St. Croix, Virgin Islands – “Throughout the Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate our history,  culture, and also honor those Hispanic Virgin Islanders who have contributed so much to our  community,” Senator Samuel Carrión said Wednesday. 

The United States observes the National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October  15. This year’s theme is Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope. 

“This year’s theme invites us to honor our traditions and look to a better future after a difficult  period in world history,” Senator Carrión stated. “We are resilient and there is no doubt that our  lives have changed as a result of the global pandemic. For this reason, we may not be able to  celebrate our Hispanic heritage the way we have in the past years. Nevertheless, the contributions  of Hispanic Virgin Islanders must not be overlooked. I also want to highlight that many of our first  responders, healthcare providers, and other frontline workers share Hispanic heritage, and I remain  exceptionally proud of their efforts.” 

Senator Carrión, who was born on St. Croix, expressed that his family is from both Puerto Rico  and the Dominican Republic. 

“My grandparents were among the great wave of immigrants who migrated from Vieques and  Culebra to St. Croix,” Senator Carrión said. “I am a proud Virgin Islander and proud of my  Hispanic heritage. Our cultural diversity in the Territory is a source of great strength. Throughout  the years and after several generations, we can say the Virgins Islands has a strong Hispanic  culture of its own. Consequently, I ask one and all to join in celebrating our Hispanic roots by  paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Virgin Islanders who have influenced, developed,  and enriched our society.”