The territory of the Virgin Islands has lost a stalwart businessman and philanthropist in the person of Mr. Peter Haycraft OBE. Mr. Haycraft is said to have passed away serenely this morning May 29th, 2021 at his home surrounded by family, he was 88 years old.
In an official comment, the family of Mr. Haycraft announced, “It is with great sorrow that the Haycraft family announces the passing of Peter in the early hours of Saturday, 29th May. He will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and many lifelong friends. Peter and Penny made the BVI their home from 1960, raised three children and enjoyed 62 years of married life. They would like to thank everyone for their condolences and kind messages.”
Throughout his life Haycraft gave selflessly to the BVI community both as a businessman and philanthropist. He was known to give to many causes across the territory, especially as it pertained to education and the youth.
Most notable and recently both Mr. Haycraft and his wife contributed millions towards the rebuilding of the Enis Adams Primary school which was ravished by the hurricanes of 2017. Students of the BVI now learn in a state of the art facility, thanks to Mr. Hayvraft and his family.
In November of 2020, Mr. Haycraft was awarded the Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty the Queen for his services to the British Virgin Islands.
Among his contributions after moving to the BVI in 1959, he owned and operated a ferry service between Tortola and St. Thomas, and served as Commodore of the Royal BVI Yacht Club on thirteen occasions, along with being one of the original organizers of the BVI Spring Regatta.