Above: USVI Governor John de Jongh on USVI/BVI Friendship Day (Photo: OG)

The neighbouring United States Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands marked the 39th edition of USVI/BVI Friendship Day this week.

The event, which was established in 1972, aims to celebrate the “close-knit” relationship between the two territories.

“USVI/BVI Friendship Day is like a family reunion,” said US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh. “Our brothers and sisters in the British Virgin Islands share a bond with us that is unlike any other, and while they live so nearby, those special occasions provide us with an opportunity to commemorate our shared history and culture as we continue working closely in the interests of both territories.”

The event, which began in Cruz Bay’s Franklin Powell Park in St John, featured appearances by de Jongh and British Virgin Islands Premier Dr Orlando Smith.

“USVI/BVI Friendship Day is more than just a chance to celebrate our common traditions,” de Jongh said. “It is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship — one that is so vital to each territory’s economic and social prosperity.”