Cabinet Office Team Briefed on 250th Anniversary
On May 4 the Cabinet Office team received an engaging presentation from Ms. Bernadine Louis, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 250th Anniversary of the Self-Manumission of the Long Look Free People, outlining the historical significance of the 1776 manumission and planned commemorations. The Government of the Virgin Islands has declared Tuesday, June 30, 2026, a one-off public holiday to mark the 250th Anniversary of Freedom at Nottingham Estate, and a programme of events across the Territory has been announced (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Cabinet Office Team received an engaging and informative presentation on May 4 from Ms. Bernadine Louis, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 250th Anniversary of the Self-Manumission of the Long Look Free People and Co-Chair of the Long Look/East End Heritage Committee, the Government of the Virgin Islands said.
Louis outlined the historical significance of the 1776 manumission at Nottingham Estate, Long Look, when Quaker Samuel Nottingham freed 25 enslaved persons and bequeathed 50 acres of land to them. She placed the act in its wider social and historical context and described the courage, resilience and determination of the Long Look Free People, framing their legacy as a foundational moment in the Territory’s history and cultural identity (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
The presentation formed part of the Cabinet Office’s regular monthly team meeting and was delivered as a component of the Committee’s ongoing public awareness outreach. Louis offered a compelling account of how the events of 1776 helped shape land ownership, community life and cultural memory in Tortola and beyond, and emphasised the continuing relevance of those stories for present-day Virgin Islands residents.
Louis as this month’s guest speaker and praised the session for supporting the Territory’s commemoration and for fostering conversations about the past. “The Cabinet Office remains committed to fostering accountability, excellence, and historical and cultural awareness within our team,” Ms.
Ward said, noting that presentations like this both educate and inspire a deeper appreciation for the resilience and contributions of the people of the Virgin Islands (source: Government of the Virgin Islands). Louis also confirmed that the Government has declared Tuesday, June 30, 2026, a one-off public holiday to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Freedom at Nottingham Estate.
She outlined a programme of commemorative activities planned across the Territory, including an opening ceremony and parade reflecting the spirit and contributions of the Long Look community, panel discussions at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and a culminating concert at Greenland Field (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
Team members praised the presentation for its depth of research and clarity, and the Cabinet Office committed to encouraging staff participation in upcoming events and to continuing internal education about this pivotal chapter of local history. Monday’s presentation was described by the Cabinet Office as part of its ongoing commitment to continuous learning and advancing the team’s understanding of this important milestone in Virgin Islands history.
For media enquiries or further information, the Government’s Communications Office is the contact point. The Cabinet Office communications details provided by the Government include email BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and phone/WhatsApp contacts for general enquiries and appointment bookings (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
A photograph accompanying the briefing shows Cabinet Secretary Ms. Sandra Ward and Cabinet Office team members with Ms. As the Territory prepares to mark this milestone, the Cabinet Office says it will continue to support public awareness and engagement so residents can reflect on and celebrate the enduring legacy of self-determination represented by the Long Look Free People.
Primary source: BVI Government