Follow your dreams Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal tells new barrister Hakim T. Creque. Photo: VINO

Hon O'Neal flanked by Hakim and his mother Delores Creque. Photo: VINO

The new barrister from North Sound, Virgin Gorda Hakim Chreque with some special friends. Photo: VINO

This was expressed to Virgin Islands News Online yesterday December 8, 2014 at a reception held at Maria’s By the Sea in honour of attorney Hakim T. Creque’s admission to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the VI.

Hon O’Neal said the development of Virgin Gorda and especially its younger generation has been a topic on the floor among himself and others gathered at his table at the ceremony prior to being approached by this news site, “We were talking about that just now. It’s amazing to see what’s happening, doctors, lawyers, engineers, the lot and they got to keep on…”

The Ninth District Representative said he firmly believes that the body of teachers and other educators who form the body of the Virgin Gorda family have been taking keen and good interest in the younger generations on the islands.

Honourable O’Neal personally congratulated the newest barrister, Mr Creque, on his success and encouraged him to take advantage of every opportunity that would allow him to elevate to another level in the educational pursuits.

According to Mr Creque’s mother, Ms Delores Creque, her son is highly likely to be admitted to the bar in the United States of America (USA) in mid 2015 as he currently has dual citizenship. She said the processes necessary for this to become a reality are already in the making.

Ms Dancia Penn-Sallah, QC in giving remarks at yesterday’s session of Mr Creque’s admission to the bar was high in praise of Hon O’Neal’s expressed and demonstrated interest in education of persons across the Territory and even more on Virgin Gorda.

“In the court room My Lady is the Honourable Ralph Telford O’Neal, OBE, who has for, I don’t know the number of years, has been the elected representative for the Ninth Electoral District in which North Sound falls and I know my lady that he is a person who has taken individual and personal interest in the young people on that island and I know that Hakim T’Ron Creque would be one such person.”

She also acknowledged the input and interests of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, and his wife Mrs Lorna G. Smith. “And I know that the Honourable Premier and his wife too are interested in and do whatever they can to mentor and support young people…and I know that their presence here speaks volumes.”

Among others credited for their educational interests in the lives of youths on the island was Mr Hubert O’Neal who has made known his interest in contesting the upcoming national elections as a candidate for the position of Ninth District Representative. Asked about his opinion about Dr Hubert O’Neal’s fittingness for the position, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal said he had no comment.