Timothy And Theron Given Key To U.S. Virgin Islands; Sept. 27 Now R. City Day

ST. THOMAS — R. City, also known as Rock City, were honored in a big way at the Virgin Islands Legislature here today, where the brothers, Timothy and Theron Thomas, were given the key to the Virgin Islands on behalf of Governor Kenneth Mapp and Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter.

Mr. Mapp officially proclaimed September 27, 2016, as R. City Day. The governor said he was pleased to sign Act 7824 into law earlier this year honoring the Thomas brothers for their many accomplishments in the music industry and for serving as both role models and goodwill ambassadors for the territory.

Though they’ve been in the music industry for a while now, and have written songs for the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce, R. City rose to ubiquity with their hit single Locked Away, featuring Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine. That song has been viewed over 400 million times on YouTube. And a live version of the same song reached nearly 1 million people on The Consortium’s Facebook platform, with over 166,000 people and counting having watched the performance, recorded in April during the St. Thomas Carnival Village.

“Their musical talent is undisputed,” Mr. Mapp said. “But what makes Timothy and Theron truly remarkable is their ongoing commitment to our territory and the example of determination and perseverance they set for our youth. They continue to exemplify a sense of purpose, a robust work ethic and a tireless devotion to their craft.”

Mr. Potter said R. City provided a “light at the end of the tunnel” for local youth. “We as Virgin Islanders need to appreciate and learn from them,” he said.

The Thomas brothers enthusiastically performed for the crowd gathered in their honor.

“I don’t know what to say right now,” Theron said. “My face is hurting from smiling.”

Timothy described the experience as amazing and encouraged young Virgin Islanders to follow their dreams.

“Whatever you want to do, it’s out there with your name on it,” he said. “It’s just up to you to go out and get it.”

The brothers agreed that the day truly belonged to their parents, Kebo and Jackie Thomas, who have remained a great source of support and encouragement.

Kebo Thomas now helps encourage others outside his family as a motivational speaker.

“Young people, you only have one life,” he said. “Don’t talk about it – be about it.”

Students from Addelita Cancryn Junior High, Ivanna Eudora Kean and Charlotte Amalie high schools provided musical entertainment at Tuesday’s event.

Senator Janette Millin Young, a prime sponsor of the measure honoring the brothers, spoke of the importance of honoring Virgin Islanders who are impacting the world.

“Oftentimes we hear the words give me my flowers while I am alive. This message was delivered to Theron and Timothy Virgin Islands style. They have captured the attention of the world through music, and have placed a positive spotlight on the Virgin Islands,” Mrs. Millin Young said.

“The law mandates today to be recognized as R. City Day throughout the territory. It also calls for R. City to be the recipients for the first ever Key to the Territory. So young men, you have made history all over again. I was pleased to prime sponsor this legislation because I believed that it is very important that we recognize and show our appreciation to our hometown heroes of our community while they are here on earth to accept it,” she added.

The duo is now on a U.S. tour, sponsored in part by the Department of Tourism. For the concerts, Theron is usually seen with a U.S. Virgin Islands flag wrapped around his waist like a skirt, promoting the territory — as the brothers have done over the years without the urging of anyone, but rather because of their love for the islands.