Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith said the Department of Culture will be launching the book, "The 1949 Great March" with a special kind of pride and excitement on the 71^st anniversary of the commemorative day.

The book about the 1949 March will be launched on Wednesday, November 24 by the 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 said, “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."

The book will be launched at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Learning Resource Centre at 5:00 p.m.

Persons are encouraged to attend and support the launch as the Department of Culture continues to promote Literary Arts in the Virgin Islands.