In a poignant session on Monday, the Senate’s Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection heard powerful testimonies supporting two bills aimed at commemorating the legacies of two distinguished Virgin Islanders: Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden and Daryl A. “Mousy” George, Sr. These bills propose renaming the Tango Company Fire Station and Flamboyant Avenue to honor their lifelong contributions to the community.
Daryl George Sr.: A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Bill No. 35-0298, sponsored by Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, seeks to rename the Tango Company Fire Station as the “Daryl A. ‘Mousy’ George, Sr. Fire Station,” posthumously honoring George for his transformative role as director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS). Te-Nae’ George, daughter of the late director, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling her father’s tireless work ethic and role as a mentor. “To say my dad was a hard worker would be an understatement,” she said. “He wasn’t just a director; he was a real role model, not only to me but to countless young people.”
Antonio Stevens, current director of VIFEMS, emphasized George’s transformative impact on the agency. “His legacy is undeniable and can be seen in our fleet, facilities, and every facet of our operations,” Stevens stated. He highlighted George’s significant accomplishments, such as modernizing the fleet and merging fire services with emergency medical services, reshaping emergency response in the Virgin Islands.
Commissioner Derek Gabriel of the Public Works Department echoed these sentiments, describing George as “a brave firefighter, a bold first responder, and a wise mentor.” Gabriel noted that George’s leadership of the Junior Firefighters Program created a pipeline for young individuals to join the Fire Services, instilling values of service and sacrifice. “Director George didn’t just drill the mechanical aspects of firefighting; he also instilled the core values of service, sacrifice, and selflessness and created a family environment,” Gabriel said.
Senators expressed deep admiration for George’s dedication. Sen. Dwayne DeGraff, who grew up near George in Savan, shared personal reflections. “He left big shoes to fill. Be proud to say you’re Daryl George’s children,” DeGraff said to George’s family in the testifiers’ chairs. Sen. Javan James described George as a tireless worker whose passion for his job extended beyond work hours. Committee Chair Sen. Carla Joseph noted, “We have a lot to be thankful for – a life well-lived doing what he loved.”
Frett-Gregory highlighted the poignant timing of the bill’s hearing, which coincided with the anniversary of George’s burial. “It happened organically, the universe directing the Senate,” she said. “He left us too soon, but his unmatched, courageous leadership is something we must honor.”
Ronald Blyden: The ‘Mayor’ of Old Tutu
Bill No. 35-0273 aims to honor Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden by renaming Flamboyant Avenue as “Ronald Alphonso ‘Slimo’ Blyden Drive” and the adjacent cul-de-sac as “Slimo Circle.” Former Senate President Myron D. Jackson testified, painting a vivid portrait of Blyden as a beloved community figure who was both a mentor and leader. “He was a people person and was an adviser and counselor to many,” Jackson said, recalling Blyden’s role in fostering community gatherings and his dedication to improving neighborhood safety and cleanliness.
Gabriel spoke to Blyden’s multifaceted life as an educator, entrepreneur, and community leader. “Mr. Blyden was a committed educator and community leader whose life of service and steadfast devotion will continue to resound for generations to come,” he said. Blyden’s career at the Education Department, his freelance photography, and his ownership of the nightclub SLIMOs were among the many ways he connected with the community.
Felecia Brownlow, a former colleague, recounted Blyden’s legendary work ethic. “There was never a project too big or too small for ‘Slimo’ to accomplish,” she shared, praising his focus on maintaining a clean and supportive environment for all.
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who have made a profound impact. “It’s wonderful to honor people who have had such an impact,” she said. Sen. Joseph added, “His life was positively impactful, and this recognition is a tribute to the principles of courage and kindness that he embodied.”
A Call to Action
Both bills, accompanied by a $10,000 appropriation for proper signage, represent more than symbolic gestures – they seek to enshrine the legacies of two men who dedicated their lives to the Virgin Islands. As Gabriel concluded, “A community is only as strong as the people within, and Slimo and Mousey epitomized that truth.”
The Committee moved forward with both resolutions unanimously, sending them to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
Sens. Carla J. Joseph, Javan E. James Sr., Samuel Carrión, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Alma Francis Heyliger, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Milton E. Potter attended Monday’s hearing.
