John deJongh Jr. announced the names of 14 Virgin Islanders he had appointed to the Centennial Commission, a "special and temporary" commission established for "the purpose of formulating plans and making preparations to commemorate and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States of America,", in accordance with Act No. 7157, which was en
acted in 2010 and amended in January to specify that the Centennial Commission must include six residents of St. Croix, six residents of St. Thomas and three residents of St. John, all to be appointed by the governor. In addition, the commission is to include the presidents of two Virgin Islands organizations that foster the ongoing relationship between the Virgin Islands and Denmark. The legislation also provides that the president of the Legislature appoint two senators, one from each district. "The Transfer Day Centennial is an opportunity to showcase the Virgin Islands on a grand scale and help others appreciate the contributions of Virgin Islands to the nation since we became U.S. citizens," deJongh said, adding that his vision of the Centennial celebrations includes “an open dialogue on the struggles that our ancestors overcame to ensure the liberties we enjoy today. Also part of these celebrations must be an exploration of our cultural inheritance from Denmark, the United States and Africa. By understanding our past, I am confident that we can foster a future of greater economic opportunity for all.”
Act No. 7157 established a separate fund within the Treasury of the Virgin Islands to provide resources for the Transfer Day anniversary celebration, which is to commence on or before Aug. 4, 2016, and terminate on Dec. 31, 2017.
