We are seeking self-determination
up to this day,
But history tells us it never left our DNA.
Life teaches that what we seek is
what is seeking us,
But to understand this truth, the
process we must trust.
The truth sets us free and unshackles
our mind;
It frees our soul, so fear we leave behind.
Let’s review the Virgin Islands story seeking only knowledge,
Where we will find our truth and acknowledge our courage.
We were born self-determined. Let the story be told:
They may have captured our labour, but not our soul.
We were enslaved in 1665 for economic opportunity,
But freed by Nottingham in 1776 with a declaration of humanity.
During uprisings in 1790 on the Pickering plantation,
Nibbs and Lettsome died for freedom’s destination.
Justice prevailed in 1811. The historic case is in the book:
Englishman Hodge was hung for the African life he took.
We bought the land
after the 1834 emancipation
And built the foundation for an independent nation.
Faulker marched in 1949, re-igniting the spirit of self-determination.
This led to restoration in 1950, our journey of self-representation.
Our quest for development to
fulfil our aspiration
Gave birth to Stoutt’s vision of 1967 for our modern nation.
Lloyd protected our lands in 1968 from foreign invasion,
A Positive Action Movement leading to economic manifestation.
Our independent spirit demanded an
end to grant-in-aid;
Wheatley made a way in 1978 for our debts to always be paid.
We seized opportunities for economic growth and prosperity,
And built a diverse nation on pillars of global notoriety.
Our history has told us what we need to know
To take the Virgin Islands
where it needs to go.
All that remains is the mind’s declaration
That we have always been
a self-determined nation.