Former Magistrate Cecil Dawson was an “unsong hero”
BVI News Staff - Monday, November 21st, 2011 at 5:40 PM
The late Cecil Dawson
Former Magistrate Cecil E. Dawson was described as an unsung hero who displayed “quiet strength” in making significant contributions to the development of the British Virgin Islands.
Dawson, who died at his Kingston, Tortola residence on Nov. 8, 2011, was laid to rest on Saturday, Nov. 19 after a thanksgiving service for his life at the Road Town Methodist Church. He was 63.
Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald said Dawson began his public service career in November 1966 and retired 35 years later, in June 2001.
She said Dawson climbed the career ladder from clerk of the Treasury and Customs Department to senior crown counsel of the Attorney General’s Chambers, the post from which he retired in 2001. He served as air traffic control officer, administrative officer, crown counsel, acting magistrate and coroner and registrar of the Supreme Court, Archibald said.
She added: “After Mr. Dawson’s retirement in 2001, insofar as the public service is concerned, he never missed a beat, being appointed additional magistrate in September 2001, and acting as magistrate and coroner on 31 ocassions between December 2001 and August 2007.
“Employee profiles can seem cold and lifeless. I suppose they do just what they are meant to do – give information. But if we were to enliven that information we would find, in Mr. Dawson’s case, for instance, that he worked with the territory’s money, he kept us safe at the airport on takeoff and landing, he presented government’s cases in the court, he administered justice in the court, and he held inquests into questionable deaths and suspicious fires. In other words, Mr. Dawson touched the lives of the people of this territory in really significant ways. He came, he saw, he served. And, I believe, we are the better for his being here.”
Debra P. Romney-Hodge, acting chairperson of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIAA), said Dawson made significant contributions to the success of the BVIAA.
“He brought to the BVIAA experience of an air traffic controller a local magistrate with his privately owned legal practice, in-depth knowledge of the public and private protocol and standards of operation. Our fellow member was respected by the Board for the strength he regularly displayed when defending his convictions, particularly as he championed the philosophy of training BVIslanders first. His powerful personality demanded respect for authority, yet he was not above challenging authority he believed to be misplaced,” she said.
President of the BVI Bar Association Keisha M. Durham described Dawson as an “unsung hero”.
“Cecil was often described as warm, kind, and a consummate gentleman who displayed quiet strength. We honour his memory and find inspiration in many things that he did including the fortitude to launch into the legal profession as a second career; establish a law firm; as well as his distinguished service to the community as he served not only as a magistrate but also as a registrar of lands; first chairman of the Financial Services Appeals Board; and as a member of the Board of Directors of the BVI Airports Authority,” Durhamd said.
Current and former employees of CE Dawson & Co., Michael Maduro, Sonjah Smith, Ishelle Hodge, Joy Browne and Kimberly Donovan, said: “Your exemplary work and life of service to our community speaks for itself. You were committed to the growth and development of young Virgin Islanders and place a special interest in providing opportunities and advancing them in the legal profession. Your words of advice and encouragement will always guide us. Your kindness and compassion will long be remembered. We are honoured to have had the experience of your wisdom and guidance. We are comforted knowing your peace in life will continue in death.”
Tributes also poured in from relatives, friends, and colleagues from softball, table tennis and domino teams.
Interment was at the Road Town Methodist Cemetery.
Organist: Andrew Fahie, Cedric Dawson
Officiating ministers: Canon Julian Clarke and Rev. Moreland Williams
Pall bearers: Patrick Smith, Shaun Smith, Eric Brathwaite, Omari Dawson, Winfield Smith, Antonio Quammie
Honorary pall bearers: Carl Dawson, Troy Dawson, Kirt Dawson, Richard Rowe, Walter Dawson, Andrew Fahie Alvin Christopher, Vernon Malone, Claudius Duncan
SURVIVORS
Sons: Troy Dawson, Kirt Dawson
Brothers: Walter Dawson, Carl Dawson, Devon Dawson
Sisters: Vivian Dawson, Elvera Brathwaite, Ethlyn Smith
Grandson: Tray Dawson
Granddaughters: Trinity Dawson, Trichia Dawson
Uncles: Evelyn Pickering, Vernon Pickering, Cedric Pickering, vincent Pickering.
