Edwin A. George: Virgin Gorda businessman, pioneer & patriot dies
He passed away at a Florida, USA medical facility at the age of 76, having been born on September 17, 1941. He is survived by six children.
Mr George, best known as Speedy, was born in Virgin Gorda and attended school at St Mary's, in Valley, Virgin Gorda.
Upon leaving school, Edwin worked with his father on his boats delivering cargo between the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Like many Virgin Islanders in those days, the deceased migrated to St Thomas, USVI to seek employment and worked as a Mechanic.
Young Businessmen
The late Mr George then returned home to the sister island of Virgin Gorda and worked with Taylor Woodrow as a Truck Driver and Mechanic, but he continued to work with his father part time. He also worked with Little Dix Bay Hotel before the ambitious young man started his own business.
He first purchased a jeep and started a driving school. His next investment was yet another vehicle, this time a car, which became known as 'Speedy's. Because of his mechanic skills, the business continued to expand with a garage.
In addition, because of his love for sailing that he obtained from his late father, Edwin purchased his first boat named 'Speedy's Adventure', which served as a means of transportation between Virgin Gorda, Tortola and St Thomas.
While he operated many other businesses, including car rentals, he made his biggest mark in the sea transportation sector and dominated domestic transportation between Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
Many residents will remember his many ferry boats over the years- from Speedy’s Adventure, Speedy’s Delight, Speedy’s Fantasy, Speedy’s Sprinter, Speedy’s Peacemaker and Ella G.
A good man has died
'Speedy' was a patriot and transported many sick and deceased Virgin Gordians over the many years, most often free of cost, to Tortola for medical attention. As a pioneer in the sea transportation industry he strived, and it was always his goal, to make travel between Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada, and the USVI more convenient, comfortable, and affordable.
The late Mr George loved people and his native Virgin Gorda and has certainly made a difference in the transportation industry.
Condolences have been pouring in to his immediate family from persons around the Greater Virgin Islands, including from Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).
The Board of Directors, Management and staff of Virgin Islands News Online also extend our condolences.
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23 Responses to “Edwin A. George: Virgin Gorda businessman, pioneer & patriot dies”
RIP GONE TO SOON MY PRAYERS
Take it easies sir.
When there was trouble. Or loss, Speedy was there indeed.
Rest In Peace
rig