On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) held the premiere of its latest captivating documentary titled: 'The Faulkner Story'. Photo: VICA

According to VICA, the documentary portrays the life of Theodolph Halburn Faulkner, 'our national hero of these Virgin Islands, his fight for justice and his vision'. Photo: VICA

Some members of the cast of ‘The Faulkner Story’ including former Speaker Mr Julian Willock, 2nd from left. Photo: VICA

The Virgin Islands Communal Association has expressed gratitude to those whose assistance and support made the documentary and the premiere of 'The Faulkner Story' a success. Photo: VICA

The VICA organisation was instituted for the preservation of the Virgin Islands’ culture, heritage and historical relevance.

According to VICA, this documentary portrays the life of Theodolph Halburn Faulkner, "our national hero of these Virgin Islands, his fight for justice and his vision."

It further highlights the 1949 Great March, with a key emphasis on the social, economic and political development of the islands.

In attendance at the premiere of the documentary, according to VICA, were many Virgin Islanders who were "moved by Mr Faulkner’s impactful vision and vigour, along with other notable Virgin Islanders (now deceased) who were also highlighted and acknowledged."

Premier wants documentary shared in schools

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was among the pilot group for the documentary, stated the production should be shared in the schools and across the communities of the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) said Mr Faulkner should be officially identified as the Father of the Virgin Islanders’ democracy.

Don Martin (Author and VICA member) stated that “The Faulkner Story” is a powerful documentary highlighting a significant Virgin Islands’ history of activism and our determination as ancestral people.

'Our progressive movement must never be challenged'- Don Martin

He said the documentary is indeed relevant for such a time as now, based on the uncertainty in the USA "where democracy is being compromised, as they are trying to turn back civil rights achievements in America."

Mr Martin further stated that the history of the Virgin Islands must be preserved with a historical record of the hard-fought struggles, social injustices, and triumphs of our foreparents.

"Our progressive movement must never be challenged as it is at this time in the United States of America. This preservation will honour and recognize the profound contributions our stalwart Mr Faulkner and others. The VICA documentary has acknowledged the strength of Virgin Islanders, who we are, and the transformative impact on our community development and our continued efforts. As a result, we have to protect and safeguard the rights our fore-parents fought so ardently to achieve,” Mr Martin added.

Appreciation

The Virgin Islands Communal Association has expressed gratitude to those whose assistance and support made the documentary and the Premiere of "The Faulkner Story" a success.

"We thank: The viewing audience for their support, presence and interactive participation. Andre Shadow Dawson for his photography, DJ assistance, movie coordination and his boating video in the documentary. Added to recorders were: Linton Leonard, Dorian Hodge, Kyesha Smith, Theodolph (Theo) Faulkner 3rd, and Cathy Richards.

"In order to have a documentary one needs a script and we say thanks to Mrs Bernardine Walters-Louis, Edgar Ed Leonard and Dr Angel Smith. All scripts need vibrant voices to make a scripted documentary come to life and we thank “our voice of excellence and excitement” Ms Bria Smith."

VICA said the documentary came to life with the magnificent work of editor Mr Nehassie Chalwell and its captivating cast: Dr Albert L. Thompkins, Mr Theodolph Landon Faulkner, Mrs Myra Faulkner, Mr Julian Willock, Mr Milton C. McLean, Alvin Martin, Mr Jason Fonseca aka 'Mad', Dr Neil M. Smith, Mr Meade Malone, Mr Michael Killourhy, Mr Dean Fahie, and Father John George.

"Thanks to the Road Town Methodist Church for the use of their space where we recorded the 1955 House sitting reenactment scene."

The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) has also produced another Virgin Islands documentary called “March on Virgin Islanders, March On”.