United States Virgin Islands
Tourism News

USVI governor proclaims 'French Heriage Week'
 
Tuesday, July 15, 2008  

By Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News US Virgin Islands Correspondent
Email: susan@caribbeannetnews.com

ST THOMAS, USVI: Noting the importance of the French citizen group in the US Virgin Islands community, Governor John deJongh on Monday proclaimed July 13-19 as French Heritage Week in the USVI and has urged all residents to join in the observation.

The proclamation caps a week of events, organized by several community groups and organizations, which were held in commemoration of the annual, French Heritage Week.

“It is appropriate that we demonstrate to our residents, neighbors and friends of French descent, our feeling of warmth and sincere friendship towards them,” deJongh said in the proclamation.

The expertise of the people of French heritage in the areas of fishing, farming, the professions and other vocations has contributed significantly to the political, economic, social and cultural progress and growth of the territory.

The governor also noted that Monday, Bastille Day, is the observance of the anniversary of the storming and destruction of the Bastille, the state prison in France during the French Revolution. “This was a significant act of bravery against tyranny during the French Revolution and resulted in the establishment of a republic and the freedom of the French people.”
USVI Governor John deJongh, Jr. Photo: Susan Mann
The proclamation officially declares July 14 as “Bastille Day” in the US Virgin Islands. The affection and respect of the people of the Virgin Islands for brothers and sisters of French descent have been recognized by the Legislature and various community organizations over the years, deJongh pointed out in the proclamation.

USVI’s honorary French consul, Odile de Lyrot, welcomed Philippe Vinogradoff, general consul of France, to the Territory for the first time on July 3.

DeJongh welcomed the two consuls, as well as the Territory’s French community to a gala evening reception, followed by dancing by both young and old a like, at Catharineberg last Thursday, July 10. Vinogradoff also paid a visit to the French Heritage Museum, which is in the Frenchtown section of Charlotte Amalie.

A pre-Bastille dance was also held in Frenchtown on Friday evening, July 11.The annual, French Heritage, Kingfishing Tournament, as well as a day of community activities at Hull Bay took place on Monday, July 14.

Events wound down with a celebration by the Frenchtown Civic Organization, including a dedication of the Lionel Olive Park.