Final Tributes Begin for Athniel “Addie’ Ottley

Close to 100 people gathered at the cathedral to begin three days set aside to celebrate Athniel “Addie” Ottley’s life, with public memorials, tributes, and gatherings starting Tuesday and ending on Thursday. About 350 people gathered for the public memorial at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center, following the church service.

Ottley, 80 – a former lieutenant governor, culture bearer, broadcaster, and civic leader – was remembered by friends and family at a funeral service held Tuesday morning.

At the first of a series of memorial events being held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral, the bishop shared a memory of when he first met his parishioner. Bishop Jerome Feudjio said he was at the time a priest, newly arrived at the cathedral on Kronprindsens Gade in Savan.

Ottley met with him and told him he wanted to perform a rite of the church – a confession. For that, the presence of a priest is required. Feudjio said he was nervous and wasn’t sure how to carry out the duty because he would be listening to the confession of a journalist.

Among the many ways he served the people of the Virgin Islands – politician, business leader, broadcaster, and selfless civil servant – Ottley was also a journalist. Through the 62 years he hosted the Addie Ottley Morning Show, he interviewed hundreds of people, aired countless recordings of speeches, current events, and produced live coverage of breaking news, notably hurricanes and disasters.

Former Senate President and fellow Savaniero Myron Jackson delivered the eulogy. He read through a lengthy list of accomplishments that began when Ottley obtained a ham radio operator’s license while still in his teens. The litany ended with reference to his years of service at the St. Thomas Rotary Club.