Former USVI Governor & VI Belonger Charles W. Turnbull has died
According to reports, Dr Turnbull passed away in Maryland, USA. He was 87 years of age.
The late Turnbull, who was elected governor in 1998 as a Democrat, went on to serve two four-year terms, beginning his tenure in January 1999.
VI Belonger
The sixth governor of the USVI was born February 5, 1935, in Charlotte Amalie to John Wesley Turnbull and Ruth Ann Eliza Skelton Turnbull who were both immigrants from the [British] Virgin Islands.
He was one of the few governors of the USVI who was a Belonger of the [British] Virgin Islands.
Close connection to VI
Dr Turnbull frequented the VI, including as the executor of lands at Paraquita Bay.
He was the keynote speaker at the renaming of Little A. Race Track to Ellis Thomas Downs in 2009.
Fmr Speaker Willock offers condolences
Former Speaker of the VI House of Assembly Mr Julian Willock told our newsroom that he was saddened this morning when he received a call that the former USVI Governor had passed.
Mr Willock noted that Dr Turnbull was a longtime friend, political mentor and also a member of his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
“I have already conveyed to his family my own personal condolences and I know the Government of National Unity will also do the same in conveying to the family and the people of the US Virgin Islands their condolences,” Mr Willock stated.
Turnbull started career as a school teacher
Prior to holding the top office in the USVI, Dr Turnbull was a professor at the University of the US Virgin Islands, Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of the USVI Department of Education, Principal and Assistant Principal of Charlotte Amalie High School, and a teacher in elementary and secondary schools.
Dr Turnbull was elected Governor of the Virgin Islands in 1998 and served from 1999 to 2007. While in the position, he held membership in the National Governors Association, the Southern Governors’ Association, and the Democratic Governors Association.
In 2011, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands honored Turnbull by naming a new public library in Estate Tutu, St. Thomas, “The Charles Wesley Turnbull Regional Public Library. In addition, he was awarded the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, the Territory’s highest honor.
At the 51st Commencement of the University of the Virgin Islands in 2015, Dr Charles Wesley Turnbull was awarded an Honorary Doctorate.
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12 Responses to “Former USVI Governor & VI Belonger Charles W. Turnbull has died”
His legacy is one to be admired. He did everything and held many positions along the way to grow bigger and better.
He had my utmost respect in life back then as he now has in death. I remember him advising me as a college student. I was always amazed how easy going and mild mannered he was. A gentle and decent man.
Rest on teacher. A life well lived. Condolences to his surviving family
May he Rest In Peace.