Alvin Gee Remembered At Solemn Funeral Service

ST. CROIX — People who gave short remarks said he was a trusted voice, echoing what has been universally vocalized by fans near and far. The Tom Brokaw of Virgin Islands news, one man said. Another, Shelley Moorhead, president of the African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance, said his organization would not have accomplished all that it has without the voice of the venerable newsman.

The life of Alvin George Sylvester Southwell was remembered during a dignified funeral service at the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in Christiansted on Tuesday morning. The service was attended by the who’s who in political and media circles here, including Governor Kenneth Mapp, Lt. Governor Osbert Potter, Senators Terrence “Positive” Nelson, Almando “Rocky” Liburd, Novelle Francis, Sammuel Sanes, Neville James and Kenneth Gittens. Former Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen was also present, along with media notables — all coming to pay respects to a man that has had an impact on their lives in one way or another.

The church was not to capacity as Mr. Southwell, originally from Antigua, was a reserved man. But the service was well attended with family and  friends, along with fans who came to share last moments with the Virgin Islands icon.

Funeral attendees sang along as the choir led with hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” and “The Lord is My Shepard”. The minister, Reverend Gregory Gibson, read from Hebrews 11:16, assuring the mourning that Mr. Southwell was now in a better place, where he is no longer burdened by the trials of this world. He also asked God to strengthen Mr. Southwell’s family and friends as they cope with the loss.

“Alvin’s news was dependable,” Reverend Gibson said. “You felt comfortable listening to him.”

“Alvin was a very quiet, serious individual while he was growing up and it was very difficult to get him to say something,” wrote his brother, Dalton Southwell, in the eulogy. “It is ironic that someone who did not like to speak much when he was a youngster; grew up talking to fans and listeners constantly on the radio around the world.”

It added: “Sometimes he became a source of frustration for his family because he did not like to receive and return phone calls, and when he did talk it was for a very brief moment.  But once the microphone was turned on he was ready to go and that bottled-up energy and enthusiasm came to the front.”

Mr. Southwell was born on December 2, 1957 in Grays Farm, Antigua. He passed away on August 13, at his Christiansted apartment.