One of the most senior legislators, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE has been named as the honouree for the 2015 Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. Photo: VINO/ File

Ms Sasha D. A. Flax continues the role of Chairman of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. Photo: VINO/File

“We discussed that in our last committee meeting and look forward to having a meeting other person who use the grounds to ensure after Festival it is safe and in good condition for everyone to use,” said the committee’s Public Relations Officer Mr Jerrell A. George. Photo: VINO/File.

“Remembering our Cultural Past and everything in between for Virgin Gorda Easter Festival 2015” was the theme submitted by Mr Trefor A. Grant as the selected theme. 

And according the committee’s Public Relations Officer Mr Jerrell A. George, “With a theme of this magnitude it was only fitting that we honour someone who has contributed significantly to the culture of this territory. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we announce Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal as our 2015 honouree.” 

He said in a release that Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal has been a stalwart within the Virgin Islands community and has contributed to the development of these islands through politics, education and outstanding leadership and according to Ms. Sasha D. A. Flax, returning Chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee, ‘The Committee selected Mr. O’Neal due to his undying support for the Virgin Gorda community. His evident commitment and support to Virgin Gorda Festival throughout the annual celebration has placed him at the top of our list of honourees.” 

Ralph Telford O’Neal, the ninth of ten children, was born on the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda. Hon. Ralph T. O’ Neal was first elected to serve the 9^th District, which includes Virgin Gorda and Anegada on September 1^st, 1975, and has held that seat continuously ever since. He is also the longest serving elected politician in British Virgin Islands history. He has served as Chief Minister, (when the office was so titled), and Premier of the Virgin Islands for three terms. He is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Tortola which was established in the territory in 1968.  

In 1974 he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), for his service to the community. He is a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public. He is married to the former Edris Christopher, now Rev. Edris O’Neal; the father of four children, a grandfather and god father to numerous members of the community. 

Working with all concerned 

Mr George told this news site that they are taking every step to ensure that all they operate and execute activities in the best interest of all and that can only be by constant consultation with community and this is despite the fact that they are working with a tight budget of $100K. 

He that they are aware of the concerns of persons who use the field where the Festiville is usually centralized for sports as it relates to its upkeep and this is one area that is being seriously addressed. 

“We discussed that in our last committee  meeting  and  look  forward to having  a meeting  other person  who use the grounds  to ensure after  Festival  it is safe and in good condition  for everyone  to use,” he said. 

“We also already had a stakeholders meeting with various organizations in the community such as Fire and Rescue, Environmental Health, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, to ensure   we meet the best interest of the community and it is fun filled and safe environment for all,” he said. He also added that lots more persons are interested in doing troupes this year.