Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Opposition Leader Julian Fraser toss a wreath into the sea at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Centre for Applied Marine Science on Monday during the territory’s first National Day of Remembrance ceremony. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

In the early 1900s, many Virgin Islands men left these shores to seek employment in other Caribbean islands.

Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Opposition Leader Julian Fraser toss a wreath into the sea at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Centre for Applied Marine Science on Monday during the territory’s first National Day of Remembrance ceremony. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
But 90 years ago, some of them returning for the August Emancipation Festival didn’t make it home alive.

On July 26, 1926, 59 passengers travelling from the Dominican Republic died when the schooner Fancy Me got caughtin a hurricane. Most of them were Virgin Islanders.

The victims of the tragedy, which was among the deadliest maritime disasters in VI history, were honoured Monday during the territory’s first National Day of Remembrance at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

During a brief ceremony that culminated with a wreath tossing, such men were remembered for their strength and determination.

See the July 28, 2016 edition for full coverage.

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