Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery Virgin Islands News

Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery (HCPG) -Virgin Islands News is about Virgin Islands news, business,events and information. Happenings in the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island in our Virgin Islands American Paradise.

University of the Virgin Islands Celebrates Golden Jubilee

St. Croix US Virgin Islands Reception

The University of the Virgin Islands celebrated 50 years with Golden Jubilee receptions held on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John Virgin Islands.  On Friday, January 27, 2012 UVI celebrated its Golden Jubilee on St. Croix at University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall at the Albert A Sheen Campus. The Board of Trustees of the University of the Virgin Islands and President David Hall invited all alumni to attend.  It was a grand affair. The theme was Honoring Our Past – Creating Our Future.

During the reception refreshments and hors d’oeuvres were served. The program featured remarks from the Board, President Hall, Past CVI/UVI Presidents, Legislature and Governor’s Office.  Eddie Russell Quelbe Jazz Band kept the attendees entertained.  The reception was also the beginning of UVI fund raising efforts.

As a three-time Graduate of University of the Virgin Islands, formerly College of the Virgin Islands I was very happy to attend the reception on St. Croix. I met other alumni not seen for a long time and former UVI Students that I had taught when I was a UVI professor. It was like a family reunion. I wish the University of the Virgin Islands 50 more years of wonderful achievements.

Dr. Denise Bennerson

View UVI Golden Jubilee Reception Photographs on St Croix

For information on University of the Virgin Islands

______________________________________________________________________

 

Colonel Caroline Fawkes Virgin Islands Retirement Ceremony

Colonel Caroline Fawkes Retires

Colonel Caroline F. Fawkes had a wonderful Virgin Islands National Guard Retirement Ceremony in her honor on January 22, 2012 in St. Croix Central High School Gymnasium on St. Croix US Virgin Islands.   It was a grand retirement ceremony for Colonel Fawkes. All that was in attendance sat in awe at all the many FIRST accomplishments in her life that paved the way for many others, in particular Women in military service. We commend her not only as a military person, but for the wonderful and humble person she is. We hope she enjoys her retirement and wish her continued success.

See some highlights of Retirement Ceremony that was held in St. Croix, Virgin Islands

 

Help Uninsured Women With Mammogram Screenings

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands December 7, 2011 -   This evening was a premier showing of the movie, “1 a Minute,” (2010) held at the Innovative Building in St. Croix US Virgin Islands. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to pay for mammograms for uninsured women in the Virgin Islands. Presently, women who are uninsured have to pay $230.00 for a mammogram. Senator Nellie Rivera-O’Reilly and her staff hosted the event. The movie “1 a Minute” was directed by Namrata Sing Gujral. She speaks about her experience as a woman who discovered that she had breast cancer and how she reacted. She talks about her experience and showcases the experience of many well known celebrities who had or have had families with cancer.

The movie was approximately 90 minutes and was attended by many in St. Croix VI. Dr. Cora Christian, a well known physician, and Senator Nellie O’Reilly made remarks, as well as two other women who have experienced their journey with cancer.  Senator Nellie O’Reilly announced that evening that the event raised enough money to pay for 5 uninsured women mammograms. If you would like to donate for more uninsured women to receive mammograms, contact Tamara at 712-222 at Senator Nellie O’Reilly’s office.

On a personal side, I have had family members who died from cancer. My mother, Ena Petrus Oliver and uncle Alexander Petrus, both died from cancer. It was not an easy road to travel. It is very hard when you see someone who is so vibrant and healthy, day by day slowly diminishes before your eyes to almost nothing, until it is final. It takes a toll on everyone both emotionally, physically and monetarily. Because no matter what’s happening, cancer or no cancer you have to take care of every day activities.  On the good side, I have close friends who have had cancer and are now cancer survivors. May they continue to be blessed.

I first learned about the efforts to raise funds for uninsured women for mammograms at a Women2Women meeting in St. Croix.  I never thought about the cost and how many women who could not afford. When I heard about the fund raising effort I figured this is something I could do.  I am one of the insured ones and do get my mammogram every year. I hope by the efforts demonstrated by this event we can help those who are not insured by early detection though mammogram screenings. I commend Senator Nellie O’Reilly and her staff for their efforts.

Dr. Denise Bennerson photographer and writer