Tuesday, September 29, 2009Premier Pays Tribute To Mc Bean

GIS Premier O'Neal Pays Tribute To Deceased Banker, Valentino Mc Bean

Premier Honour Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has paid tribute and extended condolences on the passing of the former Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Mr. Valentino Mc Bean.

Describing the late banker as a stalwart, Honourable O’Neal said Mr. Mc Bean helped to transform the lives of many. “He was astute. He was brilliant. He was an exemplary son of the soil. He cared deeply for the people of this Territory. His passing is indeed a great loss to the Virgin Islands,” the Premier stated in his tribute

Honourable O’Neal said he recalled meeting Mr. Mc Bean shortly after the opening of the then Virgin Islands Bank in 1961. According to the Premier, in the ensuing years, Mr. Mc Bean became a very respected and admired person within the community. “This I think was largely due to the manner in which he carried out his work; he was very careful, he came to know the people of the community and he respected their way of life,” he said.

The Premier also recalled Mr. Mc Bean’s constant willingness to provide assistance and advice, especially to young persons. “He was very eager to see people make a success out of their lives. Mr. Mc Bean could always be relied upon to assist in whatever way possible, whether it was in making decisions about their financial dealings or about making good choices in general,” Honourable O’Neal stated.

“He was no less helpful when Government engaged in business transactions with Banco Popular. Mr. Mc Bean was always very courteous and accommodating, offering invaluable advice on business matters,” the Premier added.

In addition to the tribute, Honourable O’Neal has penned letters of condolence to the widow of the late Mr. Mc Bean, Mrs. Yvette Mc Bean and the Vice President of Banco Popular, Mr. Ian Smith, expressing similar sentiments about the long-serving banker.

The Premier also encouraged that Mr. Mc Bean’s achievements be celebrated and his legacy continued. “To his fellow executives in the banking industry and to those whom he mentored, I encourage you to build upon the legacy of this very knowledgeable man. Let his years of experience and words of advice continuously resonate as you go forward. Emulate his commitment to the people of the community as you serve them daily, knowing that the more people you empower through sound financial planning, the more benefits, the Territory will realise.” the Premier encouraged.

To the widow, he also urged that she find solace in his many achievements. “As you mourn, I encourage you to remember his many accomplishments, the significant contribution he made to the banking industries in the British and United Stated States Virgin Islands. Find solace in memories of his ability to transform the lives of the people he served. Be comforted by the legacy he has created through his distinguished service.”

Mr. Valentino Mc Bean will be laid to rest on Thursday, October 1.

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