-
by pltm
(PLTM) - It was an evening of reflection as well as celebration on Saturday, November 17, as hundreds of Virgin Islanders gathered in the Save the Seed Energy Centre to celebrate the Virgin Islands Party’s 47th anniversary.
In a packed hall of VIP stalwarts, member and supporters, the history of the party was brought to fore, as well as the hopes for the VIP’s future.
Chairman of the party, Hon. Andrew Fahie took time to look back at the challenges that the political party has faced since its establishment in 1971.
“We came from the ground up…and that is what put us back on the map. And we had our President at that time was Dr. Natalio…when we couldn’t get any candidates, well none was coming as yet…I told him don’t worry, I see all of them coming,” he told the gathering.
As Chairman, he said, “With each passing day, I am humbled and grateful as I reflect on the past and continue to be inspired and motivated by the heightened spirit of camaraderie that has helped to build and forge a stronger Virgin Islands for all.”
The Party also took the opportunity to honour ten persons—five long serving members as well as five young individuals who are contributing to the territory’s development.
Honoured for the significant roles they played in the party’s constitutional structure and continued service and support were Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Mrs. Edris O’Neal, the late Hon. Prince Stoutt, Mr. Harold Smith, and Mrs. Leontine Lettsome.
Meanwhile, the young persons who were honoured include Mrs. Sheann Maduro, Mr. Kenrick ‘KJ’ Headley, Ms. Karyn Alexander, Mr. Raul ‘Jougo’ Sprauve and Ms. Ayana Hull.
In accepting their plaques, the awardees all expressed their gratitude to the VIP and congratulated them on their progress over the years.
Attorney-at-Law, Author and Composer of the Territorial Song, Ayana Hull in her speech said, “I really am humbled by the Virgin Islands Party going outside political lines. I have been asked so many questions...’Have you crossed the floor?’ At the end of the day, you have shown that you can just put aside everything and you can determine what is best for the Virgin Islands and I think that is testament to your leader.”
She urged the VIP supporters and all present to make the betterment of the territory the priority, saying, “Let's move forward together, let’s work together, let’s love each other, let's respect each other’s right to choose political sides.”
