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2023 'Great March' commemoration holiday to feature 3 days of activities

As the Virgin Islands (VI) marks the 1949 Great March and Restoration of the Legislative Council Holiday on Monday, November 27, 2023, the weekend leading up to the holiday has been packed with the release of cultural items ranging from new music, to documentaries connected to the day. Photo: Internet Source
A revised schedule from the Government Information Service (GIS) detailed that Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm, will see the release of new theme music including ‘Calypso Song’ by Rosie Smith and ‘March’ by Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve. Photo: GIS
A revised schedule from the Government Information Service (GIS) detailed that Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm, will see the release of new theme music including ‘Calypso Song’ by Rosie Smith and ‘March’ by Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - As the Virgin Islands (VI) marks the 1949 Great March and Restoration of the Legislative Council Holiday on Monday, November 27, 2023, the weekend leading up to the holiday has been packed with the release of cultural items ranging from new music to documentaries connected to the day.

A revised schedule from the Government Information Service (GIS) detailed that Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm, will see the release of new theme music including ‘Calypso Song’ by Rosie Smith and ‘March’ by Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve.

Sunday, November 23, 2023, at 6:00 pm, features the premiere of the Documentary “History of the 1949 Great March and Restoration of the Legislative Council' by Dr Angel Smith along with Reflections on the 1949 Great March by Members of the House of Assembly.

The Holiday on Monday, November 27, 2023, will feature a statement by Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) with all items to be featured on the Facebook and YouTube pages of the Government of the VI, along with content being made on ZBVI 780am radio.

A defining day in VI History 

The 1949 Great March and Restoration Day holiday commemorates the historic demonstration on Sunday, 24th November 1949 that was led by Theodolph H. Faulkner, Isaac “Glanny” Fonseca, Carlton deCastro, and over 1,500 Virgin Islanders who marched through the streets of Road Town to the Commissioner’s Office (today known as the Governor’s Office) in protest of issues significantly affecting the quality of the lives of Virgin Islanders. 

The demonstrators presented the Commissioner with a petition that highlighted their grievances with the political system, which was administered from Antigua at the time.

The demonstration served as a catalyst for political development in the Territory, leading to the restoration of the Legislative Council and the evolution of the modern Virgin Islands. 

30 Responses to “2023 'Great March' commemoration holiday to feature 3 days of activities”

  • Too much weak men (24/11/2023, 19:10) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need these freedom fighters today
    • Forbidden Truth (25/11/2023, 03:42) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
      @too much wesk men....We need to march on Rankin. He's a dsm fraud and tyrant.
  • Good Going (24/11/2023, 19:10) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Glad to see we are remembering from whence came. Happy 1949 rememerance day. I am proud of our people. Amen.
  • Correct heading (24/11/2023, 19:16) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great March
  • huh (24/11/2023, 19:18) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Match?
  • independence (24/11/2023, 19:31) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    One day we will be free
    • @Independence (25/11/2023, 11:00) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      To Independence, independence is not free and is not going to come by dreaming, wishing, hoping, etc. If it is wanted, it must be fought for. No people who were oppressed, suppressed, etc , got their freedom and independence through the captors, the powerful, it had to be fought for consistently and persistently. If the Virgin Islands and Virgin Islanders want political, social, and economic they fight for it. People with power don’t readily give up power, it has to fought for. For example , the US is the #1 superpower and #1 economy but had to fight the English for for political freedom and independence. The ANC had to battle the Apartheid regime in South Africa for their political freedom. The Haitians had to fight France and the Napoleon army for their political independence in the 1800s. Yes, they have and paying a high price for their brave action, ie, punished, isolated, starved, ostracized, etc. stand up and fight or wither and die.
      • Common Sense (25/11/2023, 16:08) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        You are clearly out of date, the UK will grant independence the minute it’s asked for, you just have to ask.
  • asura (24/11/2023, 19:45) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    good stuff vino one of the few online news site in touch with the issues on the ground!
  • Bush Professor (24/11/2023, 22:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    National hero Theodolph Faulkner demonstrated great personal courage, bravery, personal sacrifice, etc, to lead the Great March of November 1949 against the autocratic tendencies of UK- appointed Administrator John August Cockburn Cruikshank, the terror at Mount Olympus. The protest started out initially with Mr. Faulkner standing alone against a torrid rising tide. Many stood in the shadows measuring to see what, if anything, would happen by Cruikshank. Noticing that Cruikshank response was luke warm to Mr. Faulkner’s nightly protests in the Market Swuare, now Sir Olva Georges Plaza, the numbers protesting swell approximately to a robust 1500 from an estimated population of 7000-8000. The protesters came from the length and breadth of the territory and march from the Band Stand through Main Street to Government House. At Government House, Administrator Faulkner listened to the protestors, received their grievances, and forwarded the grievances onto the UK.

