourees were blessed to have four of the honourees in attendance- Francis, Simmonds, Christopher and Nibbs, while Maduro and Rhymer were represented by relatives.
Among those that attended the luncheon were Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Second District Representative Hon Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), former legislator Eileene L. Parsons OBE and former US Virgin Islands’ Democratic Party gubernatorial contender Moleto A. Smith Jr.
A booklet was also done by the VI Horse Owners Association which gave a brief but valuable history of horse racing in the Virgin Islands and which spoke about the contributions made by the honourees to the sport.
Mr Maduro, Mr Christopher, Mr Rhymer and Mr Simmonds were also horse owners, who would have been involved in the sport since it used to take place in Lower Estate. Ms Francis and Mr Nibbs sold food at horse races with Ms Francis being well known for her patties, whelks and conch and Mr Maduro being famous for his fry fish and Johnny cakes.
All of the honourees were considered a store house of history on horse racing, a sport that they love with a passion.
Special cadre of persons
Premier Smith in his congratulatory message said from its inception, many Virgin Islanders have contributed in various ways to the development of horseracing over the years, however, the persons being honoured were a special cadre of persons who have dedicated their time, talent, expertise and services to ensure that a high level of horse races can be provided.
“Messrs Mark Simmonds, William Rhymer and Winifred Maduro are noted as pioneer horse owners in the Virgin Islands; and Ms Rita Francis, along with John Nibbs, have laboured in love for many years to provide patrons, supporters and horse race enthusiasts with tasty local dishes at the track.”
Hon Walwyn said: “Ellis Thomas Downs has been and continues to exude an overall aura of gaiety with jubilant crowds from all over the Greater Virgin Islands as our local horses compete with those horses from our neighbours in the United States Virgin Islands. Horse racing is an integral part of our culture and I can rightfully say that the sport would not have been as successful as it is now had it not been for the contributions made by the individuals being honoured today.”
Congratulations were also extended to the honourees and organisors of the luncheon by Hon Fraser, during his very brief remarks.
According to Patsy C. Lake, a series of luncheons are planned for the balance of the year to pay tribute to and offer congratulations to the horse racing stalwarts, with the next one to be on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016.
“Horse racing is called the King of Sports and in the Virgin Islands we promoted the sport to its highest level. As we salute William Rhymer, Winifred Maduro, Rita Francis, Granville Christopher, John ‘Foncie’ Nibbs, Mark Simmonds, I wish them heart felt congratulations and I look forward for their continued support for years to come.
“We are proud of what you have done. May God continue to bless you all,” Lake said.
Two horses were then made to "breeze" around the track in honour of the VI horse racing stalwarts being recognised and then they took a photo with only one of the horses in the winners’ circle as the other horse was more interested in a real race.
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