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Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeCommentaryOpen forumU.S. Virgin Islands Capital Should Have a Flag

U.S. Virgin Islands Capital Should Have a Flag

Dear Source:

          Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of St. Thomas, is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands. It was founded in 1666 as Taphus (meaning “beer house” or “beer hall”). The city is named after Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel (1650–1714), queen consort to King Christian V of Denmark-Norway. Its deep-water harbor was once a haven for pirates in past centuries. Then Charlotte Amalie became one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the Caribbean.

The city is known for its Danish architecture, building structure and history, and a dozen streets and places throughout the city have Danish names. Downtown on Main Street is home to many retail outlets making St. Thomas a free duty shopping destination.

I think Charlotte Amalie, the capital, should have a flag in its historic district. The flag features a vertical triband with red outer bands, a single white band in the middle and Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel (Queen of Denmark) with her monogram.

Leonard Smith, St. Thomas

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4 COMMENTS

  1. The Virgin Islands doesn’t officially have a capital but rather it’s officially called a “seat of government.” This has shifted between islands over time. Also Charlotte Amalie by itself does not have it’s own organized government structure, i.e. mayor, town council, nada. After Charlotte Amalie get its own flag, does Frederiksted, Christiansted, Red Hook, Cruz Bay, Grove Place and other villages deserve their own flag as well? With a government that has a significant difficulty making pay roll, are such ventures really necessary?

  2. Hail to Herb! I don’t know who Leonard Smith is, but it seems to me that he didn’t do any research, except to wake up one day and concoct this idea. Herb, you said it well, but let me add; St. Croix should be the capital because it is larger, better open port and the capacity to grow. Remember, you just celebrated the Centennial of the break from Denmark; think of that.Maybe you, Mr. Smith wants to go back to Colonialism. Get the fiscal house in order first, before coming up with such unimportant ideas. I live in San Diego, CA, but, I’M A CRUCIAN/VIRGIN ISLANDER FIRST!!!

  3. I don’t see anything wrong with each town having a flag. Maybe we would litter less. And how much could it cost? Ask the public to submit drawings and the winner gets flag glory as a prize.
    Clarification, Charlotte Amalie has. Even the capital of the US Virgin Islands since the 1800’s and the federal government first formally codified that in their original 1936 Organic Act.

  4. Glory. There was a flag contest held at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts on St. Croix, USVI. Check it out. Three students received monetary prize. The United ?? States of America Virgin Islands is compromised of many from around the globe, so let’s all enjoy while we are here.