Obituary
Obituary, funeral announcement for Alric Lenois Corea
(JTV News) — The funeral service for businessman Alric Lenois Corea is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the New Life Baptist Church in Duffs Bottom on Tortola.
Viewing is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The service will start at 10 a.m. and the interment will take place at Johnson’s Ghut Cemetery.
Mr. Corea, a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who came to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) 55 years ago, died on March 3, 2023, after a long ailment. He was 76.
He was always very industrious. He worked in the hospitality and marine industries for many years, having owned Cay Marine Chandlery, a marine supply store in the late 80s to the early 90s. He also got into real estate in the 80s.
Some 46 years, he saw a need for a cleaning company and established Corea’s Business and Cleaning Services — perhaps one of the first of its kind in the BVI, selling wholesale cleaning products. Today, it is widely known as the premier cleaning company in the Virgin Islands.
Corea’s Business Services recently relocated to their new headquarters in Duff’s Bottom after serving the public faithfully for 29 years from their location in Port Purcell.
Mr. Corea was a visionary businessman and owner of many businesses. He also envisioned and established the first Christian radio station in the BVI — ZKING Radio 100.9 FM.
He was also a strong community-minded individual who supported many sporting events, locally and internationally. He loved and played softball, and cricket and was a strong supporter of basketball and horse race.
He leaves a rich community legacy as a Virgin Islander and as a member of the BVI Investment Club (BVIIC), having been the catalyst for the CCT investment. He truly was an active member and made very significant contributions to the BVIIC during its formative years.
He was a Charter Member and Honorary Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Road Town. He fought for the rights of women to be Rotarians in the BVI.
Mr. Corea was the inspiration for the formation of the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association.
Many describe him as a man with a heart of gold, an ardent philanthropist who gave unreservedly to many charities, mentored many young entrepreneurs, and afforded many various business opportunities.
He was married to the late Judith Titley Corea. He is left to mourn are his 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, his siblings, and extended family in the BVI, St. Vincent, US Virgin Islands, and the BVI community.
Persons may send tributes to actributes@gmail.com and those attending the funeral are asked to wear shades of blue.
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.
Local News
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