VI History Month Opens In St. Croix Schools With Live Quelbe Music

ST. CROIX — The celebration of March as Virgin Islands History Month kicked off in first class with live Quelbe music by renowned Stanley and the Sleepless Knights (TSK) at the Ricardo Richards Elementary and Pearl B. Larsen Elementary schools.

Ricardo Richards’ 11th Annual Quelbe Day program on Wednesday, March 1 held on the school’s grounds began with a V.I. History Timeline presentation. It featured 10 students spread out before the audience holding placards that depicted Virgin Islands’ history and culture. Spectacular cultural performances by the school’s Quadrille Dancers and Masqueraders coordinated by Zahra O’Reilly, and by an African-themed drum and dance group choreographed by Paraprofessional Shakira Ritter were highlights of the program.

The event was also highlighted by performances from the St. Croix Central High School Quadrille Dancers, organized by Social Studies teacher, Erica Hansen and a fearless Mocko Jumbie trio that towered above the crowd and among the trees. Little Miss Ricardo Richards Nehalia Giddings served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, while reigning Miss Ricardo Richards Kaylona Larocque and Mr. Ricardo Richards Christopher Jacobs danced proudly with the school’s Quadrille Dancers.

Stanley and the Sleepless Knights provided Quelbe music for most of the groups and for the pleasure of the audience. The Virgin Islands legendary scratch band also serenaded students at the Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School on Friday, March 3 as part of the school’s V.I. History celebration and Centennial Commemoration. The band played nursery rhymes and folk songs while the students clapped and sang along.

Stanley and the Sleepless Knight will also perform at a similar program at the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School on Wednesday, March 8.

During the observance of V. I. History Month and the Centennial Transfer on March 31, culture bearers, kaiso artists, reggae performers, and especially local groups who play traditional music are scheduled to make presentations at schools across the territory. The cultural celebrations are coordinated by the Virgin Islands Department of Education, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education.