For Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, the annual celebration of USVI-BVI Friendship Day is personal.
His grandfather Willard Wheatley was chief minister when the territory first hosted the event here in 1972, he told attendees gathered for the 51st celebration of the observance on Saturday in St. Thomas.
“I suspect he never imagined his grandson would one day stand here doing the same,” Mr. Wheatley said.
The festive event, which alternates territories each year, featured cultural dances, music and speeches under the theme “Binding Our Ties Through Friendship and Culture.”
Then, leaders exchanged traditional gifts at a luncheon.
‘Family reunion’
During his speech, Mr. Wheatley described the observance as “a family reunion with official titles attached,” and he greeted United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, and other USVI leaders who attended.
The premier also emphasised the territories’ shared history and culture.
“Our connection runs deeper than the waters that separate us,” he said. “It runs through our family names, our accents, our food, our music and our shared resilience.”
The partnership, he said, is also practical, with ongoing collaboration in education, tourism, security and development through the Inter-Virgin Islands Council.
Additionally, the premier thanked Mr. Bryan and his colleagues for their support after the United Kingdom threatened to impose direct rule on the VI following the 2022 arrest of then-premier Andrew Fahie in Florida.
“The ties that bind us are stronger than any border,” he said. “Our friendship is our strength. Our unity is our legacy. May the spirit of love and friendship that unites the Virgin Islands continue to flourish today, tomorrow and always.”
Delegation
The VI delegation also included Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Karl Dawson, Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith, and other public officials and residents.
British Caribbean News