    The Great March yielded results in 1950,, ie, a) reinstating the Legislature, which was suspended in 1901, b) granting of the first modern constitution in 1950, c) granting locals for the first time in history the opportunity to vote directly for 4 At Large members to the Legislative Council, d) attaining universal suffrage in 1954. Prior to the 1954 granting of universal suffrage, there was a poll tax, ie, locals could not vote if they were not literate or owned property among other requirements.

    Virgin Islanders of the 1949 era had that signature Virgin Islander rugged individualism, they had heart, courage, unselfishness, willing to sacrifice for the public good, etc. They were willing to build a wall to resist the threatening rising tide. The Virgin Islands [British ]have digressed, slipped backwards. Virgin Islanders are more interested in materialism, ie, the Bigs, big job, big house, big car, high fashion, than fighting for basic human rights, equal justice, democracy, etc. Today, it is a heavy lift, Herculean tasks to get 10 people to show us for a protest. Current generations of Virgin Islanders are missing the boat that numbers matter and power and money follows the numbers. Where have the Theodolph Faulkner, Noel Lloyd, Christopher Fleming and other national heroes gone? Virgin Islanders must fight for their rights or stagnate and stay subservient.
    • @BP (25/11/2023, 09:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ BP, good read, and good summary of events for the lead in, Segway into the 3-day commemoration of the Great March of 1949. 1500 marchers strong in 1949; that was impressive. Thanks for the input. Teach, teach, preach, preach.
    • Cowards (25/11/2023, 11:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who were the cowards who were hiding in the shadows while Dolph Faulkner was out front fighting alone . Every struggle has its cowards who come along after the hard, work is done. My grandfather told me about some of the cowards during Mr. Faulkner’s protest. There were cowards then and there are many more now. Everyone wants progress but no one, well few, wants to sacrifice and struggle. We want others to sacrifice and struggle so that can enjoy the benefits. Selfish bastards. The BVI is running in place but not going any where. The dead weights are holding it back .
    • GateKeeper (26/11/2023, 08:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The current generations of Virgin Islanders, ie, Gen X, Gen Y ( Millennials), Gen Z, Gen Alpha, etc, assumes that the current situation, opportunities, etc, happened naturally. They assumed that the few benefits they enjoyed had to be fought and battle for and were given to Virgin Islanders and if the rights, freedoms, etc are not protected they will lost and have to be refought for. The education system, Boomer Gen, Greatest Gen, etc. failed the current Generations, for they didn’t education on the VI history, passing on the knowledge of the history, culture , customs, heritage. Within the last few years, we know more of VI history than was taught in the last 200 years. The colonialists had an agenda and was going to downplay local history, pride,,etc. Locals kept it hidden under a bushel at a high cost. Let’s embrace our history, culture, heritage, etc , before they lost forever. Have anyone else notice the Governor is not actively promoted in the Commemorations of the Great March? Wonder why???
  • herbs power (25/11/2023, 03:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will have to wake back up our freedom fighters because these what we have now is bowcats.
  • location (25/11/2023, 06:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice!!
    Where is the location of the Saturday and Sunday activities or are they online somewhere?
  • Norris Turnbull (25/11/2023, 07:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The election is over vip is still in power, At this point, many of you don’t even know how to begin to heal.

