Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has proclaimed the month of July as “Disability Pride Month” in the United States Virgin Islands.
In doing so, Bryan is calling upon all government agencies, residents, churches, community organizations, and individuals to celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities and to recognize how these contributions strengthen the workforce, communities, and territory. This designation coincides with the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a comprehensive civil rights law for persons with disabilities, according to the press release.
With local parks and beaches often being Virgin Islanders’ first experiences in nature, Bryan has also proclaimed the month of July as National Sports, Parks, and Recreation Month in the Virgin Islands. In doing so, he notes the contributions of parks and recreation professionals who work diligently behind the scenes so that parks can be the center of so many experiences and memories, the press release stated.
Additionally, Bryan has proclaimed Wednesday, July 10, as “Juan Francisco Luis Day” in the United States Virgin Islands. The governor is encouraging all government agencies, residents, churches, and community organizations to join him in remembering the honorable Governor Juan Francisco Luis, who served the U.S. Virgin Islands for a decade during a period of growth and change and who worked on behalf of all Virgin Islanders. Governor Juan Francisco Luis assumed the governorship on January 2, 1978, succeeding Governor Cyril Emmanuel King, who died in office and later became the third elected Governor of the Virgin Islands, the release stated.
To honor the contributions that French people and those of French descent have made in the territory, Bryan has declared the week-long celebration of French Heritage Week, which began on Sunday, July 7 and ends on July 14, it said.
