Wayne "Facts Man" Adams By. Terence A. Thomas
Residents of the USVI, including many of the political class, throughout Sunday and Monday sent condolences and shared memories about Wayne "Facts Man" Adams, who died over the weekend.
"I have learned so much from Wayne "Facts Man" Adams over the years. Today, I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Wayne was not only a historian, but an activist, musician, political pundit and advocate for normalizing mental illness," said Senator Novelle Francis. "He was smart, talented and truly one of a kind. His passing leaves a void in our community. I am honored to have known him and extend my condolences to his family and all who mourn this loss."
Governor Albert Bryan also shared condolences. “Wayne had a gift that he selflessly shared with all in our community. His penchant for information and his love of Virgin Islands history made him a household name and an icon on our local talk radio circuit, where he would frequently call in to tell of the achievements of Virgin Islanders. He was an important voice, and he will be sorely missed," said the governor in a release. “Yolanda and I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all in the Virgin Islands community who are mourning his passing.”
Community members took to social media to share condolences and stories. Terence A. Thomas, a classmate, wrote on Facebook, "Long before you knew him as "FactsMan", we knew him as "Changa Deh Radical". Mr. Thomas said Mr. Adams was dubbed "Facts Man" in 1984 and the name stuck. "He was a featured artist at Boy-A-Boy, Big Man A Big Man! He had a unique style of singing. Black history was his passion. Did you know he singlehandedly mounted a campaign to stop nuclear waste from transiting through the Caribbean? He was successful. He traveled the world and met world leaders."
British Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Andrew A. Fahie, also shared condolences. "I cannot let the day pass without posting RIP to my friend Wayne Adams, aka "Mr. Facts Man". We go way back from my days in St. Thomas when I attended CVI/UVI. He was a walking encyclopedia. He was a historian. His knowledge and history of the V.I. and its politics (both U.S.V.I. & B.V.I.) and it's people was admirable. Condolences to his family and friends. May His soul rest in eternal peace."
