Obituary
BVI says farewell to businessman, public servant Elihu Rhymer
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
Flags to Be flown at half-mast Across the Virgin Islands to Honour Former Legislator Emogene Creque
Official flags across the British Virgin Islands will be flown at half-mast on 26 September 2025 in honour of Mrs. Emogene Augusta Creque, a former member of the Territory’s legislative body and one of its most senior citizens.
The Premier’s Office announced the tribute, noting that Creque served in the House of Assembly, then known as the Legislative Council, as the only temporarily appointed member to substitute for Joseph R. O’Neal during his absence.
Creque, who turned 100 years old on 22 July 2019, was recognised by the Government of the Virgin Islands as part of its tradition of honouring “golden citizens.” On her centenary, she was presented with a $5,000 cheque and a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II, along with visits from senior government officials including then–Minister for Health and Social Development the late Carvin Malone and then–Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Hon. Vincent Wheatley.
Government officials said the half-mast observance will honour Creque’s service in public life and her legacy as a respected member of the Virgin Islands community.
Junior Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith on Sept. 15 extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands following the death of Jeavon Sasso, a singer, songwriter and recording artist with ties to both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
“Sasso, as he was affectionately called, was a true Virgin Islands cultural icon,” Hodge-Smith said in her statement. “His musical contributions and legacy will forever be remembered, as his music was well-received, appreciated, and enjoyed throughout the Virgin Islands.”
Sasso performed for many years at the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, appearing with groups such as Jam Band, Poizon Band and Karnage Band, as well as under his own name.
Hodge-Smith described his passing as a loss to the wider Virgin Islands entertainment community. “The Greater Virgin Islands have lost a musical giant, whose death will sadly impact the entertainment world of both territories,” she said.
Ruben Henry, widely known in the calypso community as “King Henry,” has died. He passed away on Sunday, July 20, in Trinidad and Tobago, according to a statement from one of his sons.
Condolences are extended to his loved ones by the management and staff of Jahphix Signs and JTV.
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