By: Curtis Morton
A moment of silence, called by the Minister of Sports on Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley and stirring tributes in honour of two fallen Anguillan racers, formed part of the activities involved in the Independence Drag Race event for 2013.
It was the fifth year of existence for the Nevis Drag Racing Unit and the grand 30th anniversary of Independence for the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis and it promised to be an event of events.
However, hours before the grand Drag race event, the sad news was received that two of the Drag racers out of Anguilla, had died tragically in a vehicle accident, even as they made final preparations for their much anticipated trip to Nevis.
Silwood Connor and Marlon Harrigan were both known to the Drag Racing fans on Nevis and would have provided tremendous entertainment value at the St.James’Raceway in the past.
Hon. Mark Brantley spoke to their sterling contributions to the sport and expressed condolences to the people of Anguilla on behalf of the people of Nevis.
The man in charge of the local Drag Racing Unit, Mervyn Bennett also expressed condolences on behalf of the Unit and the Drag Racers.
Long serving Track Steward, Nicki Williams also had fond memories of the competitive spirit of the two athletes and so too did Kurt Swanston who himself would have witnessed many scenes of wreckages due to his involvement with his wrecker service.
An impressive contingent of Drag Racers; Mechanics and other personnel intimately involved with the sport of Drag racing, then walked silently down the track, led by Minister Brantley, in a moving silent tribute to the two fallen racers.
The moment of silence was also observed by the fair sized crowd in attendance.