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.

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“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.

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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.

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In addition to his passion for sailing, Warner was one of the key players behind the most recent North Drop Fishing Tournament held on Virgin Gorda, further cementing his legacy in the local maritime community.

The club shared that a memorial service will be held soon on Jost Van Dyke. “We at the West End Yacht Club are deeply saddened to report the recent passing of Thomas Warner,” the announcement read, closing with a heartfelt farewell: “Godspeed Tom.”

The management and staff of JTV and Jahphix extend heartfelt condolences to his family. He was not only a valued business associate for many years, but also became a dear friend.

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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.

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In the heart of the Virgin Islands, a beacon shone bright,
A queen of our culture, a guiding light.
With wisdom and grace that inspired so many,
Her voice was a chorus, a melody, uncanny.

Ms. “P,” as she’s fondly known,
A legacy of strength, in each heart she’s sown.
Through valleys of history, she walked with pride,
A storyteller, a leader, with courage as her guide.

At ninety-five years, her journey drew near,
Yet, her spirit lives on, in each joyful tear.
From the shores of Tortola to the skies above,
We honor her grace, her wisdom, and love.

In every tradition, in every song sung,
Her essence surrounds us, forever young.
So let us gather, in remembrance sublime,
To celebrate a life that transcends time.

Though today we grieve, let us also rejoice,
For in our hearts, we still hear her voice.
With gratitude and love, we bid her adieu,
Ms. Elleene L. Parsons, forever we’ll honor you.

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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.

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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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