𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓢. 𝓥𝓪𝓻𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴

A TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED CO WORKER AND FRIEND

With heavy hearts, we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Chaswell S. Varlack. A remarkable individual, a dedicated colleague, and the heart and humor of our organization. For nearly 25 years, Chaswell served the BVI Electricity Corporation in the Generation Department, beginning his journey on May 1, 2000, as a Trainee Plant Operator and concluding his career on March 20, 2025, as the Generation Engineer.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for understanding how things worked, Chaswell rose through the ranks with distinction. Over the years, he held numerous roles, from Trainee Plant Operator to Plant Operator, Engineer (Mechanical), Acting Generation Engineer, and finally, Generation Engineer. His technical skills, tireless dedication, and deep commitment to his duties earned him the admiration and affection of all who had the privilege of working with him.

Chaswell embodied the spirit of reliability, integrity, and service. His dependable, and helpful nature came effortlessly, and he became known not only for his professional excellence but for his genuine care for others. In a workplace filled with many personalities, “162” to be exact, Chaswell stood out as more than an engineer. He was a mentor, a leader, and a true friend.

He met every challenge with steady resolve, and every colleague with dignity and respect. Whether overseeing complex operations or guiding fellow engineers and team members, he brought clarity, stability, and confidence to all that he did.

Working alongside Chaswell meant witnessing a rare blend of technical mastery and personal humility. He led with quiet strength and a profound sense of duty. Not just to his team or the organization, but to the broader community we serve.

Outside the walls of the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station, Chaswell was known for his warmth, his kind smile, and his ability to bring laughter even during the most trying times. He had a gift for making people feel heard, supported, and valued.

It is difficult to imagine our workplace without him. The void he leaves behind is vast, but his influence remains. We will carry forward his legacy with the same dedication, camaraderie, and humility that he exemplified every day. His memory will be honored not only in our words but in our actions as we continue the work he cared so deeply about.

To his family, we offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt gratitude for allowing us the privilege of sharing so many years with him. Chaswell will always be remembered, not just as a colleague, but as part of the BVIEC family. His legacy is etched in our hearts and in the very fabric of our organization.

From the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of the BVI Electricity Corporation.

As I sit here and take a moment to reflect on our journey, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It’s not my place to question why He chose you so soon, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less.

From the very first time you drove off with my sax in the back of your car thinking i was in the car too, to your absolutely crazy laugh and the wisdom tucked into your words—I never quite knew when you were joking or serious, but somehow you were always just what I needed in the moment. We shared so many genuine laughs, and in between them, some truly meaningful moments.

Your journey in this life may be over, but your presence will live on in my heart forever. Thank you for showing up for me when I needed it most. It’s hard to believe our last conversation really was the last. I will carry your memory with me, always—and I will miss you deeply.

Rest easy, Shandell 💔

Chas,
It was a pleasure and honor to get to know you. Our NEIT days was fun. You was the comedian of the Caribbean pack. When we graduated we remain friends and keep in contact with each other. You work for the electricity company in Tortola and I worked for the electricity company in Anguilla. You would always tell the guys from Anglec to make sure you tell Vickie you say hi when they visit the BVI. I laugh many days because we always talked on the phone.
I listen to your voice notes you send me and go through our conversations. We had many fun days and times. I enjoyed your friendship Chas. It saddens me that you are gone but God knows best. I wish your family well as they go through this difficult time.

Your Friend,
Victorine ‘Vickie’ Smith-Brooks

Chas,

From the moment you were conceived, I was overjoyed, which only made me more joyful when six months later I found out you were a boy.

My heart was filled with anticipation and love. But in the back of my being, there was also fear.

I was fearful of losing you, but I pushed those feelings deep down and found delight in carrying you. I’m grateful for all my memories and every moment we shared. You confided your hope and dreams in me and I encouraged you along the way.

I will miss sending and receiving those funny videos and listening to that contagious laugh. I will miss your hugs and our talks but most of all, I’ll miss those funny jokes. They will forever be imprinted in my heart.

My physical time with you is over now. So, son, those hands that I held for 43 years, I held on the last day as I watched you take your last breath. l told God, ‘Thank you' and expressed how grateful, lucky and privileged I feel that He chose me to be your mom and I hope I made Him proud. I will help guide those who you left behind until we are called up to be with you.

I hold you with my whole entire heart and will forever love you.

Mom

Chaswell will always have a special place in my heart. I remember and cherish the time we had many conversations. Always encouraging, professional, and yet jovial. Chaswell was very approachable and was never too busy to give me a listening ear. A truly amazing person. A relationship that spanned over two decades, he will be truly, truly missed.

In Loving Memory of a Childhood Friend

It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to lose someone like Chaz - someone who was such a big part of your early years — someone who helped shape who you are. We were more than just friends growing up — we were inseparable. Running through the neighborhood, stirring up trouble, chasing laughs, and dreaming big. We were just kids with big plans, trying to navigate life together.

