An Outpouring Of Love For Alvin Gee As Territory’s Leaders Mourn With Community

ST. CROIX — From Governor Kenneth Mapp and Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter — to Senate President Neville James and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett — the condolences for iconic Virgin Islander and ubiquitous newsman, Alvin “Gee” Southwell, have been pouring in, as leaders express their sorrow at the venerable reporter’s passing while conjuring memories of his impact on media in the territory.

“Alvin Gee was a gentleman and consummate professional. His voice and his presence will be sorely missed. On behalf of a grateful community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Governor Mapp said.

Lieutenant Governor Potter said Mr. Southwell made the news a “must-listen” event. “His work product was authentic, accurate, timely and reliable. His sudden passing was a shock to the entire community. Local radio news will not be the same without him,” Potter added.

James said Alvin Gee prided himself in making sure that what he reported was accurate, and said the longtime newsman would strive to “stay above the fray.”

“I don’t think it will truly sink in, until we take that morning drive to work or 5:00 in the afternoon drive back home, and notice that his voice is not coming over the airwaves to deliver us the current events of the day,” James lamented. “Look for the television stations to get a greater audience as a result of his passing.”

And Plaskett, too, highlighted Mr. Southwell’s immaculate work ethic, stating that she relied on his voice for the latest in Virgin Islands news.

“His decades-long service and commitment to our community is unrivaled and will most-definitely be missed,” the freshman congresswoman said.

“Mr. Southwell’s high standards of fairness and integrity made him a trusted and well-respected journalist. His kind and generous spirit endeared him to everyone who knew him,” Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum stated.

Senator Kenneth Gittens recalled listening to Alvin Gee as a youngster, and said the revered reporter only got better with time.

“I continued to follow ‘Al Gee’ as I grew up and over the years, he became more than just the notable news icon, with news you could certainly trust, but also a dear friend,” Gittens said.

Mr. Southwell was found unresponsive in his Christiansted apartment on Thursday evening, after close friends, who found it odd that he did not report to work for his 5:00 p.m. newscast, visited the home.

“The Virgin Islands community has lost an icon, a veteran newscaster, and a man of great personal strength and integrity in the world of broadcast journalism,” Senator Tregenza Roach said.

“Alvin Gee earned the respect and appreciation of the Territory’s officials and citizens alike; consistently delivering the global and local news with journalist integrity. He will truly be missed,” he concluded.

Feature Image: Alvin Gee.