BVI-USVI Friendship Day dawned in bright sunshine, defying dire weather predictions and the distance between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
The day had all the aspects of a family reunion, which is essentially what it is on a rather grand scale. In family tradition, the holiday is shared. Since the first celebration in October 1972 in Roadtown, it is celebrated on Tortola one year and the Virgin Islands the next.
Hundreds of folks thronged to Yacht Haven Grande Saturday morning to be regaled by the Lockhart Quadrille dancers bowing and circling before them, the St. Thomas Majorettes in black and green satins twirling, tables abundant with pates, fresh fruit, tiny breakfast burritos, and remarks by the many British and U.S. dignitaries. The event was hosted by Gov. John deJongh Jr., first lady Cecile deJongh, Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis and his wife, Cheryl Francis.
The oldest dignitary was centenarian Pastor Algemon Blyden, who charmed the audience. Blyden, originally from Tortola, has made St. Thomas his home for the last six or so decades, heading the Apostolic Faith Mission.
"Celebrating our Future Generation," was the day’s theme, and Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis set the tone for the morning, with a plea to get youngsters involved in the community. "Friendship equals family, loving, caring, sharing," he said, recalling his days growing up when, with rain approaching "neighbors would bring in your laundry and fold it," or, "take in your kids after school if you weren’t home yet."
"We need to get youngsters more involved in a spiritual life," he concluded to sound applause.
BVI premier, the honorable Ralph T. O’Neal, took up the friendship gauntlet, tracing it back the sugar economy of a couple hundred years ago, "’when we shipped St. Thomas sugar along with ours to England so they get benefit of English taxes. And the English never knew."
O’Neal said, "The day allows us to visit with family on both islands. Just look at our names — Dawson, Turnbull, Vanterpool, Blyden. We are all one people."
Newcomers to Friendship Day, as well as to the islands were BVI Gov. William Boyd McCleary, his wife Jenny, and daughter Emily, all of whom seemed awed by the spectacle. McCleary gave a warm thank you for the treat.
"We’ve traveled to the other British islands, and we have been met with nothing but warmth and smiles." He said they are looking forward to a "three to four-year posting" in the BVI.
Dejongh spoke of a significant step he had taken earlier this week to further solidify the bonds between the islands. DeJongh flew to St. Lucia to sign memorandum of understanding with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) which pledges that the territory and OECS work together on "common challenges" in areas such as sports, education, emergency management, environmental issues and trade and agriculture.
The governor said he was especially grateful to O’Neal for his "open support of our participation in OECS and for allowing me to make a presentation at the Heads of State meeting in Roadtown, Tortola in 2009"
"This day not only further galvanizes those ties, but reaffirms our commitment to forging even stronger relationships in the future," deJongh said. Speaking of those ties, the governor said with a laugh, "You only have to get a cab from West End to Roadtown, or from Red Hook to Charlotte Amalie, to know what’s happening."
Then, the morning belonged to Pastor Blyden. Resplendent in a three-piece suit, set off by a red rose boutonniere., he approached the podium with the enthusiasm of someone one-tenth his age. Calling this "A day to remember," Blyden first accepted a $5,000 check presented in the form of a five-foot cut-out, from an equally grinning O’Neal, who charted a bit of their history, saying Blyden had given hin his first job on Tortola.
After Blyden got the enormous check replaced with a paper one, he joked about his early days on St. Thomas where he was a "bonded" alien. Cecile deJongh and Cheryl Francis then presented the 100-year-old star with a sculpted mirrored cross, made by a St. Croix artist.
"Thank you and god bless you," Blyden cooed, as the young voices of the Gladys Abraham School Cultural Choir bade the crowd farewell.
