Governor Mapp Signs Proclamation Declaring August 25 ‘Alvin Gee’ Day

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp has signed a proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 25 as “Alvin G. Sylvester Southwell Day”, according to a proclamation document provided to The Consortium. See document here.

The universally loved media icon died on August 13, discovered by friends in his Christiansted apartment, after he failed to report to his 5:00 p.m. weekly broadcast on 107.9 FM, Da Vybe. A first viewing of Mr. Southwell will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at Divine Funeral Services Chapel, located at 29 Peter’s Rest. A second viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at St. John’s Episcopal Anglican Church.

Mr. Southwell’s interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.

A full reproduction of the Proclamation is immediately below:

“Alvin George Sylvester Southwell was born on December 2, 1957 in Grays Farm, Antigua, West Indies. He was the fifth of seven children of Percival & Elaine Southwell.
Affectionately known as Alvin Gee, he attended Greenbay School and Princess Margaret Primary School in Antigua. He was a very bright and serious student. He was attentive, curious, and spent his adolescent years listening to the radio. It was obvious from a young age that his life career in broadcasting would become his passion. While at Greenbay High School he started a broadcast show, and it was then that he began in broadcasting and public communications.

“Alvin Gee was an on-air radio personality for many radio stations in Antigua, Tortola and the US Virgin Islands. He soon became the Station Manager and News Director for these broadcasting organizations. From the beginning of the day until the end of his broadcast, Alvin read the news and gave his opinions on politics and topics that were in need of discussing. Alvin Gee was one of the founders of Da Vybe 107.9 FM radio and it was there that he could be heard every morning and late afternoon informing the Virgin Islands community on the day’s news. His unique voice became synonymous with news reporting, and the community looked to him for sound, objective, and accurate information. Every political leader in the Virgin Islands knew how to offer a soundbite in his news cycle.

“His colleagues knew Alvin Gee as one of the most determined, dedicated, and passionate news reporter in the Territory. Alvin Gee’s passing has left a void in the Territory, and he will surely be missed. His legacy will live on for others seeking careers in broadcasting to emulate. Accordingly, it is only fitting that for all of the contributions Alvin Gee has made to the Territory, that we honor him and proclaim August 25, 2015 as a day in his memory.”

Feature Image: Alvin  “Gee” Sylvester Southwell.

Image Credit: St. Croix Source.