Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach:
“I join a deeply saddened Virgin Islands community in mourning the loss of former Virgin Islands Senator John A. Bell, Sr. Mr. Bell was a lifelong public servant, military veteran, political activist, and an advocate for the betterment of the Virgin Islands. I pray for God’s comfort for his family, his loved ones, and for all those who mourn his passing.
“A native of St. Thomas, Mr. Bell enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956. He was one of the founding members of the Mortar and Pestle Unity Movement, which evolved into the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands. He served six terms in the Virgin Islands Legislature from 1975 to 1982, and 1985 to 1986. Eventually he took the helm as Director of the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix until his retirement. In 2018, in recognition for his many contributions, the 30th Legislature bestowed upon him the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor in accordance with Act No. 7645, a measure which I was pleased to support.
“In 2022, I had the honor of joining Mr. Bell at the naming ceremony of the Golden Grove Correctional Facility to the John A. Bell, Sr. Adult Correctional Facility. I was inspired by his life story and how he overcame the troubled path of delinquency to eventually become a public servant and leader of the people. By his example, not just by words, Mr. Bell exemplified a whole other approach to how we should deal with persons in our society who sometimes go astray. The best thing we can do to honor his memory is to commit to making the Golden Grove Correctional Facility a place of rehabilitation for those who are incarcerated there.
“Mr. Bell’s legacy will include his commitment to service and advocacy for persons in our society who need guidance and mentorship. I extend my condolences to his children, John A. Bell, Jr., Jason Bell, Cirgie Bell, Jurene Bell, and John Bell; to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other family and friends. We are grateful for his many contributions. May he now rest in eternal peace.”
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator John A. Bell, Sr., a man whose life was a testament to the power of transformation, service, and unwavering love for the people of the Virgin Islands.
“Senator Bell’s journey is one that will continue to inspire generations. From challenging beginnings, he rose through sheer determination and discipline to become a soldier, a counselor, a co-founder of the Mortar and Pestle and Unity Movement, and a six-term member of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, where he served with distinction as both Vice President and Minority Leader. His was a life that proved beyond any doubt that one’s circumstances do not dictate one’s destiny.
“Throughout his decades of public service, Senator Bell championed justice, equality, and opportunity for all Virgin Islanders. He lifted up those around him, stood beside families in crisis, mentored young people, and worked tirelessly to shape a more just and equitable territory. His contributions are forever memorialized in the institution that bears his name, the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, a fitting tribute to a man who believed deeply in redemption and second chances.
“On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to former Senator Bell’s family, his loved ones, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. May his legacy of perseverance, compassion, and service continue to light the way for our community.”
