Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), senior member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) said it is time that the Territory has a day set aside for honouring its heroes and ‘sheroes’ from the days of slavery to present day. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Andrew A. Fahie congratulated the New Life Baptist Church for recently honouring some of the Virgin Islands' heroes. From left: Mrs Belsadys Donovan, Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE, and Mrs Eugenie Donovan-Glasgow flanked by the surprise honouree Mr McKenzie Baltimore Snr (left) and Bishop of NLBC John I. Cline. Photo: VINO

He was speaking last evening March 4, 2015 during the airing of VIP’s Let’s Talk on ZBVI 780 AM during which the party dealt with a number of current issues.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate all organisations that take the time out to recognize the contributions of so many of our local heroes who played and are still playing a vital role in many respects in the development of these beautiful Virgin Islands,” he said on the show.

Noting that the latest such expression was by the New Life Baptist Church, Hon fahie said, “I congratulate the Church for giving some of our heroes their flowers while they are still alive. On Sunday March 2, 2015, the New Life Baptist Church honoured three stalwart ladies and one gentleman who dedicated their lives towards making the Virgin Islands a better place for present and future generations. Each of them has given over twenty years of service above self.”

“Throughout the years in the way they have lived their lives, they have taught this BVI community many positive and lifelong lessons. They have taught us that the only preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today. They have taught us that a wise man will make more opportunity than he finds. They have taught us that success seems to be connected with action because successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. They have also taught us that the number of hours you put in does not count but how much you put in the hours is the only thing that counts because faith is daring to go beyond what the eyes can see,” he said.

“So many lessons the BVI community has learnt from the lives of these individuals including but not limited to: how to be humble, respectful and God fearing. It is clear from their contributions to the Virgin Islands, and beyond, that it is safe to conclude that the greatest achievements are those that benefit others. The three ladies recognised were Ms Eugene Glasgow-Donovan, Mrs Belsayds Donovan and Mrs Edris O’Neal. The gentleman honoured was Mr Mackenzie L. K. Baltimore. I salute these Virgin Islands heroes,” he said.

“It is now time for us to commence discussions in either implementing another holiday or renaming one of our holidays in the vein of Heroes Day or Ancestry Day in remembrance of the contributions of our forefathers from the slavery era up to present times,” he said. “This is an initiative, in collaboration with you the people that we will be undertaking in the near future. We owe it to our ancestors. We owe it to our future generations,” said Hon Fahie.

“In life, with these Virgin Islands being no different, we are all standing on the shoulders of great men and women and we must ensure that our actions reflect our gratitude to these heroes at all times. In doing this we will be moving our people and …our beloved Virgin Islands in one direction: forward! Again I say congratulations to all involved in this timely event.