ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI - Speaking exclusively to VINO, Mrs. Parsons said she received all of her honours while an active member of the Territory, and the greatest honour for her was being elected by the people to serve in the former Legislative Council.
“I was honoured to know that the people had the confidence to elect me to become a legislator.”
It was indeed a display of much confidence then as Mrs. Parsons was given the distinction of being the first of two female Legislators elected to the Council, the first female Government Minister and the first female Deputy Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands.
Mrs. Parsons revealed to VINO that what people do not understand is that she isn’t looking for honours now as she was privileged to serve the Territory in many ways and enjoyed herself along the way and noted that she was very thankful for the Territory for allowing her to do so.
The distinguished daughter of the soil proudly said she was able to travel the world due to the various posts that she held including as a politician, a member of the Olympic committee and being a part of the BVI Heritage Dance Company, which she founded in 1979. She said some of the countries she was able to set foot on were Germany, Switzerland, United States, Australia, South Korea and Argentina
“I can’t complain. I don’t need any honour. I have been honoured enough. I had a hell of a time travelling all over the world with the Olympic committee and with the dance group. For twenty one years the dance group travelled the world and we were successful every time,” Mrs. Parsons said with a genuine tone of contentment.
Asked to comment on the recent announcement that the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Auditorium would be named in her honour, Mrs Parsons said she heard about the announcement but would give an appropriate comment on it at a later time.
She added, however, that she received a call in January from Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, who told her that Government was making such plans to honour her.
Meanwhile, members of the community including some bloggers on this news site were of the opinion that the honour was insufficient and that she needed to be given something more substantial. Some even suggested an Order of the British Empire (OBE) award.
But Mrs. Parsons said for her it was just good to be alive and even though she has lost both of her legs she gives thanks to God every time she opens her eyes to a new day.
“ My mother died when she was 38 leaving a bunch of us. I am grateful to still be alive.”
She also said she savours every moment when she can look out from where she lives and see Guana Island, St. Croix and Anegada. “I am at peace here in the hills.”
Article taken from Virgin Islands News Online - http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com
British Virgin Islands News