Dear Source:
The passing of Dr. Aubrey A. Anduze marks the passing of a productive era in the history of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Anduze was in the forefront when the Virgin Islands were taking shape and growing into political maturity with many challenges. Dr. Anduze was keenly aware of the need for change from the old 1936 Organic Act and was one of the advocates for the 1954 Organic Act, which governs the Virgin Islands today. The advocacy for change was not easy and it required many trips to the Congress and Senate of the U. S. to affect the passage of the legislation by those bodies. Dr. Anduze was President of the 2nd and 3rd Legislatures of the Virgin Islands and a Democrat as well. And since the Congress was controlled by Democrats, the task of writing legislation to amend the Organic Act was a little easier. Dr. Anduze was a member of the Virgin Islands Democratic Party and worked very well with his colleague, the late Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky, who was the National Committeeman for the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands. He served very ably as Administrator of St. Croix under Governor Paiewonsky for several years. The early 1960's were formative and fruitful in many ways in gaining rights for the territory, (legislative apportionment, authorization for legislators to set their salaries as well as elected governor and delegate to the Congress). The battle of the parties was in full sway (Unity Party vs Democratic Party), and the transformation of the territory's economy was on the front burner. Dr. Anduze was one who believed that the future of St. Croix could not be sustained on a sugar cane economy, and therefore, fought to transform St. Croix's into an industrial economy.
Besides the political service to the territory, Dr. Anduze was a well- known and respected dentist. He must have tended to most residents of St. Croix while he was active in the practice of dentistry.
Another bright page in the life of Dr. Anduze was his service to God Almighty and to the church he loved (the Anglican Church). He was ordained a Deacon by the late Bishop Edward Turner and served in every parish on St. Croix for many years. His fluency in Spanish was a blessing to the Diocese and he served the Mission San Francisco in mid-island St. Croix for many years.
A very talented Christian who shared the Gospel and his God-given talents with fellow citizens, he will be remembered for the numerous contributions he made to the Virgin Islands community and especially St. Croix.
We thank God for Dr. Anduze's service to the community and his wife and children who allowed him to serve so well. Condolences to his wife and children. Well done good and faithful servant.
Eric and Betty Dawson
Viera, Florida
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