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by pltm
[gallery]Amidst scores of persons saying their final goodbyes to fallen Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) and Fifth District Representative, Hon. Delores Christopher on November 3, a call was made for her legacy and life’s work to be honoured.
Paying tribute during the official funeral at the Sea Cow’s Bay Methodist Church, her colleague in the House and friend, Hon. Archibald Christian requested that the Premier have the Craft Alive Village—which Hon. Christopher played a role in establishing and organizing—renamed after her.
“I am putting on record this afternoon, that the Craft Alive Village be renamed the Delores Lettsome Christopher Craft Alive Village in honour of the service and dedication that she has made to the business community in the Virgin Islands. I ain’t gonna rest until that happens,” he declared.
He spoke at length about her contributions to the territory, and the passion she brought to the HoA. He reminisced on her articulate ways of expressing herself, and her wit during their many sittings.
“Delores was very special to me. Our country is a much better place today because of Delores, because of the sacrifices she made,” he emotionally said.
(PLTM) - In his written tribute, Hon. Christian said, “Her vacant seat is a reminder of the force that she brought to the House of Assembly, and of how precious and fragile life is.”
Her daughter Najan, in eulogizing her mother, spoke deeply on Hon. Christopher’s dedication.
Fighting tears, she gave the public a look into their family life, a look at the affection and lively spirit that her mother brought to all she encountered.
“We acknowledge that our household will never be the same. She tried to be a mother to the entire community. She supported our dreams and aspirations fiercely as our mother as she did for many members of the community,” the grieving daughter shared.
Looking back at the 2003 election when Hon. Christopher was elected to the House of Assembly as a District Representative, Najan related, “This platform as an elected official gave mommy the opportunity to pursue her long held conviction, specifically about the importance of BVI culture and our way of life. She reveled in BVI culture. She loved the sound of fungi music.”
Najan explained that days before her passing, Hon. Christopher had already begun thinking about organizing the annual Christmas on DeCastro Street, formerly known as Christmas on Main Street—an event that she founded.
“She was particular looking forward to it as it would be the 20th anniversary of that event.”
“She was proud of who we were as a people, who we are as a people…She also touched the lives of many young people…We all have been blessed by her efforts…May her legacy continue to have an impact on our way of life.”
These were all sentiments expressed by Najan as she bid her farewell to her mother.
“Go good mommy…rest on in the arms of our almighty father.”
Among the great number of tributes made to her from members of Government, family and friends, the common reflection was one of gratitude for the meaningful role that Delores Christopher played in the community and territory as a whole.
The great impact of her efforts was lauded, and the positive changes that she instigated in the lives of many were praised.
She was laid to rest at the Christopher Family Burial Grounds at Mount Healthy Estate.
