Sponsored by Senator Marise James, Bill 36-0121 is an act to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the Ten Sleepless Knights Park in honour of the legendary quelbe band. Photo: VIC

Sponsored by Senator Marise James, Bill 36-0121 is an act to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the Ten Sleepless Knights Park in honour of the legendary quelbe band. She described the band as “conservators of our official music, quelbe, and faithful culture bearers of our Virgin Islands heritage.” She lauded the band’s contributions to education and public engagement, all in an effort to “highlight and safeguard” local history. 

“TSK has brought our unique musical voice to the global stage, earning international acclaim while representing the Virgin Islands with pride,” Sen. James declared. 

Peter Carl Limpricht was a Danish administrator who served as governor of the territory from 1908–1911. Senator James defended the effort to rename the facility, arguing that “what it does is it ensures that our public spaces reflect the culture, traditions, and lived experience of the people who use them today.” 

“Renaming this park is an act of cultural self-determination,” she declared.

'Deeply moved' by recognition

Lauren Larsen is the president of the Ten Sleepless Knights, Inc. He told the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection that “we are deeply moved by the recognition and the opportunity to be permanently woven into the cultural and physical landscape of our beloved town.” 

For former Senator Myron D. Jackson, the bill is a “timely and culturally significant piece of legislation.” He agreed that the bill is more than a name change, and is an “intentional recognition of a cultural treasure.” 

“Their decades of contributions to music, education and cultural awareness have made an indelible impact, particularly on the island of St Croix,” said Mr Jackson. The newly renamed park is poised to become a “living monument to their legacy, offering a permanent reminder to current and future generations of the importance of cultural preservation.” 

The decision to honour the Ten Sleepless Knights has been warmly accepted by Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd, the president of the Crucian Cultural Group (CCG). On numerous occasions, the Ten Sleepless Knights band has partnered with the CCG to host festive events in the Peter Carl Limpricht Park. It is perhaps why Ms Ebbesen-Fludd appealed to the Legislature that “all efforts should be taken to not erase history for the next generation, because it is uncomfortable or unpleasant.” She has requested that the existing monument not be removed completely but instead “relocated to a designated area within the park for historical display and relevance.”

Ms Ebbesen-Fludd also pleaded for adequate resources to upkeep the park as a “year-round cultural musical event site with scheduled cultural and musical activities.” 

Monday’s hearing featured a wave of commendations for Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights. The band’s current status as one of the icons of Virgin Islands culture has been decades in the making. According to founder and band leader Stanley Jacobs, “as we continued playing, our popularity grew to the point that we became a part of the Crucian musical landscape.” 

“[The] response from our community was such that we got inspired to make it our mission to continue to preserve and perpetuate our precious cultural music and dance so that they will be passed on to our descendants,” he said.

Bill getting overwhelming support

From the beginning of the discussion, there was never any doubt that Bill 36-0121 would win the favour of all lawmakers present. “Stanley and the band have been the heartbeat of the Virgin Islands music, preserving the tradition while inspiring new generations to cherish our heritage,” noted Senator Novelle Francis. He believes renaming the park in the band’s honour will “enshrine the Ten Sleepless Knight band’s contributions in a permanent and visible way.” 

“They're more than just musicians. They are cultural ambassadors, storytellers, keepers of tradition, who deserve a place of honour in this public space,” Senator Francis declared. “I think this is a great honour that we are bestowing on Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights,” agreed Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. 

“This has been a monumental group. It's one of the most important cultural bands that's ever played music in the Virgin Islands,” remarked Senator Ray Fonseca.