Great Aunt: Emogene Creque
Nephews: Mervin Dawson, Elvin Dawson, Dervin Dawson, Delvin Dawson, Ervin Dawson, Patrick Smith, Shaun Smith, Gregory Dawson, Rae Dawson, Dr. Omari Dawson, Eric Brathwaite, Leroy James
Nieces: Catherine (Kay) Shaw, Debbie Dawson, Kimba Smith, Tanya Dawson-Donovan, Dr. Tavia Dawson, Yvonne Christopher
Sisters-in-Law: Beatrice Dawson, Armeania Dawson
Brother-in-Law: MacDonald Smith
Friend: Joycelyn Barry
Aunts: Edris Torton, Carol Barrett
Close friends: Claudius Duncan, Vernon Malone, Denniston Fraser, Julian Gordon, Clinton Thomas, Hemraj Rajhuraj Rajmangal, Satya Prakash Rajmangal, Tony Alphonso, Ellen Blyden-Rymer, Lesley Theodore, Joyce Titley, Elroy Fahie, Andy Lettsome
Domino Posse: Joseph Thomas, Harry Fahie, Bennet Brewley, Terrance Freeman, Renaldo Fahie, Vanceto Pickering, Donald, Skelton and Jean Hodge
Table Tennis Posse: John Rodney, Kenson Hazel, Derry Maduro Fahie, Ceril Richards, Carmilita Jamieson, Fenty Phillip, Carlton Reynolds
13 great nieces, 11 great nephews, 12 great great nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
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17 Comments
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Mr. Dawson had more past employees why weren’t their names listed in tributes besides these.
you need to ask those employees….
You should ask the family not the employees
If the family don’t know who the past employees are how the hell are they are suppose to mention them.
Dawson:
You did it your way.. With Pride and Dignity.. Will miss you, RIP, To your Family in this time of your Loss,y Deepest Sympathy.. God Bless You All.. and may he Shine on you as a Famil at time.. Best regards..
Merle
Cecil was my cousin but I hardly knew him. So by reading all of the posts I am beginning to frame a picture in my mind as to the person he really was and the impact he has made on society during his lifetime. May he rest in peace knowing that I too is pursuing a legal career, but on the shores of the United States.
Be strong and don’t give up. Remember there is a deeper strength and an amazing abundance of peace available to you. Draw from this well; call on your faith to uphold you. Realize life is a series of levels, cycles of ups and downs, some easy, some challenging. Through it all we learn, we grow strong in faith, we mature in understanding, May the good Lord bless you and keep the faith DAWSON family
Such a kind and peaceful man. I have never met anyone who has had anything unpleasant to say about Mr. Dawson. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
What a shock to me. I have known Mr Dawson over seven years, was very soft spoken and always had a good advice. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his entire family.
I was in shock, lost for words when I heard the news of Cecils’ passing. He was my former boss and a good friend.
There comes a time in life that we know we all have to meet our maker, when that time comes we are still speachless and in disbelief.
My deepest condolences goes out to his entire family. To Troy hold on to Gods’ unchanging hands.
May his Soul Rest in Internal Peace
I was shocked to hear of Cecil’s passing. I held a great deal of respect for him and we always took time out to have a little whenever we saw each other.
Deepest condoilences to the family,Cecil was a man who served the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands well in a number of areas.He was arguably the best all-round male athlete ever developed i9n the Territory.Besides being the fastest sprinter of his generation he was also an excellent batsman in cricket,a versatile softball player and an outstanding table tennis player.
Condolences to his family. RIP
my heart goes out to the family and my prays are with you all. He was a well know humble man. I have good memories growing up with him and his family in Lower Estate.Cecil you will be missed by many.
My Deepest condolences to the entire family circle, so sad to be reading this. troy and kurt you’re in my prayers RIP Mr. Dawson
Condolences to the entire family. He will be missed, my constitution lawyer, my friend and good collegue.
Deepest condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace.
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