Senators from the 29th Legislature gathered as a body on St. Thomas one last time to host a “perma plaque” ceremony on Thursday to honor seven of the territory’s citizens.
The Earl S. Ottley Senate chamber was filled to capacity with family and friends gathered to pay homage and show their gratitude to the citizens and three organizations who received special resolutions over the last two years while the 29th Legislature was in session.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow senators, Senate President Ronald E. Russell related the sense of civic pride experienced by each voting member as the achievements of these individuals and groups brought recognition of the very best the Virgin Islands has to offer to their community and the world. Those being honored represented a wide variety of interests, from sports and civic service to local culture.
“By reading these resolutions you learn about your history, and for those young people joining us today, you are able to see an example of the goals you can set for yourself for your future,” Russell said in his welcoming remarks.
Each honoree had his or her official resolution read aloud by its primary sponsor and, in turn, received a framed copy of the proclamation. Family and friends joined Sens. Patrick Simeon Sprauve, Usie R. Richards, Carlton “Ital” Dowe and Russell in honoring the recipients with personal stories and, at times, humorous anecdotes that best illustrated the reasons for the honors.
Recipients then had the option of addressing the audience themselves prior to group photos.
Joseph “Joemeat” Sprauve was recognized for his many years of dedication in participation and support of youth and adult baseball programs in the territory. Known for the competitive energy he brought to the sport, Sprauve was soft spoken and humble in his remarks, allowing others to point out the fact that he was the very first player to hit a homerun at the enclosed Lionel Roberts Stadium, as well as being named the first softball commissioner.
International sailing champion Ian Barrows was choked with emotion in thanking his parents, Shep and Jean Barrows, for their unwavering support in his chosen field. Barrows got his start at age 8 by participating in local races such as the annual Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta, where he has achieved a top-five fleet finish each year he has raced.
Barrows went on to bring home the gold medal in the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Dowe sponsored the Barrows resolution, citing the need for additional educational opportunities for our youth as it pertains to sailing and marine related opportunities.
Dressed in white shirts and flashing big smiles were the Elrod Hendricks West 11-12 Little League All Stars as their accomplishments were read and they huddled around their framed citation. The team finished first runner up in the 2011 Caribbean Little League Baseball Tournament that was hosted by St. Thomas. The squad bested teams from Aruba, Bahamas, Bonaire, Antigua, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and the Cayman Islands in reaching the finals.
It seemed only appropriate that honoree and coach Audie E. Henneman followed the team in receiving individual recognition for not only his 33 years as an educator at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, but also for his years of dedication to young athletes in a wide variety of sports and coaching the V.I. National Basketball Team. The bill also honored Henneman by naming the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gymnasium after him.
Longtime owner of the Colon Barbershop located in Frenchtown, Justin R. Colon was the personal barber to governors, senators and civic leaders for years, his little shop being known among St. Thomians as the informal classroom for local lawmakers and civic leaders. His resolution renamed portions of Kronprindsens Gade the Justin R. Colon Way.
Also honored on Thursday was radio personality and music icon Leo Moron. Past owner of station WIUJ, 102.9 FM, Moron’s radio expertise was developed by his working at WVWI Radio One for years, as well as his love of educating local students involved in area radio clubs.
Dale “Bakimba” Rogers was honored posthumously for his many years of service and, as his resolution read, for the “example of the true selfless spirit he exemplified to the territory.” Known to many as “the sweeper,” Rogers made Mandela Circle a tourist attraction through his use of creative landscaping and daily maintenance. The V.I. Waste Management Authority recognized his service by renaming its youth summer employment program in his honor.
Also honored posthumously was former senator and past newspaper editor Ariel Melchior Jr. Melchior dedicated his life to the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, the Police Athletic League and the Community Chest, now known as the United Way of the Virgin Islands.
Other organizations honored were the Virgin Islands Special Olympics Team and the U.S. Amateur Southern Regional Chess Tournament.