Guy Benjamin playing dominoes with friends during a past birthday at Fred’s in Cruz Bay.
On Tuesday night, Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. offered condolences to the family and friends of Guy H. Benjamin after learning of his death at the age of 98. “This life-long educator and author will be sorely missed.”
De Jongh noted that Guy H. Benjamin was born in East End St. John. He was the first St. Johnian to graduate from the Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas. He received his Bachelors Degree from Howard University and his Masters Degree from New York University.
“Upon returning to the Virgin Islands, he dedicated himself to a career in education. In recognition of his contribution to education in the Virgin Islands, the public elementary school in Coral Bay, St. John was named in his honor,” de Jongh said. The governor also recalled that during his years as a teacher that Benjamin helped initiate the first ferry boat service between St. John and St. Thomas so St. John children could attend school beyond sixth grade.
He was also the author of two books, “Me and My Beloved Virgin”, a book of memoirs of St. John in times gone by and “More Tales for Me and My Beloved Virgin.”
Guy Benjamin and friend Charlie Deyalsingh.