As the Virgin Islands prepares to celebrate Heroes and Forefathers Day on Monday, October 21, a series of initiatives are being launched to honour the territory’s rich history and pay tribute to its distinguished heroes.
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley provided a glimpse of the planned celebrations during a House of Assembly sitting on Friday, October 18, encouraging residents to actively participate in preserving the Virgin Islands’ legacy.
One of the key initiatives highlighted by the Premier is the Interview an Elder Initiative, a project in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). The initiative aims to engage locals in preserving their family’s unique stories and making lasting contributions to the Virgin Islands’ historical record.
Additionally, the Premier announced plans to establish a park dedicated to honouring the territory’s heroes. This initiative is currently in the planning stages and is expected to come to fruition next year. The park will serve as a permanent reminder of the people who have made lasting contributions to the territory.
The ten Virgin Islanders who have been honoured as heroes include Mr. Shelly Martin; Ms. Perreen Georges; Mr. Augustus McCleverty; Mr. Obadiah Dawson; Mr. Henry Garnet; Mr. Theodolph Faulkner; Mr. Isaac Glanville Fonseca; Mr. Carlton de Castro; Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt; and Mr. Noel Lloyd.
As the territory looks forward to Monday’s celebrations, Premier Wheatley encouraged residents to reflect on the contributions of these esteemed figures and the enduring legacy they have left behind.