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Statement and press release
By James (Tiny) Little, ocean rower.
On the 17th of May at three thirty in the afternoon, my three thousand mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean came to an end. Arriving in Antigua was both a relief and a thrill. In 1975 I visited Antigua and experienced a deep affinity for the island and its people.
The welcome I received last week was simply outstanding and was certainly not what I expected. The fleet of boats which I thought was a regatta, but were in fact my escort, was just the first part of an arrival to remember. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who came to meet me, especially The Hon Harold Lovell, Minister of Tourism, who took time from a very busy schedule to welcome me and address the reception in the evening. Yachting liaison officer Mr Andy McDonald played a key part in the ceremonies and I thank him also.
The hospitality and support received by my family and the generous way we have been treated display the human spirit of the island people and for all this we thank you so much. Particular thanks go to the Yacht club of Antigua, the Tot club, Mr. Guy Rowsell, Mr. Chris Harris of the MV Sea Terror, Mrs. Ethelyn Phillips of the Admiral’s Inn, Mr. Mark Boswell of Galleon Beach Resort, Mr. George Clarke of Antigua Yacht Services, Mr. Tino Troje-Tuck of Woodstock Boat Builders, Commander Jack Kerr Royal Navy, and Mr. Paul Lawrence, Deputy High Commissioner.
My wife and I have decided that we would like to donate my boat, the Womble, to the Island of Antigua, in the hope that it will be used as an exhibit in one of the museums, until the museum of ocean rowing is established. It is my hope that a team or individual from Antigua might enter one of the rowing races in the future, and that the Womble be made available to them for that purpose. In that event I will make myself available to offer every assistance.
In conclusion I would like to say that future ocean rowers are in for a wonderful landfall in this tropical paradise and I hope to spend many more happy times here with my family.
James (Tiny) Little
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