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.

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