ST. THOMAS, VI – The Legislature of the Virgin Islands hosted a Permanent Plaque Ceremony at Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to formally recognize and commemorate individuals whose service, leadership, and contributions have left a lasting impact on the Territory.  

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Mistress of Ceremony Kurell Sheridan, Executive Director followed by an invocation delivered by Chaplain Charles Brown. Musical selections and invocation anthems were performed by students from the Charlotte Amalie High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Programs. 

The Honorable Milton E. Potter, Senate President of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, delivered welcome remarks and presided over the formal presentations. Permanent plaques were unveiled and presented honoring the following individuals for their exceptional contributions: 

• James Sasso, recognized for his service in the funeral and mortuary industry under Act No. 8938 (Bill No. 35-0027). The measure was sponsored by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.  

• Myron Corbett, recognized posthumously for contributions to the youth under Act No. 8948 (Bill No. 35-0394). There will also be the renaming of the gymnasium at Charlotte Amalie High School to “The Arthur Gutu Solomon and Myron MC Corbett” gymnasium. The measure was sponsored by former Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.  

• Arthur “Gutu” Solomon, recognized for his lasting service to the community under Act No. 8948 (Bill No. 35-0394). There will also be the renaming of the gymnasium at Charlotte Amalie High School to “The Arthur Gutu Solomon and Myron MC Corbett” gymnasium. The measure was sponsored by former Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory. 

Remarks were also delivered by Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, highlighting the significance of public service and civic responsibility. Additional plaque presentations included: 

• Georgia Francis, honored for her community service in the area of music under Act No. 8968 (Bill No. 35-0411), which will rename the portion of Rumer Drive beginning at Mandela Circle to the bottom of Dorothy “Dotsy” Lockhart-Elskoe Drive will now be called “Georgia Francis Drive.” The measure was sponsored by Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff. 

• Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden, honored for years of service to the community under Act No. 8940 (Bill No. 35-0273), which renamed Flamboyant Avenue in Anna’s Retreat to the “Ronald Alphonso Slmo Blyden Drive”, as well as naming the cul de sac with house addresses 129-27 through 129-34 to “Slimo Circle”. The measure was sponsored by former Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Senator Milton E. Potter. 

A Medal of Honor was presented to Juel Turnbull Rhymer-Molloy under Act No. 8942 (Bill No. 35-0316), celebrating exemplary service and dedication. She will also be honored by naming the complex housing the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services the “Juel T.R. Molloy Complex.” The measure was sponsored by Senator Ray Fonseca.  

The ceremony further included the presentation of a Key to the City to Bryan “Benny-Demus” Boulai, pursuant to Act No. 8926 (Bill No. 35-0285), recognizing his distinguished contributions to the music and entertainment industry. The measure was sponsored by Senator Ray Fonseca. 

The ceremony ended with an additional musical selection by student performers, closing remarks from Senate President Milton E. Potter, and a benediction by Chaplain Charles Brown. 

Senators present at today’s ceremony were Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Ray Fonseca, Carla J. Joseph, Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt Vialet. 

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