ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 26th, 2012 – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has extended condolences to the family of the Territory’s first Supervisor of Education, Mr. Thomas Green.
Mr. Green who passed last week will be laid to rest on Friday, July 27 in the United Kingdom.
In a letter to his wife, Premier Smith wrote: “The people of the British Virgin Islands owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Green for his tremendous contribution to the educational advancement of our Territory. He helped to lay the foundation for the growth and development of our society.”
Premier Smith explained, “Mr. Green is deservingly a BVI hero in his own right and is one of the greatest benefactors of BVI history, having made a substantial contribution to the BVI’s national archives.”
In the letter, Honourable Smith also thanked Mr. Green’s son, Sir David Green, for donating his father’s film footage which was recorded in the 1940s and 50s. “The footage is considered to be the Territory’s most prized historical possession and national treasure, and for which we will be forever grateful.”
In remembering his personality, Premier Smith expressed his delight with Mr. Green’s kind character and the enduring friendships he forged with the people of the Territory.
Honourable Smith expressed his regret in not being able to attend the funeral, but noted, “I have asked my Government’s United Kingdom Representative Mr. Kedrick Malone to convey on my behalf and the people of the Territory, our deep feelings of sadness on his passing that is only rivalled by our great appreciation for Mr. Green and all he did for the BVI.”
Premier Smith concluded the letter, “I extend my condolences to you and the wider Green family and pray that God grants you all comfort during this time of mourning.”
Mr. Thomas Green served as the Territory’s first Supervisor of Education from 1943 to 1950 and used his personal camera to film various sceneries from 1947 to 1949. The footage was donated to the Territory, which prompted several showings locally and in the United Kingdom.
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