Former Legislator and cultural icon Eileen Parsons OBE has died. She passed away this morning Sunday June 22 at the Dr D Orlando Hospital. She was 94 years old. 

During her political career, she served as a Member of the HOA, Minister for Health Education and Welfare, Deputy Premier, and Deputy Speaker of the House. She helped to  paved the way for women in Virgin Islands politics. 

Ms Parsons, outside of politics, and maybe her truest love, was a culture and heritage aficionado. She founded the Heritage Dancers, who, for decades traveled the world sharing Virgin Islands heritage through dance and dress. She was a cultural icon, and proud Virgin Islander. 

The Auditorium at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College was named in her honour, and she received an Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Honours in 2013 for service to education and the community.  

Last year, 2024, she won the Skelton Group of Companies VI Icon Award for History, Culture and Traditions. 

We thank the Honourable Eileen Parsons for her service to the Virgin Islands. She will be missed. We extend condolences to her family, friends and the entire Virgin Islands.