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VI’s first Premier Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE passes

- died today, November 11, 2019 aged 85
The Virgin Islands first premier, Member Emeritus of the House of Assembly (HoA), Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, died on November 11, 2019, aged 85. Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government tabled a resolution at the continuation of the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands on October 18, 2019 for the Central Administration Complex to be renamed in honour of the man who gave a majority of his life to public service, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. Photo: VINO/Facebook
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government tabled a resolution at the continuation of the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands on October 18, 2019 for the Central Administration Complex to be renamed in honour of the man who gave a majority of his life to public service, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. Photo: VINO/Facebook
Former Premier and noble son of the soil, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE was on Sunday April, 14, 2019, honoured for his sterling contribution to BVI cricket when NAGICO Insurances and the British Virgin Islands Cricket Association (BVICA) came together to host a Cricket Tournament as part of the tribute. Photo: VINO
Former Premier and noble son of the soil, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE was on Sunday April, 14, 2019, honoured for his sterling contribution to BVI cricket when NAGICO Insurances and the British Virgin Islands Cricket Association (BVICA) came together to host a Cricket Tournament as part of the tribute. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands has been thrown into mourning with news of the death of its first premier, Member Emeritus of the House of Assembly (HoA), Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

According to reports reaching our newsroom, Hon O’Neal passed away today, November 11, 2019 after being ill for some time.

He was 85 years of age.

The Office of the Premier has since released a Bulletin informing of Hon O’Neal’s passing.

According to the Bulletin, the O’Neal family said: “It is with great regret that the family of the Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE and Member Emeritus inform friends and family, together with local, regional and international associates, of the passing of our beloved husband, father and leader.”

Flowers given

It was only on October 18, 2019 that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, through Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), successfully brought a resolution to the House of Assembly for the Central Administration Complex to be known as the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex.

The late Hon O’Neal, who retired from active politics in 2015 after some 40 years as an elected member [1975-2015], was the first Premier of the British Overseas Territory of the VI and the second Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), serving after the party’s first Chairman and Founder H. Lavity Stoutt.

The management and staff of Virgin Islands News Online extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

22 Responses to “VI’s first Premier Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE passes”

  • LYN (11/11/2019, 15:59) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad news. He will be missed. RIP Mr. O' Neal
  • ... (11/11/2019, 16:17) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP Uncle Ralph
  • rip (11/11/2019, 16:20) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    uncle ralphy
  • Really? (11/11/2019, 16:21) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    OMG
  • Jaigon (11/11/2019, 16:29) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    No man is an island, nothing last forever, my humble cry, “farewell uncle Ralphie” This is a man who embraced these islands, he has given his entire life to public service in this territory. What more can the people ask for. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
  • jj (11/11/2019, 16:30) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP
  • Charley Rose (11/11/2019, 16:33) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad to hear of his passing. Hon. Ralph has done his best for the territory. He has left the country in good hands. May his soul Rest In Peace.
  • Hmmmm (11/11/2019, 16:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Miss You and Love You Uncle Ralphy.
  • Diana (11/11/2019, 17:04) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    My deepest sympathy to his family. His many contribution to building this nation is greatly appreciated. Thank you Ho. Ralph T. O'Neal for all that you have done for this country. Rest in peace my dear brother.
  • VG (11/11/2019, 18:21) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The contributions made by the late Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal will forever be written into our history. My condolences to his family.
  • Mark Hooper (11/11/2019, 18:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    A great men and leader has gone my condolences to his family R.I.P.
  • realy (11/11/2019, 19:21) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to the family may his souls rest in peace
  • Karen (11/11/2019, 19:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to his family. Uncle Ralph was indeed a great mentor. Worked with his business O'Neal Gases on my leaving school. Auntie Edris and Abby stay strong. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace.
  • British Citizens (11/11/2019, 20:18) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP Sir, Condolences to the family and ppl of the BVI.
    O'Neal Was hero for the people of the British Virgin Islands. This day should declared as a national holiday for the country first Premier with forty years in politics.
  • bond (11/11/2019, 20:59) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    The legend that knew how to bond a community together. Some may say he never did this or that. I am proud to say our icon uncle Ralph looked beyond self and placed the people of territory first. May the works he has done speak for him.

