Hon Delores Christopher, an indigenous Virgin Islander was regarded as an authority on the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File

The Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church headed by Senior Pastor, Rev Dr Melvin A. Turnbull paid a moving tribute to the late Honourable Delores Lettsome-Christopher. Photo: Internet Source

The Church in a press release dated Monday, October 22, 2018, remembers Hon Christopher as a “BVI Patriot, [and] a phenomenal woman who lived an exceptional and meaningful life through her many contributions to the Territory.”

A love for God

In addition to being a cultural advocate and national treasure, the Church notes that Hon Christopher has left behind many examples that we can glean from and make a positive mark in this community.

“She will always be remembered for her quest to preserve Virgin Islands’ pride and culture… Christmas on Main Street, Territory Day, and the Sugar Mill Museum are among her signature ventures.” Hon Christopher was also Deputy Speaker and Representative for the Fifth District.

According to Rev. Turnbull, Hon Christopher loved God, loved people and understood that she belonged to something greater, “The first and greatest command is love… love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. There is no question that Sister Delores loved her Lord, she could often be heard singing his praises, and she was not afraid nor ashamed to make that public,” Rev Turnbull notes. 

The Baptise Church also spoke of Hon Christopher’s love for the people around her, “The second is likened unto the first… love your neighbour as you love yourself… She believed in this wholeheartedly and often went to great lengths to show her love to her family and friends and her colleagues can all attest to that”. 

Country first

She always put country first, served this Territory tirelessly without fear or favour and asked that others respect the Virgin Islands, “I vividly recall her appeal to me after sharing on the theme “Stronger Together” in our annual Family and Friends Day Celebration of 2017 and highlighting the fact that no matter where we are in the diaspora, we are one people and the need to embrace each other,” Rev Turnbull said. 

She said, “Yes Pastor, I agree with you wholeheartedly.” Then she said, “but tell them also to respect the Virgin Islands… I have a problem with anyone who does not respect the Virgin Islands culture”. 

Hon Christopher was also the Head of the Trade Department in her earlier civil servant career. She called for the building of a national museum to preserve the Virgin Islands cultural heritage and is survived by three children and her husband Bob.