Mr Douglas
Wheatley, son of the late Chief Minister Willard Wheatley receives artwork
for the stamp commemorating his father from House Speaker Reuben Vanterpool.
Looking on, at left is the Master of Ceremony of the unveiling,
former House Speaker Mr. Keith Flax [Island Sun photo]
Unveiling Ceremony held for Golden Anniversary Stamps
The BVI Postal Administration in conjunction with the Legislative Council Commemorations Committee issued a set of seven stamps Wednesday in observance of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Legislative Council. The issue coincided with an historical exhibition of the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands 1950 to 2000, which was held at the LegCo Building in Road Town. Former Speaker of the House Mr. Keith Flax chaired the ceremony, at which Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Dr. Vincent A. David gave the invocation.
Mr. Flax endorsed the sentiments of the speakers before him at other events for the week and said all of the men who were being honoured were responsible for the prosperity we enjoy today. He said a country should never fail to recognize those who served their country well. "Long may it continue." Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Quincy Lettsome provided an historical perspective. He said it was appropriate to hold an exhibition that features the life and times of the Legislative Council and it was fitting that it should be mounted in the Legislative Council Building. The exhibition was divided into two sections and featured a picture book of photographs of people who impacted the destiny of the islands and a special and historical stamp issue featuring twelve deceased Legislators. "This stamp issue enriches the cultural heritage of this archipelago territory," said Dr. Lettsome.
[For more information about this special commerative set of stamps, please read article in the Features and Stamps & Collectibles Section]
Representatives of nine of the families of the honourees, including Mr. William Osborne, Mrs. Arnando Scatliffe, Ms. Rosie de Castro, Mrs. Marlene Penn-Trotman, Mr. Douglas Wheatley and Ms. Peggy Stoutt, were on hand to participate in the unveiling, along with Speaker of the Legislative Council the Honourable Reuben Vanterpool. The representatives each received a framed, enlarged stamp. Speaker Vanterpool said he was pleased to participate in honouring the memory of those who served the country so well in the Legislative Council. "I hope this trend will continue for years to come." Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal noted that he had worked with all of the honourees, except Mr. de Castro, either in his capacity as a Clerk or as a Member of the House. "I have so many memories of these representatives who, in their way, contributed to what we have today." He recognized the Postmistress, Mrs M. Richards and the BVI Stamp Advisory Committee, whose idea it was to issue these stamps. He announced that another issue of stamps would soon be released honouring other outstanding BV Islanders. Opposition Leader Dr. the Honourable Orlando Smith said these twelve Legislators have laboured for the same cause as those men who were the catalyst to the restoration of the Legislative Council. "The fire lit by Mr. Faulkner was kept going by these men; they have done their part and now we must carry it on." The Reverend Mrs. Edris O'Neal, wife of the Chief Minister, declared the exhibition open.