Bryan issues statement on death of educator and culture bearer Dorothy Elskoe

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a statement on December 6, 2019, on the death of St. Thomas educator and culture bearer Dorothy Elskoe.

Government House said Elskoe was honored in 1993 by the 20th Legislature for efforts to promote and preserve Virgin Islands culture.

According to the statement, Elskoe co-founded the Elskoe and Associates Carnival Floupe more than 60 years earlier and began a teaching career in 1952 that lasted more than 30 years. Government House said her carnival group won awards in Tortola, Antigua, Puerto Rico, New York, Washington, D.C., and Toronto.

The statement also said Elskoe helped start the Children’s Carnival Village and Prince and Princess Pageant, assisted the Smithsonian Institution’s 24th Annual Festival of American Folklife focused on the Virgin Islands, served as president of Revive Our Culture, and helped form the Emancipation Garden Christmas Challenge of Carols.

Bryan extended condolences to her husband, Winthrop Elskoe, her children Carolyn, Glenn, Monica, Sandyl and Lori, and others who knew her.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-mourns-the-passing-of-educator-and-culture-bearer-dorothy-elskoe/