Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this week heralds Virgin Islands History Month. It is the beginning of a monthlong celebration in the Virgin Islands of our history. My being on the House floor as a representative, representing my people of the Virgin Islands, is the culmination of generations of people's work. My presence here is built upon the indomitable spirit of Virgin Islanders whose legacies are woven into the very fabric of our culture--marked by their bravery, visionary leadership, and profound sacrifice. Our homeland is a mosaic of rich cultures and a history as diverse as its people, a history that is not just defined by the actions of a select few but a legacy that elevates the collective greatness of all Virgin Islanders. Above all, we are about self-determination that has been a chronicle of epic feats. As early as 2200 B.C., the Virgin Islands was originally settled by pre-Colombian indigenous groups. In 1493, we had the first instance of self-determination on our island as Columbus' expedition encountered strong resistance from a Carib war party at Salt River Bay on the island of St. Croix, preventing his men from establishing a foothold. Over the next 200 years, control of the islands shifted among various European nations. The Caribs fought colonization, launching relentless raids until they were completely eradicated by 1590. This enduring resistance is a hallmark of our ancestral legacy. During 1733, the enslaved also uprose on the island of St. John.…”