Government

Governor Bryan Commits $1 Million to Support 175th Emancipation Celebration; 175 People to be Honored

Governor Albert Bryan has committed to budgeting $1 million to go toward activities that will mark the 175th celebration of Emancipation in the territory next year. He made the announcement at a special press briefing on Friday, where he also signed an executive order for a nine-member commemoration committee to manage the historic event. Committee members include Teri Helenese, Maureen Burke-Ventura, Khnuma Simmonds, Akeem McIntosh, Senator Carla Joseph, former Senator Myron Jackson, Jamila Russell and Jelani Ritter. The milestone anniversary will posthumously honor 175 people, in keeping with the 175th celebration.  “We are going to honor 175 Keepers of the Flame. People who have come before us that have not only laid a path of prosperity for the Virgin Islands and a place where people of color could feel like they can express themselves; lead and be led and be able to participate in commerce and in civic, government activities. A fantastic gift that has been given to us in the mo...