The Pockwood Pond power plant was renamed the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station during a ceremony on May 4. It is important to place this ceremony in perspective. As a youngster, this writer became acquainted with Mr. Smith — who is known as Freddie — through his uncle, Marshall Davies, who is now deceased. This writer was one of three commuting pioneers who first drove to the then Virgin Islands Secondary School in 1956. Mr. Davies also came to the VI Secondary School, and he was the classmate of this writer, as well as his God-brother and close cousin. This writer got to know “Big Fred,” or “Freddie,” and his schoolmate — now Premier Dr. Orlando Smith — as well as their mother, the late Eldra Smith, and the rest of the family. Mr. Smith’s father, the late Joshua Smith, and this writer always hailed each other, and he always asked about this writer’s parents, Maxwell and Floreca Lettsome, who are now deceased. Then one day Joshua Smith said to this writer, “The reason I always ask about your father is that as young men we were sailors on a boat off Puerto Rico and the rudder got out of place. Both of us were sent overboard and were fortunate to hang back the rudder.” This writer’s father confirmed this story. However, this writer always shuddered to think about this account, because this is one of the deepest parts of the ocean. This incident reinforces the fact that sailors of the VI are indeed some of the most skilful in the world.
‘Freddie’ Smith
Eventually, this writer got to know Freddie Smith, and we talked and chatted. He always had a smiling countenance, and was gentle and kind. Soon Freddie’s engineering skills were put to the test. During the 1960s and 1970s, Virgin Islanders bought many second-hand vehicles, especially from neighbouring St. Thomas. There were some engine woes, and he used his engineering skills to fix as many of these vehicles as possible. This writer recalls one evening on the West End road when Freddie was going from car to car trying to assist. He also assisted fixing this writer’s famous Volkswagen Bug. Most often, he did not charge anything and displayed that old VI neighbourly spirit and kind character. He was referred to frequently as the Good Samaritan. Whenever this writer sees or meets Freddie, he always hails him.
Electricity work
Freddie worked for some 49 years in electricity, starting in about 1965. Positions he held at the power station included mechanic, mechanic foreman, technical supervisor, assistant superintendent, electrical supervisor and plant manager. This alone is a sterling contribution indeed, and coupled with his community outreach work Freddie is well deserving to have the power plant named in his honour.
Unfortunately, this writer could not attend the renaming ceremony at Pockwood Pond because he had made previous plans to travel overseas. However, on a talk show he promised Freddie’s cousin Douglas Wheatley that he would write an article in his honour.
Pockwood Pond
In the old days, visiting Pockwood Pond was a challenge for this writer: It seemed so far away. One day in the 1950s his mother wanted the family to see their adventurous cousin — William “Pepper Sauce” Malone, who is now deceased — try out a tractor there, but transportation difficulties prevented them from doing so. Pepper Sauce is probably the pioneering chauffer of the Blackburne Highway. Once after the road was bulldozed, he drove a vehicle and with pick and shovel levelled the road for his vehicle to pass, eventually reaching a harvest at the East End Methodist Church.
Now there is a power station in Pockwood Pond, named in honour of a good friend and dedicated Virgin Islander. This name will stand out. This writer hopes that the story behind the name of Henry Wilfred Smith will be told, and that it will be an inspiration to Virgin Islanders and all others.
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