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Former Accountant General A. O. Shirley MBE passes

The Virgin Islands is in mourning with the passing of former civil servant, social activist, father, grandfather, Lions Club charter member and local patriot Alexander Ogilvie Shirley, MBE. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Alexander O. Shirley made tremendous contributions to the social fabric of the early Virgin Islands as a quiet man known for less talking and more work and action. One of the first sporting facilities was named in his honour in June 1990- The A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium in Road Town, on the main island of Tortola. Photo: VINO
Mr Alexander O. Shirley made tremendous contributions to the social fabric of the early Virgin Islands as a quiet man known for less talking and more work and action. One of the first sporting facilities was named in his honour in June 1990- The A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium in Road Town, on the main island of Tortola. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands is in mourning with the passing of former civil servant, social activist, father, grandfather, Lions Club charter member and local patriot Alexander Ogilvie Shirley, MBE.

The former Accountant General in the civil service died last evening Monday January 4, 2016 at Peebles Hospital in Road Town.

Mr Shirley is survived by two children and three sisters. He was 89 years of age at the time of his passing, having been born on May 14, 1927.

A good VI steward

Mr Shirley made tremendous contributions to the social fabric of the early Virgin Islands as a quiet man known for less talking and more work and action. One of the first sporting facilities was named in his honour in June 1990- the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium in Road Town, on the main island of Tortola.

The A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds is now one of the most popular sporting facilities in the territory and is used for track and field, football, cricket and many other school sporting events.

Mr Shirley was not only a sports man but dedicated his adult life in the service of the Lions Club, a service organisation, and was one of the founding members of the club in the Virgin Islands and a past president.

The local steward held various civil service positions in many different departments which included Customs, Inland Revenue (at the time tax collector) Education, Post Office, and Agriculture and acted as Financial Secretary.

In November 1969 he was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the British Monarchy in recognition for his long years of service.

An indigenous Virgin Islander, Mr Shirley was a staunch Anglican and was also involved in many church activities. He was a member of the local BVI Community Band.

Lover of cricket

The late Shirley was a lover of cricket and was one of the early pioneers of the development of the sport in the early days of the Virgin Islands. He played cricket and was also the President of the BVI Cricket Association and was involved in many activities of the National Parks Trust.

Even while ill he was serving his country as he passed away while holding the position of Chairman of the Legal Aide Board.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Advance Marketing and Professional Services- the parent company of Virgin Islands News Online (VINO)- extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr Alexander Ogilvie Shirley, MBE.

19 Responses to “Former Accountant General A. O. Shirley MBE passes”

  • The TRUTH (05/01/2016, 09:43) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP to an icon.
  • cay (05/01/2016, 09:50) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad to heard Rip
  • Voter Too (05/01/2016, 09:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    My Sympathy to your family and RIP Mr Shirley. May your good deeds remain in our hearts forever.
    • charles (05/01/2016, 11:28) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      We can do all these things but only what done for CHRIST will last .
      • Oh yeah (05/01/2016, 12:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        Who elected you judge? Do you know if he did or did not live for Christ? Just post your condolence and leave it there rather than coming off as judgmental.
  • trrefdrfds (05/01/2016, 09:58) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Never knew he was sick but may he RIP another good man who truly loved his country
  • NPolitico (05/01/2016, 10:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow thanks for such detailed infor vino i wish his family love and strength in this their time of lost
  • Interested (05/01/2016, 10:40) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Shirley was one in a million.A true patriot.May he rest in peace.
  • Faithful (05/01/2016, 10:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Truly a BVI soldier he would be missed. Hope many of the new people will take a page from his book. Less talk and more hard work and action. Rest until we meet again Brother A O
  • VG Resident (05/01/2016, 10:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was a REAL inspiration to many ppl
    Encouraged you to be the best you can be in cricket , the community band , in school . Always picked us up in his volvo station wagon on our way home in purcell
    May his soul RIP
    (Anguillia ooooo)
  • Andrew Cox Sr (05/01/2016, 12:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    one-in-a-million; he Virgin Island people: condolence to the all of the family members from the Cox family
  • E. Leonard (05/01/2016, 12:38) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    A.O. "Suggy" Shirley was a trail blazer, a patriot, a true son of the soil, and a leader. He was a passionate cricket player, organizer and enthusiast. Remember playing cricket with him at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. My most memorable moment at the wicket was a strong partnership between Ashton Hopkins and me flashing the softball lumber, spraying the ball around the field. Moreover, Suggy was a great person with a warm personality. He will surely leave an exemplary record worthy of emulation. He will be missed! To John and other family members, warmest and sincerest condolence on the loss of your father, brother, and grandfather.
  • Music (05/01/2016, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thankful we visited our old friend at home last week. He was mentally alert, but physically fading.
    RIP and condolences to John, Theresa and families.
  • Sadeness (05/01/2016, 14:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sorry to hear.
    A great man, who has done so much for the BVI.
  • j.e. (05/01/2016, 16:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    condolences and simpathy to the family. rip.

  • a full life (05/01/2016, 21:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was a great man condolences to his family truly he will be missed
  • T (06/01/2016, 07:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    A good man has gone on may the work he did speak for him
  • BJ (07/01/2016, 00:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIParadise, Mr. Shirley. Your good deeds will go on to inspire others. You were a gentle giant with a warm smile. You will be missed.
    To John, Theresa, and other family members, my heart felt sympathy goes out to you. His legacy will continue with his grandchildren.


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