    Condolences to the entire family
  • Tafari Zharr (11/11/2019, 22:21) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    “PITCH IS TO CRICKET WHAT GOVERNANCE IS TO POLITICS; LIKE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME MAN.

    By Tafari Zharr November11, 2019


    In cricket the pitch is a prepared rectangular area between two wickets
    At each end of the pitch the bowler bowls and the batsman plays
    The valued Umpire calls the game, may make strikers and bowlers shame:

    “pitch is to cricket what governance is to politics; like two sides of the same man.

    Ralph took to the fields wearing protective shield strapped to his left arm;
    Of mirrors of man, Of Courage, Commitment, and Confidence

    That Closeness with Constituents Cheated him of Connections taken for granted
    The Struggle of an umpire: Is the bowler bowling correctly

    Yet A fork in the ground, an investment, a story, an ideal, Or a dream!
    A Stream of Light: An influential Virgin Islander Leader, Virgin Gordans Should Beam

    So, Unequivocal You are What You Wear in Cricket and “You Are What You Pitch”-White: Dead, Dusty, or Green:
    More than ground-breaking and deeds, beyond the shore, sounds, and seas – No disrespect, I’m unforgetting Viola!

    Beyond, “Dreadlocks” An adaptation-of-hair, for fear: Caribbean vs Colonization”- Rework the Inefficacy – minor taint to Ralph’s Legacy

    Beyond, one last look of what it took Ralph to reach great political heights; SA-CRI-FICE – and lil’ mayhems: mavens understand!

    Beyond, how useful to believe behind great man great children, grands, and woes of man

    Beyond, what doesn’t unite us, yet neither nothing nor something prepares you or I for this forlorn glum
    This lost is great and cogently leaves our communities grieving and mum.

    Cricketing meets a political empire for the ages!
    But it cost him Connections in phases – and took others to faraway places

    “pitch is to cricket what governance is to politics; like two sides of the same man.

    In Memoriam of an Influential Virgin Islander Leader For the Ages Who Served With His Labor, Love and Life. RIP Honorable Esteem Ralph Tedford O'Neal Sr.

    • lil dark one (12/11/2019, 09:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you sir for this wonderful tribute to my Dad and particularly for "unforgetting Viola"who also played a significant part in his life.
  • trinity (11/11/2019, 22:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    A true Patriot Son of the Soil and
    Statesman
    He loved all with no divisions
    It hurt me hearing this today
    But he has served his time leaving a lasting impression for all
    And anyone who came into contact with him may his goodwill and love for his country live on
    Hope to see a statue of him soon
    Uncle Ralph
    Father of Virgin Gorda & Anegada
  • E.Leonard (12/11/2019, 03:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Former Premier Ralph T. O’neal, OBE, was more than a long-serving and experienced politician; he was a statesman and a long-serving dedicated civil servant. He was a true Virgin Islander/ Virgin Gordian/son of the soil and a patriot. Dedicating all his life to public service as a teacher, civil servant and legislator, he leaves behind a strong record of contributions/accomplishments, legacy and some BIG shoes to fill. He was a prolific source of knowledge in effective governing, VI history, culture and heritage. In the annals of history, historians will recognized him as a major contributor to VI growth and development. He will be missed. Warmest and deepest condolences to the bereaved family. And may he rest in eternal peace.
  • ... (12/11/2019, 04:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    a giant has fallen RIP
  • Dr cool (12/11/2019, 08:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    R.i.P uncle Ralphy
  • Agree (12/11/2019, 13:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if the government will make a holiday after him like Hon. L. Stout. Uncle Ralphy sent his entire life preserving building up these beautiful Virgin Islands especially VG. R.I.P Uncle Ralphy.


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