D. Hamilton Jackson Day

(Bull and Bread Day)

"D. Hamilton Jackson, King o' de islan', Do my People Do..." So goes the song, but the story of David Hamilton Jackson, the labor leader who organized and led the field workers, started a newspaper, The Herald, and started night schools to teach the workers to read, is one which advanced the interests of the people of St. Croix and ushered in a new day.

	The Liberty Day celebration of 2006 began with a parade from Eulalie Rivera School, past the AME Church, over to Lorraine Village, up the Locust tree lined street and around to the park. Many of the parade participants were backers of the various political aspirants, gubernatorial and senatorial alike. Liberty Day in an election year, is one of the most politically charged days of the year for St. Croix residents.

	One of the Honorees of the day, Mr. Tony Messer, arrived by open car.

	The master of ceremonies for the day was Mr. Raymond Williams, here he is anticipating the parade coming down the road.

	Future senatorial aspirants were seen walking among the crowd. Supporters of Sen. Usie Richards (STX) who is running for re-election were all over the parading area.

	The parade began with a demonstration from the ROTC cadets. Sen. Juan Figueroa-Serville (STX) who is seeking re-election looks on accompanied by his father.

	Next was a demonstration of skill by the Sparkle Lite Twirlers Majorette troupe. Their smiles and twirling techniques showed dedication and professionalism.

	After the majorettes the crowd was ready for the continuation of the parade.

	As the parade sections moved along, Raymond Williams announced their arrival. First was the Democratic Party's group rallying for John deJongh and Gregory Francis for Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively. Out in front was Dr. Donna Christensen, current Delegate to Congress, who is seeking re-election.

	As the Democrats passed some Senators seeking re-election were out shaking hands. One such senator was Craig Barshinger.

	The next team in the parade was the Kenneth Mapp and Almando "Rocky" Liburd team for Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively. They are running as independents.

	The third team for Governor and Lt. Governor respectively was Adlah "Foncie" Donestorg and Dr. Cora Christian. They are running as independents also.

	At the side of the road, senators such as Celestino White (STT) and Craig Barshinger (STJ) , both seeking re-election, were spotted along with performance sportscar manufacturer, Warren B. Mosler, who is running for Delegate to Congress as an independent.

	Teams supporting candidates were also in evidence. The 'green team' is supporting Sen. Ronald Russell's (STX) bid for re-election. The crowd got ready for the speeches to be given from the rotunda in the park.

	Here we have the cheering section for the senatorial candidate Jimi Weber.

	The colors were posted by the ROTC cadets and then the ceremonies began. Various dignitaries stepped up to the podium to speak to the crowd.

	Many people gathered to greet one another and to listen to the presenters.

	Presenters included youngsters Leah Bryan and Donnelly Francis who read essays they had written about D. Hamilton Jackson. Also, Richard Schrader, Sr. presented his poem about Jackson.

	George Phillips and Anthony Messer of the Department of Public Works were each celebrated and given gifts for all that they had done for the community in 2006.

	Gospel hymns were belted out by a young choir group as the next offering of entertainment.

Gloria Waterman represented the Governor's Office on this occassion. The Governor and Lt. Governor were off island the day of the ceremonies. Mrs. Waterman spoke of respect and the importance of nurturing the next generation so that it can achieve excellence.

	The Re-enactment of the proceedings for which D.Hamilton Jackson is revered was performed by Generation Now. The story enacted begins with the farm laborers not having enough to eat and not having enough paid as wages to survive the hard times. The meeting is called and all voice their concerns.

	The farm laborers lament the fact that they have only a thin dime to carry them through, but they urge Jackson to take the little money they have and go to see the King in Denmark and plead their case. Jackson feeling their pain, accepts the task.

	D. Hamilton Jackson went to Denmark to speak with the King. He told the King about the sufferings of the people and what needed to be done to help them. The King appeared unknowing of what befell his subjects in the colonies and vowed to correct the problems.

	Since things weren't moving along too quickly, a strike was called before the King gave in to demands.

	After six weeks of striking, on Febuary 26, 1916, an agreement was reached and 6000 unhappy laborers were given their due. They would receive 50 cents in advance, a raise from 20 cents a day to 35 cents a day, and 4 cents an hour for overwork, what we now call overtime. The King of Denmark also granted a free press, the first newspaper being The Herald which came out on November 1, 1916, and allowed the establishment of labor unions.

	As the ceremonies drew near to the end, a celebratory bull was slaughtered and roasted and served with bread. Thus the "Bull and Bread" day was established.

	And then, the people sat down together to eat and think about the future.

	Other food was available as well. Some senators had food booths such as Sen. Norman JnBaptiste who is running for re-election.