Ralph T O’Neal to be buried on VG following closed-casket funeral, motorcade

Former Premier the late Ralph T O’Neal will be buried in Virgin Gorda, following his closed-casket state funeral on Tortola on Wednesday, December 11.

These details were revealed by Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the funeral procession, Julian Willock.

Willock, who was speaking at a special sitting in the House in honour of the late legislator, said: “Immediately following the [funeral] service, there will be a motorcade down to the waterfront, where persons will be taken by ferry to Virgin Gorda. The burial will take place on Virgin Gorda.”

“Once we arrive in Virgin Gorda, there will be a vehicle procession from St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda proceeding to the Speedy Road, then to Millionaire Road, and will all stop at the Catholic Community Centre where everyone will proceed on foot to the burial ground,” he added.

Route to funeral service

Willock also gave a vivid detail of the proceedings expected to occur on Tortola, prior to the burial.

He said all uniformed organisations and other interested persons are all invited to be lined up at the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex at 8:30 am for a 9 am departure.

“The procession that will include uniformed organisation and marching band will depart the Honourable Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex, passing along the traffic lights, will turn right to the roundabout up by the O’Neal gas station, will turn right passing the Flow building, passing the fire station and making a right onto the House of Assembly, passing the Kettle gas station, the tamarind tree and then onto the Multipurpose Sports Complex,” said Willock who further noted that the funeral service will start promptly at 10:30 am.

Ferry service for viewing and funeral to be provided

Following the burial, a ferry service from Virgin Gorda will return to Tortola and Anegada. Residents from Jost Van Dyke will return to Road Town then onward to West End for their trip to Jost Van Dyke.

Meanwhile, the public is invited to view the body of the former Premier from 10:30 am to 4 pm on Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10 at the House of Assembly Chambers.

According to Willock, ground transportation will be provided for the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke for Monday and Tuesday, as well as Wednesday.

Details of the ferry service will be revealed online on government’s official website this week.