Janet Brow Phillips, left, and Cedric Armstrong, right, are shown in a collage as lawmakers advance measures honoring their contributions to education, culinary arts, and cultural heritage in the Virgin Islands. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE.
The Legislature on St. Croix turned its focus Tuesday to honoring individuals whose culinary and educational contributions have helped shape the territory’s cultural identity, as three measures recognizing two women and one longstanding local family advanced through committee.
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection met to consider resolutions introduced by Senator Kenneth Gittens celebrating Sharon Maria Williams, Janet Brow Phillips, and the Armstrong Family, owners of Armstrong Ice Cream.
Bill 36-0225 is a resolution honoring and commending Sharon Maria Williams for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts. A career educator, Ms. Williams now operates Chef Sherri Catering. She is widely recognized for preparing Liberty Day meals in the Grove Place community for the past thirty years.
Bill 36-0226 honors and commends Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts. Also a career educator, Ms. Brow Phillips is credited with launching the first Parent University Program, an initiative designed to strengthen family engagement, empower parents, and enhance student success.
The resolution further notes that Ms. Brow Phillips’ “commitment to cultural preservation and culinary excellence has earned her multiple recognitions as Grand Champion at the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Food Fair.”
According to Senator Gittens, both women are “beloved culinary icons, whose lives and work reflect the depth, resilience and pride of the Virgin Islands.”
The third measure, Bill 36-0227, honors the Armstrong Family for their “exceptional contributions to the economic growth, cultural heritage, and development of the Virgin Islands.” The family has owned and operated Armstrong Ice Cream for more than a century.
“For more than 125 years, Armstrong Ice Cream has stood as a testament to the Virgin Islands’ entrepreneurship, resilience, and family tradition,” Senator Gittens declared. “Through local flavors, job creation and a steadfast commitment to community, the Armstrong family has helped shape the identity and economy of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands as a whole,” the senator said.
Dozens of Virgin Islanders filled the Legislature’s conference room to demonstrate support for the honorees.
Among those testifying was Edna Thomas, a lifelong friend of Sharon Williams. She told lawmakers that “It was in her mother's kitchen that the love for cooking and all things related to food preparation was sparked in Sharon.” Ms. Thomas said Ms. Williams was mentored by “distinguished ladies in the field of cooking and homemaking.” She praised her friend’s ability to combine the technical aspects of science with the practical art of cooking, as well as her contributions as an educator.
Mona Barnes, who said she considers Janet Brow Phillips her sister, testified in support of the resolution. “As a former educator, I've seen Janet build a Parent University from nothing to something great,” she remarked. “Her work has helped to ensure that children receive the love, support and positive discipline that is required in today's society.”
Ms. Barnes also commended Ms. Brow Phillips’ culinary standards. “Janet believes that her customers must get what they pay for. She does not believe in giving her customers stale food so all food is prepared fresh and delicious,” Ms. Barnes said. “Her heart is set in her craft. She does it to the best of her ability all the time, even placing her health in jeopardy…She is truly a cultural bearer in the culinary arts of preparing native cuisines.”
Victor Somme also testified in support of Ms. Brow Phillips, stating, “Janet intimately understands and demonstrates the importance of the value of food and family, and the role Crucian food plays traditionally…Janet Brow Phillips gets it. She gets that food plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the crucian tradition.”
Ms. Brow Phillips addressed the committee, explaining, “Everything that I have ever done in my life, I have never done it because of myself. I've always done it for children, the community, and for my family,” adding that she never sought recognition.
Claire Roker submitted testimony in support of the Armstrong family. She recalled childhood visits to the Armstrong’s cart for ice cream and Vienna cake, noting both the business’ expansion and the pride it holds in the community.
“As a former Virgin Islands tourism official, I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that visitors always ask about and look for Armstrong Ice Cream while here,” Ms. Roker said. “It is not only a landmark on West End St. Croix, but part of our heritage tourism brand and an important player in our economy.”
She also highlighted that Cedric Armstrong, who currently runs the business, provides opportunities for young people to apprentice and learn the art of ice cream making. “The Armstrong family is deeply committed to us, and we should be immensely proud of their commitment of over 100 years,” Ms. Roker testified.
Cedric Armstrong expressed appreciation that the entire family was recognized. “I think it's perfect that it's family, because the whole operation for all the years have really been like an all-hands-on-deck type thing,” he said.
Maxine Richards of the Department of Agriculture offered comments on all three resolutions, stating that they exemplify “a strong sense of cultural pride and community service.”
“These honorees have shown us that true leadership is not about titles or positions, but about action, compassion and commitment,” Ms. Richards said.
Tuesday’s hearing included laughter, shared memories, friendly debates over the preparation of Crucian specialties, and requests for warm meals. Lawmakers were pleased to learn that Ms. Brow Phillips had prepared dozens of plates to be shared following the hearing.
Although there was limited formal questioning from lawmakers, members of the committee made clear their appreciation for the honorees’ contributions. All three measures now await further consideration before the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.
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