Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley is imploring residents of the Virgin Islands to contemplate and honour the efforts of those who have contributed to a more prosperous and functional contemporary society.

The call comes as the Territory gears up to observe the 1949 Great March and Restoration Day on Monday, November 27 which is also a public holiday.

Premier Wheatley said, “We encourage the public to set aside time to reflect on the historic victory we as a people achieved in taking civic action, and demanding the restoration of our Legislative Council, which laid the foundation for the modern development of the Virgin Islands and the prosperity we presently enjoy.”

The Premier’s Office is coordinating a series of events this year to commemorate the 1949 Great March and Restoration of the Legislative Council on Facebook and YouTube @BVI Government. The public is encouraged to stay tuned and actively participate in these cultural and heritage activities.

Saturday, November 25 at 3:00 p.m.

     Release of Theme Songs

          - Calypso Song by Ms. Rosie Smith

          - MARCH by Raul ‘Jougo’ Sprauve

Sunday,  November 26 at 6:00 p.m.

     Premiere of Documentary entitled “History of the 1949 Great March and Restoration of Legislative Council” by Dr. Angel Smith

     Reflection on the 1949 Great March by Members of the House of Assembly

Monday, November 27 at 9:00 a.m.

     Statement by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley on the holiday observation of the 1949 Great March and     Restoration of Legislative Council

The 1949 Great March and Restoration Day holiday will honour the significant historic demonstration which occurred on Sunday, 24th November 1949. The series of protests were led by Anegadian Theodolph Faulkner, one of the Territory’s designated National Heroes. Advocates Isaac “Glanny” Fonseca and Carlton de Castro, who were also bestowed with the honour of National Hero, supported Faulkner in the organisation of the March.

 The Great March exemplified Virgin Islands resilience and unity as over 1,500 protesters marched through the streets of Road Town to the Commissioner’s Office (presently the Governor’s Office) in demand of improved developments in the social, economic and political spheres. Commissioner J.A.C. Cruikshank was presented a petition, which outlined the unsatisfactory management and administration of the Presidency.

This mass demonstration proved to be a catalyst for political advancement in the Territory, resulting in significant political and constitutional development of the Virgin Islands.

The Government of the Virgin Islands’ vision is a Virgin Islands where all Virgin Islanders feel a sense of belonging and pride, and actively participate in cultural activities that reflect their heritage and ultimately enrich their lives.