14 Community Members Were Honored During the 2022 Perma Plaque Ceremony on St. Croix

Fourteen members of the territory were honored on St. Croix during the 34th Legislature’s Perma Plaque Ceremony for services rendered to the community.

Musicians, teachers, storytellers, athletes, farmers, and clergymen were among those honored on Monday by senators.

“I think it’s important that you know that your work has not gone unnoticed,” said Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory.

Frett-Gregory noted that the ceremony was anticipated to occur during the 33rd Legislature under the leadership of Senate Vice President Novelle Francis. However, COVID-19 thwarted the event.

“We intended to do it sooner, but life has a very interesting way of dictating when things happen. And the best time is the right time, and that’s now,” said Frett-Gregory.

More than 30 individuals were present at the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive or give support to honorees in what Francis called the “test run,” as this has been the largest in-person audience since the start of the pandemic.

“It’s wonderful to see people sitting in the gallery of the Legislature,” said Senate President Legislative Director Jamila Russell.

“We are here today to pay tribute to those individuals that have really contributed significantly to the people of the Virgin Islands. And we are attempting today to make sure that they are recognized, and they’re given their flowers, while they can still smell the flowers,” said Francis.

Honorees shared anecdotes and smiles as they received their plaques and expressed thanks to the community for recognizing them.

“I really love what it is I do,” said Alwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste Jr., who accepted a plaque for himself and one on behalf of his father, Alwyn “Big Al” Baptiste. “Everything I do, I do in his honor.”

Baptiste Sr. was the leader of the World Famous Xpress Band, while his son followed in his musical footsteps.

St. Croix’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year, Kerra Samuel, was also honored for her work. She has taught for over 20 years in the territory at the Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School.