COMMEMORATIVE BOOK LAUNCH OF “THE 1949 MARCH” TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY DUE TO RECENT COVID OUTBREAK

The Commemorative book launch of the 1949 March scheduled for tomorrow Wednesday, November 24th will be held virtually due to the recent Covid exposure in the territory.

As announced earlier by officials persons who attended recent events where Covid cases were detected are being asked to monitor and as such organizers made the decision to hold the event virtually and can be viewed via the Governments website at 5pm.

Over the weekend residents gathered to reenact the March of 1949 which played a pivotal role in the history and heritage of the Virgin Islands.

In regards to the launch of the commemorative book, Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith said, “The 1949 Great March” brings with it a special kind of pride and excitement on the 71st anniversary of the commemorative day.

The book about the 1949 March is a collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education and Culture through the Department of Culture with local authors Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo and Bernadine Walters-Louis.

Dr. Smith added, “The subject matter of this book covers one of the greatest defining moments in the life and story of these Virgin Islands.” She added, “We offer the utmost congratulations to Mrs. Bernadine Walters-Louis and Ms. Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo. And we are doubly excited because this book is written for high school readers although we are certain many others will be reading this book. We must work to ensure that no student graduates from high school without reading this impactful book. This is truly required reading.”

Co-author Bernadine Walters-Louis said, “Understanding why over 1500 persons took to the streets of Road Town in 1949 was rewarding, for the march was an important step in our political journey- a journey that we must continue until we the people determine what that ultimate status will be.”