Former British Virgin Island’s Premier Ralph T O’Neal dead at 85

Former British Virgin Island’s Premier Ralph T O’Neal has died. He was 85.

The retired legislator passed away sometime on Monday, November 11.

While announcing his passing in a brief statement on Monday, the family of the decorated politician said, “additional official information will follow”.

His passing comes a little more than a month before his 86th birthday.

O’Neal who hails from Virgin Gorda holds the record as the longest-serving elected representative in the territory and is recognised for his outstanding contributions in service of the British Virgin Islands.

He has served as Chief Minister, Premier, and Opposition Leader throughout his political career.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis has extended his heartfelt sympathy to the people of the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean on O’Neal’s passing.

“The Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE was an inimitable fixture in Caribbean politics and a flag bearer for the economic resiliency and prosperity of small islands,” Prime Minister Harris said today in reflecting on his remarkable legacy.

“We in St. Kitts and Nevis can count ourselves honoured to be inextricably linked to the Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, as he spent some time at one of our elite schools, which served him well as a stepping stone to greatness,” the Prime Minister also said.

“The Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE was responsible for a large swath of development in the BVI, spanning a diverse range of infrastructure and other capital projects, including clinics, police stations, roads, and schools. Indeed, just about every fabric of modern-day BVI society bears his thumbprint,” the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis added, while also noting that O’Neal’s VIP administration was responsible for the awarding of Crown lands that resulted in many BVI residents building their first homes.

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis extends deepest condolences to the Hon. Ralph O’ Neal’s beloved wife, Reverend Edris O’Neal OBE and four children, as well as to their extended family and the people of the BVI who join them in mourning his passing.