Premier Joins in Mourning the Loss of Former BVI Legislator

~~Adz:Left~~Roadtown Tortola: Monday, August 18 – Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has joined the people of the Virgin Islands (UK) in mourning the loss of former legislator, Mr. Leslie Malone who will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 23rd.

Mr. Malone, who served as a member of the Legislative Council from 1954 – 1963 died last Tuesday, August 12th at the Peebles Hospital in Road Town.

Reflecting on the life of a man who contributed so significantly to the overall development of the Territory, the Premier described Mr. Malone as “one of the founding fathers of the nation.”

Mr. Malone was first elected as representative for the fourth district in 1954 and upon his re-election in 1957 he was appointed Member for Trade and Production.

According to the Premier, Mr. Malone was “a most responsible and committed legislator.” The Premier said he also had the privilege of working with Mr. Malone as an Administrative Secretary and described him a ‘young dynamo’ who was a force to be reckoned with in his service to the Government and people of the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Malone is widely regarded as the catalyst that helped propel the Territory towards establishing the measures that help to stimulate and sustain the economic stability and prosperity the islands enjoy today.

His involvement was multi-dimensional and included among other things, contribution to the process of constitutional advancement which led to the ministerial form of government, participation in the acquisition of land for the Beef Island Airport., the drafting of legislation, specifically the Aliens Land Holding Regulation Act 1960 and securing the permission of the United Kingdom Government to use the US dollar as legal tender.

Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of the Territory, the Premier extended his sincere condolences to the family of the late Leslie Malone.