What Does It Mean To Be a Virgin Islander?

March is Virgin Islands History Month in the United States Virgin Islands. As we reflect on the history of these beautiful islands, the question comes to mind: What does it mean to be a Virgin Islander? Is it being born and raised? What if you were raised but not born? What if your ancestral heritage goes back centuries and you were born, but not raised? What if you were neither born nor raised but have lived here for many years? Who among these are Virgin Islanders? All? None? A mixture? Does it matter?

As we celebrate VI History Month, we will venture to say that a Virgin Islander is one who has a true love for the Virgin Islands and its people. He or she is willing to work, commit, and sacrifice for the betterment of all. Below are some Virgin Islanders of old who did just that. You can read more about them here. It is our duty to remember them, but not only remember but also celebrate their sacrifices and use their lives as an example to teach us of what being a Virgin Islander truly means.

Photo Credits: webpac.uvi.edu & stjohnhistoricalsociety.com