Even when life took us in different directions, and time passed without much communication, whenever we did talk, it felt like nothing had changed. We picked up where we left off — like no time had passed. That’s the kind of friendship we had.

You grew into the man you were meant to be — a man with purpose. You found your path, built a beautiful life, served your community, and made a difference. I was looking forward to the day we’d sit down again, laugh about our wild youth, and catch up on everything we missed. Sadly, that moment will never come, at least not as originally planned.

But your memory lives on. In the stories, in the laughter, and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for the friendship, the memories, and the inspiration. I’ll carry them with me always.

Rest easy, my friend.

Sharif "Belt" Tolbert

*In Honour of Chas - An Exemplary and Irreplaceable Human Being*

His bright smile and roaring laughter were infectious. He touched me and thousands with his comedy which he loved so much because he genuinely loved making others happy. Many know and will remember him for his comedy, but he was so much more...

Chas blessed this World with his many talents and gifts. Besides comedian, he was a natural actor - able to jump into any character with ease. He was a deep thinker, great writer and poet who enjoyed penning and singing masterful lyrics. As a brilliant technician, he was able to diagnose, take apart, fix and put back together any electronic device. I will miss him saving me from my frequent technology mishaps! He was also a master mechanic – Oh! How he loved and took pride in making repairs and upgrades to his first vehicle – his blue BMW X5 which he affectionately called “Smurfette”. He was also an inventor, dreaming up Magna Fan at the age of 15 – a self-powered fan based on magnetism and the thought-to-be impossible concept of perpetual energy! But he wasn’t just a brilliant dreamer; he was a doer! I remember how with such excitement he designed and brought to life his Engineering capstone project – an automated, timer-based pet food dispenser that worked with perfection.

I am so incredibly proud of the man he became, the dedicated and selfless service he rendered to his community through his 25 years of employment with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the success he attained along the way. It was an absolute honour to witness and support his evolution from a Security Guard serving at the entrance of the Power Plant at Pockwood Pond - one of his first jobs after High School - all the way to the top as Generation Engineer, in charge of the Power Plant that he once guarded. What an incredible journey and inspiring legacy! He rose not only based on his passion, drive, determination and hard work but his great ability and skill. In all his success, he stayed extremely humble, down to Earth, approachable and the same old comedic, loving, gentle giant Chas that we loved.

Chas took immense pride in his work in every role he held. In his days as a Plant Operator before pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, every time we drove past the Plant in Pockwood Pond in “the Egg”, he made it a point to glance in and proudly report which number engines were running based on the smoke coming out of the stacks. While he often complained about that tan shirt and brown pants Operator uniform, I remember the good joke we shared when I discovered that he had packed one of his uniforms among his clothes to take to university to keep a bit of BVIEC close to him. On his return from university, he took great care and pride in his new tasks, such as meticulously planning and executing engine overhauls to ensure the Plant stayed up and running and preparing the annual budget for the Plant.

While a man of many gifts, talents and great contributions, more importantly, Chas was a man of great spirit, soul and character. He embraced all sides of himself masterfully, balancing being the engineer, comedian, dad, family man and friend that defined him. Time shared with Chas was always filled with so many great tails and adventures, his never-ending jokes and his rare ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Chas always treated me and others with utmost love and respect and was always there when you needed him.

It was my privilege to help stand by him over the years through his various health challenges. I still marvel at his strength, courage and grace in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Through everything he never complained or felt sorry for himself. He managed to not only stay in high, optimistic spirits but keep all of us entertained and laughing - right to the end. His strength was a testament to his deep faith, spirituality and discipline which he practiced, including through his weekly Friday night meditation sessions.

Chas had a zeal for life. As Chas became eligible for retirement later this year, I was excited about seeing him pursue his other great passions in life, including inventing, comedy and acting – his first love. As I reflect, though his years feel way too short, I’m grateful he had the wisdom to really fill them up. He truly lived every moment and that’s a lesson I hope we all take from his life. While he can’t be here to enjoy raising his son Elijah (or Eliyah, as he preferred to spell it), who he loved so much, Chas has left a great mark, legacy and circle that I pray will always surround, guide and help mould him into the sort of man that Chas would desire.

Chas walked in big, unfillable shoes. His combination of attributes was truly unique and rare in today’s World - an engineer, comedian and actor wrapped up in one and covered with a kind, loving, caring, even-tempered, positive, adventurous and industrious spirit.

Chas was a defining staple in my life for the past 22+ plus years, bringing nothing but joy, laughter, happiness, safety and security through his love and friendship. My life has been richly blessed - better, happier and brighter - because of him. Our love and bond of friendship transcended titles, space, time and now, even death. Chas lives on in my heart and in all those who were touched by him.

