Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) commemorate Emancipation Day, a significant public holiday marking the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848. This day stands as a testament to the strength and determination of the enslaved Africans who fought for and won their freedom 176 years ago.

Historical Background

The journey to emancipation in the USVI began under Danish rule in the 17th century, with the trans-Atlantic slave trade starting around 1673. Enslaved Africans were primarily forced to labor on sugarcane plantations under harsh and inhumane conditions. This oppressive environment led to several revolts, including a notable six-month rebellion on Saint John in 1733.

The pivotal moment came on July 3, 1848, when over 8,000 enslaved people, led by Moses Gottlieb (also known as General Buddhoe), initiated a non-violent uprising on Saint Croix. Overwhelmed by the scale of the revolt, Danish Governor Peter von Scholten declared the immediate emancipation of all slaves in the Danish West Indies, preempting an earlier plan to gradually abolish slavery by 1859​.

Celebrations and Events

Emancipation Day is celebrated with a variety of events that reflect the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the Virgin Islanders. This year’s festivities include:

• Freedom Walk: A symbolic journey from Fort Christian to Fort Frederik, held at dawn, honors the path to freedom taken by the ancestors.
• Emancipation Day Parade: Starting at the Frederiksted Post Office, the parade showcases vibrant cultural displays and community participation.
• Official Ceremony: Held at Buddhoe Park, this ceremony includes speeches, performances, and a reflection on the historical significance of the day.
• Luncheon and Festivals: “Freedom, Feast & Folklore” luncheon on the Frederiksted Pier, followed by an evening of music and fireworks at the “Unshackled Music Festival” in Freedom City​.

Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future

Emancipation Day is not just a day of celebration but also a time for reflection on the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. The commemoration underscores the importance of remembering history and continuing the journey towards equality and justice. As Carol Burke, chair of the Emancipation Committee, emphasized, this day serves as a “springboard to a brighter, better-defined future” for all Virgin Islanders​​.

By honoring this day, the USVI acknowledges the resilience and bravery of its ancestors while inspiring current and future generations to uphold the values of freedom and equality. Emancipation Day in the USVI is a powerful reminder of the triumph of the human spirit against oppression and the ongoing pursuit of justice and dignity for all.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has officially announced the name of the new ferry that will service the St. Thomas to St. John route. Following a highly engaging public vote, the ferry has been named “Spirit of 1733,” a nod to the historical significance of the year 1733 when enslaved Africans led a major revolt on St. John, marking an important event in the history of the Virgin Islands.

Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel expressed his gratitude and excitement over the public’s participation in the naming process. “We were overwhelmed by the public participation and support we received in selecting a name for the new ferry,” he said. The initiative was designed to foster community involvement and pride, with the chosen name reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the islands.

The ferry naming contest, which concluded on March 22, saw a flood of suggestions from residents. The goal was to find a name that embodied the spirit, history, and culture of the Virgin Islands. The final selection, “Spirit of 1733,” was made to honor the legacy of resilience and freedom associated with the historic uprising.

The new ferry, a 100-foot vessel with a capacity of 300 passengers, is part of a broader effort to enhance transportation between St. Thomas and St. John. Funded by federal grants, including $5.1 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and additional support from the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this ferry is expected to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the island’s transportation network​​.

Commissioner Gabriel emphasized that the ferry is more than just a means of transportation. It serves as a daily commuter route, a school bus for children, and a critical link for residents and tourists alike. By involving the community in the naming process, DPW aims to strengthen the connection between the ferry service and the people it serves.

The addition of “Spirit of 1733” to the fleet underscores ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the ferry service, ensuring consistent and reliable transportation options for the residents of the Virgin Islands. The new ferry is set to enhance the commuting experience, reduce congestion, and support the economic vitality of the region by improving accessibility between the islands.

As the “Spirit of 1733” prepares to set sail, the community looks forward to a new chapter in the storied history of the Virgin Islands’ maritime tradition, celebrating both its past and its progress towards a brighter future.

With a busy hurricane season underway and frequent WAPA power outages, residents across the Virgin Islands are reminded of the importance of safely operating generators during electrical failures.

Generators are invaluable during power outages, but improper use can pose significant dangers, including the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Carbon monoxide, or CO, is known as the ‘invisible killer’ because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas,” according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “More than 200 people in the United States die annually from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, with nearly 100 of those deaths linked to portable generators,” the CPSC reports.

Portable generators operating on fuels like gasoline, propane, or diesel emit high levels of toxic CO fumes. The CPSC highlights that a single portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars.

To ensure safe generator use and avoid carbon monoxide exposure, the CPSC advises:

• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from homes, with exhaust facing away.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.
• Recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If CO poisoning is suspected, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Generators powered by solar energy do not emit poisonous gases and are a viable option for residents to consider.

Operating a generator safely can help reduce risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or electrocution. (Photo courtesy FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that using a generator can pose additional hazards, including electrocution and fire risks. FEMA provides these safety guidelines:

• Always use heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to appliances.
• Do not connect the generator directly to your home’s power supply, as it can increase voltage or cause a surge in outside power lines, potentially injuring utility workers and bypassing household circuit protection devices.
• Hire a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment per local electrical codes, or request your utility company to install a proper power transfer switch.

Operating a generator in a dry area is crucial to avoid electrocution risks. FEMA also advises:

• Keep your generator and fuel outside.
• Store fuel in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers outside living areas.
• Do not store fuel near fuel-burning appliances to prevent ignition from vapors.
• Turn off and cool the generator before refueling to prevent ignition from spilled fuel or vapors.

Generator safety tips from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Photo courtesy NWS)

Generator Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures a generator’s reliability and safety. Consumer Reports recommends testing the machine at least twice a year and emptying the fuel tank when not in use. Regularly replacing and cleaning generator components is also advised. Check the engine oil level and maintain it at the “full” mark on the dipstick. If issues arise, contact the manufacturer if under warranty or reach out to a repair shop.

Charlotte Wardell from Import Supply V.I., a generator sales and service business in St. Thomas, advises that all generators meet Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources qualifications. Oil changes should occur at least once a year or every 250 hours of use. During extended outages, keeping oil filters on hand is recommended.

Generators should only be used in dry areas, away from water or wet conditions, and never during a storm to reduce the risk of electrocution.

USVI Weather Information

With an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season anticipated, increasing the risk of weather-related power failures, V.I. residents should stay updated with the latest forecasts. Weather information is available from the National Weather Service, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, and the Source Weather Page, which offers daily forecasts and disaster preparedness videos. Residents can also sign up for power outage alerts from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.