Parsons hailed as trailblazer and cultural icon
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has hailed the late Eileene Lucia Parsons, OBE, as a trailblazer and patriot who changed the course of history in the Virgin Islands.
Parsons, who died just shy of her 95th birthday, was the first woman in the Virgin Islands to serve as a government minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council. She also made history as one of the first two women elected to the Legislative Council, alongside Ethlyn Smith.
“Ms Parsons was a trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a patriot whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of our society,” Wheatley stated.
“She was a pioneer who shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of women leaders,” he added.
In addition to her political achievements, Parsons was widely known for her passion for preserving Virgin Islands culture. She founded and led the BVI Heritage Dancers and played a key role in sending local cultural groups abroad to represent the territory.
“She was the first Government Minister to ensure that local cultural groups travelled internationally, proudly representing the Virgin Islands and showcasing the richness of our heritage abroad,” Wheatley explained.
Parsons’ educational background reflected her dedication to service. She studied in Puerto Rico and New York, later completing a degree in hospitality management at Florida International University.
Her lifelong service to health, education and cultural preservation earned her national and international honours. In 2013, she was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to the Territory.
Parsons’ name is now memorialised at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, where the Eileene L Parsons Auditorium serves as a centre for the arts and education.
Beyond her public service, she was known for her love of softball and horse racing — interests that reflected her strong ties to the local community.
“Virgin Islanders will miss her voice, presence, and contributions at home and abroad,” Dr Wheatley stated. “We are forever grateful for her service, strength, and the indelible mark she has left on this territory.”
Parsons passed away at the age of 94. She would have turned 95 in less than two weeks.
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I hope we give this “Stateswoman” and “Icon” of the British Virgin Islands a good send off. Mrs. Eileen Parson deserves a State Funeral and I hope that is what we are going to do as a Territory. We are Looking forward for a State Funeral
I will miss her lovely smile, her jokes and those old time saying and proverbs. She was not afraid to say what need or had to say and I loved her for that. I will Miss her Very Much – May her soul rest in eternal peace.