Former USVI Senator Bingley G. Richardson Sr has died
Born in Savan on St Thomas, Richardson attended high school both on St Thomas and in the Bronx, New York. He developed an interest in mechanics and aviation, and later served in the US Air Force. In 1968 Richardson returned to St Thomas, where he held positions in the USVI Department of Housing and Health.
Later Richardson left government service and got a Coast Guard certification to operate 100-ton, then later, 500-ton vessels and worked for a ferry service.
In 1978 Richardson bought one of the ferries and became an independent operator and ran daily ferry services with his boat named Bomba Charger between downtown Charlotte Amalie and Tortola, including special trips to Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, and with charters to St Croix and Anegada.
The late Senator also opened the Tortola Wharf Bar & Restaurant in Charlotte Amalie which specialised in local cuisine.
Political career
Richardson successfully ran for a USVI senate seat in 1986 and, after re-election in 1988, he served as Vice President of the 17th USVI Legislature. He testified before the US House of Representatives, authored legislation and chaired a commission to create the USVI territorial seal that is used today and, in 1990, he ran for Lieutenant Governor unsuccessfully as running mate to former Governor Juan F. Luis.
Richardson was re-elected for a third Senate term in 1992 and served as president [1993-1994]of the USVI 12th Legislature.
After leaving the USVI Legislature, Richardson started piloting barges that were given to the USVI government by the US Army and ran weekly routes between St Thomas and St Croix, carrying government supplies.
The late Richardson, who spent much of his adult active life on Tortola, was recruited by the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority and became Marine Manager and Security Officer for the Authority, where he developed a comprehensive port security plan that ensured all ports and harbours for each of the VI met US readiness standards.
Richardson is a certified scuba diver and an aquatic instructor. He also was the director of the Sea Explorers programme and the associate director of Aquatics Northeast Region Camping School for the Boy Scouts of America.
He also produced, directed and narrated several educational films on USVI history and culture.
Funeral dates & survivors
The first viewing for the late USVI senator and businessman will be held on June 9, 2017 at the USVI Legislature from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM and the second viewing June 10, 2017, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM at Christchurch Methodist, Market Square, St Thomas. Interment will be at Western Cemetery No. 3.
The deceased is survived by his sons Bingley G Richardson III, Sekou O. Richardson, Taiwo K. Richardson; daughters Janice C. Richardson, Laura L. Ofoha, Stephanie J. Richardson, Shirley A. Edwards; brother, David Richardson; sisters Beryl Smith and Leona Williams (of New York), Daril Evans, Dawn Liburd and Deanna Richardson; brothers-in-law Maurice and Roy Donovan, Carl Malone and Dr Aimery Caron; sisters-in-law Joyce Caron, Helen Edwards; and 21 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online convey our condolences to Mr Bingley G. Richardson's immediate family, friends and other loved ones.
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