June 13, 2007 — More than a half-million dollars was raised for the Hassel Island Initiative at the St. Thomas Historical Trust kick-off campaign on June 9. The goal is to exceed $7,000,000, according to a Trust spokesperson.
The event was hosted at the Hassel Island home of Josefina and Ricardo Charaf. Alton A. Adams, Jr. and Charles Consalvo gave historic commentary as guests toured Hassel Island harbor aboard the m/v Harbor Cat donated for the evening by Trudie and Cornelius Prior.
Guest speaker was noted historian, George F. Tyson. Encouraging local residents to contribute, he noted that their contributions are of the same historical significance as the sites targeted for preservation.
Sen. Basil Ottley emphasized the importance of making Hassel Island available to youth in the territory as Hassel Island is significant globally as well as locally.
Del. Donna M.Christensen fully supports the Trust’s efforts to save Hassel Island. Christensen observed that although Hassel Island sits in St. Thomas harbor, its history is joined to that of the entire territory because Hassel Island was once physically joined to St. Thomas.
The current condition of the site necessitates the immediacy of raising funds. The Trust encourages everyone to become a member. For further information, call 340-642-4074 or access the website at www.stthomashistoricaltrust.org.
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