Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has offered his deepest sympathies to family and friends of Andre Webber, who died at home on Sept. 11. “Andre Webber was an enthusiast for all things related to the sea and marine life. His passion for the sea was contagious and he dedicated his life to introducing the ocean world to young Virgin Islanders. Andre Webber will be missed by all those who experienced his gentle humor and devotion to the water, including fellow members of our Virgin Islands Marine Economic Development Council of which Andre was a founding member,” deJongh said today.
Andre Webber was a master dive instructor, who for more than thirty years trained Virgin Islanders to dive while training many others to become master dive instructors. He taught Virgin Islands students the skills they needed to become one with the sea. As a member of the Marine Council, Andre believed that marine tourism and commercial marine industries were an integral part of our community and could provide much needed job opportunities for our youth.
As a founding member of the Reef Ecology Foundation, Andre strongly advocated for the preservation of our coral reefs by instituting the placement of recreational moorings throughout the waters surrounding St. Thomas. In addition to being a dive master, he was an experienced boat captain, a licensed submarine pilot, and an ardent advocate for the humane treatment of animals.
He leaves behind his lifetime dive partner and wife, Pam Balash, who will take his place on the Marine Council, as well as his Bolongo Bay Hotel family and many other family and friends. “Cecile and the Virgin Island marine community join me in mourning the death of Andre Webber,” deJongh said.