Plaskett Introduces USVI Centennial Commission Act Ahead Of Transfer Day 100th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C.– With less than two years to the 100-year anniversary of the Transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the Unites States, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett has introduced a bill that would create a Congressional Commission to plan and carryout local and national events related to the 1917 transfer, according to a press release the freshman congresswoman issued on Tuesday.

Plaskett also introduced legislation asking the United States Postal Service to create a commemorative stamp marking the centennial anniversary.

“This is an opportunity to revisit the history leading up to and directly following the transfer in an effort to educate those unaware of that history, the issues that continue to exist a century later. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the enormous contributions to the U.S. by Virgin Islanders and the richness of Virgin Islands heritage,” Plaskett said.

The freshman congresswoman said it is her expectation that the commission will elevate the national profile of the centennial commemoration, something Plaskett hopes will ultimately lead to a new national discussion on issues like equal voting rights and reapportionment.

“I expect the commission to not only bring a national awareness to the events commemorating the transfer and assist the local efforts already underway, but also to engage the other law makers in Congress and the Administration in a new national discussion around the issues that still exist in the Virgin Islands and American’s other Island territories,” Plaskett said.

The eight-member commission will comprise of:

• The Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs or Designee.
• The Governor of the Virgin Islands or Designee.
• Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House.
• One member of the U.S. House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader or the House.
• Two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Majority Leader.
• One member of the Senate appointed by the Senate Minority leader.

Volunteers with a background in the arts, history or international relations will also be appointed to work with the commission.