Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has declared Tuesday a day of mourning in honor of George Floyd and in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and he ordered that flags in the U.S. Virgin Islands be flown at half-staff.

“Last week I shared my thoughts on the death of George Floyd, race relations in our country and the issues of gun violence here in our local community. I was heartened to see the solidarity in our community, regardless of race, color or creed,” Mr. Bryan said.

The governor is asking residents to commit to true change by adhering to five principles:

• Strengthen the community as black people and ensure that the community is an example to those who come after us.
• Take our change to the economy and support those businesses that support the residents of the Territory and social change.
• Commit to register to vote and exercise that vote for leaders who will create and support policies that end racism in its raw or institutional form
• Take up leadership positions in the community in the private sector, with non-profits and on boards, as well as in elected offices to ensure that these policies are implemented.
• As a black community, recognize that inequality and injustice should not be tolerated anywhere or to any people. Ensure that we do not alienate other races but rather embrace them in solidarity toward equal rights and justice for all.

 

“Beyond this time of protests, when all the signs have faded, and the social media trending is no longer there, we must have a call to action,” said the governor.

Any and all American and USVI flags being flown at the work place should be properly raised and lowered Tuesday, June 10, 2020, to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Government House said.

As per the protocol set by the U.S. Code, the flags should be briskly raised to full-staff first before being lowered to half-mast and lowered at the end of the day.

All flags being flown outdoors must be lowered at the end of the day at sunset unless the flagpoles are properly lit at night.