Poetry and Essay Competition Launched
A poetry and critical essay competition has been launched as part of the Long Look 250th commemorative activities under the theme 'Self-manumission: The Long Look Free People and 250 years of legacy.' The initiative, highlighted by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley and coordinated by the Long Look 250th Committee, invites the community—particularly young people—to reflect on heritage, resistance, freedom and legacy.
The Long Look 250th commemorative committee has launched a poetry and critical essay competition under the theme "Self-manumission: The Long Look Free People and 250 years of legacy," inviting residents across the Virgin Islands to reflect on heritage, resistance, freedom and the continuing legacy of the Long Look community.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, who also represents the Seventh District, welcomed the inclusion of the competition among the planned commemorative activities. "I am pleased at the integration of a poetry and critical essay writing competition into the activities celebrating and commemorating 250 years of freedom for the Long Look Free People, as they were known," he said, noting that the initiative will help involve young people in reflection and celebration.
Dr Wheatley also pointed to the wider national significance of the commemorations. He noted that the 30th of June has been declared a national holiday and said a forthcoming publication on the history of Long Look will ensure this heritage is preserved for educational purposes. "This poetry and critical essay writing competition will also highlight the participation of our young people in these commemorative activities," he added.
According to a press release from the Long Look 250th Commemorative Committee, Long Look—whether regarded as an estate or a village—has existed since at least 1713. The release highlights that the Long Look Free People have been recognised since 1776 and have made a lasting contribution to the cultural and historical fabric of the Virgin Islands, serving as "a beacon of hope." Mrs Bernadine A.
Louis, Coordinator of the Long Look 250th Commemorative Committee, urged greater engagement with the territory's history. "It is very important for everyone, and especially young people, to engage in serious reflection on matters related to heritage," she said. Mrs Louis said the competition challenges entrants to offer creative and analytical reflections on the legacy created by the Long Look Free People for future generations and that the committee looks forward to reading every entry.
Organisers say the competition forms part of a wider programme of commemorative events that will include celebratory activities and the later publication of Long Look's history for use in schools and by the public. Further details on entry requirements and submission deadlines were not included in the initial release; residents are encouraged to follow official Long Look 250th communications and local government announcements for updates.
Primary source: VINO