The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), in celebration of its 55th anniversary, had a big gala at Scrub Island Resort last evening, Saturday, April 18, 2026, with over 300 persons in attendance. Top left: Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) with the awardees. Photo: Team of Reporters

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) addresses the gathering at the Virgin Islands Party's 55th Anniversary Gala at Scrub Island Resort on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

Some of the persons honoured at the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) 55th Anniversary Gala at Scrub Island on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Ms Sharia B. de Castro gives remarks at the VIP's 55th Anniversary Gala at Scrub Island Resort on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

The Mistress of Ceremony was Mrs Suzanne K. Rymer, centre, who did an extraordinary job. Photo: Team of Reporters

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), centre, is flanked by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), 2nd from left, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE, left, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1), 2nd from right, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL). Photo: Team of Reporters

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) strikes a pose for the photographers at the Virgin Islands Party's 55th Anniversary Gala at Scrub Island Resort on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. deCastro (AL), right, shares a laughter with one of the attendees of the Virgin Islands Party's 55th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

Former Speaker and Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Member, Julian Willock, at the VIP's 55th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

Many residents, including many trailblazers, were honoured at the Virgin Islands Party's 55th Anniversary Gala at Scrub Island Resort on April 18, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters

Some could not even find seats, as residents from all walks of life, including VIP Congress Members, elected VIP Members, party supporters, residents from the sister islands and well-wishers, mostly decked out in their speculator green or white, filled the room to help celebrate 55 years of the VIP.

Both the party Chairman and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Party President Ms Sharia B. de Castro gave remarks and encouraged the troops to stay focused, to build on the legacy and the party’s values.

Party Chairman Hon Wheatley noted that after the death of the party's founding Chairman Hamilton Lavity Stoutt in 1995, three out of the next four Premiers, between 1995 and 2026, came from the VIP. They were the late Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, Andrew A. Fahie and himself.

The only other Premier to serve between 1995 -2026 who was not from the VIP was Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE, who was in attendance at last evening's VIP gala despite his National Democratic Party (NDP) convention to pick a new leader happening at the same time.

Many residents & trailblazers honoured

Many residents, including many trailblazers, were honoured. They were Mr Lemuel Smith, aka 'Chi Chi', who received the Steadfast Service Award in recognition of unwavering commitment during a critical season of the VIP journey, providing steady leadership, continuity, and dedicated service.

Mr Leon Jeffers, aka 'Kazak', received the Cultural Vanguard Award for consistently and powerfully representing Virgin Islands (VI) culture through creative costume design and artistic expression that preserves and boldly celebrates our identity and pride.

Mr Gregory A. Callwood was given the Grassroots Leadership Award for his longstanding commitment to the Party and steadfast advocacy for the people, particularly championing representation across the Sister Islands, especially Jost van Dyke.

Ms Kristin C. Frazer received the Global Cultural Ambassador Award for remarkable achievements in fashion and for representing the VI on the global stage through designs that reflect the beauty and spirit of the Territory.

Ms Kyra J. James collected the Culture Keeper & Youth Impact Award for her leadership as founder of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving VI culture and history and for inspiring future generations as a young leader.

The Family of Mr Carvin Malone received (Posthumously) the Lifetime Service  National Legacy Award. It was presented in honour of Mr Malone’s extraordinary contributions to the VIP and the Territory through years of leadership, public service, and lasting national impact.

Ms Deborah Reynolds was handed the Excellence in Entrepreneurship & Community Impact Award for impactful contributions through business, fashion, and community engagement, helping others present their best selves while consistently giving back.

The Original VIP Youth Arm – Violet de Castro, Marieta C. Headley, Kelvin Thomas, Derrick Marshall, James Lettsome, Linda Leonard, Sean Durante, and Wandamae Malone were presented with the Foundational Legacy Award for helping to shape and strengthen the VIP in its early days and laying the foundation upon which generations now stand.

Ms Nazaret Amadiz was conferred the Bridge of Community & Cultural Unity Award for longstanding loyalty and steadfast support over many years, while serving as an important link to the Latino community and strengthening bonds of unity across the VI.

Ms Daphnie Stoutt received the Community Catalyst & Service Impact Award for remarkable dedication to uplifting others through community projects and service initiatives that inspire hope, connection, and positive change.

Mr Rupert Vanterpool Sr was presented with the Legacy in Enterprise & Community Leadership Award for being a respected entrepreneur, supermarket owner, community role model on Virgin Gorda, and long-standing supporter whose leadership has positively impacted the community.

The VIP 55^th anniversary gala was held under the theme, ‘Golden Roots, Green Horizons’. It was truly an evening of high energy, a motivated party and supporters that enjoyed an evening of elegance, a celebration of legacy and a moment in history. 

The Mistress of Ceremony was Mrs Suzanne K. Rymer, who did an extraordinary job.