Dr Hannibal passed away on April 16, 2021, in the Dominican Republic. He was 56 years of age, having been born on September 5, 1964.

Accomplished son of the VI soil

Some of the many notable things of the late Dr Hannibal is that he was the second trained local radiographer and was the first ultrasound technologist in the Territory.

A successful sprinter in his school days, Dr Hannibal joined the staff of the then Peebles Hospital in 1983 where he assisted in the X-Ray unit. He later received a scholarship to the University Hospital School of Radiography in Jamaica where he graduated in 1986 and returned to the territory as the second trained radiographer.

The late Dr Rawle R. Hannibal was the second trained local radiographer and was the first ultrasound technologist in the Territory.

Contributions to territory

Shortly after his return from Jamaica in 1988, Dr Hannibal assumed leadership of the Unit at Peebles Hospital and served as Unit head for many years.

During his tenure at Peebles Hospital, he was integral to the development of the X-Ray Unit, introducing other diagnostic modalities such as Sonography and Cat Scanning. He also deputised as Hospital administrator and CEO when the need arose and was the head of housekeeping and security (now environmental services) until his retirement in 2012.

Dr Hannibal also received training and certification as a registered medical diagnostic sonographer specialising in cardiology and obstetric approaches. He earned a Masters degree in Public Health at the University of the West Indies (1995) and a PHD in health administration from the LaSalle University (1999).

Dr Hannibal was a founding partner in the Apex Medical Center on Virgin Gorda and contributed to the advancement of healthcare on that island. He also performed Ultrasounds at private medical centers on Tortola.

Accomplished musician

The late doctor was also an accomplished musician, playing with many bands over the years as a drummer as well as manager. Most notably was his work with Quito and the Edge where he is featured on the album paradise, as well as others. He also worked with Martino Mark and others in music on Virgin Gorda and through-out the world.

The local doctor was popular with the Hispanic community and spoke Spanish and French fluently.

Political aspirations

Dr Hannibal ran for political office in the general elections of 2015 as an At Large candidate but was unsuccessful.

During his campaign, Dr Hannibal had said it is time the Virgin Islands puts in place a helicopter medical evacuation service that would attend to the needs of the entire territory.

It was over a year ago that Dr Hannibal lost his civil suit against the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) for medical negligence. He had lost at the High Court three years earlier and decided to appeal the matter, claiming that when he suffered a stroke in 2012, it was as a result of negligence by medical staff at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital (formerly Peebles Hospital) located in Road Town, Tortola.

The late Dr Rawle Richard Hannibal is survived by his mother Yvonne McClean; his sisters Janet, LeeAnn and Valencia Pickering; his children Rawle Jr, Kimone, Kai-Rashawn, Aryon and Allyssa Hannibal; Grandchildren Amelia and Maya Anglade; Son-in-Law Roger Anglade Jr and many other relatives and friends.

The Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr Rawle R. Hannibal.