There was some politics on the agenda, but for the most part the hundreds of protestors that gathered over the weekend on St. Thomas were all about advocating for social change.
A collection of residents from all three islands met under the bungalow in Market Square early Saturday morning for a rally and march that made its way up Government Hill and back down to Emancipation Garden for a final round of speeches that lasted until the early afternoon.
Many citizens said they came out to protest against things like the high crime rate and problems within the education system. Describing it as a "bush tea movement," some said that it was finally time to put a stop to ongoing deficiencies within the community that have been perpetuated for years.
Organized by local activists such as Stephanie Scott Williams and Clarence Payne, among others, the "Virgin Islands Uniting for Social Justice and Accountability March" was well attended by every segment of the community, from elementary school students to senior citizens and even politicians.
"You are our future," Payne said to a gathering of youngsters that flanked the bungalow before the march. "You will be leading the community one day — these are things you can help us change."
When asked when the territory last had such a rally, many residents said "never." Usually, it’s just individual movements on each island, but Saturday was the first time that a collective march was held, they said.
