Some of ROMASCO group’s staff take time out for a photo at the Tortola Pier Park on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Photo: Provided

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool at the Tortola Pier Park on Tuesday March 1, 2016 flanked by Director of Operations Patricia M. Romney (right) and Director of Finance Marnie Romney. Photo: Provided

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool at the Tortola Pier Park, donning his white C. B. Romney T-shirt and greeting cruise ship passengers on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Photo: Provided

Employees across the group wore white T-shirts bearing the theme, “Leader of the band, the legend lives on: C.B. Romney, March 1^st, 1931,” surrounding a head shot of Mr Romney at the front.

In particular, with two major cruise ships visiting the territory the same day, ROMASCO staff members at the Tortola Pier Park were smartly dressed in their T-shirts and quickly became noticeable, sparking many conversations about Mr Romney, who was Chief Minister from 1983 to 1986.

After an early career as a teacher, Mr Romney’s studied Economics, achieving a Master’s Degree; he served for 27 years in the Civil Service; he was a member of the then Legislative Council (LEGCO), now House of Assembly, from 1979 to 1995; and he was the first VIslander to hold the post of Financial Secretary.

Mr Romney passed away on July 19, 2007.

The day at the ROMASCO group concluded with a cake cutting ceremony at the Pier Park attended by staff and friends of Mr Romney. Reflecting on the life of her dad, Director of Operations Ms Patricia M. Romney said it was pleasing to spend the day at work with employees who also recognise his invaluable contributions over the years and are committed to keeping local tourism on the cutting edge.

“It is still very often tough work for everyone on a daily basis, but no doubt my father paved the way for us, and I am honoured to be able to pay tribute to him on what is obviously a very special day for everyone in the family,” said Ms Romney.

She also used the opportunity to thank the employees for their continued dedication and service to the group, saying, “You have all become our extended family by virtue of the common goals we share and what we seek to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) recently announced that Government would be paying tribute to Mr Romney at the Pier Park.

In a Facebook post, Minister Vanterpool also had this to say: “Former Chief Minister, the late Cyril B. Romney, the pioneer of cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands, would have been 85 years old today. I took a moment to reminisce with two of his daughters on a visit to the newly opened Tortola Pier Park. I also mingled with some cruise passengers and locals while there.”