A special viewing (right) for the late former Deputy Governor Mr M. Elton Georges CMG, OBE was held on April 19, 2018 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. He was laid to rest on April 21, 2018 following an official funeral at the same church. Photo: VINO

Pallbearers taking the body of the late M. Elton Georges to the hearse following his official funeral at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on April 21, 2018. Photo: Team of Reporters

Some of the significant moments in the life of the late former Deputy Governor Mr M. Elton Georges OBE, CMG. Photo: VINO

Some of the significant moments in the life of the late former Deputy Governor Mr M. Elton Georges OBE, CMG. Photo: VINO

Some of the significant moments in the life of the late former Deputy Governor Mr M. Elton Georges OBE, CMG. Photo: VINO

A special viewing (right) for the late former Deputy Governor Mr M. Elton Georges CMG, OBE was held on April 19, 2018 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. Photo: VINO

Members of the BVI Diabetes Association offers a song in tribute to the late for President of the BVI Diabetes Association Mr M. Elton Georges OBE, CMG. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) expresses condolences to Rita Georges, the wife of the late M. Elton Georges, on April 19, 2018 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. Photo: VINO

Pallbearers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force removing the body of the late Mr M. Elton Georges OBE, CMG following a special viewing at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on April 19, 2018. Photo: VINO

There were many glorified words used to describe the Virgin Islands’ first Complaints Commissioner; however, some of those repeatedly used by persons in their tributes were honourable, dignified, committed, knowledgeable, wise, devoted and spiritual.

Tributes flowed in from everywhere for the man who had a distinguished public service career.

Mr Georges died on April 4, 2018 at Peebles Hospital and was laid to rest on April 21, 2018. A special viewing was held on April 19, 2018 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church.

Accomplished Statesman

Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, in his tribute to Mr Georges, said while he did not know Mr Georges personally he had the distinct pleasure of hearing from several past governors of his sterling contribution to the public service, particularly when he served in the post of Deputy Governor, a position he held for 21 years.

“Mr Georges was known for his wisdom, dedication, integrity, good sense of humour and someone who ‘spoke truth to power.’”

Governor Duncan further said Mr Georges’ contribution to the Territory as an accomplished statesman was recognised when he was awarded the prestigious awards of OBE and CMG in 1988 and 2004 respectively.

Great strength & courage

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) described Mr Georges as a man of great strength and courage.

“Mr Georges possessed a towering intellect that made him the backbone within the Public Service, even beyond his retirement. His love for the Public Service is quite evident in his encouraging words to public officers before his passing.”

Other officials who gave tributes included Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

“Many public servants have a great sense of gratitude for our deceased brother because of how he nurtured them in becoming exemplary public servants. The BVI was made stronger from his many positive contributions socially,” Hon Fahie stated.

Following his official funeral service on April 21, 2018 Mr Georges was laid to rest at the Methodist Cemetery in Road Town.

Official funerals are by policy reserved only for elected officials, however, Government said “the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands decided that the current policy for funerals with official government involvement should be extended to Mr Georges on the basis of his distinction as the longest serving Deputy Governor from 1983 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2008."