01/07/2026
The Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands will feature a Virgin Islander every month.
For the month of July 2026, we are pleased to feature Mr. Andre “Shadow” Dawson.
Mr. Andre “Shadow” Dawson was born on September 2, 1959, in the small but welcoming community of Ballast Bay, Tortola. The son of Prince M. Stoutt and Hellen Dawson Prince, Mr. Dawson has dedicated his life to preserving the spirit, culture, and beauty of the British Virgin Islands through photography, public service, and community involvement.
Mr. Dawson attended Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church School and later Cane Garden Bay Primary School, now Ivan Dawson Primary School, before graduating from the BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School, in 1976.
His passion for photography began in 1977 when he purchased his first camera. What started as a hobby soon became his life's calling. Through his business, Shadow’s Super Shots, he has captured countless memories while creating calendars, photo books, mugs, water bottles, and personalized keepsakes. Mr. Dawson describes photography as his God given purpose and continues to use his talent to celebrate people, preserve history, and showcase the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands.
Throughout his career, Mr. Dawson demonstrated remarkable versatility. He worked at Pueblo Supermarket in St. Thomas in several positions before spending more than twenty years with Little Switzerland. His passion for music and communication led him into radio broadcasting with Thousand Island Corporation and Knight Quality Stations from 1989 to 2007. He also contributed to television broadcasting with WTJX Channel 12 and JTV Channel 55, particularly through horse racing coverage. From 2008 to 2017, he served in the BVI Government Immigration Department before joining the BVI Ports Authority as a Service Ambassador, Security Officer, and Dispatcher. In every role, he became known for his professionalism, patience, courtesy, and dedication.
Beyond his career, Mr. Dawson enjoys music, DJing, hiking, swimming, traveling, sports, and creating healthy smoothies. He is also recognized for his contributions to community events, including serving as a DJ and host for Cultural Thursdays in Carrot Bay. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played softball and baseball in Tortola and St. Thomas and later coached young athletes, encouraging teamwork and discipline.
Family remains at the center of Mr. Dawson’s life. He is the proud father of two sons, and on July 24, 2021, he married Patricia “Pat” Smith Dawson. Looking ahead, he plans to expand Shadow’s Taxi and Photography Tours while developing a premium apparel line featuring his original photography.
Today, Shadow is recognized as a photographer, storyteller, entertainer, public servant, and cultural ambassador whose work continues to preserve the heritage and celebrate the people of these Beautiful British Virgin Islands.
Composed by Ms. Delandra Glasgow
