According to reports, Dr Quincy F.V. Lettsome passed away today, February 13, 2024. Photo: GIS/File

Local historian, education stalwart and author Dr Quincy F.V. Lettsome is photographed at the launch of his book, ‘Virgin Islands: An Alphabetical Heritage’ on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Over 50 well wishers attended the launch that took place at the Breezeway, Central Administration Building. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS

Local historian, renowned author, poet and retired educator Dr Quincy F.V. Lettsome, Ph.D has passed at the age of 82. Photo: VINO/File

According to reports Dr Lettsome passed away today, February 13, 2024.

Stalwart in education

Dr Lettsome, who was born in Long Swamp in the eastern end of Tortola, was an educator for some 50 years and commenced his teaching career in 1961. He obtained his initial teacher training from the then Leeward Islands Teachers Training College in Antigua, from 1963 to 1965. He was then appointed Head Teacher of the Cane Garden Bay Methodist Elementary School from 1965 to 1968.

He was then appointed Principal of the Road Town Primary School from 1968 to 1972, before being appointed to teach Geography at the BVI High School. He would serve there in numerous capacities such as Year Head, Head of Geography Department, House Master, Deputy Principal and Principal. He was later appointed as an Education Officer at the Department of Education and Culture. In 1986 Dr. Lettsome embarked on doctoral studies with the University of Hull, while still working. He completed his doctoral research in 1991 Hull University.

At the Education Department, Dr Lettsome served in such capacities as Curriculum Coordinator, Coordinator of the Five Year Education Plan, Deputy Chief Education Officer and Chief Education Officer.

He was President of the BVI Teachers Union for 18 years at various intervals and was instrumental in bringing about numerous innovations, such as the Teaching Service Commission, Hull University Programme and Education Week.

World Teachers Day traced back to Dr Lettsome

Dr Lettsome is also credited with introducing the idea of World Teachers Day at a Conference in Geneva in 1982. Today World Teachers Day is observed throughout the world.

After his retirement, Dr Lettsome become a consultant and served for years as Director of Micro Dimensions Consulting Services.

Among his work as an author, Dr Lettsome compiled a history book entitled, August Mondays and Festivals -An ABC Heritage Guide, which was launched by the BVI Tourist Board in 2004.

He is also the author of ‘Virgin Islands: An Alphabetical Heritage’, which was launched on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. 

Dr Lettsome was married to Kirlin Lettsome, who passed in August 2022.

He is survived by his three children, Tracy, Stacy and Sym, and three grandchildren.