USVI Public Records

Document text

LEGISLATURE HOSTS AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY CEREMONY - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact Critical | News | Senator Milton E. Potter | Special Events LEGISLATURE HOSTS AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY CEREMONY Published: May 16, 2025 Search for: ST. THOMAS, VI — The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter hosted the annual African Liberation Day ceremony at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Empress of Ceremonies Felicia Blake reminded the audience that Bill No. 18-0417, which was enacted as Act No. 5473, proclaims the third week in May as African Heritage Week. The third Friday in May shall be observed as African Liberation Day. The act was later amended to designate the 25th day in May as African Liberation Day. The theme for this year is “Africa for Africans: Revolutionary Pan-Africanist Unity Across Borders in the Battle for Socialism against Imperialism.” The annual observance is the commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. The Organization of African Unity later became the African Union on July 9, 2002. The ceremony opened with the traditional conch shell call to order, followed by a libation ceremony, honoring the ancestors. Various performances, including bamboula, music of the diaspora, and Anansi and Brunansi stories. Senate President Milton E. Potter gave comments on the ceremony. “The blood, sweat, and dreams of our ancestors-brought here against their will-still flow through us. Our own journey as Virgin Islanders, striving for self-determination, justice, and equality, is a continuation of the great Pan-African struggle. We are heirs to a legacy of resistance and a duty to carry it forward.” Potter also stated that “true liberation is not just the absence of colonial rule. It is the presence of opportunity, of justice, of unity, and of hope. It is the right of every child to education, every family to security, every community to self-governance, and every nation to sovereignty. It is the power to determine our own futures, to build economies that serve our people, and to nurture cultures that reflect our highest values.” Senators present at today’s ceremony included Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Avery L. Lewis, and Milton E. Potter. The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org. # Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow