Tag: Heritage

Then & Now Historical Information

June 10, 2012 /

“In 1823 a Commission of Enquiry was appointed to research into the state of captured Negroes in the West Indies. These were not ostensibly slaves, although in effect they must have been much the same; instead they were called ‘African Apprentices’ but, even so, many of them appear to get little or no wages..The enquiry which was recorded was titled ‘Tortola Schedules,’ and gives dozens of stories of individuals, including their African names, their tribes, and the history of what happened to them since they arrived in Tortola.

One case study from the ‘Tortola Schedules’ reads: One case was that of George and William, cartwhipped by their master J.P. Doan….the doctor who examined them stated ‘I examined the Apprentices the day they were punished; I saw that the flesh was torn from their posteriors in many places, and bore evident marks of the Cartwhip — the blood on their dinner was fresh.'” (Early History of the British Virgin Islands, From Columbus to Emancipation – By: Vernon W. Pickering) 

Evidently, life was not easy for those who came before, even when they were not referred to as slaves, but their treatment at the hands of those whom they called “Masters” left little to the imagination of their true position in that society.

Then & Now visit with Mrs. Phillis George

May 27, 2012 /

This week I visit with Mrs. Phillis George as she recalls her early childhood memories on the island of Anegada in the Virgin Islands. Anegada is the northernmost island in the chain that makes up the Virgin Islands. (Photo from Wiki) You can see and hear Phillis on CBNBVI Ch51 or on live stream at www.cbnbvi.com – Sunday and Wednesday night at 8PM and Saturday morning at 8AM.

Then & Now with Mrs. Crabbe

May 20, 2012 /

Don’t miss the interview with Mrs. Leona Crabbe tonight, May 20, 2012 on CBN Ch51 at 8p. It was a delight to spend time with Mrs. Crabbe reminiscing about her early days growing up in the Virgin Islands. You can also see this on live stream on www.cbnbvi.com. If you miss tonight’s episode be sure to catch it on Wednesday night at 8p.m or on Saturday morning at 8a.m

Then & Now interview with Mr. Shirley

May 12, 2012 /

This Sunday, May 13, 2012, my interview with Mr. A. O. Shirley, MBE airs on CBN Ch 51 at 8:00p.m and rebroadcast on Wednesday also at 8:00p.m and on Saturday at 8:00a.m. This is a very interesting conversation as Mr. Shirley gives an insight into his early years in government and his life in the Virgin Islands where he has lived all of his life.

You can also view this on livestream on www.cbnbvi.com –

Your comments and feedback are    always appreciated

 

Then & Now historical information

May 12, 2012 /

Did you know that the first Post Office in the Virgin Islands was established in its capital city of Road Town, Tortola in 1787. And in “1814 former postmaster and president’s clerk, Frederick Augustus Pickering became the first ‘coloured’ British Virgin Islander to act as President. On the 24th November 1949, a demonstration march of over 1,500 persons from all over the islands asked for the removal of then Commissioner J.A.C Cruickshank and for closer association with the United States Virgin Islands. The leaders of the demonstration, Theodolph Faulkner, Isaac G. Fonseca and Carlton DeCastro presented a petition expressing widespread grievances and demanding freedom and democracy. ” Their protest was apparently recognized as in July 1950, the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands, which consisted of four members who were elected by the constituency, was reconstituted – and in 1960 the Office of Governor of the Leeward Islands, which was based in Antigua, was abolished and the Administrator (formerly Commissioner) of the Virgin Islands was given the powers of Governor. A new Constitution of the Virgin Islands became effective April 1967 – this provided a Ministerial System of seven elected members with the Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt (now deceased) as Chief Minister. (Specialised Stamp Catalogue of the British Virgin Islands, Edited by Giorgio Migliavacca)

Then & Now upcoming event

May 2, 2012 /

Come and join us at the twenty third anniversary of the Senior Citizen’s Movement in the Virgin Islands. The celebration, under the Social Development Department of the Government of the Virgin Islands, commenced on May 1, 2012 under the theme “Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity.” There are various planned activities, which will enable the seniors to have an enjoyable month. One planned activity, which THEN & NOW will be a part of, is an Open House & Cultural Exhibition at the Old Sugar Works Museum on May 4, 2012 from 10:00a.m – 2:00p.m.

On display will be artifacts, pictures of seniors and centenarians, arts and crafts, local food and preserves. There will also be on site demonstrations such as straw plating and possibly fish pot and broom making. There will also be local arts & crafts, local food, drinks, preserves, pastries, pepper bottles, coconut oil and many more items on sale. Information and tasting booths will be available for visitors to enjoy with other activities for everyone.

I look forward to seeing you and perhaps chatting with you.

Then & Now Informative

April 29, 2012 /

Did you know that it wasn’t until 1947 that married women were eligible to hold posts in the civil service – “up until that time women who already held such posts were required to resign upon marriage.” (Eugenia O’Neal – A History of Women in the Virgin Islands) . Women, we have come a long way and still moving forward.

Then & Now 3rd episode with Hugo Vanterpool

April 29, 2012 /

Please join us today, Sunday, April 29, 2012 on CBN Ch51 at 8PM, for the 3rd episode of my interview with Mr. Hugo Vanterpool. I am thankful and appreciative of Hugo for allowing me to interview him – he is a fine and most gracious gentleman. Following my interview with Hugo, Traci will speak on Healthy Living.

We thank you for joining us during these first episodes and look forward to your continued support.

Then & Now, historical facts

April 24, 2012 /

The official name of the “BVI” is the “Virgin Islands.” The United States of America bought the Danish West Indies, which were St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix etc., in 1917 and because of the close proximity to the “Virgin Islands” these became known as the “United States Virgin Islands.” The “Virgin Islands” are a territory of the United Kingdom – people began to refer to them as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for ease of differentiation. THEN & NOW will use the official name of the BVI in all its communications – “VIRGIN ISLANDS”

THEN & NOW, Sunday, April 22, 2012

April 22, 2012 /

Join us tonight on CBN Ch51 at 8PM for the second episode of a three part series with Mr. Hugo Vanterpool – further discussion of his book “Dusk to Dawn” – a look at the history, culture and heritage of the Virgin Islands. And, of course, Traci will speak about Healthy Living. Look forward to hearing from you.