Nearly 150 people gathered in Cruz Bay Saturday morning for the St. John No Kings rally when the skies opened up and the rain poured down.
Members of the St. John Social Action Team had just completed setting up tables with information on voter registration, immigration rights and other matters when the deluge began. The rain gauge at Mongoose Junction recorded three inches of rain, most of it falling exactly during the two hours designated for the event.
But the program continued as planned, with inspiring music by Lauren Magnie, Eva Chinnery, Mark Wallace, Michael Barry, Barbie Barry, Mark “Bucky” Buchalter, and Nancy Liburd.
Erin Lieb, who heads up the St. John Social Action Team, welcomed the audience, reminding them, “We are here to collectively rededicate ourselves to love, joy, and justice. We gather to stoke that fierce love and rekindle our collective hope for a more perfect union …. We will sing. We will chant. We will listen to members of our community. And we take action.”
Three St. John residents gave speeches during the rally.
David Silverman, a member of the committee charged with drafting a new constitution for the territory, spoke about the provisional document’s importance and the dangers of a “king” governor.
Abigail Hendricks, an activist who works with seniors on St. John, reminded listeners that in spite of our differences, all members of the community need each other. She also urged listeners to seize their power of the vote.
In his speech, Michael Barry addressed the importance of increasing literacy and education so that individuals can understand and resist the growing power of those who encourage divisiveness. His remarks are posted on Facebook and can be seen here.
As the rain continued to pour down, listeners sought shelter under umbrellas, tables, nearby awnings, and the signs they carried.
Rain eventually covered the floor of the gazebo where the speakers and musicians gathered, and rally organizers decided to pull the plug on the sound system rather than put participants at risk of electrical shock.
As rally-goers went home, many found themselves facing flooded streets, particularly along Fish Fry Road near the gravel lot. By midafternoon, most of the puddles had dissipated.
The skies cleared, allowing other organizers to set up for the second community event scheduled for the day – the St. John Cancer Fund’s annual Light Up the Night fundraiser.
St. Thomas also held a No Kings Rally on Saturday.
