Former BVI health minister and key political figure Carvin Malone.
The sudden death of Carvin Malone, a former health minister in the British Virgin Islands, has plunged the BVI into mourning as the territory grapples with the loss of a political giant.
Mr. Malone, 64 at the time of his death, is reported to have taken ill in the wee hours of Sunday morning and was rushed to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital after being found unresponsive, however he passed away shortly thereafter.
He was a veteran of political life, having served over 15 years as president of the ruling Virgin Islands Party before he was himself elected to office in 2019 as an at-large representative. During his tenure in office, he served as minister for Health and Social Development, presiding over the BVI’s public health policy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following news of his death, current party chair, BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley remembered Mr. Malone as the one who sparked his own political career. “Carvin was the one who recruited me into the VIP,” Mr. Wheatley remarked on a BVI radio station. “I would not be here if it were not for him.”
Meanwhile, USVI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued her own words of condolence, remembering Mr. Malone as a “stalwart” in the BVI community. He has “left an excellent legacy of commitment, integrity and political savvy,” she remarked. “I send my prayers for comfort and peace to his loved ones, family and friends.”
Governor Bryan also shared condolences and remarks, commenting that Mr. Malone Mr. Malone "was not only a distinguished statesman but also a pleasure to work with. His collaborative spirit shone brightly during our joint efforts to combat Covid-19, where I, alongside our Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, had the privilege to work closely with him through the Inter Virgin Islands Council."
Mr. Malone is survived by his wife Pernis and daughter Kirsten.
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