BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened by the passing of the former Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Hon. Ralph Telford O’Neal.
O’Neal, who was the longest serving elected Representative in the BVI;s history, died on Monday (Nov. 11).
In a message of condolence to the Premier of the BVI, the Hon. Andrew Fahie. CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque recalled: “Mr. O’Neal’s long and invaluable service to the territory was highlighted by his becoming its first Premier when the constitution was amended in 2007.”
He noted that O’Neal had also previously served twice as Chief Minister and three times as Leader of the Opposition.
“The depth of respect that Mr. O’Neal earned was evidenced by the praises showered on him by all sides of the political divide when he became the first member of the House of Assembly in recent Virgin Islands history to have been bestowed with the title of Member Emeritus,” the Secretary-General said.
“The contribution to his beloved BVI spanned much more than politics as he was involved in business, sport and virtually all aspects of the life of the territory,” he added.
Ambassador LaRocque reminded that the former Premier’s voice was also heard in support of regional integration, both at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and CARICOM.”
“On behalf of the Community, I express deep condolences to his wife, Mrs. Edris O’Neal, OBE, and his family and to the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands. The territory has lost an iconic figure”, the Secretary-General said.
