VI bids farewell to Hon Delores Lettsome-Christopher at official funeral. Photo: VINO

The Althea Scatliffe Primary School Striders who performed loud applauds and a standing ovation. Photo: VINO

The eulogy was done by the bother of Hon Delores Lettsome-Christopher, Mr Maurice Lettsome and Children Najan, Troy and Art Christopher. Photo: VINO

Several leaders and legislators including Honourable Julian Fraser RA, Melvin "Mitch" Turnbull, Archibald C. Christian, Dr. Hubert O'Neal and Deputy Governor David D. Archer. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) among Minister of Government and Speaker of the HOA Honourable Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe. Photo: VINO

Family member of Hon. Christopher including husband Robert and eldest child Troy. Photo: VINO

Now the only elected female legislator in the HOA Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (Front centre) among other legislators. Photo: VINO

Packed house with overflowing pews of the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. Photo: VINO

Relatives and friends of the late Hon Delores Lettsome-Christopher. Photo: VINO

Hon Christopher is survived by her husband Robert Christopher. Photo: VINO

Booklet showing short Biography of Hon Lettsome-Christopher. Photo: VINO

Booklet and more at the Funeral of the Late Hon Lettsome-Christopher. Photo: VINO

Preview of booklet on Hon Lettsome-Christopher. Photo: VINO

The Church was the official venue for the funeral service of Hon. Lettsome-Christopher, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly in the Virgin Islands. 

Moving Tribute

Inked in the booklet records of the late Legislator Hon Lettsome-Christopher were sentimental words which said the full measure of an individual is not assessed and evaluated during the person's lifetime, “It is only when that person is no longer with us, then that worth or immense value is holistically appreciated… So it is in the case of the Honourable Delores Christopher," the booklet said. Those words were inscribed by the Striders of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School.

Several others paid tribute including a fellow member of the HoA Honourable Archibald C. Christian (AL), the duet Ms Kristin Frazer and Dr Dominick Frazer and even former Senator Roosevelt S. David of the U.S. Virgin Islands among others.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Andrew A Fahie (R1) both did scripture readings at the service.

 “You made a Way”

Furthering their tribute on stage, the Striders of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School continued with a gospel song, "You made a way… We don't know how, but you did it," they sang. The musical segment was by far one of the most emotional and significant moments of the home going service for the late Legislator who died on October 16, 2018.

Equally significant, the success of the Striders is also credited to the fallen legislator who not only helped financially, but she invested greatly into youths according to the school's Principal Mrs Marietta Flax-Headley, "She was sincere, reliable and her heart was always in the right place… seeking to invest in the development of the youths with the knowledge that they are the future," she said. 

Historical Void

Back in 2013, speaking on the cultural needs of the VI, Hon. Lettsome-Christopher told the public, “we have to look at our development on the social side… as we need a well-rounded development”. She further said, “We need someplace where our history can be preserved on a permanent basis”. The outspoken representative, an indigenous Virgin Islander was also regarded as an authority on the Virgin Islands culture.

Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Christian during his tribute today, called for the Craft Alive Village to be named in her honour, 'The Delores Lettsome-Christopher Craft Alive Village', “I ain't gon rest till that happen," he said.

The passing of Hon Lettsome-Christopher now leaves a historical void in the HoA of the VI as she was one of the only two elected females among the 13 member Legislators. Her final resting place is the Christopher Family burial ground at Mount Healthy Estate, Tortola.