[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                ON THE PASSING OF LOREDON L. BOYNES, SR.

                                 ______


                            HON. RON de LUGO

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 1994

  Mr. de LUGO. Mr. Speaker, the Virgin Islands lost one of its most 
esteemed and accomplished native sons when Loredon L. Boynes, Sr. died 
August 27, 1994 as a result of a tragic fire at his home in 
Philadelphia.
  An accomplished sportsman and musician, he was best known as an 
expert seaman and successful entrepreneur, two skills that he combined 
to create and develop one of the most successful transportation 
companies in the territory.
  Captain Boynes, as he was affectionately called, did more than 
establish a ferry boat service between St. Thomas and St. John and the 
British Virgin Islands; he brought the people who lived on them and 
visited them closer together and he linked their islands with the rest 
of the world.
  Back in the 1950's travelers could take as long as a day and a half 
to make the journey by sea between St. John and St. Thomas across 
Pillsbury Sound, a voyage that today takes about 20 minutes by ferry 
boat.
  In 1964 Loredon Boynes and Victor Sewer established a regular ferry 
boat service, a move that was to play a key role in the long-term 
growth and development of both islands, particularly St. John.
  Just last May, the dock at Cruz Bay, St. John, where Loredon's ferry 
boats have picked up and delivered thousands of passengers over the 
years, was named in his honor, one that could not have been more 
fitting in recognition of his contributions to the community he loved.
  Loredon's recent tragic death was a great loss to the Virgin Islands. 
He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Yet, we must 
take some measure of comfort to know that Loredon Boynes has left a 
lasting legacy, one that should serve as an example to others.
  Captain Boynes loved the sea, loved life, and loved people. He worked 
hard to earn his skills and he took pride in them. He applied his 
knowledge and put it to practical and positive use, not just for 
himself but on behalf of his community.
  The people of St. John and all the Virgin Islands will miss Captain 
Boynes. I know that I will miss Loredon very much. For more than two 
decades I counted him as a very special friend and one whom I admired 
greatly.

                          ____________________