Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has reminded that the freedom and autonomy enjoyed in the Virgin Islands are the fruits of long, hard fought struggles with the colonial empire. Photo: VINO

A section of the crowd at the Territory Day celebrations held on the lawns of Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I, Tortola on July 1, 2019. Photo: VINO

A traditional dance being performed by Heritage Dancers at the Territory Day celebrations at Central Administration Complex, Wickham's Cay I on July 1, 2019. Photo: VINO

A section of the crowd at the Territory Day celebrations held on the lawns of Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I, Tortola on July 1, 2019. Photo: VINO

Photo op with Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Territory Day 2019. Photo: VINO

Left: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), with his wife Suzanne. Right: Deputy Speaker and At Large Representative, Hon Neville A. Smith with his wife Lawrenda at Territory Day celebrations on July 1, 2019. Photo: VINO

Territory Day is the commemoration of the day on which the Virgin Islands (VI) gained self-governing status within the limits of still being a British colonial possession. Up until 1978, July 1 was celebrated as “Colony Day”, but from 1979 on, it has been known as “Territory Day”.

At a ceremony on the lawns of Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I to mark the occasion, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Fahie, who is a strong proponent of regional integration and resisting overreach by the United Kingdom, shared with the audience that “everything that we have today in the Virgin Islands that is good and that provides us sustenance, we had to fight the empire for.”

He further told the audience that nothing (in our past) was given to the VI freely and that the territory cannot depend on anything or anyone.

“We have no choice but to become more self-reliant”, he said.

‘The people must know the truth’

According to Premier Fahie, the people must know the truth and forge ahead with political and economic autonomy.

“In order for us to unshackle ourselves from political, economic and mental bondage, our people must learn the truth about our identity.”

The Premier closed his remarks by posing some questions to the listening audience.

“What will the future generation say about our legacy? Will it be one in which they criticise us for not building on the legacy of our forefathers and heroes? …Or will it be one where they say thank God the legacy of our forefathers and heroes were built upon? Let us strive for the latter to be true”.

‘It has been a long walk to freedom’

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in his remarks spoke about Virgin Islands history, particularly the 1949 March and VI riots, including the Cattle Tax Riot in 1853.

The Minister then expressed that it has been a long walk to freedom. “It is my contention that this day should celebrate our long walk to freedom,” said Hon Wheatley.

The Minister detailed that the people of the Virgin Islands always fought for their rights and freedom, as they had a goal.

“Our trajectory has always been towards ruling our own destiny”, he said.

While many persons in the territory may feel that independence would be the ultimate true freedom for the VI, the Minister expressed that there are options.

“Contrary to popular opinion, independence is not the only option available to us. There is free association and integration,” said Hon Wheatley.

Hon Wheatley concluded, “As we approach the time for another constitutional review, I am confident in the leadership of my Premier, that he will lead the discussion of where we go as a territory, as we continue our march towards greater autonomy and a greater measure of democracy.”

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Keynote Speaker for the Territory Day ceremony was Dr Angel Smith, the Director of Recovery at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) but is well-known as an educator.

Mr Smith was described as one of the greatest storytellers of the territory by persons at the ceremony, as he enthusiastically shared several stories on Virgin Islands history with the crowd.

He spoke on the 1949 March and Theodolph Faulkner’s role with the demonstration as well as his role in the community.

Dr Smith also spoke about other significant figures of our history.

“Today, we stand on the shoulders of these giants”.

He concluded, “When everything else fails, the Virgin Islander realises that it is up to him to make a difference in his own country”.

Honourees

Honoured at this year’s Territory Day ceremony were: Former legislators Ethlyn Smith, Omar W. Hodge, Reeial George, John C. Brudenell-Bruce, Eileene L. Parsons OBE and Arnando Scatliffe.

Hon Parsons, Chairperson of the Territory Day Planning Committee, spoke about all of the past legislators honoured, including herself, and their accomplishments whilst serving the territory.

Hon Parsons is the only living honouree.

Also among the persons in attendance were Deputy Premier and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Deputy Speaker and At Large Representative, Hon Neville A. Smith and Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency Augustus J. U. Jaspert.