Late legislator (2007-2011) and first local Police Commissioner Vernon E. Malone QPM, LLB, MHA, CPA was laid to rest on Saturday, June 22, 2024, following an official funeral at Multi-Purpose Sorts Complex. Photo: GIS

The late Vernon E. Malone was laid to rest at Brewers Bay, Tortola on June 22, 2024. Photo: GIS

The official casket flag was handed over to wife Icis A. Malone by Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool in the presence of Mr Malone's son Malcolm. Photo: GIS

A procession took the body of the late Mr Vernon E. Malone through Long Look, the late Malone’s childhood home, led by the Premier and included the Speaker of the House, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and family members. Photo: GIS

The pre-service got underway at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex a little after 9:00 AM, after a procession from the House of Assembly (HoA) building where he served as a Legislator for one term with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: GIS

Late legislator (2007-2011) and first local Police Commissioner Vernon E. Malone QPM, LLB, MHA, CPA was laid to rest on Saturday, June 22, 2024, following an official funeral at Multi-Purpose Sorts Complex. Photo: GIS

First District Representative and Jr Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson at the burial of the late legislator and former Commissioner of Police Vernon E. Malone. Photo: GIS

Legislators, including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), at the procession prior to the funeral of the late legislator Vernon E. Malone. Photo: Team of Reporters

The pre-service got underway at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex a little after 9:00 AM, after a procession from the House of Assembly (HoA) building where he served as a Legislator for one term with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

During the pre-service, tributes were paid to the deceased by family and friends, including former Speaker of the HoA Julian Willock.

The official service began at around 10:15 AM as the venue started to fill up with current and former members of the House of Assembly, including Speaker Hon Corine N. George-Massicote, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley(R7) and First Lady Carolyn M. Shallow-Wheatley, Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Mrs Janice Skelton, persons from the legal fraternity, senior public officers, including Financial Secretary Jeremiah G. A. Frett and many residents from all walks of life.

A man for all times

Mr Malone was eulogised by former legislator and former Attorney General R. Dancia Penn-Sallah OBE, KC, who spoke about Mr Malone’s contribution to nation-building and his humble beginnings. His journey, from being one of the first locals to join the police force when it was controlled and headquartered in Antigua to becoming the first local Commissioner of Police, his work in the legal profession and his love for his family, were highlighted.

Premier Wheatley described the late Malone as a young ambitious man out of Long Look and that he had achieved great things against all the odds.

At the end of the service, there was a procession that took the body through Long Look, the late Malone’s childhood home, led by the Premier and included the Speaker of the House, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and family members before the remains arrived at Brewers Bay, the family burial ground and the final resting place.

The official casket flag was handed over to his wife Icis by Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool in the presence of his son Malcolm.

Many in the community praised the late Malone for being a trailblazer and being able to walk with Kings, Queens and Heads of State, but he never lost his humble touch.