USVI Public Records

Document text

Testimony in Support of Bill No. 36-0121 Renaming the Peter Carl Limpricht Park to TSK Park in Honor of the Ten Sleepless Knights Submitted by: Senator Myron D. Jackson Date: September 22, 2025 To: Honorable Members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands/Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Re: Bill No. 36-0121 – An Act to Rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park to the TSK Park and Appropriate Funds for Its Implementation Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Senators, and Esteemed Members of the Committee, I am honored to submit this testimony in strong support of Bill No. 36-0121, a timely and culturally significant piece of legislation that proposes renaming the Peter Carl Limpricht Park to the TSK Park, in tribute to the legendary local quelbe band, the Ten Sleepless Knights. This bill also seeks to appropriate the necessary funds to effectuate this change. This bill is more than just a name change; it is an intentional recognition of a cultural treasure. The Ten Sleepless Knights have not only preserved and popularized our beloved traditional music genre, quelbe, but have also become interwoven into the fabric of Virgin Islands history, identity, and pride. Their decades of contribution to music, education, and cultural awareness have made an indelible impact, particularly on the island of St. Croix, the Caribbean region, and internationally. Renaming a public space in their honour is a profound and fitting tribute. Parks serve as places of community, reflection, and celebration, values that the Ten Sleepless Knights have long embodied through their music and community engagement. The new TSK Park would become a living monument to their legacy, offering a permanent reminder to current and future generations of the importance of cultural preservation. This park will stand as an enduring space where the music, values, and spirit of the Ten Sleepless Knights can continue to inspire all who visit. During my tenure in this august body, I have had the opportunity to introduce and support numerous bills and resolutions that celebrate and honour the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, living tradition bearers, and others posthumously. The legislative history is clear in its intention and commitment to preserving our unique cultural heritage. The mural that is behind me in this chamber, painted by the master artist Elroy Simmonds, commissioned to mark the 150th Anniversary of our Emancipation, highlights the music and dance heritage of our people. The iconic images of master flutes and artist Dr. Stanley Jacobs are immortalized in this historic mural. Over the decades, the Legislature has passed key resolutions and bills affirming our cultural identity. In 1992, Act No. 5778 created the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Act and Institute. This Act affirmed that the people of the Virgin Islands have a unique culture defined by our customs, values, traditions, arts, speech, music, dance, and other expressions. In 2003, Act No. 6642 declared Quelbe the official traditional music of the Virgin Islands, and in 2004, Act No. 6718 declared Quadrille the official dance of the Virgin Islands. In 2015, Resolution No. 1831 honoured Dr. Stanley Jacobs for his pioneering contributions to local music. In 2020, the 33rd Legislature adopted Resolution No. 1876, which celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Ten Sleepless Knights and their monumental role in preserving the cultural and musical heritage of the Virgin Islands. These acts are a testament to our belief that a society that fails to preserve and promote its culture risks losing its identity. By preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, we affirm our existence and our continued contributions to the broader world. I commend Senators Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Kenneth L. Gittens, and Angel L. Bolques Jr., along with Co-sponsor Senator Hubert L. Frederick, for their vision and leadership in sponsoring this important legislation. Their efforts underscore the importance of honoring our cultural icons while they are still with us, ensuring their legacy is immortalized in spaces that encourage public engagement. I respectfully urge the members of this Committee, and the full body of the 36th Legislature, to pass Bill No. 36-0121 without delay. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to elevate our heritage in a way that speaks not only to who we are but also to who we aspire to be. Thank you for your time, consideration, and for continuing to champion the arts and cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. Respectfully submitted, Senator Myron D. Jackson