A charitable foundation has been launched in honour of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, and his wife, the late Edris O’Neal, OBE. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Tony Roberts, right, first Chairman of the Foundation in honour of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE and his wife, the late Edris O’Neal, OBE. Left is Abigail O’Neal aka ‘Abby’. Photo: BVI Wine & Food Festival/Facebook

This was announced by the late couple’s daughter Abigail O’Neal aka ‘Abby’ at the launch of her BVI Food and Wine Festival on October 25, 2023.

Member Emeritus of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA), the late Hon O’Neal died on November 11, 2019, while his wife Reverend Edris passed away on May 24, 2020.

The idea of an O'Neal Foundation was one the former legislator and wife had discussed while yet alive said Abby O’Neal, during an interview with JTV.

Foundation was a wish of the O’Neals

"My parents and I often spoke of starting a family foundation to do good once they retired and unfortunately they passed away before that could come to fruition, so I felt responsible for organising it and setting it up in their memory and in their honour to carry on the good works that they have done and  as a vehicle for me, myself, to do good works for the BVI."

Ms O’Neal continued: "One must always be cognizant of the fact that you must give back to the community that has supported you, giving you much, and just do your part."

She said the foundation comprises persons who were close to her parents, some who worked with them at various levels, persons of her age group whom she is confident her parents would have approved of, and some relatives.

Among those present at the time of the interview were former legislator Dr Kedrick D. Pickering and Mr Shea O.S. Alexander.

"Our goal is to do good, to carry on primarily through education as we start and get going. We are going to do our best to give back to the Territory," Ms O’Neal said.

The first Chairman is United Kingdom (UK) national Mr Tony Roberts, who is well-known to the O’Neal family.