Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, joins the Territory in remembering the life and legacy of the late Mr. A. O. Shirley, MBE.

Honourable Premier Smith said, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Shirley, an outstanding Virgin Islander who played an integral role in several facets of our community.”

Mr. Shirley had 41 years of faithful service which he rendered in various segments of the public service, particularly in the Treasury Department where he served for several years as Accountant General.

Premier Smith added, “His long tenure with the public service is a true testament of his love and commitment to the development of the Territory.”

Mr. Shirley began his career in 1946 as a Petty Officer in the Post Office at the age of 19. He advanced to Junior Clerk in the same department and went on to become Senior Clerk to the Senior Customs Officer, to Collector of Taxes in the Treasury and Customs Department. In 1967, he attended a course in Public Accounts and Audit in the United Kingdom and upon his return to the Territory was appointed to the post of Accountant General, a post he held up until his retirement from the service on July 31, 1987.

During his years of service, Mr. Shirley served as Chief Auditor and on more than one occasion acted as Financial Secretary. He also acted more than once in the post of Commissioner of Inland Revenue and was a devoted and conscientious civil servant.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is grateful for his dynamic and sterling contributions to the Territory.