US Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day events kick off celebrations

On January 20, 1964, the United States Virgin Islands Legislature approved Bill 2019 Act 1075 designating the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day (VI/PR Friendship Day). The bill celebrates the long and happy association between the people of the US Virgin Islands and the people of Puerto Rico as relatives, good neighbors, business partners, fellow Americans, and warm friends.

Each year, the VI/PR Friendship Committee hosts a series of cultural events culminating in the vibrant VIPR Village. This year, the VI/PR Friendship Committee will join with the community in celebrating the 60th anniversary of VI/PR Friendship, a significant milestone that will be commemorated from October 10–13, 2024, with the grand VIPR Village on St. Croix’s Agricultural grounds.

The event kicked off on Friday with a Gospel night at Sol De Justicia, Iglesia De Dios in Estate Carlton on St. Croix.

St. Thomas Concert – “A Musical Embrace”

On St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee and the Office of the Governor will present ‘A Musical Embrace’ (Un Abrazo Musical)—a 90-minute concert featuring the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Chamber Orchestra, co-hosted by Antilles School Band, 309 Live! The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 4:00 pm at Prior Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus.

This concert will highlight an array of international and regional music beloved by both regions. Dr. Leroy Trotman will provide interpretative narratives throughout the performance, with Mr. Gylchris Sprauve conducting and facilitating the evening’s festivities.

Maestro Sprauve also handpicked artists described as some of the finest talents from the islands to share the stage with friends from Puerto Rico:

• Flutist Gerald Walters
• Saxophonists Sherwein Williams & Shecoy Jones
• Trombonist Urbane Chinnery
• Percussionists Eljhaie Brathwaite & Carlton Rogers

Accompanied by legendary Louis Taylor’s artistry! In Maestro Sprauve’s words: “The orchestra’s strength lies in merging musical forces between our islands as we narrate our shared musical history.” Admission is free for the event.