Senators Aim to Honor Historian and One of Their Own

The “Bridge to Nowhere” on St. Thomas became infamous for connecting to nothing for two decades. It finally got connected two years ago and soon might get an official name to erase its infamous past. A bill moved through the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection Wednesday to honor Wayne “Facts Man” Adams by naming the bridge at the Nadir intersection the Wayne “Facts Man” Adams Bridge.

Adams was praised by committee members for using radio programs to bring stories of local history alive.

Adams died two years ago from COVID. However, the other Virgin Islander the committee wanted to bestow honor upon, former Sen. Almando “Rocky” Liburd, is alive and was able to attend the meeting.

The bill honoring Liburd, like the bill for Adams, was forwarded favorably to the Rules and Judiciary Committee. The Liburd bill calls for renaming the North Shore Road on St. John the Almando “Rocky” Liburd Highway.

Liburd taught in public schools for 17 years and served 16 years as the at-large senator from St. John.

A former student of his, Margaret Sprauve Martin, testified. “Sen. Liburd’s legislative record can be described as outstanding through its demonstration of insightfulness, foresight, and resourcefulness. Sen. Liburd is deserving of the honor being bestowed,” she said.

The bill lists more than three dozen legislative acts that he actively played a part in passing. They range from gun control laws to getting property for sporting events.

Sen. Milton Potter said to Liburd, “You weren’t here just taking up space. You were passing legislation.”