PHOTOS: Massive farewell; Speedy saved hundreds of lives

Deceased businessman Edwin ‘Speedy’ George was remembered on Saturday for touching and saving numerous lives on the sister island of Virgin Gorda, where he spent most of his childhood and adult life.

“He was the man that we called at any time of day or night when we felt ill here on Virgin Gorda and we needed to get to Peebles Hospital [on Tortola],” said District Representative Hubert O’Neal while paying tribute at George’s funeral service.

“There are countless, hundreds and hundreds of Virgin Gordians who owe their lives to Speedy and the service that he provided to us here on Virgin Gorda,” he continued.

Those numbers O’Neal described during his remarks were certainly reflected at the grounds of Speedy’s headquarters on Saturday, where the funeral service was held.

Persons from all corners of the British Virgin Islands gathered there to bid a final farewell to the beloved businessman.

Among the mourners were government ministers Myron Walwyn and Ronnie Skelton, as well as Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie, and Premier Dr D Orlando Smith, who also gave remarks at the service.

Though there were a few that wept at George’s passing, his life was truly celebrated during his send-off.

Persons laughed and cheered as close friends and family members told tales of George’s voyages throughout his lifetime.

One of the most memorable is the tale of how he started his Speedy’s ferry service, which is widely described as the best in the territory.

George first entered the transportation industry as a taxi operator. And over the years, he developed an empire with his wife, Nidia.

They started Virgin Gorda’s first driving school from their front yard, and in the late 1960’s, they imported three mini mokes for rental.

Before long, Speedy started his first ferry service.

The company offers services domestically and internationally in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands.

George is survived by his seven children, five sisters, four brothers, his grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Below are highlights from the funeral service captured by BVI News: