The City of Tamarac in the US state of Florida will officially declare June 1 as Virgin Islands Day to honour the contributions Virgin Islands natives have made to develop the city.
The announcement was made by Communications & Works Minister Kye Rymer who revealed that the person who spearheaded the proclamation, Morey Wright Jr, is an elected representative of the city Tamarac and has roots in
the Virgin Islands.
“They intend to give us keys to the city,” Rymer shared with the House of Assembly on May 6. He said the June 1 holiday will match American Airlines’ historic direct flight to the BVI, which is also set to happen on June 1.
“This is to welcome the commencement of this direct flight [from the US to the BVI] and I intend to be in Miami to cut the ribbon and accept that proclamation. This will help to advertise and signal the significance of this step for the territory from a business, trade and tourism standpoint,” Rymer added.
He also read a portion of the draft proclamation that the city of Tamarac received for the proposed holiday. The proclamation lauded Virgin Islanders as “people who share deep bonds, friendship and familial ties with many citizens and residents of the United States, Florida and the city of Tamarac.”
It also said the city of Tamarac is home to Virgin Islanders who serve the community, the police force, own small businesses and is home to the family of an NFL star. The proclamation also hailed thousands of Virgin Islanders who have settled and contributed to the development of the United States and the state Florida.