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March 4, 2009 – Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of March as "Virgin Islands – Denmark Friendship Month" in the United States Virgin Islands. March 31, marks the ninety-second anniversary of the transfer of the Danish West Indies (presently the United States Virgin Islands) from the Kingdom of Denmark to the United States of America.
The people and Government of this Territory recognize the significant historical ties between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States Virgin Islands, during the period in which Danish West Indies was colonized by the Kingdom. As well as the historic ancestral ties of the people of the former Danish West Indies to the people of West Africa, some of whom were enslaved and transported to these shores during the mid-Atlantic slave trade.
This annual event serves as a catalyst to foster trade, cultural exchanges, and promotion of educational exchange programs for our youth. The long-standing relationship between the Kingdom of Denmark and the former Danish West Indies serves as a foundation for a new and exciting partnership between Denmark and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
It is important that every effort is continued to maintain and strengthen the bonds of friendship, culture and goodwill between the people of Denmark and the people of the Virgin Islands.
