[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PRESERVING THE CULTURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occasion to commend an 
outstanding group of Virgin Islanders--Helen George-Newton, Ava 
Stagger, Carol Stagger, Kenneth ``Cisco'' Francis and Renaldo Chinnery, 
who, as residents of New York, recognized the need to preserve and 
promote the culture of the Virgin Islands. In March of 1991, they 
officially established the Virgin Islands Freshwater Yankees, which was 
later incorporated as the Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc.
  The Association has grown to 75 dedicated members, who contribute to 
their Virgin Islands community through educational scholarships, 
supplying equipment to the health facilities on all three islands, 
helping our senior citizens and underprivileged children, and providing 
supplies during natural disasters or other emergencies occurring in the 
territory.
  Although this organization is involved in many serious endeavors, 
they also find time to have fun and always take part in the annual 
carnival activities on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.
  They also serve as an oasis for Virgin Islanders on the mainland by 
sponsoring yearly social events.
  Their support and guidance has greatly assisted other Virgin Islands 
associations throughout the United States to continue to preserve the 
values that are the roots of their heritage in the cities which they 
have adopted as their second home.
  For the past ten years, in commemoration of the day that the Virgin 
Islands were transferred from the Danish government to the United 
States, ``Virgin Islands Transfer Day'', this organization has honored 
outstanding citizens of Virgin Island descent in the area of sports, 
politics, education, health and community involvement. This year, the 
organization and all of its past honorees will be recognized at the 
Tenth Anniversary Transfer Day Dinner Dance to be held in New York City 
on March 31, 2001.
  Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in recognizing and 
applauding The Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc. as an 
outstanding model for community involvement and cultural preservation.

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