  • Meanwhile (25/11/2023, 07:49) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    As we celebrate this important mile stone, the bvi and other Overseas Territories must demand equal and the same treatment that is given to the UK’s Crown Dependencies, but not to the bvi and other OTs, as race seems to still matter
  • @ ASURA (25/11/2023, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Boi U ain't tired of BLOWING your own HORN / U even want to conrmtrol bvi news with your BLOGGINGS U playing a Bully
  • We love the Fakes. (25/11/2023, 08:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Noel Lloyd ran 3 times for a house seat and was rejected everytime. Now he dead is a national hero..We kept electing the fakes and rejecting the real...
  • YEAH RITE (25/11/2023, 08:34) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    You all only try to make it look real for a publicity stunt / like those who sat in yhe road , if miss PARSONS didn't throw it in you hypocrites faces you Nall might of forgotten your own culture ( NONE OF U ) CAN EVEN WALK IN THE SHADOWS OF THOSE REAL BVILANDERS ( NOPE ) YOU ALL ARE LIKE SIDE EFFECTS . U ALL ONLY INTEREST IS IN POWER / AND THOSE WHO HAS BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS / KARMA WILL CATCH UP WITH YA'LL SOONER OR LATER / SOME OF YOU WILL WALK THE STREETS AND CONFESS ALL THAT U ALL HAVE DONE TO OTHER INNOCENT HUMAN BEINGS , SO YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE TO KEEP U LOCKED DOWN TO TRY AND CONCEAL THE SHAME BUT IT WILL STILL GET EXPOSED BY THEM , WHEN THEIR TIME COMES / AND ÀLL OF US TIME WILL COME
  • Bourgeoisie Professor (25/11/2023, 08:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Salute to the 1949 Great March freedom fighters, and national heroes, particularly Dolph Faulkner, for demonstrating the uncommon and exemplary courage to resist and fight against the powerful evil slavery institution and colonialism institution, etc. They were trailblazers, setting a standard and exemplary performance for follow on generations of Virgin Islanders to take the baton and continue the battle. They have failed miserably, dropping, and fumbling the baton. Current generations of Virgin Islanders are a bunch of weaklings, selfish Benedict Arnold traitors, Neville Chamberlain appeasers who are afflicted with the Stockholm Syndrome. They are a hopeless, lost generations(s) who don’t give a rat’s ass about the struggles of their forebears. They know little about history and therefore are doomed to repeat it. Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey notes: “ A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is a like a tree without roots.” Trees that are not firmly rooted in rich, fertile soil do not grow, do not bear fruit, they cannot withstand strong wind, or bear heavy loads. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass also notes, “ If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Our national heroes and forebears, facing more restrictions, control and challenges have battled and made more progress than current generations of Virgin Islander. We should be embarrassed and ashamed.
    • Frig…. (25/11/2023, 16:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Bougeiosie Professor, you are a d..mn frig but a useful frig, telling uncomfortable truth. You pulled no punches and came down truthfully hard on us. Many of are probably fuming of mouth, fussing and dropping some fbombs and gone clean under your mother skirt with some MSs. Come on people fix yourself as the late Norbert Wheatley aka Fix it would say. You know some of foul, bad minded, jealous, betrayalists, treacherous, deceitful, etc. Fix yoa self. Frig…,out and back in my hole to observe the Great March Commemoration.
  • 2023 (25/11/2023, 11:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    some of us can still recall those good days when our forefathers got up; and arm in arm ensured some changes were established in this territory

  • Yes to UK (25/11/2023, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think it’s an insult to mention Natalio D. Wheatley name on the same page with these great men who fought for the BVI back then. They didn’t tell the people of the BVI that God sent them, they forth for the BVI because they wanted the people of the BVI to have a say in what was going on. The protest started out initially with Mr. Faulkner standing alone against a torrid rising tide, the protest started with Mr. Faulkner alone because he was fighting a personal battle with the then Commissioner.
    • @ Yes to the UK (25/11/2023, 18:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Yes to the UK , some of you makes me want to puke. What the hell you ranting about . It seems that you wanted to throw shade @ Bush Professor but either lack the courage to do so or don’t know how to do so. Dolph Faulkner’s personal beef with Commissioner JAC Cruikshank was fuel that provided the energy for tge March but the protest was for tge public good and yielded fruits. However, the trees that bore the fruit is withering and dying and some needs to be replanted.







  • HYPOCRISY & IGNORANCE (26/11/2023, 09:01) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    IS YHE NEW NORM HERE NOW , AND THOSE WANNABE ARISTOCRATS WITH HIDDEN GENDERS ARE USING THEIR , KNOWLEDGE , THEIR POSITION IN SOCIETY TO PUSH THE LATEST SET OF RACISM RETHORIC TO PROMOTE THEIR EGOTISTICAL TO INFLUENCE ON THOSE WHO ARE ILLITERATE TO STIR UP NONSENSE / THEY NEED TO FOCUS THEIR ENERGY ON PROMOTING WHATS BEST FOR THE COUNTRY / FOR EVERYONE IN THE COUNTRY AND THE FUTURE GENERATION USING INTEGRITY AS AN EXAMPLE OF PRIDE HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY ( INSTEAD OF SPEWING OUT THEIR EVILNESS ON A DSILY BASIS
  • doc (26/11/2023, 19:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone know Where can I view the newly released documentary ?
  • Deh Whatcha (28/11/2023, 07:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Under such circumstances of uncertainty and catastrophe, and the wicked COI, the people are still praising God and keeping the faith.


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