Gov. Charles W. Turnbull Body Lay in State at Government House on STX

The body of Charles W. Turnbull is carried outside of the Government House on St. Croix. (Photo provided by the Government House)

Gov. Charles W. Turnbull lay in state at the Government House in Christiansted, St. Croix on Wednesday. The public viewing marked the first day in a series of events scheduled for the territory throughout the week.

Sirens could be heard throughout the town of Christiansted as the body of the former governor made its way to Government House. Community members took to social media to pay their respects on Turnbull’s passing.

Sen. Janelle Sarauw said, “Paying respects to the Honorable Governor, Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull. May his soul rest peacefully.” https://www.facebook.com/janelle.sarauw

Senator Novelle Francis also took to his Facebook account, saying, “It was my privilege to serve as the VIPD’s Territorial Police Chief during his tenure. May we all strive to emulate the humility, leadership, compassion, and work ethic that defined Governor Turnbull.” https://www.facebook.com/novelle.francis.7

Gov. Charles W. Turnbull lies in state on Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix. (Photo provided by Government House)

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is asking all owners of all private and federal buildings in the territory to fly their flags at half-staff “in honor of Governor Charles Wesley Turnbull, who dedicated his life to the field of education, the preservation of our Caribbean history, and to the people of the Virgin Islands. His commitment to public service, including two terms as Governor of our Territory, will be so honored,” the governor’s proclamation states.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and First Lady Yolanda Bryan escort Gov. Charles W. Turnbull’s sister Mavis Turnbull out of Government House on St. Croix after the public viewing. (Photo provided by Government House)

Here is the schedule of events still to occur in honor of Gov. Turnbull:

  • Aug. 11: Gov. Turnbull will lie in state at The Battery in Cruz Bay, St. John, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Aug. 12: Gov. Turnbull will lie in state at Government House on St. Thomas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Parking will be at the Fort Christian parking lot, and shuttle service will be provided to and from Government House.)
  • Aug. 12: A candlelight vigil will take place in Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those wishing to give a brief two-minute tribute should RSVP to GovernmetHouse@go.vi.gov.
  • Aug. 13: A viewing will take place at Christchurch Methodist Church, St. Thomas, at 9 a.m.

The funeral service will take place at Christchurch Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on Aug. 13, after the viewing, and masks are required for all those inside the church. Parking will be at the Fort Christian parking lot, and shuttles will take people to and from Christchurch Methodist. The interment will be at Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery on St. Thomas immediately after the funeral service. Repast will take place at Fort Christian following interment.

Members of the public are invited to attend all events.

A portrait of Gov. Turnbull inside of Government House. (Photo provided by Government House)