‘1949 Great March & Restoration Day’ a new powerful VI holiday– Dr Wheatley
Hon Wheatley currently acting in the capacity of Premier shared information on the genesis of the day, in a statement released on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
"One of the most powerful and influential events in the history of the Virgin Islands occurred 72 years ago on November 24th, 1949. At a time when the population of the Virgin Islands was under seven thousand, fifteen hundred persons, led by Theodore Faulkner, Isaac G. Fonseka, and Carlton L.E. de Castro, matched through the streets of Road Town demanding among other things, the restoration of our Legislative Council,” he said.
Dr Wheatley reminded that the proud Virgin Islanders who marched in 1949, did so for the VI’s autonomy, for the ability to determine their destiny, and for the right to develop the local education and healthcare systems.
He said other motives were to build the local economy and infrastructure and to chart a path forward to a brighter future for the people of the VI.
“As a result of their bold and brave actions, one year later, our Legislative council was restored and on the 27th of November 1950, we elected 4 parliamentarians and representatives for our people,” he said.
Four persons were elected to VI's Legislative Council
The four persons elected to the inaugural Legislative Council were, Isaac G. Fonseca, H.R. Penn, MBE, Carlton L.E. de Castro, and John Charles Brudenell-Bruce, MBE.
Due to both significant events, Dr the Hon Wheatley said on December 2020, the Cabinet of the VI made the historic decision to observe this holiday.
“In 2021, the observance of this newly established holiday is in keeping with a greater awareness of our history and culture and an awakening of national pride in our community.”
According to the Deputy Premier, “We stand on the shoulders of giants, and we are grateful to our ancestors for their sacrifice on our behalf. We enjoy the benefits of a BVI built by our four parents and we have a responsibility to take care of it and to fight for it for future generations,” he said.
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10 Responses to “‘1949 Great March & Restoration Day’ a new powerful VI holiday– Dr Wheatley”
@But
...Some of you b*t*h about everything. There was a time in the history of this country when all businesses were closed on Sunday, but a lot put money in front of God and Jesus since.