In a recent Facebook post titled “JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE BEACH!”, former Legislator and local attorney Myron V Walwyn penned his thoughts on the observation of the Great March of 1949 and the Restoration of the Legislative Council.
Walwyn said, “Today we observe the Great March of 1949 and the restoration of the Legislative Council. Our history has informed us that a recommendation was made for these islands to be relegated to a bird sanctuary. Nonetheless successive generations of Virgin Islanders toiled to bring these islands to where they are. We built the modern VIrgin Islands to where it is largely on our own. We had many great political leaders like H. Lavity Stoutt, Ralph T. O’Neal, Willard Wheatley, Dr. D. Orlando Smith and T.B Lettsome. We had great leaders of Industries like J.R. O’Neal, H.R. Penn , Cyril Romney and many others who took a chance on their country by investing, creating employment for many and helping to create a tax base for the government.”
Country facing battle similar to forbearers
Drawing reference to the present challenges in the Virgin Islands Walwyn said, “Today our country is facing a battle just like our forbearers faced in 1949. One of the recommendations from the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry was the suspension of the very same Legislative Council (now House of Assembly) that those brave Virgin Islanders fought to have restored. There has even been a systematic attempt to diminish our confidence in our local leadership.”
Holiday not properly utilized and observed
Walwyn who is the former Minister of Education and Culture, called out the present Government for what he calls as improper observance of the significance of the day. Stating, “Yet the Government and the House of Assembly did not find it fitting enough to properly use this day to celebrate us and to re-ignite the Virgin Islands spirit that has been significantly dampened.”
In closing Walwyn lamented on what he calls the improper observance and celebration of such a significant day.
He said, “Why couldn’t the House of Assembly show today why it’s important to ensure that this institution is not suspended? Why couldn’t we have taken the time to plan this day to recount our successes and share our plans for the future? What has happened to the soul of our country? Where is the courage for our great leaders that we sing soo lustily about in our territorial song? Are our leaders even too afraid to assert themselves and the accomplishments of Virgin Islanders? Just another beach day while Rome is burning. I am concerned!”