STATEMENT BY

DAVID D. ARCHER, JR

DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

ON

THE PASSING OF MS. EILEENE L. PARSONS, OBE

Like many of you across the Virgin Islands and wider, I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our radiant daughters, Ms. Eileene Lucia Parsons, OBE.

Ms. Parsons’ life embodied a call to service and was the true representation of a heart filled with love. Love for us, love for these shores we call home and love for the future of these Virgin Islands.

As one of the first women to serve in the Legislative Council and the first woman to serve as a Minister of Government, Ms. Parsons long had a vision for the development and future of the Virgin Islands and she was unwavering in her pursuit of championing change for our people.  As her representative career progressed, she served as Deputy Chief Minister and also Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council. Today, she is remembered as a pioneer, trailblazer and the first to accomplish incredibly inspiring feats, this distinguishes her as an example of excellence for our women and girls.

‘Ms. P’ as we affectionately knew her, also had a profound love and appreciation for our culture. As one of our cultural icons, she was a fierce and unapologetic advocate, dedicated to the preservation of culture through education. Whether it be through the founding of the BVI Heritage Dancers or as a consistent voice for the protection of our values, Ms. Parsons’ contributions to building the Virgin Islands we see today will never go unnoticed.

Today, the Auditorium within the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College bears her name. It was Ms. Parsons who along with Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt, championed the development of an institution to provide our students with the option to locally pursue tertiary education. Her name, legacy and life is etched into the annals of our history, and stands tall as a testament to her willingness to serve in the hopes for a brighter future for us all.

Her recognition as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order for British Empire (OBE) also speaks boldly to the impact of her service to the people of the Virgin Islands. It is evidence that locally and abroad, Ms. P’s impact could not be bypassed and was felt as an undeniable driving force for our growth and development.

Throughout her life, Ms. Parsons inspired us all to pursue a better, stronger Virgin Islands. She was unrelenting in her fight for change, and so, we must now take up this great mantle and carry her spirit with us as we work collectively to drive her vision for a Virgin Islands that looks like what our forefathers and children envision.

On behalf of the Public Service, my family and the wider Virgin Islands, I offer sincere condolences to her family, friends and those who knew her dearly.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.