A Promise Made in 1954
A Promise Made in 1954 On July 14, 1954, while arrangements were being made for his purchase of the property that included The Baths, my father, Dr. Eric L. O'Neal, put his intentions in writing to the commissioner included the Ladies' Pool and the Gentlemen's Pool, my father, Dr.
A Promise Made in 1954 On July 14, 1954, while arrangements were being made for his purchase of the property that included The Baths, my father, Dr. O'Neal, put his intentions in writing to the commissioner included the Ladies' Pool and the Gentlemen's Pool, my father, Dr. O'Neal, put his intentions of the Virgin Islands. in writing to the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands.
He gave this assurance: "As long as I am the owner of the 'Baths,' the inhabitants of the Presidency will be permitted to enjoy such bathing and picnic privileges as they have enjoyed in the past." This letter is more than a family document. It records a principle of stewardship: ownership carried a responsibility to preserve the people's long-established enjoyment of the historic bathing and picnic area at The Baths.
His intention was that this historic bathing and picnic area - including The Ladies' Pool and The Gentlemen's Pool - would remain accessible to the people, as it had been in the past. My father did not speak of selling access, reserving special hours, or turning this treasured place into a privilege for a select few.
He spoke of allowing the inhabitants to continue enjoying the bathing and picnic traditions they had always known. That promise was made in 1954 - before mass tourism, cruise-ship schedules, capacity studies, and discussions of exclusive access. The Baths belonged to our cultural life before it became internationally known as a tourist destination.
Today, as we consider the future of The Baths, we should remember the spirit of that promise: Preservation must never become separation, and stewardship must continue to include the people of the Virgin Islands. Our people's relationship with The Baths came before tourism. Peace, Love, and Gratitude to each of you. . . . . . @bamboula.vg @bamboula.vg #StewardOfTheBaths #VirginGorda #TheBaths #VirginIslands #PassItForward #Stewardship #IslandHeritage #Legacy #bvi
Primary source: Virgin Gorda Community Board (Facebook)