Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Hundreds bid farewell to Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels

Hundreds turned up to bid farewell to the late track and field coach, Xavier 'Dag' Samuels at a candlelight vigil at A.O. Shirley Ground in Road Town, Tortola on October 21, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Coach Xavier 'Dag Samuels with some of his athletes of the Fast Lane Track Club. Photo: Provided
Coach Xavier 'Dag Samuels with some of his athletes of the Fast Lane Track Club. Photo: Provided
At the graveside of the late coach Xavier 'Dag' Samuels on October 21, 2017. Photo: VINO
At the graveside of the late coach Xavier 'Dag' Samuels on October 21, 2017. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Laid to rest on Saturday October 21, 2017 at the Methodist Church in Sea Cows Bay, the commemoration of the life of Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels had begun the previous night on the A.O. Shirley Ground in Road Town, Tortola with a Candlelight Vigil.

Affectionally known as “Coach” or Dag, Samuels was instrumental in the formation of Fast Lane Track Club as well as spotting new talent across the Territory and motivating many to take to the track for fitness and health.

He lost his life due to injuries suffered as a result of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.

As proved by the hundreds who turned up for the Vigil and Funeral, he is a man who will be sorely missed, not only across the Sports World but across all walks of life.

Tough loss

“This is a tough one for the athletics family,” commented BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) President, Mr Steve Augustine.

“We are here to reflect and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to helping others. Words can’t express what we have taken over the passing of Dag, but for all that he did, every one of us is appreciative of the time he spent with us, his devotion to athletics and all that he did to make the sport a bigger and better sport. We would have loved to have him around a tad bit longer, but that’s not the case, but we will take his fight on our shoulders and continue to make track and field the number one sport in the VI.”

Fittingly, the coffin bearing the body of Mr Samuels was given a lap of honour around the Mondo Track at his second home, not only followed by the raised Candles of well wishers, but also accompanied to the poignant sounds of the theme tune of Chariots of Fire, a movie about overcoming all odds to compete at the Olympic Games.

Something Coach Samuels would have been proud to see in his Athlete Family, but has now been denied.

5 Responses to “Hundreds bid farewell to Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels”

  • runner (24/10/2017, 10:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP coach
  • Thankful (24/10/2017, 16:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP U WERE INDEED A GOOD COACH TO MY SON HE WILL MIS U. THANK U .
  • guy hill (24/10/2017, 16:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nuff respect and Guidance for ever brethren. C78.
  • Tafari Zharr (24/10/2017, 20:09) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    DA-G

    Written Especially for my childhood friend "Da Gee”


    DA-G was an Oracle, a debater
    No mystery, he grew into your history
    Childhood Gregarious; didn’t know he’d be so grand
    His toiling – coaching – Be the Best you Can!
    Dubbing him Athletics Hustler “Defender of the Land”

    If I knew
    That birdie tapping on my window Was you
    I would have gotten up from my bed
    Spent the last moments discerning instead

    DA-G was the Express, and the Impress
    Perpetually traversing, he is now turf and time
    A Rolex – an impetuously ticking timepiece- BVI no longer behind
    Beyond Records, Guns, Whistles, and Action
    There is Strength in Community -Family- and Hope in Adoption

    If I knew
    How long it would have been Before you flew
    I would have never looked away
    Or missed the things you’d hope to say

    DA-G was debonair, he was urbane
    He was the field, he was country, he was town
    He was East and West, but he was never gone too long
    For whom the whistle now tolls- he’s signaling- “time”
    Hurricanes-a-Comin’- Da Warning is Da-G’s- not a mime!

    If I knew
    That birdie was chiding off this paradigm
    I’d Etch this smile Engraved face, Been Awoke, to participate
    Better to Be Early than Late: “There’s never any love in hate!

    Dag was An exemplary man who ran more than he walked
    witnessed more races than he could run; and never stopped.
    Rest In Peace. Well done my friend. Well Done! Condolences to Family.
  • Sandra (25/10/2017, 08:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have known Dag from a little girl living in lower estate. Dag was a very respectful,friendly person and lived helping people. Dag stopped every day to speak to us all of the young children and adults every day when he walked through lower estate and if he saw you anywhere. Dag used to run all over the island and stayed in great shape. We have lost a great man. It will not be the same without Dag. His death saddens me I can't believe he's gone. God have a strong loving caring man. My heart wealth and condolences goes out to his entire family. God needed and angel and he called Dag home. Dag will not be forgotten he lives in many of us on Tortola.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.