Statement by

Premier of the Virgin Islands

Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley

on the passing of Mr. Elroy A. Turnbull

On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands and my family, I join with the entire community in expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Elroy A. Turnbull, who recently passed on 22 August, 2024.

Mr. Turnbull was a true Virgin Islands hero, so I pause to honour his contributions to the Territory.

He was among the first cohort of students from the Virgin Islands who the late Chief Minister, H. L. Stoutt, assisted with obtaining scholarships to further their education at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. He often spoke with pride of the responsibility given by Mr. Stoutt to him as the only male in the group, to take care of the three female scholarship recipients. This opportunity marked the beginning of Mr. Turnbull’s lifelong commitment to empowering others through learning.

Mr. Turnbull was a leader in education, having a distinguished and devoted career teaching science and mathematics at the BVI High School for many years. He went on to serve as Education Officer with responsibility for Mathematics and Science in the Education Department before being appointed as Chief Education Officer, a post he held from    from 1988 to 1999.  

Mr. Turnbull is remembered as an outstanding, compassionate, caring leader and mentor.  He valued the input of his Officers regarding the education system.  He also encouraged and sought avenues for his Officers and teachers to pursue higher and further education to improve their skills and knowledge.  Mr. Turnbull is also remembered for being meticulous in reviewing data for primary and secondary schools annual school leaving results.

Education was in Mr. Turnbull’s DNA. Through his passion for education, he ensured the empowerment of thousands of Virgin Islanders and residents and contributed immeasurably to the development of the Virgin Islands and our people. He encouraged, advised and advocated for a sound progressive education system.

Mr. Turnbull’s knowledge and expertise in education were instrumental during the planning stages for the development and early years of the local community college. He was among the first Board of Governors for the College and served for several years, laying a strong educational foundation upon which the College operates today.

In late 2004, he was called upon to serve as the Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office under the then Chief Minister, Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith. He contributed to the shaping of various public policies which, would also have also left an indelible impact on the development of the Territory. He is remembered as a calm leader who cared deeply for his staff and the advancement of the Territory.

It is clear Mr. Turnbull loved his Virgin Islands very much. He devoted significant time and effort to sports, serving as the first Public Relations Officer for the BVI Basketball Federation, promoting the sport and engaging the community in positive activities.

He was also very vocal on community issues and matters regarding the political development of the Virgin Islands, and he was brave enough to air his views publicly via radio programmes and comments in the press.

In the passing of Mr. Turnbull, the Virgin Islands has lost a hero, a patriot and a champion in our people’s aspirations for self-determination. His voice will be missed, as well as his jovial personality.

I extend condolences to his children, Harmony and Dale, his grandchildren, and to the extended members of his family.