Senator Carrión Encourages Community to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (English and Español)

“Throughout the Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate our history, culture, and also honor those Hispanic Virgin Islanders who have contributed so much to our community,” Senator Samuel Carrión said Wednesday. The United States observes the National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.”

“This year’s theme invites us to honor our traditions and look to a better future after a difficult period in world history,” Sen. Carrión stated. “We are resilient, and there is no doubt that our lives have changed as a result of the global pandemic. For this reason, we may not be able to celebrate our Hispanic heritage the way we have in the past years. Nevertheless, the contributions of Hispanic Virgin Islanders must not be overlooked. I also want to highlight that many of our first responders, healthcare providers and other frontline workers share Hispanic heritage, and I remain exceptionally proud of their efforts.”

Carrión, who was born on St. Croix, expressed that his family is from both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“My grandparents were among the great wave of immigrants who migrated from Vieques and Culebra to St. Croix,” Carrión said. “I am a proud Virgin Islander and proud of my Hispanic heritage. Our cultural diversity in the territory is a source of great strength. Throughout the years and after several generations, we can say the Virgins Islands has a strong Hispanic culture of its own. Consequently, I ask one and all to join in celebrating our Hispanic roots by paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Virgin Islanders who have influenced, developed and enriched our society.”