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Reflect on VI’s history & resilience on National Heroes & Foreparents Day- Premier

As the Virgin Islands observes National Heroes and Foreparents Day today, Monday, October 21, 2024, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said today should be used to reflect on the Territory’s history and celebrate the spirit of resilience. Photo: Facebook
The ten national heroes of the Virgin Islands celebrated on National Heroes Day are Pereen Georges, Shelly Martin, Augustus McCleverty, Obadiah Dawson, Henry Garnet, Isaac Glanville Fonseca, Carlton deCastro, Theodolph Faulkner, H. Lavity Stoutt and Noel Lloyd. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The ten national heroes of the Virgin Islands celebrated on National Heroes Day are Pereen Georges, Shelly Martin, Augustus McCleverty, Obadiah Dawson, Henry Garnet, Isaac Glanville Fonseca, Carlton deCastro, Theodolph Faulkner, H. Lavity Stoutt and Noel Lloyd. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the Virgin Islands (VI) observes National Heroes and Foreparents Day today, Monday, October 21, 2024, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said today should be used to reflect on the Territory’s history and celebrate the spirit of resilience.

“We have triumphed over every adversity, from the harsh realities of slavery to forging our freedom. Our foreparents, with their hard work and ingenuity, transformed the rocky land and tumultuous seas into a foundation for our livelihoods. They planted, built vessels, and established trade routes—proving that through determination, we can overcome any challenge. For this, we owe them an immense debt of gratitude,” Premier Wheatley said in a statement.

The Territory's ten national heroes being celebrated today are Pereen Georges, Shelly Martin, Augustus McCleverty, Obadiah Dawson, Henry Garnet, Isaac Glanville Fonseca, Carlton deCastro, Theodolph Faulkner, H. Lavity Stoutt and Noel Lloyd

“These heroes embody the spirit of heroism that we honour today. In the years since the restoration of our legislature, we have been uplifted by leaders whose vision, sacrifice, and hard work have inspired us all. Ordinary individuals have accomplished extraordinary feats through their dedication to nation-building and their love for the Virgin Islands,” Premier Wheatley added.

Official portraits completed

The Premier also stated that the official portraits of these national heroes have been completed along with detailed biographies that will be shared with the VI’s primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

“We have taken a step further and commenced the process of integrating their stories into lesson plans which will be shared with our primary schools, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the contributions of these remarkable individuals,” Dr Wheatley said.

He added that documenting their legacies not only preserved the VI’s history but will inspire the youth to carry forward with a spirit of service and commitment that these heroes defined.

9 Responses to “Reflect on VI’s history & resilience on National Heroes & Foreparents Day- Premier”

  • 50 empty low cost government houses (21/10/2024, 15:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    National heroes
  • BVI love (21/10/2024, 17:57) Like (4) Dislike (19) Reply
    The premier saved the bvi from white rule you are our hero
  • Stealth (21/10/2024, 18:18) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Are Virgin Islanders truly and genuinely reflecting on ‘Heroes and Foreparents Day or it’s just another day, another holiday, a day off for many? Our national heroes have many sacrifices to move the Virgin Islands (British) from a little sleepy hollow, poverty stricken, undemocratic political governance, with few rights, freedoms, liberties, etc. to attaining some self-governance, though the UK still maintains unilateral power, achieving one the highest standards of living, quality of life, per capita income, etc. in the region. We cannot treat today as just an ordinary day but a down payment the way forward for a better tomorrow. That journey must be travel by all Virgin Islanders. There will obstacles in the journey but we must plan, organize, etc and plow our way forward..We owe plowing forward for the benefits of Virgin Islanders yet unborn. The way forward should not have alphabet soup parties, creating division, etc. It is up to all of us working diligently together for better more joyful tomorrow.
  • hmm (21/10/2024, 19:54) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    There are so many others who have contributed but all you keep hearing is the same people over and over. Poor BVI
  • Eldread (21/10/2024, 21:20) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The real heroes picture should be at the top of the page, not premiere Wheatley who is a betrayer if the people's tax dollars using it to host party and Kartel.
  • Head Coach (22/10/2024, 08:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heroic international drug dealer who unintentionally left us in the lurch with his side kick No 2
  • Historically (22/10/2024, 10:31) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Celebrating St. Ursula is the purpose of this holiday.
  • Meli (22/10/2024, 13:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The biographies should be shared with the whole territory on or prior to the public holiday. It could have had a countdown to the day, where one individual was featured everyday. Sharing such information with only the VI’s primary, secondary and tertiary institutions is not enough.


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