Eileene Parsons, a former educator and legislator, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire for service to the Virgin Islands community, the Governor’s Office announced.
Ms. Parsons was named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which was released in London on Friday.
“Her dedication to service and to the Virgin Islands has been evident in everything she has achieved,” Governor Boyd McCleary said. “Her significant contributions span from culture and tourism to education and politics. She truly has touched the hearts and lives of so many, and I am delighted that this has now been recognised.”
Ms. Parsons taught in this territory and the United States VI from 1959-65. In the succeeding years, her positions in the USVI included secretary to the commissioner of education and dean of the College of the VI.
In this territory, she served as cultural officer from 1984-1989 and as registrar and bursar of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College from 1990-1995.
In 1995, Ms. Parsons was elected to the Legislative Council, and two years later she was appointed minister of health, education and welfare, becoming the first female minister in 30 years of ministerial government.
She retained her seat in the next legislature, polling the fourth highest number of votes as a territorial candidate in the 1999 general election. On May 21, 1999 she was appointed as deputy chief minister and minister of health, education and welfare in the Virgin Islands Party government.
Ms. Parsons, who is known for her keen interest in culture and sports, founded the Community Singers and the BVI Heritage Dance Company.
See the June 20, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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