Angela B. Penn
aka Wange

Chas,
When I first heard the news of your passing, it literally knocked me off my feet. I had to sit, I needed a moment, I started to shake, this news had to be fake. I had to speak to another mutual friend to verify this information.

As I am typing this conversation I am having with you, I am realizing that my reaction was me entering the first stage of grief - denial. The thing is, the stage of grief that stuck with me the longest is, 'anger.' Angry that the last time we saw each other was the last. Angry that the last time we spoke, had a laugh, shared a hug, was our last. Most depressingly, angry that you are gone. You were taken too soon, Chas. If I knew the last time I saw you would have been our last, i would have done everything longer, our conversations, our laughs, even the hugs. Time is what I now beg for.

Clearly, I am having trouble saying goodbye. My heart aches, just thinking about those words. So instead, my old friend, I will say, "I love you. I valued the 25+ years of friendship we shared. I will hold on to the joy I always feel in your presence because no matter the situation 'heavy or light,' you always made it feel effortless. So, see you around Chaso. I will miss you."

Your friend,
Oats
Octavia Alexander

P.S. you see this nickname, "Oats" that you gave me, I never understand it. Because I look nothing like oats... LOL.

The BVI High School Class of 1999, extends our deepest condolences to the family of our beloved friend and classmate Chaswell “Chas” Varlack.

Chas, you had one of the biggest personalities. You were not only a classmate but a genuine friend to many of us. Your laughter and comedic spirit filled the classroom and made coming to school much more tolerable. We’ll always remember your infectious smile and the way you could make anyone laugh, even the teachers when they were trying to be serious. You brought so much joy into our lives, and we’ll cherish those memories forever.

Chas, may you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in the arms of the Almighty God.

With Love,


BVI High School Class of 1999

Still Can't beleave your gone cuz, we knew each other all our life and always remain close, i does think on all the different memories we all shared growing up, you was always there for everyone, and would always make jokes to brighten up some ones day, you was also the Best Man at my wedding and i am greatful for it, thats one of my best memory of you. Will Miss you Cuz😞


Burnell Turnbull

A Tribute to Chaswell: A Light That Never Dimmed

There are some people whose presence is like a steady current; unwavering, dependable and full of purpose. Chaswell was one of those people. His life, much like the power he so faithfully worked to provide, was a source of warmth, energy and connection for all who knew him.

When I tried to put into words who he was and what he meant to me, I immediately thought of electricity. For 25 years, he dedicated himself to the BVI Electricity Corporation, working his way up to Generations Manager. But his career was never just a job to him; it was his passion, his calling. He understood the science of power, but more than that, he understood its meaning. He knew that light was more than a bulb turning on; it was security for a family at home, the hum of a community running, the silent reassurance that even in darkness, something dependable would guide the way.

And that was exactly who he was. A guiding force. A constant, steady voltage in the lives of those around him. His humor sparked joy in even the dullest moments, always quick with a joke that electrified everyone with laughter. His kindness flowed like an open circuit, never closed off, always extending outward. He was protective like a well-grounded system, ensuring those he cared about were safe and steady, no matter the storms that came.

And storms did come. In 2017, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria left these islands in darkness, he and the other men of BVIEC worked tirelessly, day and night, to restore power. He laboured not just with his hands but with his heart, knowing that every wire restrung, every generator repaired, and every streetlight reignited meant a step closer to normalcy for the people he loved. It was his finest hour, not because he sought recognition, but because he knew his work mattered. He gave his all, and then he gave a little more, every time.

But beyond the literal storms, he was also a light in life’s personal storms. If you were ever facing struggles of your own: a rough patch, a difficult season, Chaswell checked in. He offered advice. He always showed care and concern in his own way. It wasn’t something he had to think about; it was simply who he was to anyone he loved. A steady, unwavering presence, ready to lend strength when yours was running low or a joke to lighten the load.

And then, there was the brightest light in his life, his son Elijah. If there was ever a source that gave Chaswell an extra burst of energy, an unshakable sense of purpose, it was him. His love for his son was powerful and undeniable, like a generator that never ran out of fuel. No matter how long the workdays, no matter how exhausted he was, he always found the energy to show up for his son. He poured himself into fatherhood with even more dedication than his work. His son was his greatest joy and the legacy he was most proud to leave behind. He wanted to make sure that Elijah knew he was loved beyond measure, protected beyond doubt and supported in every way possible.

To me, he was a love that burned bright. And though the shape of our relationship changed over time, the connection never faded. Even when life rerouted our paths, he knew that I would move mountains to be there if I could; a surge of support, a current that never faltered.

Now, his physical presence has gone, but his energy, like all true energy, cannot be destroyed. It has merely transformed, existing in the stories we tell, the memories we share, the lessons he left behind, the love he gave. His legacy is imprinted in every moment of light that breaks through the darkness.

