Obituary
BVI says farewell to businessman, public servant Elihu Rhymer
(JTV News) — A funeral service for businessman and veteran public servant, Elihu Rudolph Rhymer, was held on Saturday, March 4 at the North Sound Methodist Church on Virgin Gorda.
Rhymer passed away at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town on Feb. 4 at the age of 80.
The devout Methodist was born in Virgin Gorda and grew up in North Sound. Up to the time of this death, he was also a resident of Butu Mountain on Tortola.
Notable Accomplishments:
* Attended college in Antigua and Barbuda
* Headmaster at St. Mary’s School in The Valley, Virgin Gorda
* Earned Bachelor’s Degree at Mt. Allison University, Canada in 1971
* Earned Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Economic Development at Carleton University, Canada in 1972
* Administrative Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office
* Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, 1974-1976.
* Chairman, BVI Tourist Board, for 16 years
* Chairman, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College board, for four years
* Operated Josiahs Bay Cottages, BVI Development Consultants, and Best Vacations Imaginable
* Earned Queen’s British Empire Medal for contributions to the community in 2018
* Public commentator: articles in local newspapers and commentary on local talk shows
Elihu Rhymer is survived by his wife, Dr. Patricia Rhymer Todman; son, Brian Rhymer; and daughter, Kimeli Rhymer Hanley.
He is also survived by son-in-law, Collin Hanley; grandchildren, Nikesha Rhymer, Keila Rhymer, Zevadiah Rhymer, Amia Rhymer Hanley; great-grandchildren, K’Mani Rhymer Helliger, K’Moi Rhymer Helliger; brother, Daniel Harrigan; mother-in-law, Doris W. Todman; brothers-in-law, Terence A. Todman, Michael A. Todman; sisters-in-law, Lucia Harrigan, Jenny Coleman Harrigan, Iris Harrigan, Lynn Todman; nieces, Rosalie Skelton, Yvonne Horton, Sandra Harrigan, Diane Harrigan, Sherry Williams, Cheryl Harrigan-Huyghue, Hazel Harrigan, Hazel Harrigan Grey, Sharlene Harrigan, Telesia Richards, Enid James, Natasha Harrigan, Melanie Todman, Jasmine, Browne-Lambert, Laura Browne-Lambert, Amy Browne, Elizabeth Mahaffy, Tshocha Jannean Coleman, Nefratia Jennie Altamirano; nephews, Ashburn Harrigan, Henry Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Roystin Harrigan, Ray Harrigan, Clive Harrigan, Ken Harrigan, Ottnel Kuntz Harrigan, Eugene Harrigan, Leal Harrigan, Roberto Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Wilburn Harrigan, Jeremiah Browne, Joshua Browne, Joseph Browne, Sean Todman, Robert Stern, Ramos Edward Coleman; special niece, Lynette Harrigan, MBE; special nephew, Clayton Harrigan and numerous cousins, godchildren and special friends.
Local News
Virgin Islands Mourn the Loss of Healthcare Pioneer, Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE
The Virgin Islands are in mourning following the passing of Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE, a trailblazer in the healthcare sector and a pivotal figure in the evolution of mental health care in the Territory. The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, led the tributes, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of a community stalwart whose contributions to healthcare will be remembered for generations.
Mrs. Georges, who held the distinction of being the Territory’s first psychologist and mental health/psychiatric nurse, played a transformative role in advancing mental health services. After furthering her education overseas, she returned to the Virgin Islands to establish the Community Mental Health Programme in 1972, an initiative that brought much-needed follow-up care to patients within the community. Her leadership emphasized preventative, continuity, and rehabilitative care, elements that helped the programme gain recognition as a model system by the Pan American Health Organization.
“She was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for mental health care,” said Dr. Wheatley. “Her influence on healthcare, especially in the mental health sector, has left an indelible mark on our community.”
Mrs. Georges was instrumental in founding the Mental Health Association in 1975 and was a mentor to countless nurses across the Territory. Many nurses recall her as a pivotal figure in their careers, often crediting her with providing them their start and encouraging further education and professional development. As Chief Nursing Officer from 1987 to 1994, she played an active role in regional and international nursing organizations, including the Caribbean Nurses Organisation and the International Council of Nurses, where her advocacy helped elevate the standards of nursing care in the Virgin Islands.
A stalwart in nursing and healthcare, Mrs. Georges served as a founding member of the BVI Nurses Association, where she held several key positions, including president and secretary. Her involvement in the Caribbean Nursing Association further solidified her reputation as a leader and advocate for nurses in the region, steering local nursing practices towards greater effectiveness and professionalism.
Mrs. Georges’ influence extended beyond the Virgin Islands, as her work and advocacy opened numerous doors for nurses locally and abroad. Her efforts to obtain membership in the International Council of Nurses ensured that nurses from the Territory could benefit from global advancements in the field. Colleagues describe her as approachable, deeply caring, and steadfast in her commitment to patient care and higher education.
Even in retirement, Mrs. Georges remained connected to the field she loved, taking a keen interest in ongoing developments within nursing. Her legacy also includes contributions as an editor and writer for various government publications, where she documented the history and progress of healthcare in the Virgin Islands.
Mrs. Georges’ impact on the Virgin Islands was profound and far-reaching, touching lives locally, regionally, and internationally. She is remembered as a dedicated public servant whose work was driven by a passion for excellence and compassion for others.
The Territory extends its heartfelt condolences to her children, Noni and Kamau, her granddaughter, Eden, her siblings, and the extended Frett and Malone families.
Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges’ legacy will endure, her name forever etched in the history of the Virgin Islands as a pioneer in healthcare and a champion for mental health and nursing excellence.
Local News
Gertrude Callwood, Beloved Owner of Gertrude’s Beach Bar, Passes Away at 78
Gertrude Aloma Callwood, the heart and soul behind Gertrude’s Beach Bar, passed away today, August 18, at the age of 78. Born on March 9, 1946, Gertrude was a beloved figure in the Jost Van Dyke community, known for her warm hospitality, infectious smile, and the welcoming atmosphere she cultivated at her famous beach bar.
In a heartfelt Facebook post shared by her family earlier today, they announced the sad news: “Good day beautiful family and friends of Mama Gertrude of Gertrude’s Beach Bar. It is with sad news that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, sister, aunt, granny, friend.”
They continued by asking for the community’s support: “Please, we are asking if you have any memories or pictures of Mama Gertrude to please flood her timeline at this moment. Thank you. May the memories of her passionate love remain in our hearts forever.”
For decades, Gertrude’s Beach Bar was more than just a place to grab a drink or enjoy the ocean breeze; it was a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, where people felt like family. Mama Gertrude, as she was affectionately known, had a way of making everyone feel at home, and her legacy will surely live on in the stories and photos that will now fill her online memorial.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Jost Van Dyke, but her spirit will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of the island’s culture. As the community grieves, they also celebrate a life lived with love, laughter, and a deep connection to the people around her.
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