Captain Val Morris, ex-prison chief, band leader and founder of Val Morris Orchestra to be laid to rest on Thursday

Captain Edwin Valentine (Val) Morris, former Superintendent of Her Majesty's Prison, founder and leader of the famed Val Morris Orchestra and the Boston Tigers, who passed away on August 30, 2019 will be laid to rest on Thursday 12th September. He was 84 years old.

Funeral services for Morris will be held at the Zion Moravian Church in Basseterre. Tributes begin at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. He will be eulogized by his sister, Valda. Interment is at the Springfield Cemetery.

Captain Morris, as he was affectionately called, served for several years as Superintendent of the Prisons and was known as an extremely no nonsense administrator.

He was also a co-founder of the Boston Tigers, a top steel band in those days, founder and band leader of the Val Morris Orchestra and music director of the St Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Band.

Mr Morris also served as chairman of the St Christopher 3 (West Basseterre Branch) of the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party for decades while the Rt Excellent Sir Joseph Nathanial France and His Excellency Ambassador Sam Terrance Condor served as the Parliamentary Representatives for the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party.

Morris was also honoured to introduce the Labour Party's current Member of Parliament, Hon. Konris Maynard to the constituents of West Basseterre in 2014.

"Captain Morris, farewell. You have served your people with distinction. Rest in Peace, comrade," said Maynard.

Morris was one of six icons honoured by the CFBC-Jenkins Ltd Leadership Course in June 2018, for his contributions to the development of music in the Federation.

In April 2008, he was among seven Kittitians recognised for outstanding service in the development of St Kitts and Nevis by Friends of Labour-Toronto 7th Gala Awards Dinner and Dance in Canada.

"Morris has left a legacy in so many areas including politics, the prison system and music. His contributions are immeasurable. Condolences to the family and friends of Morris.

May time heal the sadness that you feel with the loss of your beloved father, brother, son and loved one. During these tough times, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers," former Defence Force Band member, Michael Martin said.

He is survived by his wife nurse, Buelah, seven children, several grand and great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.