[1][2] Shirley, in his role as Accountant General of the BVI, requested land from the Administrator of the British Virgin Islands (now called the Governor) to construct the New Recreation Ground on Tortola.
[1] The A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground, located in Road Town, remained the territory's main cricket field until 2005, when the sport relocated to the Mondo athletic facility.
[1] Today, the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds are a multi-sport venue for cricket, football, track and field, and school sports.
[1] Prior to becoming Accountant General, Shirley held positions throughout the territory's civil service, including the Departments of Customs, Inland Revenue, which was the tax collector in the BVI at the time, Education, Post Office, and Agriculture.
[2] Shirley was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in November 1969 for his work in the civil service.