Community bids final farewell

 to Minister Paul Wattley

On the morning of 14 July as every one mourned the passing of a great BV Islander, Communications and Works Minister, Honourable Paul P. Wattley, the weather stood still and a bright sun cheered the overflowing congregation bidding eternal farewell to a highly esteemed son of the soil. Since the passing of Hon. Wattley was announced on 6 July, flags throughout the Territory continued to be flown at half-mast until the day of his funeral

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Photo Rick Evans - GIS

Nowhere was the great sense of loss that the entire BVI community felt more visible than at the official funeral service. As the procession from the Central Administration Building made its way to the church many tears were shed and what the lips couldn’t say the facial expressions did. Throughout the sadness there were a few words of comfort, especially those spoken by Hon. Wattley’s younger sister, Ms. Jean Fields.  “Many say that my brother’s passing was ill-timed, but what we must consider is that what my brother accomplished in 59 years, it took men eighty to ninety years to acquire."

The solemn service was officiated by the Reverend Father Ronald Branche, and the eulogy was delivered by Ms. Jean Fields. This  was followed by tributes from His Excellency the Governor, Thomas Macan, Chief Minister of the BVI, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal. 

Chief Minister Smith said that "Wattley fought for his beliefs with the tenacity of a man called to a greater purpose".

After the sermon Mr. Robert Chalwell and Ms. Nicole Donovan sang a special rendition of "The Prayer".

At the grave site there was an official wreath laying ceremony by Governor Macan, Chief Minister Smith, Leader of the Opposition Ralph O'Neal, and Mia Wattley, the deceased’s eldest daughter.

Left to mourn are his widow Mrs. Sylvia Leona Wattley, daughters Mia and Kezia Wattley, son Dante Wattley , granddaughter Dauria Wattley, sisters: Esther Hodge, Gwendolyn Wattley, and Jean Fields, and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The deceased was laid in state at the Legislative Council Chambers on Wednesday morning, followed by a thanksgiving service also on Wednesday at St. George's Episcopal Church.

Hon. Wattley received many tributes and accolades from high officials, including a US Virgin Islands Senator, a US Ambassador, community leaders, heads of service organisations, fellow Rotarians and Anglicans.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Tom Macan said that Territorial at Large Representative, Hon. Wattley brought three particular strengths to the Ministry of Communications and Works. The first strength he said was Hon. Wattley's professional skill as an architect.  The second strength the Governor pointed out was  Wattley’s immensely practical approach. He said that Hon. Wattley was at his happiest when he was solving problems. Mr. Macan recalled when the torrential rains swept the islands in November 2003, and  Wattley was out in the water wearing waterproofs and Wellingtons offering professional advice, motivating those working under difficult conditions and making his own frontline contribution. The third strength was Wattley’s integrity, and his determination that money should be spent and projects undertaken in accordance with agreed priorities without personal favour to any.

Also in a printed tribute, Chief Minister, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith recalled visiting  Wattley while he was at the Westchester Medical Center in New York. The BVI Leader said that even though Hon. Wattley was not in good health, he was still very interested in the development of this Territory and was unwavering in his commitment to his role as Minister for Communications and Works and as a Territorial Representative.

Speaker of the Legislative Council, Hon. V. Inez Archibald remembered the last meeting of the House, which Hon. Wattley attended. She said that “it was obvious to those who knew him reasonably well, that he was not in his best health. Still, the business of the people of this Territory remained paramount for him, and to that cause he gave uncompromising commitment, ill health notwithstanding.”

And again in a printed tribute, Deputy Governor, Dancia Penn-Sallah noted that Wattley left a good and lasting legacy that can be seen through his photography, his architectural designs and construction, his public and community service and his family.

Deputy Chief Minister, Hon. Ronnie Skelton said, "I am happy to have had the privilege to be a colleague of, and a friend to Paul and to work with him for the past six years. Paul was an excellent representative, and one who did his best to promote our country’s best interest."

Territorial Representative, Hon. Eileene Parsons also paid homage to the deceased Minister “Paul P. was a joy to be around because there were no hidden places, no hidden agenda. What you saw was what you got.”

Attorney General, Hon. Cherno Jallow, regarded Wattley as a wise man who always gave a good listening ear and responded with clarity and forthrightness.

Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. J. Alvin Christopher cited a number of Bible verses to convey what he felt.

Minister of Education and Culture, Hon. Lloyd Black described the late Minister as a devoted colleague, a friend, advisor—a very principled individual and social activist who stood up for what he believed.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal expressed his condolences to the widow and children of the late Minister. "he had his personal ideas of what should be done and his own style of how things should be done and he pursued it relentlessly. When Minister Wattley said yes, he meant yes."

Representative for the Seventh District, Dr. the Hon. Kedrick Pickering remembered Hon. Wattley as a fiercely loyal, deeply committed individual who had an abiding love for his country.

Hon. Delores Christopher,   Representative for the Fifth District said that she would always remember Wattley's humour and gesture for goodwill and his contributions to the people of the BVI.

Hon. Omar Hodge, Sixth District representative, said that he was privileged to speak to Hon. Wattley alone for twelve minutes, a month ago prior to his passing. Hon. Hodge recalled the conversation they had.

Hon. Andrew Fahie, representative for the First District also had fond memories of Hon. Wattley.

Fourth District representative, Hon. Mark Vanterpool remembered Hon. Wattley as a man devoted to his family, his country, and his profession.

PAUL P. WATTLEY 1945-2005

Paul P. Wattley, Territorial Representative was truly a son of the British Virgin Islands. He was a pioneer, in both his personal and professional life and did not shy away from taking on challenges and risks.

Born on 22 December, 1945, he was the first of five children born to the late Gladys and Raymond Wattley of Road Town. He began his secondary education at the BVI Secondary School before migrating to New York, where he obtained a five year architectural diploma from the Institute of Design and Construction in Brooklyn in 1969.

In 1969 Hon. Wattley returned home and worked in the BVI as an architect at the Public Works Department (PWD) where he stayed for one year before being employed with Standford Housing Development in Connecticut, USA and Bertram Lee Winston Architects. In 1974 Hon. Wattley returned to the BVI where he endeavoured to make his permanent mark.

When he returned to the BVI, he became one of the first local architects. Always innovative, in 1974, he opened and operated Modular Homes Ltd., where he built homes using a new pre-cast concrete method. Hon. Wattley gave several aspiring architects like Romney Penn, Courtney DeCastro and Cromwell Smith their first apprenticeships and drafting jobs. Later he served as senior architect in the PWD and held that position until 1989, when he left to work as a private architect.

In 1995 and 1999, Hon. Wattley was unsuccessful for his bid for political office. In 2003, however, he ran on the National Democratic Party (NDP) ticket and was elected as a Territorial Representative. He was appointed Minister of Communications and Works, and under his leadership the BVI saw major developments, including the start of the Russell Hill road and major improvements of the aesthetics of the capital. He was a highly skilled photographer and started Paul’s Photo Studio, and is believed to have been the first BV Islander to develop his own film. For many years The Island Sun newspaper published his photos. His camera captured major events including Royal Visits. Wattley was a member of the St. George’s Anglican Church Vestry, a former President of the Lions Club of Tortola, and a member and former President of the Rotary Club of Tortola.

Hon. Wattley died on 6 July, 2005 at age 59 after succumbing to his illness, he was a devoted husband and father . May his soul rest in peace!