Earle B. Ottley, a powerhouse in Virgin Islands politics for half a century, died Thursday morning at his home in St. Thomas. He was 78.
Ottley was widely respected in the territory, throughout the Caribbean and in national political circles as a master politician, lawmaker, journalist and union leader.
In his 34 years as a lawmaker, from 1947 through 1981, he was the single most-powerful person in the legislative body, often pulling the strings even when he wasn't sitting in the president's seat.
Ottley was born in St. Thomas on March 22, 1921. He graduated in June 1939 from Charlotte Amalie High School and later earned a scholarship to attend Columbia University in New York.
When he returned to the island in May 1945, he launched the Photo News — his first journalistic enterprise, though he had worked previously for the Mail Notes and the V.I. Daily News. His later newspaper ventures included the Home Journal and the Virgin Islands Post.
Ottley headed the Virgin Islands Labor Union in the late 1940s and remained proud of his role of fighting for the rights of working men and women. In his book "Trials and Triumphs: The Long Road to a Middle-Class Society in the U.S. Virgin Islands," he wrote:
"As I look back on the miserable, almost hopeless conditions that encouraged me to organize workers in 1948, and the dizzying improvements in the standard of living that have taken place since then, due partly to labor's victories, both in the private and public sectors, I consider my labor activity to be the most satisfying accomplishment of my career."
After Ottley retired from the the Legislature, he remained active in government and behind-the-scenes politics. He headed the Virgin Islands Status Commission and the Housing Finance Authority.
He also wrote two books, "Trials and Triumphs," published in 1982, and "The Hardball Years," published in 1994.
Ottley's death was first made public at about noon today by Sen. George Goodwin, a longtime friend, during a Senate meeting.
Tributes began pouring in immediately.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who ordered flags in the territory to be flown at half-staff until after the funeral, said Ottley's legislative service "remains a record for the U.S. Virgin Islands. But even more important is the distinguished quality of his service. Much of the economic, social and political progress we have witnessed in the territory is testament to his leadership."
Beginning in the 1950s, Turnbull said, "no one individual did more to advance the political evolution of the Virgin Islands."
Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen said, "Mr. Ottley and his counterparts built the Virgin Islands from what was called a 'virtual poorhouse' to the thriving society we have enjoyed for decades. As we mourn Mr. Ottley's passing and prepare to bring in the next century without his wise counsel, I hope that we will revere his memory not only with our words, but through our actions."
Goodwin called Ottley his mentor saying, "Earle B. Ottley was one of the architects and mainstays of the Virgin Islands for over four decades. He was a great political leader and a great man."
June Adams, Democratic Party state chair, said, "Sen. Ottley was a true visionary and pioneer in Virgin Island politics. (He) was greatly admired and respected by thousands of Virgin Islanders whose lives he touched and in some small way improved."
Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
