Political Candidates Make Their Presence Known During PR-VI Friendship Parade

Some gubernatorial teams, and indeed a few Senate candidates, made their presence felt during Sunday’s VI-PR Friendship Parade, which was held in Christiansted from the Basin Triangle and ended at the Canegata Ballpark grounds, where a village had been setup as part of the 54-year-old celebration.

The longstanding relationship highlights the integration of the VI and PR cultures. This year’s theme was “The New Generation Continuing Tradition”, and included a number activities, among them performances from local and Latin bands performing at the Village.

On Sunday, Governor Kenneth Mapp gave a story that sought to accentuate the close relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “I say that to underscore how we have become one and how it has enriched all of us, making us a better people,” Mr. Mapp said after relaying his story. “We know we have Crucians that speak Spanish very fluently, and we have even more Crucians who put on some Salsa, Merengue, and we take off on the floor and we look just like we’ve been in Puerto Rico all our lives.”

The governor added, “So I want to give great honor and great thanks to all of the people in the VI-PR Committee that put this event together this year. And I want to thank all of you for participating. Please support the vendors, enjoy yourselves, and I want you to have a great, great time.”

The Byran-Roach and Donastorg-Hansen campaigns had the strongest showings during the parade, both with trucks and deejays playing music while their supporters chanted campaign slogans. The Mapp-Potter team had a presence as well, but not a coordinated effort that included a truck with music, banners and supporters in one area, as the other two. Also seen stationed at the Legion Hall located ahead of the Gallows Bay traffic lights heading east were Moleto Smith and Lorenzo Frederick.

The presence of candidates at such events is no anomaly; in fact it has become a tradition of sorts, and with this year being a gubernatorial election year, candidates make it top priority to show up at cultural events and similar affairs where large crowds are gathered.

Also present yesterday was Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett. Ms. Plaskett is running unopposed, but she has been campaigning nonetheless.