I was so blessed to know him, to love him and to be loved by him.

Rest well, Chaswell. Your time on this earth may be done, but your power remains forever.

Love you always Sleepiest Head,
Your Sleepyhead - Sharia de Castro

Forever in our hearts Uncle Charlesss❤️❤️❤️❤️

Chas and I have shared a wonderful friendship for roughly 23 years. I still remember the day we first met—Chas approached me with a humurous remark, and of course, I had a quick response ready. Since that day, he nicknamed me “Lip,” and our bond was formed.

Over the years, our friendship grew in countless ways. We stood beside each other as partners at my sister’s wedding, and he later became the Godfather to my children—earning the affectionate title “Uncle Charlesss” because one of the children mispronounced his name. He would always try his best to be present; always willing to lend a hand. Whether it was stopping by to assemble the boys’ Christmas toys or setting up and maintaining the media player he gifted me with, his generosity and thoughtfulness were unmatched. Even though I haven’t used the media player in quite a while (as I’m still waiting for him to replace the remote), I’ll always keep it as a treasured reminder of him.

I fondly recall our drives in the Egg (the white car) and how much he adored technology and fine vehicles. He took great pride in his blue BMW, (Smurffette), treating it with the utmost care. Beyond his love for tech and cars, he was incredibly dependable. Anytime there was an issue at home related to his field of work, he made sure it was resolved swiftly and efficiently.

2017 was the first time he gave me a scare with his surgery, and again in 2019—he always seemed to have me on edge every two years. Most recently, I had just returned from traveling on the same evening he fell ill, and when I was preparing to travel back home in March, he left me. I had been looking forward to seeing him, as we had promised, especially since he made me feel so high spirited about his recovery. I will miss all of his creative and funny videos he often shared. I knew how much he was anticipating to finally move out from what I jokingly called his “second home” (retirement).

Our conversations were never without laughter, and his honesty and support were constants in my life. There are no words to truly express the depth of pain and emptiness I feel in losing Chas. He has fought really hard over the years. The void left in my heart is vast, but I find comfort in knowing that our friendship was real, unbreakable, and filled with love. Chas was my friend, my source of endless laughter, and someone I could always count on. There was never a time we ended a conversation without expressing how much we cared for each other—and the last time he told me so was on March 12. Our friendship of 23 years encompasses many memories and will forever replay in my mind and stay with me forever. God knows best.

With all of our love Uncle Charlesss,

Fellie, Davia, Jai and Lani

My brother, my friend, my dawg Chas aka thudderman/Hemet wow !!!

What can I really say on paper to capture everything you meant to me Bro? This isn’t a walk in the park at all, but I’m going to try my best.

From the moment I came out of the cistern (inside joke), we’ve been rocking it solid, from model planes to checkered flags, from Slim Shady, to the egg, to Smuffet, to you now flying high beyond the stars.

You came from nothing to something real, not just for yourself, but for your community and the territory. In work and in jokes, as a poor east end man with a dream ambition and self motivation, you started at the back of the line, but you made it to the front row Bro, take your bow. Collect your flowers. You earned every single one.

Life will never be the same without you. All the life experiences we shared, the laughter, the good, the bad, and the ugly, are now memories that I’ll hold onto and share with your godkids.

I still cannot come to grips with you checking out. It seems so unreal.
The fact that there will be no more texts no more calls to link up for a drink, watching movies or going out, getting advice. Nothing mehn!!

Chas… Thudderman… Hemet… until we meet again.

R.E.A.L.
IN LIFE
PARTNER
CHAS LLC.

Colleague,

This is the most difficult thing I ever had to write. I never thought in a million years that I would be writing a tribute to you. The plan was for us to live forever, but you not playing fair mehn… we had a deal!

Our journey as friends started in 1994 from Willard Wheatley Primary School through BVI High School. Our bond strengthened and we became “chosen brothers” when we decided to be college roommates at New England Institute of Technology. We were inseparable. From our weekend trips to New York, to some interesting encounters getting pulled over by police to finding ourselves in all sorts of interesting situations. One thing for sure is that we could always count on each other. You always had my back, and I always had yours.

You were my best man when I got married and became the God Father to my son when he was born. We have been through it all bro. It would be a big disrespect if I just considered you a friend. You are so much more, you’re my family. The first time I told you I love you, your exact response was “colleague you good in your head? you like man or something?...” lol. When I saw how uncomfortable saying that made you feel, I made it my business to tell you most times we spoke, just to harass you, and now I’m happy I did.

I find myself continuously going through our text messages and listening to some of our voice notes just to relive the moments as I’m still in disbelief. I really thought we had more time bro., but I’m grateful that you are no longer suffering. Rest in Peace my brother. Love Ya!


Bevon Baptiste