Gov't officials, family & friends observe 1st anniversary of Vernon E. Malone's passing
The gathering was for a day of remembrance and the first anniversary of his death. There was a two-part programme, first the unveiling of his tombstone at the grave site located on family burial grounds, and then family and guests moved over to the popular Icis Villas for eats, remembrance in the form of speeches, fellowship and music.
Mr Malone died on May 4, 2024, and was buried on June 22, 2024.
Big shots in attendance
On hand were current Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7); Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3); and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O Wheatley (R9).
Mr Wheatley gave remarks at the unveiling of the tombstone, which was done by the late Legislator’s son, Malcolm M. Malone, along with contractor Lesmore Smith, and Mr Simon Power of Majestic Life Funeral Home.
Others at the function included Deputy Speaker Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1); Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL); Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4); Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull; and At Large Representatives Hons Stacy R. Mather and Ronnie W. Skelton.
Also in attendance were former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith and former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock, Deputy Governor David D. Archer and Mrs Archer, retired police officers who served with Mr Malone, as well as other senior government officers and captains of industries.
The late Vernon was a man of honour
In a fitting tribute on the occasion, Malcolm spoke about the legacy of the Malone family and their contributions to the fields of Nursing, Law, Business, and Community.
He also spoke of the rich legacy of his late father and the many contributions he made to the RVIPF, including the introduction of fingerprinting and many other crime fighting methods when he was an officer coming through the ranks.
The late Commissioner of Police is credited with having the most commendations and being the first officer in the force’s history and the uniform services to be granted study leave in 1983.
He is also credited with solving the first murder in the Territory using modern investigating methods in 1977, according to his son Malcolm.
In 1992, Mr Malone became the first officer to go through the ranks as well as the first Virgin Islander to become Commissioner of Police. Some of the departments created under his tenure were the Family and Juvenile Unit, Major Crime Unit, Scenes of Crime Unit, Tourist Cash and Protection, and the Cane Garden Bay Police Station, according to his son Malcolm.
In 1996, the late legislator was awarded the QPM (The Queen Police Medal), now the KPM (King Police Medal), the highest honour awarded to a police officer in the United Kingdom.
A man for the people
Mr Malone's political career started in 2005 following the death of At Large Legislator Paul P. Wattley. Mr Malone called for the honouring of our heroes, a Bill of Rights in which the rights of citizens are placed in the VI Constitution. He is also credited for calling for the liberalisation of the telecom industry, which has allowed the people of today to reap many benefits from this legislation. In 2007, he was elected to the VI's First House of Assembly (HoA) following its renaming after the 2007 Constitution.
Upon his election, he became the first and only person in the region’s history to be elected to a HoA after serving as a Commissioner of Police, according to tributes from his son. However, he would be best remembered for his strong advocacy for accountability and prudent spending of the country’s finances. He spoke against the culture of wasteful spending. During his tenure, he continued to fight for the well-being of the people and to be a voice.
The Sticket in Long Look, where he grew up, and the festival grounds building are all projects that he helped initiate. He also worked as a Lecturer at H Lavity Stoutt Community College and as Registrar of Companies. He was a graduate of the Bramsill Police College in London and the first of three officers in the RVIPF's history to attend the FBI National Academy. Upon his return, he introduced the method of fingerprinting to the force.
As a founding member of the Rotary Club of Road Town, he had also received a Paul Harris Fellow.
Mr Malone was also a member of the Institute of Offshore Finance. In 2004, along with his wife, he was awarded the BVI Hotel and Commerce Association's Business of the Year.
A man of all times had integrity
Others paying tribute were Hon Julian Fraser, who commended the late Malone for his honesty and forthrightness as a Politician.
Hon Turnbull said that after the creation of the Cadet Corps, Mr Malone allowed him to merge it with a programme that he was doing, mentoring and guiding him on what to do for the success of that programme. He also praised Mr Malone for his courage and outspokenness for the benefit of the Territory.
Premier Wheatley praised the deceased Malone for his courage, strength and brilliant contributions to the Territory on so many fronts. He also called Mr Malone a national hero who genuinely cared and fought for the well-being of the people for now and many generations to come.
Mr Malone’s son Malcolm also honoured the contributions of current Premier Dr Wheatley and noted that he has a place for his good works and contribution in his private museum at Icis Villas in Brewers Bay on Tortola.
The late Mr Malone's wife, Mrs Icis A. Malone, gave moving closing remarks, where she thanked many residents who have stood with her and Malcolm during many of the most challenging times, especially after the passing of her husband of 54 years.
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