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Testimony of Alwyn “Daddyjones” Baptiste Jr. Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room, St. Croix Good day, the Honorable Chair of the Committee Senator Avery L. Lewis, Vice Chair Senator Novelle E. Francis, and all other senators present, the listening and viewing public, My name is Alwyn Baptiste Jr., and I am honored to provide testimony in support of Bill No. 36-0058, recognizing Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr. I have known Pumpa for many years̶personally and, most importantly, musically. From the start, I have always admired his creativity, his ability to captivate a crowd, and the fact that whether it is five people or five thousand, his approach and energy remain the same. That consistency speaks volumes about his love for the craft and his respect for the culture. Honoring him now is important to me, because it represents more than just one man̶it is a celebration of what Virgin Islands music means to all of us. …
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Testimony of Alwyn “Daddyjones” Baptiste Jr. Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room, St. Croix Good day, the Honorable Chair of the Committee Senator Avery L. Lewis, Vice Chair Senator Novelle E. Francis, and all other senators present, the listening and viewing public, My name is Alwyn Baptiste Jr., and I am honored to provide testimony in support of Bill No. 36-0058, recognizing Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr. I have known Pumpa for many years̶personally and, most importantly, musically. From the start, I have always admired his creativity, his ability to captivate a crowd, and the fact that whether it is five people or five thousand, his approach and energy remain the same. That consistency speaks volumes about his love for the craft and his respect for the culture. Honoring him now is important to me, because it represents more than just one man̶it is a celebration of what Virgin Islands music means to all of us. Along this journey, we have lost many brothers in music̶most recently Sasso and Phijah̶whose contributions shaped our sound and spirit. To be able to celebrate Pumpa while he is still here with us is both humbling and necessary. We also cannot overlook the success of his hit song “A-List,” which not only took the Virgin Islands by storm but spread across the Caribbean and beyond. That record became an anthem, carrying the VI sound to the rest of the world and proving that our culture, when given a platform, can stand alongside the very best in global music. One of my personal highlights with Pumpa was our collaboration on “Boom Bam Bye,” where my own kids sang background vocals. That experience showed me how his music connects generations̶keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the future. Pumpa represents the very best of Virgin Islands culture and music. Awarding him the Official Key to the Territory and naming this entrance in his honor is a fitting way to say thank you for the joy, pride, and identity he has given us through soca. Thank you for the opportunity to share my support. Respectfully submitted, Alwyn “Daddyjones” Baptiste Jr. Musician • Producer • Public Affairs (VI Legislature) [Your phone] ¦ [Your email]