The Virgins Islands has a very long and illustrious history. I recently viewed a film at the Historical Trust Annual meeting which chronicled events starting back to circa 1500 B.C. This film focused on Hassel Island and it's strategic importance as a trade center and point of security over the centuries.
The video above was created by TV2 in St. Thomas. It gives you the view points of David Bornn, an attorney and President of Downtown Revitalization Inc, a grass roots organization working towards the restorations and revitalization of the historic areas of the Virgin Islands. David is also one of three sons of Edith Bornn, also an attorney who for years worked tirelessly for what she thought was the best for the island when it came to development and restoration. So the concern for the community is in the blood of David, Steven and Michael, all of Edith Bornn's sons.
Also featured is Myron Jackson, a freshman Senator, who is currently proposing and guiding the legislation's associated with the revitalizaion of our historic areas. He may be new to the legislature but Senator Jackson has had a long standing interest in the heritage and future of the Virgin Islands; being the Executive Director of The Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute.
The St. Thomas Board of REALTORS has a huge interest in the Preservation of the Virgin Island's historic districts as well. Not just because it promotes and protects our life's blood, tourism, but it effects the quality of life for everyone on all three islands. Of course it also impacts the values of Real Estate on all three U.S. Virgin Islands.
Last year a grant from NAR (National Association of Realtor) was used to conduct an extensive study which, among other things, identified and cataloged each building that potentially has historic value and has not been maintained in good condition. This information was coupled with ideas for the proposed legislation and public information spots were published in the paper, on TV and community grass roots meeting were attended and held.
The Virgin Islands revitalization is a work in progress and these are just some of the people involved.
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