Former Accountant General A. O. Shirley MBE passes
The former Accountant General in the civil service died last evening Monday January 4, 2016 at Peebles Hospital in Road Town.
Mr Shirley is survived by two children and three sisters. He was 89 years of age at the time of his passing, having been born on May 14, 1927.
A good VI steward
Mr Shirley made tremendous contributions to the social fabric of the early Virgin Islands as a quiet man known for less talking and more work and action. One of the first sporting facilities was named in his honour in June 1990- the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium in Road Town, on the main island of Tortola.
The A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds is now one of the most popular sporting facilities in the territory and is used for track and field, football, cricket and many other school sporting events.
Mr Shirley was not only a sports man but dedicated his adult life in the service of the Lions Club, a service organisation, and was one of the founding members of the club in the Virgin Islands and a past president.
The local steward held various civil service positions in many different departments which included Customs, Inland Revenue (at the time tax collector) Education, Post Office, and Agriculture and acted as Financial Secretary.
In November 1969 he was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the British Monarchy in recognition for his long years of service.
An indigenous Virgin Islander, Mr Shirley was a staunch Anglican and was also involved in many church activities. He was a member of the local BVI Community Band.
Lover of cricket
The late Shirley was a lover of cricket and was one of the early pioneers of the development of the sport in the early days of the Virgin Islands. He played cricket and was also the President of the BVI Cricket Association and was involved in many activities of the National Parks Trust.
Even while ill he was serving his country as he passed away while holding the position of Chairman of the Legal Aide Board.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Advance Marketing and Professional Services- the parent company of Virgin Islands News Online (VINO)- extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr Alexander Ogilvie Shirley, MBE.
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19 Responses to “Former Accountant General A. O. Shirley MBE passes”
Encouraged you to be the best you can be in cricket , the community band , in school . Always picked us up in his volvo station wagon on our way home in purcell
May his soul RIP
(Anguillia ooooo)
RIP and condolences to John, Theresa and families.
A great man, who has done so much for the BVI.
To John, Theresa, and other family members, my heart felt sympathy goes out to you. His legacy will continue with his grandchildren.