Mr Malone was privileged to witness the ceremony at which the late Mr Frett was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honors List. Photo: Facebook

The man who was the first Virgin Islander to hold the post as Superintendent of Prison (SP), Pastor Ashford Ishmael Frett succumbed on Sunday morning August 24, 2014 at a Miami Hospital after a period of ill health. Photo: Facebook

This news site shared some solemn moments today August 25, 2014 by talking with several close friends and loved ones of Mr. Frett all of whom had nothing but fond memories. Photo: Facebook

Family members said that the body will be returning home to the VI for interment, details of which will be shared with this news site at the appropriate time. Photo: Facebook

In a comment to this news site today August 26, 2014, Mr Malone said that Frett, also known as ‘Bucker’ was leadership "exemplified.”

“His confidence in his own abilities was demonstrated in the fact that he was eager to teach all of his subordinates everything that he knew for he was keenly aware that each post that he held was bigger than himself,” added Mr Malone.

Mr Malone told Virgin Islands News Online that the passing of his cousin and one of his best friends, Ashford “Bucker” Frett has left a void not only in his heart but in the hearts of his wife Gerda, his children, his relatives, church members, former coworkers, the East End community, friends and the wider Virgin Islands community.

“He was a giant in his own right! Ashford rose through the ranks in the public service and throughout the community. He rose through the ranks of the police force, the prison service, his church and the business community. I was privileged to witness the ceremony at which he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honors List,” said Malone in retrospect.

On a personal note, Mr Malone said that most of his social Saturdays were spent with “Bucker” either at his home or at his Parham Town General Store. “I often tapped his knowledge for advice on wide issues of religion, social and politics for he often came up with an angle that experience alone could teach. I loved and respected my cousin for the man and the person that he was. His legacy will live on!” said Malone.

He also urged that while they grieve, the community should respect his family’s space for no-one would fully appreciate the pains that they are going through. “He was a husband, a father, a brother, a nephew and a cousin extraordinaire,” said Malone.

See story published on Monday August 25, 2014:

Fmr SP Ashford I. Frett passes

- hailed as family’s cornerstone

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The man who was the first Virgin Islander to hold the post as Superintendent of Prison (SP), Pastor Ashford Ishmael Frett succumbed Sunday morning August 24, 2014 at a Miami Hospital after a period of ill health.

His wife Mrs Gerda Frett has been described as a tower of strength to her husband and has been foot to foot, side-by-side with him during his period of illness. This was also said of his three children Natoya, Natasha and Shawn.

“Natasha had just completed her studies as a pediatrician and was able to go and be with him in his final moments,” said a close relative.

This news site shared some solemn moments today August 25, 2014 by talking with several close friends and loved ones of Mr. Frett all of whom had nothing but fond memories.

When asked what his passing meant for the family, one sister who preferred not to be named broke down in tears and upon composing herself was able to say, “What can I say about him, he meant everything to us.”

All those this news site spoke with recalled him giving all his professional career life to the disciplined services of the Virgin Islands. They vividly recalled him starting out as a police officer and at that time the prison service and police were one department.

It was related that when the two arms were split the late Mr Frett opted to be with the prison service. At that time they were both stationed in the heart of Road Town. However when Her Majesty’s Prison was built and moved up to Balsum Ghut Mr Frett moved too and there he stayed, served and eventually became the first local Superintendent of Prison in the Virgin Islands.

Mr Frett was a man of God and was described as one to have had a special passion for youths as he worked and led them closely as the Pastor of the East End Church of God Holiness. They remembered him spending quality time with the youths even at their annual Caribbean Youth Camp which is usually held in Virgin Gorda.

He has been with the church for over 30 years.

Family members said that the body will be returning home to the VI for interment, details of which will be shared with this news site at the appropriate time.