34th Legislature Closed on July 2nd in Honor of Emancipation Day
Published: Jul 1, 2021
St. Thomas, USVI – Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory announced today the closure of the Legislature on Friday, July 2, 2021.
Emancipation Day is an important day in the history of the Virgin Islands and its importance must be revered. The Legislature will be closed in observance of Emancipation Day, which falls on Saturday this year. Emancipation Day commemorates the activities of 1848, wherein enslaved Africans organized to end the oppressive system of slavery.
“It is my privilege to extend administrative leave to the employees of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on Friday, July 2, 2021,†stated Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. “Our history shows that while July 3, 1848, the slaves under Danish rule were set free, the events started on July 2, 1848, when a call went out for enslaved Africans to go to Fort Frederick, in the town of Frederiksted.†Virgin Islands Freedom Week runs from June 26th to July 3rd of each year.
July 3rd epitomizes what can occur if like minds organize and work together for the better of all. With limited means, but a strong spirit, will, and conviction, our ancestors succeeded in freeing all unfree persons in the Danish West Indies from the bonds of slavery. Frett-Gregory urges all Virgin Islanders to reflect on emancipation and what it means to us today as we move towards improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders.
The Legislature of the Virgin Islands will resume normal operations on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
###
Related Content
COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON UPDATED FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET AND SEVERAL PROPOSED BILLS
August 20, 2026
ST. THOMAS, VI - The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, led by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to receive testimony from the governor’s financial team regarding the update of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Committee members also considered two measures relating to...
COMMITTEE HEARS FY 2027 BUDGET REQUESTS FOR ELECTION SYSTEM, WTJX, ENERGY OFFICE, AND VIHFA
August 18, 2026
ST. CROIX, VI - The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. met in the Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received testimonies regarding the proposed FY 2027 budgets for the Election System...
COMMITTEE HEARS PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGETS FOR MULTIPLE AGENCIES
August 17, 2026
ST. THOMAS, VI - The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, led by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Halll to receive testimony regarding proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets from the Magens Bay Authority, West Indian Company Limited, and Virgin Islands Port Authority. Magens Bay Authority General...