MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As CEO, there are few things I enjoy more than receiving proposals from organized, talented individuals who want to document our culture and way of life. When Valrica Bryson approached me about the Sarah & Addie project, I was immediately all in. It was a joy for my staff to work with the natural abilities of the actors in recreating the market scenes. Markets are places where we made our living, where we interacted, where we dished “melee”…it was one of our cultural bastions.

Of course, over the years, our economy has diversified, and our markets are not as bustling as they once were. While you can still pick up some fresh vegetables (if you wake up early enough to beat others to it) and you can still get some juicy gossip, it’s certainly not the same social center it was.

While change is constant, we must always keep touch with how we developed as a people, and, as such, it is necessary that we tell our stories. We have immigrants from the Caribbean, who share similar cultural experiences, as well as people who have relocated, who make the Virgin Islands their home.These individuals do not have the inherent, unique experiences of Virgin Islands customs and lore to pass on to their children who are born here. This creates a disconnect in traditions and we need first generation Virgin Islanders to have a semblance of the cultural connection of multi-generational Virgin Islanders. This area is where WTJX can make an impact.

When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 that birthed PBS, NPR, and of course WTJX, he remarked, “…our Nation wants more than just material wealth; our Nation wants more than a “chicken in every pot.” We in America have an appetite for excellence, too. While we work every day to produce new goods and to create new wealth, we want most of all to enrich man’s spirit.”

WTJX seeks to honor President Johnson’s vision. Our efforts are on the frontline of preserving our history and culture through our media platforms. We want to be your resource to enrich all generations and visitors about our home and the special pride we take in being Virgin Islanders.

I look forward to partnering with the Virgin Islands Department of Education on more projects and creating content that reflect our community.

Sincerely,

Tanya-Marie Singh

Chief Executive Officer