The House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands has announced the passing of Mrs. Eileene Lucia Parsons, OBE, a former legislator and revered public servant whose career helped shape the modern political and cultural landscape of the Territory.
Mrs. Parsons, a longtime member of the former Legislative Council, held several key leadership roles over the course of her public service career, including Minister for Health, Education and Welfare, Deputy Premier, and Deputy Speaker. She holds the historic distinction of being the first woman appointed as a government minister in the Virgin Islands.
Up until her passing, Mrs. Parsons remained active in matters concerning the House of Assembly. She was most recently serving on a sub-committee advising on the upcoming 75th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Virgin Islands’ Legislature, underscoring her ongoing commitment to public life.
In a statement issued by the House of Assembly, officials paid tribute to Mrs. Parsons’ decades of service and her groundbreaking contributions to governance and cultural development in the Territory. “Her passing marks the silencing of a significant and powerful voice in the history and cultural narrative of the Virgin Islands,” the statement read. “Her unwavering commitment to the advancement of our community and exemplary public service has left an enduring legacy.”
In addition to her legislative accomplishments, Mrs. Parsons was widely recognized for her work in promoting the arts, heritage, and civic engagement throughout the Virgin Islands. Her leadership, professionalism, and advocacy for democratic principles earned her respect across political and generational lines.
The House of Assembly has extended its condolences to Mrs. Parsons’ family, colleagues, and the wider community, many of whom were touched by her decades of service and enduring spirit.
