Family Statement on our Sister Nartel Green

Nartel was born in South Carolina and lived in New York City, California, Mexico, Brazil, Michigan, Spain and Germany before setting in St.Croix where she has lived for the last 30 years.

Nartel was our big sister who opened up the world for us through her travels and experiences. She sent us people from every part of the world, telling them “When you get to NY, ring my Ma and she will feed you”. For us, when Nartel came home, she was the exciting “world-wind” that blew in the front door, bringing the world with her. Her visits were filled with wonderful stories of her travels.

Nartel lived her life doing what she loved; promoting and supporting the rights of women and children; and the health and economic development of our people. Nartel loved life, a good party, good booze, beautiful clothes, exquisite shoes and most of all good friends. She did all these things with vibrancy and wit. Today, we are remembering and celebrating her life.

Nartel was attending the World AIDS Conference in Santo Domingo, while there, Nartel suffered a stroke. She was medically airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She underwent surgery but never regained consciousness. Nartel’s sisters were by her side in Santo Domingo and in Boston where she passed away.

Nartel Greendied in Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday, March 20, 2004. She leaves behind 4 sisters : Jean, Leslie, Olivia and Cynthia; 2 nieces: Nicolle and Lisa; 1 nephew: Dylan; and extended family.

This was a note she left for us, “Bury me in Red cause I ain’t got no business being dead.” (Langston Hughes) and today we are wearing a little red in honour of her spirit.

Nartel’s request was to establish a scholarship fund, for a black female junior or senior college student who is in financial need, enrolled in a university with a predominately black student body. If you wish, you may make a contribution by sending a chech to the Executor, Jean Patton, at 321 West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001-4747.