PM sends message of condolence to BVI Premier
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At-Large Representative, the Hon. Irene O’Neal pays her last respects to the late Hon. Waldo O’Neal as his body lies in state in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly |
ST. KITTS, JANUARY 13TH 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has dispatched a message of condolence to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, the Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, on the recent death of his brother, the late Waldo O’ Neal.
The late Waldo O’Neal, a former legislator, died at his home in The Valley, Virgin Gorda, on December 25th, two weeks before his 95th birthday.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and on my own behalf, I extend deepest sympathy to you and the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands on the recent passing of your elder brother, the Honourable Waldo O’Neal,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“As a former legislator of the then Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands, representing what was then the Fifth District, the late Mr. O’Neal has made a sterling contribution to the social, economic and political development not only of Virgin Gorda, but also the entire Virgin Islands. He will be sorely missed. Please convey the condolences to other members of the family,” Prime Minister Douglas said in his message to Premier O’Neal.
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Deputy Governor and former Speaker, Mrs. Inez Archibald (left) expresses sympathy to Premier the Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal (right) as her husband Dr. Joseph S. Archibald (center) looks on (Platinum News Photos) |
The late Waldo O’Neal represented Virgin Gorda and Anegada in the Legislative Council – the precursor to the House of Assembly – from 1957 to 1960.
A memorial service and public vieing were held at the House of Assembly on Tortola, a public viewing at the Ashford Waters Community Center on Virgin Gorda and the official funeral at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in The Valley.
Mr. O’Neal was known for bringing crucial services to his district in his short time in the legislature. During his term, mail delivery service came to VG, and Anegada got its first stationed nurse and paved roads, according to a biography in “Empowerment Through Representation,” a government publication commemorating 50 years of self-governance in the Virgin Islands.
Mr. O’Neal is survived by one son, Ettiene and enjoyed reading and sports, especially cricket, acc according to the government biography.