With the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) in the Virgin Islands (VI) officially started, it was not without sadness, as late Legislator, Hon Delores Lettsome-Christopher was remembered with a moving tribute. Photo: VINO/File

“Before I start, I would like to ask for a moment of silence for my late friend, Hon Delores Christopher who passed on and was not able…” said Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines as she fumbled with words of an unfinished sentence in calling on those in attendance to stand. Photo: Facebook

Following the call, the packed auditorium of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, stood in remembrance of the fallen heroine, Mrs Lettsome-Christopher, who was regarded as a national treasure, a true patriot and cultural advocate of the VI before her passing in 2018. Photo: Facebook

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) in the Virgin Islands (VI) officially started, it was not without sadness, as late Legislator, Hon Delores Lettsome-Christopher was remembered with a moving tribute.

Hon Christopher, who was a long-serving HoA member and representative for the Fifth Electoral District, died on October 16, 2018, after her battle with cancer. The outspoken representative and indigenous Virgin Islander was also regarded as an authority on Virgin Islands culture.

Moment of Silence

“Before I start, I would like to ask for a moment of silence for my late friend, Hon Delores Christopher who passed on and was not able…” said Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines as she fumbled with words in an unfinished sentence calling on those in attendance to stand.

Following the call, the packed auditorium of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, stood in remembrance of the fallen heroine, Mrs Lettsome-Christopher, who was regarded as a national treasure, a true patriot and cultural advocate of the VI before her passing in 2018.

Among other things, the late Honourable Christopher was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of Small Business (AASB), the annual street fair “Christmas on Main Street”, and the “Buy BVI” Trade Show. She also played an integral role in the establishment of the Crafts Alive Village which sits in the heart of Road Town.

Bold Legacy

Hon Lettsome-Christopher was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2003 and served for 11 years before her death and also served as Deputy Speaker of the HoA.

After her death, the seat of the legislator was left vacant leading to the Third HoA dissolving with 12 seats in the 13 seat legislature. Following the sudden resignation of Fourth District Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool, the Fourth HoA reconvened on March 12, 2019, with the same 12 seats, paving the way for an imminent by-election.