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Maxwell Smith put country above self - Premier [Photoslide Included]

-Scores turn out for viewing & funeral service
January 21st, 2012 | Tags: Accident Local funeral burial eulogy Maxwell Smith
The viewing and service for the late Maxwell Smith took place today at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- “Putting country above self was also evident as a political candidate, I saw him as one who loved and appreciated the development of the Sea Cows Bay community and these islands, as a whole,” were some of the words of tribute by Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith to the late Maxwell Smith, who was laid to rest following a heavily attended funeral today January 21, 2012.

Smith, a former businessman and a third district candidate with the United Party (UP) was pronounced dead at Peebles Hospital after being rushed there in a reportedly unconscious state after being pulled from a partially submerged vehicle that was involved in an accident on Sunday January 8, 2012.

The accident, between two vehicles, had resulted in the vehicle that Smith was driving toppling into the sea at Freshwater Pond, West End.

The viewing and funeral service were held at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church where among the scores in attendance were Acting Premier Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool, 3rd District Representative Julian Fraser RA and At Large Representative Archibald Christian.

The Premier in his tribute wrote, “his untimely death came as a shock to all of us and we are faced with a sense of deep loss indeed, a void in this Territory has been created because of the many positive, personal attributes that Mr. Smith possessed and for his many contributions throughout these Virgin Islands.”

Dr. Smith further wrote that fond memories of Maxwell Smith are etched in his mind. “First and foremost, I remember him as a police officer who significantly contributed to the preservation of law, order and public safety in this community. He was always committed to putting the lives of others before his own. I reflect on his passion for putting others above self, which was demonstrated in his line of business as he opened his own security firm-extending his love for law and order to the protection of homes and establishments. Although he deployed his men to work at these sites on a regular basis, he would personally double check sites periodically, to make sure that everything was going well. In the field of construction, Maxwell appeared to possess special skills in that area...In addition, as a taxi operator he placed country above self and significantly contributed to the development of the tourism product.”

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In the Eulogy, it was stated that Smith, who graduated from the BVI High School in 1972, enlisted in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) after being encouraged to do so by his former teacher Adorothy Turnbull.

He then attended the Metropolitan Police Training School in London and during his tenure in the RVIPF, he attended numerous study courses overseas, namely United Kingdom, United States and the Caribbean.

He later became proprietor and Director of his own security company and was also the Property Manager and Co-founder of M&H Apartments. In order to establish his business at the time, he complemented his income with fishing and taxiing in his faithful brown bus known as Lucinda.

He later served as Vice- President of the Taxi Association and was a former member of the BVI Ports Authority and an employee of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Security team.

Smith was also described as a family man, friend to all and a comedian at times.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 35 years Hyacinth Walters, Children Maxwell Jr., Travis, Travicca and Travonnie, three grandchildren and a number of other relatives and friends.

Burial took place at the Leonard Family Cemetery.

10 Responses to “Maxwell Smith put country above self - Premier [Photoslide Included] ”

  • My Humble Opinion (21/01/2012, 14:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP Maxwell, i didn't get to attend the funeral because i attended Jevaughn own but my heart was with your family and friends who were there. May God's peace and comfort be with the survivors who are now in bereavement.
  • Sea Cows Bay Massive (21/01/2012, 16:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we sea cows bay people dem feel this one to the born. boss Gango you will be missed R.I.P. gone to soon, gone to soon!!!
  • jjjjj (21/01/2012, 17:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    rip max and i pray god will give your family the strenght to carry on....
  • mother hen (22/01/2012, 00:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad day for all residents to lose a big man from sea cows bay like this. But Jehovah knows best. Hya we will be there for you.
  • kenny Rogers (22/01/2012, 01:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hyacith and your family our hearts are with you as we share your deep sadness and pain...god understands
  • USA Student (22/01/2012, 10:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolence to the family, friends and the Sea Cows Bay people. I live in the states but was a former tenant of Maxwell...after almost two weeks this is still hard to digest....RIP
  • justin (22/01/2012, 18:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    rip my friend max
  • Anti Z (23/01/2012, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Beautiful Church.................
  • ena murray (30/06/2012, 06:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sitting at home on a wet summer saturday my thoughts drifted to the past and whatever became of Hyacinth and the man, Maxwell she spoke of so often years ago in Scotland? I googled it and to my horror see you have lost the man you loved so much, I am so sorry Hyacinth, your life gas turned upside down. You have your children and grand children who carry so much of him into the future, I pray that God will give you strength to bear the sadness and lonliness you feel. Look to your family and friends to grieve and face each day again. Remembering you Hyacinth with great affection and fond memories, Ena Murray, ine of so many Irish girls in Rutherglen, 1979-80


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