By Benjamin Ouedraogo.
Staring fixedly into the sky, chest outstretched, with a conch shell in one hand and a machete in the other, the Statue of Liberty in Cruz Bay is a symbol of freedom and the emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies, which since 1917 have become the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The machete, once a tool for cutting sugarcane on plantations, was used by slaves to fight for their freedom. The conch shell served as a means of communication with other slaves, particularly escaped runaways. It was following this revolt that the Emancipation Proclamation was announced in Cruz Bay on July 4, 1848, marking the beginning of an era of freedom in the Virgin Islands, now nicknamed “America’s Paradise.”
Virgin Islands, “America’s Paradise”
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a dream destination for tourists from around the world and for Black History and Slave Route enthusiasts.
This Caribbean paradise of nearly 350 square kilometers consists of three main islands – Saint John, Saint Thomas, and Saint Croix.
A multilingual destination, Creole, Spanish, and French are spoken, in addition to English as the official language.
A dream destination for vacationers, with a pleasant tropical climate year-round, their beaches are regularly voted among the most beautiful in the world. They are also renowned for their world-class recreational activities, fine restaurants, resorts, casinos, and golf courses. You will also discover their unique approach to arts, crafts, music, festivals, and cultural events reminiscent of their African and European influences.
One can only be moved by the many historical sites recounting the history of the slave trade. Visiting the numerous plantation ruins and walking the trails that crisscross them is an excellent way to appreciate this period in the history of the USVI.
Saint John, the Island of Love
Known as the “City of Love,” Saint John is your ideal destination for romantic getaways and outdoor enthusiasts. Home to the magnificent Virgin Islands State Park, the island is ideal for long hikes. So enjoy the natural beauty and alluring beaches.
If you’re a freedom seeker, visit Saint John. Like the Statue of Liberty in Cruz Bay, facing the sun, your feet in the fine sand of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with a glass of rum in hand, let yourself be carried away by the sweet notes of legendary
African melodies wafting from the bars and live your waking dream.
St. Thomas, the Liveliest Island
St. Thomas is the most popular destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands due to its lively community and constant activity. It is also home to the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Filled with local shops, restaurants, and street vendors, it is the center of the Virgin Islands and the ideal destination for those looking for entertainment during their stay in paradise.
The Brewers Bay and Niesky Estates, located west of Charlotte Amalie, are former sugar mills worth visiting.
Saint Croix, the Twin City
Called “Twin City,” Saint Croix is brimming with natural beauty, local arts, culinary crafts, and much more! As the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint Croix is home to over 50,000 residents. Saint Croix is well known for its historic sites in Christiansted and Frederiksted, where visitors can see the origins of Danish influence on the islands and even swim in the waters where Christopher Columbus sailed in 1493. Visit Saint Croix for a historical and tropical experience.
Don’t miss the Lawaetz Museum in Frederiksted, which offers tours of the buildings and gardens of a former sugarcane plantation, still occupied by the same family for over 100 years.
Final surprise, the USVI are the only U.S. territory where people drive on the left, while most cars are imported from the continental United States and have left-hand drive. Unusual, isn’t it? Discover!
This article is part of the practical work carried out by the students of the Master’s in Travel Journalism.
