Our July 20th speaker was USVI Senate President Myron D. Jackson. He spoke about the Centennial that we are celebrating this year.
Thank you Denise for the wonderful photos!
He provided a written message to us, as well:
One hundred years ago, the native Virgin Islanders and residents converged on these grounds to witness a transformation of their lives with great uncertainties. On that day, their political status would change and their way of life would be altered. It has been recounted, that our ancestors stated they knew what they had, but they didn't know what they were going to get.
Much change has come, and many of the same dynamics they faced, we still fact today. Our political status and citizenship is still a question, but it lies also in our own self determination. Our culture, our traditions, and way of life continue to have contradictions and our state of wholesomeness we still struggle to maintain. Yes, change is inevitable, and our destiny should be charted by our hopes and aspirations.
Our challenges today are of our economy, infrastructure, education, and social issues. Our identity crisis requires us to reflect on this past, celebrate our accomplishments, and forge forward with the determination that as a modern society we hold fast to the commitment and principles needed to advance our motto, "United in Pride and Hope."