Dr Quincy Lettsome passes away at 82
The Virgin Islands community is mourning the passing of Dr Quincy Lettsome, a pillar of education, history, and community, who passed away yesterday, February 13 at age 82.
Born in Long Swamp, Tortola, Dr Lettsome dedicated five decades to shaping young minds. He received his early teaching education at the Leeward Islands Teachers Training College in Antigua between 1963 and 1965, subsequently taking on the role of Head Teacher at Cane Garden Bay Methodist Elementary School from 1965 to 1968 and later, Principal at Road Town Primary School.
In 1972, Dr Lettsome joined the BVI High School, leaving his mark in various capacities – Year Head, Geography Department Head, House Master, Deputy Principal, and ultimately, Principal. His pursuit of knowledge continued, leading him to complete his doctoral studies at Hull University in 1991 while still working.
Returning to the Department of Education and Culture, Dr Lettsome held key positions like Curriculum Coordinator, Five Year Education Plan Coordinator, Deputy Chief Education Officer, and Chief Education Officer.
He also served for 18 years at various intervals as President of the BVI Teachers Union, where he championed advancements like the Teaching Service Commission, Hull University Programme, and Education Week.
Dr Lettsome’s impact extended beyond the classroom. He authored impactful books like “August Mondays and Festivals – An ABC Heritage Guide” and “Virgin Islands: An Alphabetical Heritage,” preserving and sharing the rich history of his beloved Virgin Islands.
His dedication to education, community, and cultural preservation leaves a lasting legacy. Dr Lettsome is survived by his three children and three grandchildren.
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A generation of some of the BVI’s bests are passing on. Dr. Lettsome was an admirable, decent, humble, quiet, and knowledgeable man whom I had tremendous respect for. I am saddened by his passing.
I’ve known him ever since I was young. He had so many good human qualities that I liked in a person including how he took care of his parents and family, how he took over their business after their passing and grew it into more along with his wife, and how he treated others with kindness and respect.
What I found most admirable about him was his continual quest for knowledge at various stages of his life while taking care of his family, and his quiet & humble ways.
Never a flashy guy; just a simple down to earth man with no frills. What you saw is what you got. He was not defined by material things.
When I think of him, I see a man who persevered throughout life to achieve success one step at a time. He was one of those people who stood out in the Long Swamp East End Long Look community along with his late wife.
He was certainly in my mind one of the BVI native sons shining stars. I see him as one of the BVI’s treasures.
I am grateful for such a role models he was to people like myself growing up in that community. In him I saw what was possible in life with hard work and perseverance.
In him, I saw decency and how to take care of ones family. In him, I saw quiet and determined greatness.
May he rest peacefully. My sincere condolences to his children and extended family.
caring always listening, and ready to help his people in the BVI
May his soul rest in peace.
My condelences to the family
Dr. Quincy Lettsome made his mark in a most positive way 8n BVI history. I was looking to see the Premier’s acknowledgment of his passing in the media, especially as Dr. Lettsome probably taught him in school. And being in the education feild as well. Not to mention a neighbour in the 7th and 8th district. The Teachers Union probably dont see it fitting neither. They seem not to gave any respect, but who knows? Maybe jealousy is involved. But he’s gone with integrity and a good reputation. No one can take that away. Goodbye Virgin Islands Poet, Intellectual, accomplished Educator, distinguisged gentleman. Rest well. Peace and comfort to those who mourn the loss.