Premier reflects on legacy of 1949 Great March

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley highlighted the continued evolution of the government as officials, organizations, and schools across the territory participated in the re-enactment of the Great March on November 29, 1949. This year’s reenactment took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the original march.

The Great March, which occurred in November 1949, saw around 1,500 Virgin Islanders, led by Theodolph Faulkner of Anegada, Isaac “Glanny” Fonseca, and Carlton de Castro, stage a peaceful demonstration. The marchers, protesting issues affecting their quality of life, made their way from Road Town to the Commissioner’s Office (now the Governor’s Office) to demand better governance and self-determination.

During the reenactment, government officials wore shirts marking the 75th anniversary of the Great March and some held replicas of “The Petition”—a document presented by the original marchers demanding the right to self-government. Students from local schools, including the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), as well as staff from across the Territory, took part in the event.

Miss British Virgin Islands and reigning local pageant winners represented the island’s cultural pride and heritage. Community organisations such as the Red Cross, Nurses’ Association, and Cancer Society also participated in the reenactment, showing their support for the historical event.

In his speech, Premier Wheatley reflected on the significant political changes that have occurred since that pivotal moment in 1949.

He noted, “The islands were elevated in status to a presidency, then a colony, and then to an Overseas Territory.” He highlighted the constitutional changes that have shaped the Virgin Islands’ political landscape, including the introduction of ministerial government in 1967, which led to the appointment of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt as the first Chief Minister. This shift in leadership eventually transformed the Chief Minister’s role into the position of Premier, which we have today.

Wheatley also emphasized the financial autonomy gained through ministerial government, with the territory assuming responsibility for its finances, investments, and expenditures. “The late Willard Wheatley recorded the first surplus budget in 1978,” he added, noting that since then, the Territory has been managing its own fiscal affairs.

“The evolution of our government institutions has been a transformational effect of the movement that surrounded the Great March of 1949,” Wheatley continued. “We would not be where we are today without the sacrifices and determination of those who participated in that movement.”

The original Great March laid the foundation for political advancements in the Virgin Islands, including the restoration of the Legislative Council in 1950 (now the House of Assembly) and the empowerment of Virgin Islanders to elect representatives to serve their interests. The march ultimately paved the way for the territory’s ongoing political and constitutional development.