Freedom Must Be Lived, Passed On
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley delivered the keynote at Long Look’s 250th anniversary ceremony, calling on residents to live, protect and transmit the spirit of freedom born there in 1776. The event kicked off a week of reflection, education, fellowship and thanksgiving celebrating one of the oldest continuously existing Black communities in the Western Hemisphere.
Natalio Wheatley urged residents to keep freedom active, protected and passed to future generations as he delivered the keynote address marking the 250th anniversary of Long Look’s founding. Long Look is recognised as one of the oldest continuously existing Black communities in the Western Hemisphere and in the Virgin Islands.
The ceremony honoured the 1776 actions of 25 Africans who declared their liberty and established a community that has endured through faith, labour and mutual support. “Our ancestors once posted messages on the Stickit tree so that the community could know, understand, prepare and respond,” Wheatley said. “Today, we gather to post a message, not on a tree, but upon the hearts and minds of a people: the spirit of Long Look free people still lives.
It lives in Long Look, it lives in the Virgin Islands, it lives in their descendants, it lives in every person who believes that freedom is something not merely to be remembered but something to be lived, protected and passed on.” The Premier described the gathering as a “divine appointment,” stressing the anniversary is not only to remember 250 years past but to direct action in the present.
He noted that the founders of Long Look carved a life from adversity without armies, wealth or political power — relying on faith, courage, community and a belief in freedom. “Long Look is not merely a village; Long Look is a testimony...a constitution written in courage,” he said.
Louis, Chair of the organising committee, said the opening ceremony begins a week of reflection, celebration, education, fellowship and thanksgiving. She invited residents to participate in events designed to honour the journey of a community shaped by resilience, faith and commitment to family.
Louis emphasised that while many names from Long Look’s early years may be lost to history, their legacy survives in families, traditions and institutions. She expressed hope that the 250th anniversary will strengthen identity, deepen appreciation for Long Look’s founders and inspire younger generations to preserve the community’s heritage.
For BVI residents, the commemoration is a reminder of the Territory’s deep-rooted history of resistance and community-building. Officials and organisers have highlighted opportunities to use the anniversary to bolster heritage education, protect historic sites, and explore cultural tourism initiatives that preserve Long Look’s story while supporting local livelihoods.
The week of events seeks to connect Long Look’s past with today’s civic responsibilities — urging residents to honour the legacy by continuing to defend and live the freedoms won by their ancestors.
Primary source: VINO