On Tuesday, 27^th March, 2018, the Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer, Jr and former Deputy Governors Mrs. Dancia Penn-Sallah, OBE, QC and Mrs. Rosalie Adams visited former Deputy Governor Mr. Elton Georges at Peebles Hospital where he is currently resident managing a medical condition.

Mr. Georges was grateful to be greeted by the current and former Deputy Governors and offered these words to the Public Service:

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Virgin Islands, I would like to take the opportunity of the untimely announcement of my mortal end to let my family, friends and the wider community know, that I am still very much alive.  While I am experiencing some serious health challenges, I am comforted in knowing that the Lord that I serve has not yet called me home.

I have been fortunate to have a long life and the chance to see the Virgin Islands grow in so many ways.  Almost my entire life has been spent in the Public Service through various occupations.  Starting out as a teacher, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor and lastly as the Territory’s first Ombudsman, I believe I have seen a thing or two. 

I do get a chance to hear of the happenings of our community and if I may, I would like to say to the men and women serving in our Public Service, that you must be ones to help our Territory move out of our current state into an arena that spurs on growth, opportunities for Virgin Islanders, and services that treat one and all with dignity and respect. 

In the execution of your duty, you must be current, attentive to the changes happening in your specific areas and in the world.  Importantly, it will be you, the members of the Public Service that will help our Territory rebuild in a manner that is loyal to its citizens, and still warm to those who grace our shores.  As public servants, the job that you do is vital to the welfare of this community.  Please know that I will be cheering you on.”

The Deputy Governor, David D. Archer Jr., noted that Mr. Georges served as a mentor to him and was moved that notwithstanding his medical challenges, Mr. Georges still showed his compassion, love and dedication to the Public Service. “Mr. Georges is a real Public Service hero,” said Mr. Archer.