Eileene L. Parsons OBE was ‘one of our most distinguished daughters’- Premier Wheatley
Ms Parsons, aka Miss P’, passed away at the age of 94. She was born on July 5, 1930.
Trailblazer, cultural icon & patriot
In a statement today, June 22, 2025, Hon Wheatley described Ms Parsons as a trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a patriot whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Virgin Islands society.
As the first woman to serve as a Government Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative, Ms Parsons, according to the Premier, was a pioneer who shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of women leaders.
Premier Wheatley recalled that, along with Ms Ethlyn Smith, Ms Parsons was one of the first women to serve in the Legislative Council, a groundbreaking achievement in the political history of the Virgin Islands, and that she was among the first at-large members ever elected, further solidifying her legacy as a political pioneer.
“She served the Virgin Islands with passion, distinction, and unrelenting commitment throughout her long and vibrant life. From her early academic pursuits in Puerto Rico and New York to her studies in hospitality management at Florida International University, Ms Parsons consistently equipped herself to serve with excellence. Her professional and political career marked her steadfast dedication to health, education, and cultural preservation,” Premier Wheatley stated.
The Premier added that Ms Parsons “earned” the revered title of “BVI Cultural Icon” for good reason.
“She founded and led the BVI Heritage Dancers and countless other initiatives that celebrated and preserved our traditions. She was the first Government Minister to ensure that local cultural groups travelled internationally, proudly representing the Virgin Islands and showcasing the richness of our heritage abroad. Her love for culture and festivals was unmatched, and she dedicated her life to keeping our traditions alive for future generations.”
‘Vibrant spirit & connection to community’
Beyond her official duties, Dr Wheatley said, Ms Parsons had a deep and abiding love for softball and horse racing, reflecting her vibrant spirit and connection to the community.
In 2013, Ms Parsons was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), which Premier Wheatley said was a fitting recognition of her extraordinary service to the Territory.
“Today, her name lives on in many ways—including the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a space dedicated to learning, creativity, and community.”
Premier Wheatley said Ms Parsons lived a long and remarkable life, reaching the age of 94 just under two weeks before her 95th birthday.
He said Virgin Islanders will miss her voice, presence, and contributions at home and abroad.
“We are forever grateful for her service, strength, and the indelible mark she has left on this Territory.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
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23 Responses to “Eileene L. Parsons OBE was ‘one of our most distinguished daughters’- Premier Wheatley”
Indeed, she was an unwavering pillar of strength, a lion- hearted force, for the Virgin Islands!
Her voice will be missed on the various talk shows, on a myriad of topics, including softball, horse racing, culture, and the peoples, of these Virgin Islands!
May her soul, rests, in eternal peace!
and pain.... "R.I.P. my Eileen."
@vi There are a time and place for everyting.
She definitely left her legacy
May her soul rest with the lord
YES, Mrs. Parsons was married, to the late Vernon, who lived, and was interred, in the US Virgin Islands!
ALL, will remember Eileene, in attendance, as regally attired-in her gloves, and her wide- brimmed hat!
SHE, was the talk, of the day!
AGAIN, may her soul rests, in eternal peace!
I will miss her lovely smile, her jokes and those old time saying and proverbs. She was not afraid to say what need or had to say and I loved her for that. I will Miss her Very Much - May her soul rest in eternal peace.